Donkervoort shows off extreme new GTO-RS

Dutch car-maker Donkervoort has revealed the lighter, even more extreme version of the GTO it teased in February, called the GTO-RS.

The name marks the return of sportscar that ruled the fearsome Nurburgring for two years back in 2004-2006 when the original GTO-RS set the ultimate lap record at the road circuit known as “Green Hell”.

Now returned for 2016, the GTO is said to have been completely redesigned and is now claimed to be even more extreme and slightly larger in size.

Biggest obstacle to overcome, says the engineers, was improving the aerodynamics.

There’s also completely new suspension that features a wider front and rear track to increase grip levels. Donkervoort also replaced the GTO’s braking system.

Under the bonnet, the familiar 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine lives on thanks to work with supplier Bosch, which has given it more power and helped the firm homologate it to Euro 6 emissions.

Bosch also added a launch control system and a rev-match option for track-day novices.

Donkervoort has not revealed how much more power the Audi donk produces, but expect a big improvement on the 280kW/450Nm the old engine produced.

That’s means it’s feasible the GTO-RS could beat the old GTO’s 2.8 seconds dash to 100km/h and eclipse the GTO’s 8.6-second sprint to 200km/h. With better aerodynamics a 300km/h top speed could also be possible.

Inside, the cabin is still made to measure and quality is claimed to be improved. There’s also a new carbon-fibre transmission tunnel.

Claimed to be completely street-legal, the GTO-RS will initially be built in a limited-edition run of just 40 cars with a starting price of around $230,000.

Out of that first batch the Dutch car-maker claims to have already sold 21 cars.