Donkervoort P24 RS: A 600hp Dutch Supercar with Ford V6 Power
Dutch sports car manufacturer Donkervoort has revealed its most powerful vehicle to date, the P24 RS, which combines a lightweight carbon fibre body with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine for explosive performance. This announcement marks a significant shift for the company, which has relied on Audi engines for over two decades.
Engine and Performance Specifications
With the end of production for Audi's 2.5-litre five-cylinder motor, Donkervoort turned to a 3.5-litre Ford Ecoboost V6, a unit that has powered vehicles from the Transit van to the Ford GT supercar. Dutch Formula 1 supplier Van der Lee has fitted bespoke turbochargers, resulting in peak outputs of 600hp and 590lb ft of torque. In a car weighing just 780kg, this delivers an outrageous power-to-weight ratio, with 100hp more than the previous Audi-engined P22 model.
Donkervoort offers a 'Power to Choose' menu, allowing drivers to select 400, 500, or the full 600hp as needed for different driving conditions. Despite the advanced engine, the company has retained an old-school five-speed manual gearbox, though it includes a rev-matching function on downshifts. A Torsen limited-slip differential helps control the power to the rear wheels, enabling a 0-124mph time of just 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 186mph.
Aerodynamics and Design Features
Compared to the Lotus Seven-style kit cars Donkervoort built in the 1970s, the P24 RS features a futuristic design with exposed front wheels and an optional F1-inspired aero kit. This kit includes a jutting front splitter, dramatic rear wings, and a double diffuser, generating 90kg of downforce at 155mph. Other aerodynamic aids include headlights that hide behind the front grille until needed.
The car also features removable carbon fibre targa-top roof panels and Tractive adjustable dampers, with an optional adjustable ride height system that allows lowering at the push of a button. For braking, AP Racing four-piston brakes are standard, with carbon-ceramic discs available for track-day enthusiasts.
Interior and Customisation Options
Inside, the P24 RS keeps things simple with dials and buttons instead of a touchscreen, using a removable steering wheel to control most functions. An iPad Mini-based infotainment system can be added on request. Custom-made lightweight Recaro bucket seats come with six-point harnesses approved for both road and track use, and there is a 298-litre luggage capacity behind the seats, comparable to a supermini.
Prices start from €298,000 (approximately £257,500), with extensive customisation available, including options like power steering and air conditioning. Donkervoort plans to build 150 examples, with orders already taken for the first 50 cars from customers.
