Donkervoort factory news

Joop Donkervoort steps down

Exclusive Dutch sportscar maker Donkervoort Automobielen today announced the retirement of its founder and President, Joop Donkervoort. Donkervoort, 71, founded the company in 1978 and served as its President and Managing Director, building it from scratch into a world-renowned sports car brand. He will pass the daily management of the company to his son, Denis, from […]

Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 R

  The JD 70 is the heart of Donkervoort, paying tribute to the 70th birthday of founder Joop, and the JD 70 R is the soul, strengthened to blast around the world’s racetracks until its drivers need a rest.  THE DONKERVOORT D8 GTO-JD 70 R | STRONGER. FASTER. SAFER. Let us introduce you to the […]

Denis Donkervoort gives a personal insight into his inspiration

‘I was infected with the car virus fairly early and from the age of eight I was already in a go kart. It was clear to everyone that I would be working in the family business’. Denis started studying Automotive Business Management at IVA Driebergen Business School and after his graduation he worked in the […]

Joop Donkervoort gives a personal insight into his inspiration

This video, made for the 40th Anniversary of Donkervoort Automobielen, tells the story of what lead to the foundation of the company. Joop Donkervoort gives a very personal insight into his inspiration, from the Rolling Stones to Colin Chapman. What happens when racing enthusiasm meets strong financially-backed determination? Donkervoort. Offspring of Dutch racing driver Joop […]

Donkervoort has added two highly respected French dealers to the Official Dealer & Service Network

After Germany and Belgium, Donkervoort has again expanded the Official Dealer & Service Network, turning its attention this time to France. Jean Lain Vintage and Beaumont Automobiles, both highly respected French dealers in historic and exclusive (sports) cars, are now official Donkervoort Dealer & Service Points. Donkervoort expects this move to support further growth in […]

Donkervoort’s carbon-fibre technology EX-CORE® awarded a grant by the European Union innovation program

Donkervoort Automobielen B.V. has been producing high-tech, lightweight sports cars for the last 40 years, providing its customers with the purest driving experience possible. For over a decade, this Dutch car manufacturer has also been devoting substantial time, money and attention to innovative materials, eventually resulting in the fully in-house development of the patented EX-CORE® […]

Donkervoort 40th anniversary – Aftermovies

  For 40 years now Donkervoort Automobielen has been famous for its pure, high-tech, ultralightweight sports cars and the top performance these deliver. Built with love and ingenuity. The weekend of the 11th and 12th of May, the Dutch carmaker was celebrating its 40-year jubilee. To commemorate this glorious milestone, Donkervoort has introduced its spectacular jubilee […]

Launch D8 GTO 40th anniversary edition

Donkervoort has launched it’s latest creation. The Donkervoort D8 GTO 40th anniversary. Wow. Just wow! Lot’s of new technologies. A 20% lower unsprung mass, full carbon rims, improved air flow and downforce. The crowning glory of Donkervoort’s 40-year track record is the introduction of this exclusive jubilee model: the D8 GTO-40. The D8 GTO-40 marks the […]

Donkervoort Book – 40 Years of Donkervoort

This eye-pleasing coffee table book was made in honor of the 40-year anniversary of Donkervoort. The book provides an overview of the complete history of Donkervoort models. From the S7 to the brand new D8 GTO-40. It also gives an exclusive look behind the scenes in the factory where all cars are built by hand. […]

Donkervoort 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Watch by TW Steel

Donkervoort proudly introduces the exclusive Donkervoort 40th Anniversary Limited Edition timepiece. In collaboration with the Dutch watch manufacturer TW Steel, 300 pieces have been designed and developed to celebrate Donkervoort’s 40th anniversary. The Limited Edition takes inspiration from the latest creation built in honor of our 40th anniversary, the Donkervoort D8 GTO 40. The new […]

Interview BNR Autoshow

Today founder Joop Donkervoort and Denis Donkervoort were special guest in the Business News Radio studio (BNR). Talking about heritage and future of the Donkervoort brand. And Joop Donkervoort gave a scoop already predicted earlier by Donkiespeed.      Denis Donkervoort mentioned that the green RS colour is actually a Lexus IS250 color. The Dutch […]

Donkervoort unveils 40-year anniversary logo

A symbol of 40 years of Donkervoort history and a nod to the future… Tienhoven, 1978. Joop Donkervoort, 28 years old, starts the engine of the S7, the very first car to bear his name. Feelings of tension, anticipation, enthusiasm and perhaps a little fear are palpable. The roaring engine symbolises the act of taking a […]

