Donkervoort D8 GTO favors substance over style

By Amir Iliaifar December 21, 2011

It would appear that Dutch cars are coming out of the woodwork this week. Yesterday we got a glimpse at the Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS and today we bring you the Donkervoort D8 GTO.

We’ll be the first to admit that the Donkervoort isn’t your typically beautiful sportscar. If you like your cars with a prominent beak and a wide frame then the D8 GTO will definitely suit your tastes. But of course what is equally, if not more, important is what the Donkervoort D8 is sporting under its elongated hood. The D8 features a modified Audi TT RS 2.5 liter TFSI engine that offers up to 400 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

Weight ratio plays an important part in the D8’s design and thanks to a steel tube frame and the use of carbon composite panels the Donkervoort D8 manages to weigh in at svelte 1,540 lbs. It’s clear that the styling of the D8 was designed with function over form in mind, but while we freely admit that the D8 GTO won’t be winning any beauty pageants any time soon, we can’t help but stare at this Dutch masterpiece and grow increasingly fond of it.

As for availability, no word yet on whether the D8 will make it stateside, but for now European readers should take note that the first D8 GTO’s will be delivered in the summer of 2012 with prices starting at €100,000.

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Associate Automotive Section Editor for Digital Trends, Amir Iliaifar covers the ever increasing cross-section between tech…

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