Donkervoort shifts Away From Audi Engines
Table of Contents
- Donkervoort shifts Away From Audi Engines
- Donkervoort P24 RS: A New Era Dawns
- Frequently Asked Questions About Donkervoort and the P24 RS
- Why is Donkervoort moving away from Audi engines?
- What engine did the Donkervoort F22 use and what were its performance specs?
- What can we expect from the new Donkervoort P24 RS?
- What is Donkervoort’s history and what sets them apart?
- Will Donkervoort develop its own engine?
- What are some othre notable Dutch car manufacturers?
- Donkervoort F22 vs. bugatti Veyron: Power-to-weight Comparison
- Image Gallery
- Frequently Asked Questions About Donkervoort and the P24 RS

Dutch car manufacturer Donkervoort is moving away from Audi engines after 29 years, joining a growing trend of companies seeking alternatives amid Audi’s changing direction.
While the Netherlands may not be considered a major automotive superpower, it boasts a vibrant car culture and a history of niche automotive manufacturers.
Spyker is perhaps the most well-known, initially famous for models like the C8 and C12, but later associated with the Saab acquisition. Despite repeated bankruptcies and rescue attempts, the brand’s future remains uncertain.
Donkervoort, founded in 1978, also stands out. Initially focused on importing and selling Kit Cars, founder Joop Donkervoort began producing his own vehicles inspired by the Lotus 7.The company initially used Ford engines before switching to Audi’s five-cylinder engine in 1996. Their ideology has always been “no compromises,” prioritizing a raw driving experience without electronic aids.
Donkervoort recently announced the P24 RS, a “brand new innovation” driven by changes under the hood. Audi’s shift towards becoming an all-electric brand clashes with Donkervoort’s preferences, notably regarding the iconic 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, now primarily found in the RS3. Models like the TT, wich also used the engine, have been discontinued, and the RS Q3 is currently unavailable.
Citing this shift,Donkervoort will explore using either its own engines or modified engines from another supplier. Details remain scarce,but the company claims the P24 RS will outperform the existing F22. The F22’s Audi-sourced five-cylinder engine produced 500 horsepower in a chassis weighing just 1,578 pounds, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 698 hp per ton, exceeding even the Bugatti Veyron. This allows the F22 to accelerate to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, with a top speed of 180 mph.
The new model will continue Donkervoort’s tradition of naming cars after family members. The S8A was named after Joop’s daughter, Amber, and the D8 after his son, Denis. Since 2021, the F22 is named after his daughter Filippa, born in 2022, and the P24 references his second daughter, Phebe, born last year.
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Donkervoort P24 RS: A New Era Dawns
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Donkervoort,the Dutch manufacturer of high-performance sports cars,is charting a new course. After nearly three decades of utilizing Audi engines, the company is shifting away from its long-time partner. This move signifies a significant change for Donkervoort and highlights broader automotive industry trends. This shift is partly due to Audi’s strategic shift towards electrification, which makes the future of their iconic 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Donkervoort and the P24 RS
Why is Donkervoort moving away from Audi engines?
Donkervoort is moving away from Audi engines due to Audi’s evolving focus on electric vehicles. The shift away from combustion engines, including the 2.5-liter five-cylinder, which Donkervoort heavily relies on, doesn’t align wiht Donkervoort’s preferences for raw driving experiences and their “no compromises” ideology.
What engine did the Donkervoort F22 use and what were its performance specs?
The Donkervoort F22 utilized an audi-sourced 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine. This engine produced 500 horsepower in a chassis weighing just 1,578 pounds. This resulted in an notable power-to-weight ratio of 698 hp per ton.The F22 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 2.5 seconds and had a top speed of 180 mph.
What can we expect from the new Donkervoort P24 RS?
While details are still scarce, Donkervoort claims the P24 RS will outperform the existing F22. The P24 RS will continue Donkervoort’s tradition of naming cars after family members, with P24 referencing joop’s second daughter, Phebe, born last year. The new model is expected to deliver on Donkervoort’s dedication to uncompromising performance, raw driving experience, and lightweight design.
What is Donkervoort’s history and what sets them apart?
Founded in 1978, Donkervoort has a rich history rooted in the Lotus 7.The company is known for building lightweight, track-focused sports cars that prioritize driving feel over electronic aids and comforts. After initially using Ford engines they started using Audi engines in 1996.
Will Donkervoort develop its own engine?
Donkervoort is exploring various options, including developing its own engines or sourcing modified engines from another supplier.
What are some othre notable Dutch car manufacturers?
Besides Donkervoort, Spyker is another Dutch car manufacturer. Spyker has a history of high-performance vehicles, but its future is uncertain despite multiple attempts at revival.
Donkervoort F22 vs. bugatti Veyron: Power-to-weight Comparison
The Donkervoort F22’s incredible power-to-weight ratio put it in elite company. Here’s how it stacks up against the Bugatti Veyron:
| Feature | Donkervoort F22 | Bugatti Veyron |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 500 hp | 1,001 hp (Standard) |
| Weight | 1,578 lbs | 4,000 lbs (approx.) |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 698 hp per ton | ~500 hp per ton |
| 0-60 mph acceleration | 2.5 seconds | 2.5 seconds (approx.) |
| Top Speed | 180 mph | 253 mph |
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