Donkervoort F22 is a wilder continuation of the D8

Donkervoort on Sunday unveiled the F22 as the successor to the D8 series of racing cars.

The F22 is a larger, more civilized car than typical Donkervoort racing machines, with more space and additional comfort features, although its performance is still unrivaled in many respects, such as: B. the claimed ability to deliver 2.15g of lateral acceleration, as well as a dry weight of about 1,650 pounds.

The F22 does not take its name from the fighter jet, but is a nod to Filippa Donkervoort, the daughter of current Donkervoort CEO Denis Donkervoort. She was born on May 22, 2022.

The car’s proportions are similar to those of the D8, but it’s underpinned by a new design made up of tubular steel and carbon fiber profiles. The body is mostly carbon fiber and features a removable roof, making the car a Targa.

Donkervoort F22

Donkervoort F22

Donkervoort F22

Donkervoort F22

Donkervoort uses its own production process called Ex-Core for the carbon parts. The process is based on self-heating molds that use expanding foam to apply pressure to the layers of carbon fiber inside the mold. Dedicated software and removable cartridge heaters with built-in sensors optimize heat transfer during the molding process. According to Donkervoort, the process reduces costs by between 30 and 50% compared to the traditional method using pre-preg carbon fiber and an autoclave.

In the F22’s cabin, Donkervoort has grouped many of the controls on the steering wheel, allowing for a largely uncluttered dashboard design. An iPad Mini-based infotainment system can be added as an option. Belts can also be retrofitted for the standard Recaro bucket seats.

The engine is mounted forward of the cabin but in a midship position for improved weight distribution. It’s the well-known Audi-designed 2.5-litre turbo-5 used in several Donkervoort products, as well as Audi’s latest RS 3 and TT RS. In the F22, Donkervoort says the engine delivers 492 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, or enough for 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. Drive is routed to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission .

Donkervoort plans to build a total of 75 units. The starting price is 245,000 euros and deliveries in Europe are scheduled to begin in early 2023. Donkervoort hasn’t said if the F22 will make it to the US, but the company signed its first local dealership in July, which should improve the car’s chances of making it here.

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