2nd generation Donkervoort

Translation of an article in Dutch, Copyright Young Management – Issue Oktober 2017 Dutch business is largely dominated by family businesses. In this section the story behind one of the family businesses in the Netherlands. In this first edition, an interview with the second generation Donkervoort Automobiles. An ambitious and passionate family in the car […]

Some great SPA Francorchamps footage

Donkervoort in Belgium

Donkervoort strengthens its sales and service network by appointing a new Donkervoort Dealer & Service Centre in Belgium. Donkervoort continues to actively build its presence in Europe; the service and sales network in Belgium has been strengthened through a new collaboration. Van Eyken Motors bvba, centrally located near the city of Brussels, has been appointed as […]

First GTO RS with special transparent paint delivered

  The production of the D8 GTO RS is in full flow and the first 20 cars have been delivered in the meantime. The very first D8 GTO RS Bare Naked Carbon Edition – in Donkervoort Monte Carlo Blue Carbon – will this week also be leaving the Donkervoort factory in the Netherlands and head […]

R-M cooperation with Donkervoort Automobielen

A swift paint coat for speedy cars: At R-M, dynamics is a top priority. That makes the Netherlands-based carmaker Donkervoort the ideal partner for collaboration with R-M, BASF’s premium paint brand. On April 1, 2017, the enthusiastic Dutch car manufacturer and racing car driver Denis Donkervoort and Jan Ravenstijn, Vice President Marketing BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings […]

D8 GTO 40th anniversary edition 2018

Colin Chapman left one heck of a legacy when he left this world late in 1982. Not only had he founded Lotus, but he designed the Seven, one of the most enduring automotive forms of all time. Today’s Seven is still available through Caterham in some pretty crazy flavors, but the D8GTO created by Joop Donkervoort and […]

Donkervoort is hiring

  Donkervoort is hiring! Are you as dynamic and unique as the light weight super sports cars? Then Donkervoort is looking for you!  

New dashboard meters D8 GTO

The Donkervoort D8GTO-RS demo is now equipped with 3 new style dashboard meters. A bit in the same style as the VDO meters used around the year 2000. Personally I think the new design looks great and more professional. Let’s hope the annoying problem with humididty inside the meters has been eliminated now. Here is […]

New: Donkervoort Wear

Donkervoort introducing new Donkervoort Wear Once again, in 2017, Donkervoort Automobielen will continue to innovate, improve and expand— through the introduction of the brand new Donkervoort D8 GTO RS, and with the opening of a second location in the beautiful Classic Remise Düsseldorf (DE). More than ever, Donkervoort will be in attendance at prestigious, legendary […]

Tom Boonen Donkervoort distributor Belgium -fake news-

Professional cyclist Tom Boonen is appointed as Donkervoort brand ambassador for the Belgium market. The premises will be located in the Belgium town called Herent, near Leuven. Boonen prefers a spin in his Donkervoort D8 GTO Bare Naked Carbon over his Ferrari F12berlinetta and enjoys unique hand crafted products like the GTO. Tom has ordered the brand new […]

Official opening Donkervoort Sales & Service Düsseldorf

Today, the 21st of January 2017, is the official opening of the new Donkervoort Sales & Service point in Germany in Düsseldorf. It is also the 1st time the brand new D8GTO RS is shown to a selected group of Donkervoort owners and guests. The previous Sales & Service point in Bilster Berg wil be […]

D8 GTO RS upgrades for GTO all models

RS upgrade options for the regular GTO models. Donkervoort Automobielen B.V. now offers a series of upgrades for previous GTO models. All upgrades are now introduced on the current RS models. Donkiespeed was the first to upgrade the GTO Premium in 2016 with various of these available upgrades. Heating command           This […]

First Donkervoort GTO-RS meets new owner

The first production D8 GTO-RS left the factory in Lelystad. The successor of the record breaking D8-RS.  The legendary RS is back! Every bit as ambitious as its predecessor, the D8 270 RS, which drew the world’s attention when it set the lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2004 and 2006. Completely redesigned over […]

Donkervoort D8 GTO-RS

The legendary RS is back! Every bit as ambitious as its predecessor, the D8 270 RS, which drew the world’s attention when it set the lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2004 and 2006. Completely redesigned over the past three years – both in terms of design and at the technical level. The next […]

Donkervoort D8 GTO-S

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 […]

