Donkervoort Gto-S
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NO COMPROMISE DONKERVOORT GTO-S While other cars have become increasingly electronic, larger and heavier we have always remained true to the pure driving experience and lightweight concept – on our own, swimming against the tide. As time goes on, though, we see others retracing their steps. The enormous benefi ts of the legendary light, nimble, agile Donkervoort sports cars are cherished by those who love pure driving. This is something to be truly proud of, and I am. But I never let it go to my head, because ‘perfect’ can always be improved. I bid you welcome to the world of Donkervoort! NO COMPROMISE. THE DREAM OF THE ULTIMATE SPORTS CAR I HAVE BEEN ENAMOURED WITH CARS SINCE CHILDHOOD. THE FIRST TIME I FELL HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE WAS AT AGE SIXTEEN AS I WAS CROSSING A CAR PARK AND LAID EYES ON THE LOTUS SUPER SEVEN (SERIES III). The brainchild of Colin Chapman is the epitome of what I then saw as the perfect car – ‘Simplify, then add lightness’. For years my school notebooks had been fi lled with cars of my own design, and this was close to my vision of the ultimate sports car. That fi rst encounter marked the beginning of a lifelong love story. Today I look back having spent more than 40 years of my life engaged in the wonderful, and sometimes diffi cult, search for per- fection. The quest for the fi nesse of what a true sports car should be. Having started as a novice car maker in a simple barn, I am proud of our current status as recognised super sports car builder. I dreamed, and dream still, of building what to my mind is the perfect sports car. Technology is not what drives me; it is simply a means to create an experience. Ultimately, what counts is the JOOP DONKERVOORT emotion, pleasure, relaxation... the feeling. FOUNDER DONKERVOORT AUTOMOBIELEN BV ‘YOU‘RE AS GOOD AS YOUR LAST CAR’ JOOP DONKERVOORT A RICH HISTORY AN EVEN BRIGHTER FUTURE The history of Donkervoort goes back to 1978, the year the fi rst 1978 cars left the small workshop in Tienhoven. After the ‘failed’ purchase of the importership for Lotus Seven in The Netherlands, Joop Donkervoort decided to take the leap of faith, and a new sports car brand is born. Having started with the Donkervoort S7, things really took off for the new car maker after the introduction of the S8. In the early years, a total of around 140 Donkervoorts left the humble work- shop in Tienhoven. From 1999, Donkervoorts are fi tted with reliable, powerful, compact 1999 Audi engines– the D8 Audi is introduced. This was the result of a very amicable partnership, which continues to this day. Another major step followed in 2000 with the move to today‘s modern factory along the A6 motorway in Lelystad. A new location in Germany was added in 2014, symbolising the brand’s further international growth. Donkervoort also earned its stripes in the racing world. An annually recurring event for nearly ten years, the Donkervoort Cup was a racing class with and for enthusiastic and competition-minded Donkervoort drivers, with races throughout Europe. Subsequently, in 2004 and 2005, Donkervoort Racing broke the prestigious lap record at the German Nürburgring. On the Nord- 2004/05 schleife, to be precise – Europe‘s most compelling and demanding race track. This was an unprecedented achievement for a ‘small player’ like Donkervoort and earned the company world renown. Donkervoort held the record for more than three years. In 2007, following the introduction of the D8 GT – the fi rst Donkervoort coupé –Donkervoort Racing took part in the brand new FIA GT4 Championship series. After claiming the vice-champion tit- le, the focus was shifted to endurance racing. This led to competition in the 24H Dubai where Donkervoort surprised with a fi rst place win. In late 2011 a new generation of Donkervoorts was launched with the introduction of the D8 GTO – a revolution for Donkervoort and 2011 immediately received with great enthusiasm by the international press and public. Now even more high tech, they were praised for their performance and the great driving experience. The GTO embodies the future of Donkervoort: a new generation, but still ‘No Compromise’. PHILOSOPHY ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE When it comes to a Donkervoort, the ultimate driving experience is paramount. We use no electronic assists to simplify driving. You will not fi nd any ESP or power-assisted steering and brakes; our cars are pure and primal – and still always manually shifted. Driving a Donkervoort is the ultimate experience. Kilometre after kilometre. Donkervoorts are known for their phenomenal performance. The combination of attractive styling, ultra-low weight, high power and superb handling like that of a race car, has resulted in a super sports car that has made the hearts of countless car enthusiasts beat faster. At Donkervoort everything is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in quality, technology, styling and design. Ultimate sports cars, created for the true car enthusiast. ‘AS A DESIGNER AT DONKERVOORT I DO NOT FOCUS EXCLUSIVELY ON STYLING BUT DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEE- RING AS WELL.’ JORDI WIERSMA, DESIGNER AT DONKERVOORT SINCE 2006 TECHNOLOGY, DESIGN AND INNOVATION Donkervoort cars are created entirely in-house, from the very fi rst sketch to the last detail. The entire car is made by hand, with exceptional craftsmanship, at the Lelystad factory. Moreover, we develop and built many of the components ourselves to guarantee the unique character and high quality. The wealth of experience Donkervoort Automobielen has amassed in the development and integration of carbon fi bre/composite ma- terial suitable for various technical applications has, above all, led to many of our own innovations, which are now fully utilised in the production of our sports cars. Just consider: more than ninety per cent of the body of the D8 GTO consists of this extremely light and exceptionally strong material. The Donkervoort Design & Engineering Department also provides its experience, innovations and know-how to third parties. BUILDER FOR THE INDIVIDUALIST A Donkervoort is the ultimate choice for the true enthusiast who wants sheer motoring enjoyment in a sports car full of character. A REAL CAR, FOR REAL MEN. Donkervoort sports cars are carefully constructed by hand and made from high-quality parts, mostly developed and perfected in-house, with virtually unlimited customisation options. The possibilities for perfectly tailoring the car to your wishes and personality are endless: a special paint or an incomparable interior, or even the creation of a yet more exclusive, further customised Donkervoort. YOUR OWN, UNIQUE DONKERVOORT. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY AS A FAMILY BUSINESS, WE WELCOME YOU WITH OPEN ARMS. YOU CAN EXPECT PERSONAL SERVICE AND THE RENOWNED ‘DONKERVOORT FAMILY’ ATMOSPHERE. NOTHING MATTERS MORE TO US THAN ENSURING YOUR EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST IT CAN BE AND THAT YOU ACHIEVE OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE FROM YOUR DONKERVOORT. AFTER ALL, AS A DONKERVOORT DRIVER, YOU ARE OUR MOST IMPORTANT AMBASSADOR. DONKERVOORT D8 GTO-S THE ULTIMATE CAR FOR THE STREET The GTO-S (Sport) greatly resembles its predecessor – the D8 GTO. However, the focus with the ‘S’ – in addition to the breathtaking performance – is on even more comfort and ease of use. A true Donkervoort, thus, but further optimised for street use. Perfect for longer tours, weekend getaways and holidays, yet still offering the ultimate sports car experience. MORE COMFORT, WITHOUT COMPROMISE BEASTLY NOSE Extremely low to the ground, with a sleek, ‘beastly’ nose reminiscent of a lion‘s head. An indication of the power and dynamism of the D8 GTO-S. An appearance that is not only beautiful, but also exciting and uncommon. INSPIRED BY NATURE Inspired by the genius of nature, we also fi nd ingenious ways to make our cars more aerodynamic, thus improving the performance, handling and even the downforce. STUNNING BALANCE Placement of the engine at the front – as in every Donkervoort – is needed to accommodate the longitudinally mounted fi ve-cylinder 2.5L TFSI engine from Audi, while achieving the amazing balance in the design. UNIQUE DOORS The knowledge and skill in working with carbon fibre are once again demonstrated with the unique invention of a one-piece door (including the integrated hinges) that can withstand a lateral impact of around 1500 kg, with hinges that can hand- le a force of over 1100 kg. And the icing on the cake? The total weight of the door beam with hinges is just 980 grams! Technical innovations that set Donkervoort apart. WITH OR WITHOUT ROOF For many, a roofl ess Donkervoort is the ultimate Donkervoort. Open driving, with the wind in your hair, the sun at your back and the open road ahead. But sometimes a roof is not merely a luxury. Weather conditions or parking the car safely can make it essential. The lightweight fabric roof, with colour to match the upper doors, is a snap to close and stores compactly in the boot of the GTO-S. THE D8 GTO-S IS A TRUE DONKERVOORT, FOR THE ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE ON THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ROADS THROUGHOUT EUROPE AND BEYOND! DONKERVOORT D8 GTO-S PERFORMANC Despite the added comfort, obtained through modifi cations such as specially developed comfort-shock absorbers, the GTO-S is a thoroughbred sports car. The Donkervoort craftsmanship is unmistakable in the hand-built hybrid chassis and the lightweight carbon fi bre bodywork that is produced in-house. Combined with the Audi 2.5L R5 TFSI engine that boasts 340 or 360 bhp, the result is the unique horsepower-to-weight ratio for which Donker- voort is known. ULTRALIGHT AND SUPER STRONG THANKS TO CARBON FIBRE The combination of the tubular steel frame and large carbon composite panels – also called a hybrid chassis – has resulted in a unique combination of signifi cantly increased stiffness and ultra-light weight.