New Donkervoort F22 supercar unleashed

Dutch supercar-maker Donkervoort has unwrapped its new 2023 Donkervoort F22 that will replace the ageing D8 GTO that’s been on sale since 2013.

Claimed to not share a single nut, bolt or even screw with its predecessor, the new Donkervoort F22 is powered by a tuned turbocharged version of Audi’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine that’s used in the latest Audi RS 3.

 In the skeletal Dutch supercar, which tips the scales at just 750kg, the engine produces 367kW and 640Nm of torque.

As a result, the pint-sized F22 can blast from 0-100km/h in a claimed 2.5 seconds and top out at 290km/h.

Said to deliver “new levels of speed, handling, driving purity, design and practicality”, the F22 sticks to Donkervoort’s tried-and-tested formula of offering owners faster track-focused alternatives to a Caterham 7 or KTM X-Bow.

Taking the ‘F’ in its F22 nameplate from boss Denis Donkervoort’s daughter Filippa, the latest two-seat supercar mimics the D8’s long bonnet, exposed wheels and side-exit exhaust pipes.

Improving aerodynamics for the new model, the rear wheels now have proper arches that help manage the air around them more efficiently.

Access is via butterfly-style doors, although entry might be a bit tight with the removeable twin-targa carbon-fibre roof panels in place.

Donkervoort says the F22 introduces more “practicality, comfort and ease of use” compared to the hard-core D8 GTO. It’s bigger all around and features a more spacious cabin.

As standard there’s a pair of Recaro bucket seats that come with an optional six-point race harness.

Ahead of the driver is a minimal digital instrument cluster that’s combined with a smaller touch-screen that operates the infotainment and air-conditioning. There’s even a reasonable 285-litre boot.

Like before, the F22 remains strictly rear-wheel drive and manual, with the F22 fitted with a five-speed short-throw manual gearbox that channels power to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential.

Helping manage its power and torque is a new multi-step traction control system. There’s also Bosch-developed adjustable race-ready ABS.

Thanks to the combination of its aerodynamic and huge mechanical grip, Donkervoort claims the F22 can deliver up to 2.15g of lateral acceleration.

Beneath the skin, there’s a tubular steel chassis that has been strengthened by “ex-core carbon-fibre” panels that boost both rigidity and safety of a traditional tubular exoskeleton.

Suspension is via double wishbones front and rear, with adaptive dampers and an adjustable hydraulic system that can raise or lower the car by up to 35mm.

A set of four-piston AP Racing brakes is fitted, and Donkervoort says it will offer power steering for owners who request it.

The Dutch supercar marque says it will sell the new F22 in Europe, the Middle East and North America but right-hand drive and Australian sales have yet to be confirmed.

The company plans to produce just 75 Donkervoort F22 models, with the first 50 cars already spoken for. Pricing is said to kick off from €245,000 ($A384,000) before options.

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