Moving forward under a new name: Quattro GmbH becomes Audi Sport GmbH

Quattro GmbH, established in Neckarsulm in 1983, is now operating as Audi Sport GmbH. With Stephan Winkelmann at the helm, this fully owned subsidiary of AUDI AG and engine development partner of Donkervoort Automobielen B.V.   Since 1983 quattro GmbH, with its headquarters in Neckarsulm, has been building high-performance sports cars and delivering high-tech automotive […]

First images D8 GTO RS factory demonstrator

This is the ultimate D8 GTO 2.0! Completely redesigned over the past two years – both in terms of design and at the technical level. Even meaner, more extreme and slightly larger in size. This is clear at a glance from the design of the nose and front end: the GTO-RS has an even wilder look […]

Continuation cast iron version 2.5 TFSI

Audi recently launched an upgrade of the partly cast iron Engine of the Year award winning 2.5 TFSI which powers the D8 GTO and forthcoming D8 GTO-RS. The current cylinder block as used by Donkervoort is made from a special and high-strength cast material. This is necessary because the crankshaft and main bearings are more narrow […]

Sneak Preview – Donkervoort releases first pictures D8 GTO-RS

A step further, a step bigger, a step more extreme…! At the beginning of the year, the outside world was given a first ‘dark’ impression of the Donkervoort D8 GTO-S, D8 GTO-RS as well as the D8 GTO-R scheduled for the end of this year. But the veil is being lifted slowly. Donkervoort is now […]

Donkervoort expands in France

Donkervoort expands again by authorising new Service Point in France Donkervoort also continues its expansion in Europe. After announcing that the company will be opening a brand new location of its own in Germany in early 2017, Donkervoort is now also expanding its network to France this year through a new partnership. Exigence Service, located […]

Donkervoort wins Tuner Grand Prix Hockenheim

A great day for Dutch racing all around race tracks in Europe. Dutch driver Max Verstappen wins the Spanish F1 Grand Prix; Donkervoort Racing – with Donkervoort CEO and driver Denis Donkervoort – WON the sport auto High Performance Days Tuner Grand Prix 2016! Donkervoort Customer Racing – a division of Donkervoort Racing aimed at supporting and ‘training’ […]

Joop Donkervoort receives special award

Joop Donkervoort, founder of Donkervoort Automobielen B.V., received a special honor award as an ex student of IVA Driebergen Automotive Business School. IVA in Driebergen is a private institute for professional education that offers bachelor programs in Business Administration. Education at IVA in Driebergen is tuned to the needs of the corporate industry. Students may […]

New digital dash display available

For the new 2016 GTO models, the current AIM MXL and MXL2 digital dashboard displays can be replaced by a fully customizable high contrast 5 Inch TFT display. The 2016 MXS will be mounted in our GTO. What I personally like is the option to have the “analog meter” display back 😉 Read a great […]

First Donkervoort D8 GTO-S delivered

Early this year Donkervoort announced its product range for 2016, consisting of the D8 GTO-S, the D8 GTO-RS and the D8 GTO-R. The first important milestone for this new product range was reached last week: the very first Dutch registred D8 GTO-S – the ultimate Donkervoort for the street – left the Donkervoort factory in the Netherlands […]

Growth continues

Donkervoort Automobielen GmbH expands in Düsseldorf Donkervoort continues to grow in Germany. In early 2017 Donkervoort Automobielen GmbH will open a showroom and workshop all its own in the attractive Classic Remise Düsseldorf, located in a beautifully restored historic railway roundhouse. With this development Donkervoort hopes to further expand its presence in the German market, […]

Donkervoort present at Top Marques Monaco

Dutch light weight sportscar manufacturer Donkervoort will display their most hardcore version at this year’s Top Marques Monaco which will be held during 14th – 17th of April 2016. Check details here. See it!….Drive it!….Buy it!….! Top Marques Monaco is the only live supercar show in the world offering exhilarating TEST DRIVES to VIP guests […]

Donkervoort introduces new 2016 models

Following the continued high praise for the D8 GTO and victories in the competition against the ‘big boys of the industry’ in the international press in 2015 – including a first place on the Red Bull Ring for AutoRevue Magazine (A), winner of the comparison test for the TV program GRIP (D) and a second-place on […]

Donkervoort exhibits at Capital Cars & Classics Amsterdam

We are proud to announce Donkervoort as our latest addition to exhibit at Capital Cars & Classics! 23rd and 24th of April 2016.     This Dutch family-run business will be present with their spectacular GTO Bare Nakes Carbon Edition and chassis JD002. This is the second car Joop Donkervoort ever build and which currently is being restored […]

Carbon ceramic brakes?

