LELYSTAD, December 4th 2008 - The prototype of the Donkervoort D8GT was first introduced on the Genève Salon de l'Automobile in 2007, during which the responses of press and public were extremely positive. Over a period of almost a year after its introduction, Donkervoort worked hard on further development and prepared the car for production. By the end of November, the first road version of the D8GT will be delivered to its Dutch owner. In the mean time, Donkervoort Racing has already successfully participated in the FIA GT4 championship with the D8 GT4 - the race version of the D8 GT.

With the arrival of the Donkervoort D8GT, the old fashion romance of the GTs has returned: a car suitable for touring the south of France or Italy, but at the same time a pure race car.

The first road version, delivered by the end of November, is  not just any D8GT. In honor of the 30th anniversary of Donkervoort, a limited series of 30 D8GT's in GT4 edition will be made. The GT4 edition distinguishes itself from the standard D8GT by the 10 centimeter wider nose. The wider nose of the GT4 provides additional space for larger side-radiators to benefit oil- and water-cooling. Just like most the vehicle, the nose is also made of a pre-preg carbon fiber. The D8 GT4 is based on the standard D8GT. After registration has taken place, the cars will be customized to GT4 specifications by the Donkervoort Racing department in close cooperation with the customer.

Thanks to the usage of F1-grade pre-preg carbon fibers and Kevlar materials, the D8GT can be considered the world's lighest GT. Weighing a mere 650 kilograms, the GT possesses an incredibly high torsional stiffness and passive saftely. Effort was made to reduce weight and add strength down to the smallest details. For example, the forged aluminium 17" wheels of the Japanese brand RAYS Engineering, which are specially manufactured for the D8 GT, weigh only 6 kilograms each. 

Sense of family

Donkervoort Racing has successfully finished its first race season in the FIA GT4 with podium places in every single race. Next year, Donkervoort plans to participate in this championship with four D8 GT4 race cars. A number of professional race drivers have shown their interes in racing for Donkervoort next season. Less experienced drivers are provided the opportuinity of a training period, which will result in a possible participation in the professional FIA GT4 races. It is the renowned success formula, which was also used during the Donkervoort Cup (1993-2001). Race drivers with less experience are prepared and coached by means of externsive training sessions, which will be completed with an international C-License. The drivers are able to determine the majority of their expenditures for the race season. These investments are determined in close cooperation with the drivers. The result is a strong sense of involvement for all participants; a unique family feeling during races, as well as in general.

Events

At the same time, the international FIA GT4 events offer a multitude of possibilities for companies that would like to experience the unique atmosphere at the race tracks. Donkervoort Events, which is engaged in the organization of all (inter)national Donkervoort events, has expanded its already broad program with these international GT4 events.