Lelystad, 19 February 2007 – For the first time in almost 30 years of our company history, we will introduce an all new, closed sports car. The Donkervoort D8 GT is delivered with the well-known Audi four cylinder turbo engine with 180, 210 or 270 horsepower. Although it is based on the current D8 version, the D8 GT embodies a number of new high-tech features. The important and world famous Geneva Motorshow is chosen as the scene for the introduction of the car, that will set a new tone in the segment of ultra light sports cars. During the Geneva Motorshow, the Donkervoort D8 GT can be viewed on stand 1131.

In comparison with the open D8 version, major changes have been done so the D8 GT can be seen as a totally new concept that visualises the future Donkervoorts. These changes are not only limited to it’s new appearance, but also it’s high-tech setup form a new standard by means of weight reduction and safety in the segment of ultra light weight sports cars. All together, the D8 GT will be faster, safer and more responsive to drive than the D8. We have a positive history with closed cars. The car in which our German Donkervoort dealer, Michael Düchting, has already broken the well-known lap record at the Nordschleife circuit was fitted with an experimental hard-top. The D8 GT was developed on the basis of this experience and this means that we think that there is a good chance to improve on this record once again.

Better road handling
The D8 GT is built on the same chassis as the standard D8 but this has been altered in a number of areas. As the new carbon fibre roof forms a structural part in the chassis / body, the torsional stiffness of the assembly has been significantly improved by 25% This more rigid body / chassis and the new suspension enable the D8 GT to steer more accurately and precisely. The objective is to create a smoother but also sharper ride. Therefore, the front wheel suspension is new and the rear wheel suspension has been modified for the larger, special developed 17 inch wheels with a weight of only 6.5 kg. The front track and rear track have been increased by eight and four centimetres respectively, in order to create a smoother ride. Special shock absorbers have also been developed. They are provided with not only a hydraulic ride height-adjustment but also the option to adjust the stiffness of the damping in high and low frequencies. Also the brake system has been improved by the new 6 piston alloy callipers and the larger 300mm discs with alloy bells.

In comparison with the open D8 version, major changes have been done so the D8 GT can be seen as a totally new concept that visualises the future Donkervoorts. These changes are not only limited to it’s new appearance, but also it’s high-tech setup form a new standard by means of weight reduction and safety in the segment of ultra light weight sports cars. All together, the D8 GT will be faster, safer and more responsive to drive than the D8. We have a positive history with closed cars. The car in which our German Donkervoort dealer, Michael Düchting, has already broken the well-known lap record at the Nordschleife circuit was fitted with an experimental hard-top. The D8 GT was developed on the basis of this experience and this means that we think that there is a good chance to improve on this record once again.

Better road handling
The D8 GT is built on the same chassis as the standard D8 but this has been altered in a number of areas. As the new carbon fibre roof forms a structural part in the chassis / body, the torsional stiffness of the assembly has been significantly improved by 25% This more rigid body / chassis and the new suspension enable the D8 GT to steer more accurately and precisely. The objective is to create a smoother but also sharper ride. Therefore, the front wheel suspension is new and the rear wheel suspension has been modified for the larger, special developed 17 inch wheels with a weight of only 6.5 kg. The front track and rear track have been increased by eight and four centimetres respectively, in order to create a smoother ride. Special shock absorbers have also been developed. They are provided with not only a hydraulic ride height-adjustment but also the option to adjust the stiffness of the damping in high and low frequencies. Also the brake system has been improved by the new 6 piston alloy callipers and the larger 300mm discs with alloy bells.