Family-owned Dutch sports car manufacturer donkervoort unveiled its next car, the ultralight F22.
The car is named after chief executive Denis Donkervoort’s first child, Filippa, born May 22, 2022.
Denis Donkervoort took over from his father, Joop Donkervoort, in 2021 and has now launched a 750kg supercar that will characterize the brand’s new era by becoming a road-registered two-seat supercar, lightest in the world.
Under the bonnet is an Audi-sourced 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, which Donkervoort engineers have tuned for lower-level drivability.
The F22 will be able to reach a top speed of around 290km/h and generate up to 2.15 G lateral.
The engine will provide 373kW in terms of power, good for a power-to-weight ratio of 497kW per 1000kg. It’s mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
The F22s are already on pre-order in major markets including North America, the Middle East and Europe, with prices starting at €245,000 (AU$380,000) before on-road costs.
An additional €100,000 ($A155,000) is available for customization options.
A spokesperson for Donkervoot confirmed auto expert The F22 can be shipped to Australia – although it is not yet homologated for areas outside the track.
If you’re really interested, the brand will be “ready for the challenge” of registering the F22 if an Australian enthusiast keeps an eye on the model.
The F22 has twice the torsional and flexural stiffness of the upcoming D8 GTO, thanks to a frame made of steel tubes and Ex-Core carbon fiber.
Ex-Core is a byproduct of Donkervoort which produces a carbon fiber sandwich product designed to be stronger and stiffer than conventional CFRP, and has also been used in Formula 1, racing yachts and supercars other vehicles.
“The key to everything we do is weight. Denis Donkervoort explains: The less weight you carry, the less weight you have to stop, turn and accelerate, using less fuel and the friendlier the car.
There is also an adjustable hydraulic ride height system that can lift the F22 up to 35mm.
Interior finishing is largely up to the owner, but Donkervoort is recommending a lightweight Recaro seat with an approved six-point harness for both track and road.
A clean dash has a small digital display for the driver. The iPad Mini’s infotainment system is an optional add-on, and a hand-removable hood can turn the F22 into a convertible.
The initial production run of 50 pieces was increased to 75 after the first batch sold out based on demo sketches alone.
Deliveries of the F22 will begin in January 2023.
