If we asked you to name a Dutch sportscar maker, you’d have to think long and hard. Even then, the name Donkervoort will probably not come to mind.

A long history

It may not be well known outside certain circles but Donkervoort has been producing hard-core sportscars for 40 years.

Company highlights include setting a Nordschleife production car record when, in 2005, Michael Düchting drove a lap in 7 min 14,89 sec. And in 2011 the manufacturer claimed a class win at the 24 Hours of Dubai endurance event.

And to celebrate its 40th anniversary the company has built the D8 GTO-40. According to the company the D8 GTO-40 is “the ultimate supercar giving the purest driving experience and a harmonious connection between car and driver.”

Here’s a video of various models, old and new, arriving at the company’s HQ to celebrate the 40th anniversary. 

Hot, hotter, hottest

All Donkervoort models are quite similar in execution. Each successive model is a fraction lighter and more powerful than the previous one. The GTO-S is the opening salvo, the RS is the mid-level model and the 40 is the most hard-core of the family.

Power in all models is derived from an Audi-sourced 2,5-litre turbocharged five-pot that, in the anniversary edition model, produces 284 kW and 500 N.m of torque.

This endows the small car with a zero-to-100 km/h time under 3,0 seconds and 0-200 km/h time of 7,7 seconds. Top speed is rated at 280 km/h.

Featherweight

As you can see from the images, Donkervoort produces minimalist cars. In fact some may say they are Lotus 7-esque in execution. Unsurprisingly, the company places low mass as the core of its sportscar production values.

Using a tubular steel chassis and patented lightweight carbon and kevlar body parts the latest GTO tips the scales at a scant 678 kg, less than half the mass of Golf GTI.

Helping to achieve this figure are a lightweight air conditioning system, a brand-new titanium exhaust, with the option of switching between a racier or more comfortable sounds, and 100 per cent carbon-fibre rims.

A track tool

The D8 GTO-40 is no straight line specialist. In fact, the design was optimised for enhancing downforce and aerodynamic balance. The aero package includes an integrated front spoiler and diffuser on the rear.

Limited edition

At roughly R2,4m excluding tax and duties, it’s not a cheap proposition. On top of that the production run has been limited to a symbolic 40 cars and already half have been sold.

Here’s a full history of the Donkervoort story: