Donkervoort D8 GT

For 29 years, Donkervoort exclusively produced topless cars. Then, the D8 GT was introduced.

Despite initial criticism, the Donkervoort D8 GT enabled the brand to enter the FIA European GT4 Championship, where a young Denis Donkervoort excelled.

The championship allowed Donkervoort to continuously refine its road cars and showcased the brand’s qualities on an international stage.

The D8 GT played a crucial role for Donkervoort and featured advanced innovations, including Tarox brakes, lightweight Rays aluminium wheels from Japan, and newly developed lightweight windows.

Weighing just 650 kg, it became the lightest Grand Touring car in the world. With engine outputs ranging from 132 kW (180 hp) to 198 kW (270 hp), the D8 GT could go toe-to-toe with the heavyweights.

The GT continued to influence Donkervoort’s current era with the design of the F22 and its removable Twin Targa roof system, reflecting the D8 GT’s hard-top design and echoing its pronounced rear wheel arch wings. 

It also played a crucial role in the development of Donkervoort’s Ex-Core Carbon Technology, which today sets new standards in lightweight performance and is now applied beyond the automotive world, extending into industries where strength and weight reduction are paramount.