A development which would really boost the D8 GTO road handling performance, due to a lower unsprung mass (over 50% less weight), would be the use of carbon ceramic brakes. Several suppliers have them available. The only negative downside (next to the whopping price level of more than 16K + from several brands for a […]

New all carbon propshaft cover

For the current GTO there is now a optional full carbon prop shaft cover upgrade available. This is now mounted on a Naked Carbon Edition of a Swiss customer. Either to update your current GTO, or to order with your new GTO. It does not only look great and high-tech, but it gives the chassis […]

Bilster Berg edition side impact bar option continued

The Bilster Berg optional side impact bars mounted in the chassis are now an official option which can be ordered on the regular GTO production. It supports safety as well as chassis rigidity, and is therefore an interestion option.    

GTO interior changes

The brand new Donkervoort factory demonstrator car (a full naked carbon edition) has the all new 2016 interior. Minor detail chances in the design such as: new armrest paddings inside the doors and a new console design. Leather behind the door handles is also a new feature. The previous upholstery supplier of Donkervoort is back […]

Epic track day movie

An epic track day movie shot at the Bilster Berg Driving resort.

Donkervoort render

Donkervoort working on GTO with fixed roof ?

In a Dutch TV series ” Willem Wever” there was suddenly the appearance of a clay model, which indicates the potential future launch of a Donkervoort D8 GTO with either a fixed roof (the new GT). Mind my words; we will know more in 2016! Click the image to enlarge.

Dashboard design study

Dashboard designs which did not made it into the D8 GTO production model.    The pictures above are the two versions of the current GTO production models. Sometimes the dark caves of the internet provide  a lot of information about the day-to-day struggle to reach absolute perfection in Lelystad. Here is an overview of a […]

The differences between the D8 and D8 GTO

Background story on the development and differences between the 1.8 20V powered D8 model and the new D8 GTO.   .

The complete story behind the 2,5 TFSI engine

Read the full background article here about how the Audi 2,5 TFSI multiple Engine of the Year award winning engine became the power plant for the Donkervoort D8 GTO. And, as a bonus, a great video which shows an operating ghost view of the basic engine components….

Donkervoort in Sprout Magazine

Sprout Magazine #4 Dutch only! JOOP DONKERVOORT (66) importeerde de legendarische Lotus 7 als bouwpakket. De verbeteringen die hij aan de Britse sportwagen wilde aanbrengen, liepen spaak. Die ogenschijnlijke tegenslag legde de basis voor zijn onverwachte succes als autobouwer.

Donkervoort is growing in Germany

Donkervoort is growing in Germany thanks to branch in Classic Remise Düsseldorf The growth of Donkervoort in Germany is continuing apace. Less than 18 months after the opening of a brand-new branch at the Bilster Berg Drive Resort , Donkervoort has expanded its German sales and service network further, thanks to a new joint venture. […]

Donkervoort GTO Bilster Berg Edition vs Audi R8

Donkervoort D8 GTO versus other Hypercars

Hotlap times @ Bilster Berg Driving Resort, Germany

Donkervoort continues with GTO Bare Naked Carbon Edition

Donkervoort continues with GTO Bare Naked Carbon Edition More than two months ago the world was introduced to the Donkervoort D8 GTO Bare Naked Carbon Edition; the first Donkervoort fully fitted with visible carbon fibre – a technique in which the unique and recognizable fibre structure of the material is exposed to view. Originally planned […]

Donkervoort D8 GTO “1000 Miglia Edition”

Donkervoort D8 GTO “1000 Miglia Edition” For the first time in its 37-year history, Donkervoort was represented in the world-famous Mille Miglia; a fantastic rally on the most breathtaking roads in Italy. The D8 GTO joined this legendary event – by invitation, and as Official Support Car – which brings together the most famous racing […]

D8 GTO Bare Naked Carbon Edition

The Donkervoort D8 GTO family continues to grow, this time with the arrival of a brand new version: the D8 GTO Bare Naked Carbon Edition. The very first Donkervoort fully fitted with visible carbon fibre – a technique in which the unique and recognizable fibre structure of the material is exposed to view – not […]

Donkervoort D8 GTO Bilster Berg Edition

Donkervoort hinted at this development at the end of December. In honour of the feats achieved in 2014, which include breaking the lap record for street-legal production cars at the Bilster Berg circuit and attaining top scores and fastest lap times during various ‘Supertests’ conducted by renowned European auto magazines, Donkervoort proudly introduces a special […]