Donkervoort Unveils P24 RS: A Lightweight, Ford GT-Powered Track Machine
Donkervoort, a Dutch manufacturer renowned for crafting distinctive and high-performance vehicles for nearly five decades, has once again pushed the boundaries with its latest creation, the P24 RS. This new model represents the company's most advanced and exhilarating car to date, combining meticulous engineering with raw power. The P24 RS follows Donkervoort's established philosophy of front-engine, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, delivering an unparalleled driving experience for those who seek individuality and extreme performance.
Donkervoort P24 RS: Engineering Excellence and Performance Unleashed
The newly introduced Donkervoort P24 RS, a product of Dutch design ingenuity, draws its potent heart from American engineering. Nestled beneath its elongated hood lies a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, capable of generating an astounding 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. This formidable power unit is mated to a precise five-speed manual gearbox, channeling all its energy to the rear wheels, promising an unadulterated driving experience.
Performance figures for the P24 RS are nothing short of breathtaking. It catapults from a standstill to 62 miles per hour in less than 2.5 seconds and reaches 124 mph in a mere 7.3 seconds. With a feather-light curb weight of just under 1,720 pounds, the P24 RS boasts an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 770 horsepower per ton, ensuring explosive acceleration and dynamic handling. Drivers can tailor the power output to their preference, choosing between 400, 500, or the full 600 horsepower with a simple dial adjustment. The Tractive dampers and traction control ferocity are also customizable, allowing for a personalized driving setup.
This powertrain marks a significant evolution for Donkervoort, transitioning from its previous use of Audi's turbocharged five-cylinder engines. The P24 RS adopts the same V6 found in the esteemed Ford GT and various Raptor models, albeit with bespoke modifications. Notably, the turbochargers are custom-designed by Van Der Lee Turbo Systems, a partnership that has unlocked new levels of performance and responsiveness. CEO Denis Donkervoort emphasized the critical customer demand for maintaining a high cylinder count, leading to the adoption of the V6. He also highlighted the rigorous requirements for the custom turbo system: "We wanted two things: zero turbo lag and exceptionally precise throttle response."
In its pursuit of extreme lightweight construction, Donkervoort has extensively utilized carbon fiber throughout the P24 RS. This exotic material not only enhances the car's aesthetic appeal but also contributes significantly to its low weight and structural rigidity. The exhaust tips, for instance, are crafted from 3D-printed metal, showcasing advanced manufacturing techniques. A key innovation comes from Ex-Core, a company that provides carbon fiber components using a unique molding process involving expanding foam and heating elements, eliminating the need for large autoclaves. This method allows for the creation of single, strong pieces, including the P24 RS's removable aerodynamic elements, which can be easily added for track-focused driving and removed for a sleeker appearance.
Visually, the P24 RS represents a refined evolution of Donkervoort's design language, featuring a low-slung, wide, and sharply styled profile. A notable design and engineering challenge was the lighting system. Instead of traditional large headlamp clusters, the P24 RS incorporates small, integrated DRLs in the hood, with brighter main beams ingeniously folding out from the nose cone at the touch of a button. This innovative approach offers both a clean aesthetic and functional illumination when needed.
Despite its performance orientation, the P24 RS surprisingly offers a degree of practicality. A spacious 8.8-cubic-foot trunk at the rear provides ample storage. Designed to accommodate taller drivers, the cabin ensures comfort even for individuals over 6 feet 7 inches, even with the removable targa top in place. Inside, the P24 RS embraces modern functionality with an electric handbrake and a storage cubby, replacing a traditional stereo with a high-definition digital instrument display. This display provides essential driving information and includes a built-in GPS lap timer, catering to the track-day enthusiast by meticulously tracking performance at various circuits.
Donkervoort maintains its exclusive production philosophy, with only 150 units of the P24 RS planned. Over a third of these limited-edition vehicles have already been reserved by a dedicated customer base, underscoring the brand's strong appeal. The starting price for the P24 RS is approximately €298,500 (around $350,000) before taxes and optional extras. This model is the first to be fully developed under the leadership of Denis Donkervoort, the founder's son, who assumed control in 2021. While incorporating fresh perspectives, the P24 RS undeniably retains the core essence and spirit of a true Donkervoort.
The Donkervoort P24 RS is set to make its way to the United States, promising to be a rare and attention-grabbing sight at automotive gatherings. Its combination of Dutch craftsmanship, American power, and extreme performance will undoubtedly captivate enthusiasts fortunate enough to encounter one of these exclusive machines.