Hold onto your hats, because Donkervoort has just unleashed a beast! They've taken a sports car and stuffed a Ford GT engine into it, creating the absolutely wild P24 RS. This isn't just another car; it's a statement from a company that's been quietly crafting pure driving machines for almost half a century.
For those who crave something truly unique and exhilarating, Donkervoort, a Dutch automaker, has been the secret handshake among driving enthusiasts. They're known for producing focused, lightweight, and incredibly fast performance cars. Now, they've outdone themselves with their most extreme creation yet: the P24 RS. While it might look like a classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup at first glance, there's so much more to discover.
Dutch Ingenuity Meets American Muscle
Beneath the P24 RS's elegantly long hood lies a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a powerhouse that churns out an impressive 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. And for the purists out there, it's all managed by a five-speed manual gearbox, sending that potent energy to the rear wheels.
But here's where it gets truly mind-boggling: this car is feather-light, tipping the scales at just under 1,720 pounds! This incredible weight-to-power ratio translates to a staggering 770 horsepower per ton. Imagine the acceleration! It rockets from 0 to 62 miles per hour in under 2.5 seconds and hits 124 mph in a mere 7.3 seconds. And if you're feeling a bit more reserved, or perhaps want to dial it back for different conditions, you can easily adjust the engine's output to 400, 500, or the full 600 horsepower with a simple flick of a dial. You can even fine-tune the advanced Tractive dampers and the ferocity of the traction control to perfectly match the engine's mood.
A Powertrain Evolution
This V6 heart is a significant shift for Donkervoort, who previously relied on Audi's turbocharged five-cylinder engines. Now, they've turned to Ford for this spectacular powerplant. The P24 RS shares its V6 with models like the legendary Ford GT and various Raptor trucks, but with a crucial upgrade: customized turbos from Van Der Lee Turbo Systems. This collaboration unlocks a new realm of performance possibilities.
As CEO Denis Donkervoort explained, "We have the option not to just use a turbo that is off the shelf from Ford or Audi, but to create a fully bespoke, made-to-measure turbo for us." Their goal was clear: "no turbo lag, and a very precise throttle response" in a car weighing under 800 kilograms. And this is the part most people miss: the decision to switch from a five-cylinder to a V6 might seem odd for a company obsessed with lightness, but Denis clarifies, "There was one very clear demand [from customers]: not to go down on cylinders. So that made it easy."
Aerodynamics and Innovation
With its low-slung profile, minimal weight, and exposed front wheels, the P24 RS is engineered to carve through corners with astonishing agility. Donkervoort claims you can pull 2.3 Gs if you're brave enough! While this level of commitment is for the track-focused driver, the car's aerodynamic prowess can be further enhanced with removable wings. These can be easily attached to the nose and rear for track days, or simply kept on for that aggressive, eye-catching look.
The marvel of modern materials is on full display here. Almost every visible component, including those aerodynamic wings, is crafted from carbon fiber. This not only contributes to its exotic appeal but also ensures incredible strength while keeping weight to an absolute minimum. Adding to the high-tech construction, a significant amount of 3D-printed metal is used, including for the striking exhaust tips.
Donkervoort partnered with Ex-Core for many of the carbon fiber components. Their innovative method bypasses the need for massive ovens. Instead, they use molds and a special expanding foam. Carbon fiber sheets are layered within a fabricated mold, and then the foam is injected. As heating elements are inserted, the foam expands, creating a solid, one-piece component that can be manufactured on a workbench. This revolutionary technique is also found on luxury yachts and even Toyota's race cars. The P24 RS's unique removable aero is a testament to Ex-Core's capabilities.
Striking Design and Practicality
Visually, the P24 RS is a beautiful evolution of Donkervoort's signature design language – long, low, wide, and sharp. However, they faced a challenge with lighting. The tiny daytime running lights on the hood look fantastic but lack the power of traditional headlights. Instead of enlarging the light clusters, brighter beams cleverly fold out from the nose cone at the press of a button. Yes, pop-up headlights are back, but with a modern twist!
Think the P24 RS is impractical? Think again! It boasts a decent 8.8 cubic-foot trunk at the rear, perfect for your weekly grocery run. And for those of us who aren't built like a jockey, Donkervoort founder Joop Donkervoort designed his cars for comfort, even for taller individuals. People over 6 feet 7 inches can comfortably fit inside with the removable targa top in place, enjoying a surprisingly spacious cabin.
For the first time, Donkervoort has integrated an electric handbrake, freeing up space for a handy cubby hole. Don't expect a stereo; this car is all about the driving experience. Instead, a high-definition digital instrument display presents all the essential information directly in your line of sight. And for the track enthusiasts, a built-in GPS lap timer will meticulously track your performance on the circuit.
An Exclusive and Costly Proposition
Donkervoort operates on a smaller scale, and the P24 RS is a limited-edition affair, with only 150 examples planned for production. Remarkably, over 50 have already been snapped up by their devoted clientele. With a starting price of €298,500 (approximately $350,000) before taxes and options, this is a significant achievement for the company.
This P24 RS marks a milestone as the first car fully developed under the leadership of Denis Donkervoort, son of the company's founder. He took the helm in 2021 after years of working closely with his father, Joop. While their approaches may differ slightly, the P24 RS undeniably embodies the true Donkervoort spirit.
The Donkervoort P24 RS is indeed making its way to the US, and it's bound to turn heads at any car gathering – assuming you're fortunate enough to spot one of these 150 rare machines.
Motor1's Verdict: Donkervoort has once again delivered an utterly sensational sports car with the P24 RS. Equipped with a formidable Ford V6 engine producing over 600 horsepower and an astonishingly low curb weight, we can only imagine the sheer exhilaration of driving this machine. We'll be finding out very soon!
Now, we want to hear from you! Does the idea of a Ford GT engine in such a lightweight, manual-only sports car excite you, or do you think it's a bit over the top? What are your thoughts on the innovative carbon fiber construction and the pop-up headlights? Let us know in the comments below!
