The New Donkervoort GTO-RS Is The Ultimate Caterham Rival

Founded in 1978, Dutch company Donkervoort started off life building continuation versions of Colin Chapman’s legendary Lotus Seven, tweaking and honing the basic layout over a 30-year period. However, not content with being ‘just another’ kit-car manufacturer, Donkervoort started to develop its very own track day machines.

The company quickly became a legitimate supercar rival, and in recent years, the small manufacturer has won the 24 Hours of Dubai, smashed lap-records at the Nurburgring and developed a long-term partnership with Audi. Not bad, eh?

Which brings us to the company’s latest project, the GTO-RS. Designed to take on the new breed of 1000bhp supercars, the RS is an absolute animal. Under the low-slung bonnet you’ll find Audi’s brilliant 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine from the rapid TT RS.

Disappointingly, power figures have yet to be released, but the previous GTO produced an impressive 380bhp and 331lb ft of torque. With more power guaranteed - in a car that weighs just 700kgs - we’re expecting a 0-62mph time of around 2.5 seconds.

Donkervoort also stressed that the chassis has been completely re-worked. The car’s track has been widened, a new suspension system has been fitted and the braking system has also been revised to handle the extra power.

Only 40 of these track day beasts will be produced, with each selling for an eye-watering £121,000 excluding taxes. But if you want one, you better act quickly, as the first 21 are already spoken for.