Dutch manufacturer Donkervoort has been handcrafting lightweight performance cars for purists since 1978, and their creations do stand out. The Lelystad-based automaker has all eyes rolling with yet another limited-edition sports car that looks inspired by the clown shoe design that BMW perfected in the 90s.
The newly unveiled car is ultra-agile thanks to the weight reduction achieved by shaving off components like the skid-control, torque-vectoring, or automatic brake-assist. It doesn’t even have power steering, and gives buyers the option to skip the air conditioning unit for weight reduction, making it the ideal fit for raw purists who want to feel every little change happening in the driving dynamics. According to company CEO Denis Donkervoort, “The key to everything we do is about eliminating weight, minimizing inertia, and delivering unforgettable driving experiences.”
Designer: Donkervoort
The Donkervoort P24 RS two-seater analogue supercar that looks like an Aston Martin DB12 with a long hood up front and exposed wheels. Straight out of the Hot Wheels world, the performance car packs a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivering 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet torque. The power-to-weight ratio is high, given the car weighs 2,204 pounds, literally making it a road-legal race car on the streets. The driver can toggle the horsepower via the Power to Choose technology with three different outputs: 00, 500, or 600hp. That means 770hp per ton power-to-weight ratio at the highest settings, something similar to the mighty Bugatti Chiron.
Body components of the P24 RS are made out of carbon fiber and the in-house developed Ex-Core material, which is a combination of foam and carbon fiber. That explains the uniquely shaped body panels that are more flexible yet highly durable to take on the stresses at high speeds. Purists can attach two wings at the rear and a deep front spoiler to enable 198 pounds of downforce at speeds of 155 mph to keep the car glued to the tarmac and maneuver the track with maximum stability. Those cheeky Aero Blade headlights also fold away behind the grille when not in use to maximize airflow, assisting in peak performance at high speeds during daylight. The optional aero package can be easily removed and stored inside the 290 liters boot when not needed.
The interiors are as good as the exterior with matching colored leather trims for the steering wheels, doors, and the gear shifter. Carbon fiber inserts flow down to the inside of the dashboard as well as the side panels to keep the weight down while not compromising on the theme. The racing DNA is apparent in the bucket seat design that only misses one thing: a secure roll cage. The roof can be removed in no time to feel the thrill of speed. Not much has been detailed by the maker about the specific material choices, but it is for everyone to see.
Only 150 examples of the Donkervoort P24 RS will be made, out of which 50 have already been booked by customers in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. Deliveries are slated for the April timeline, with the starting price tag set at 298,000 Euros (approximately $354,000). The lightweight driver-focused supercar is a clear manifestation of Denis’ belief that “no supercar is worth the weight.”
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