The Flying Dutch
At Top Marques, in addition of the pavilions ranging from dream cars to luxury watches, from shoes to helicopters, there is always an occasion not to be missed, Test Drives. Obviously you can’t drive the car in first person, and this is also due to the fact that there is not a racing track available, but rather the ultra busy streets of the Principality of Monaco, which in these days are also populated by a myriad of photographers and spotters. Do not think that these hundreds of young people are improvised, however, ‘cause they’re here with professional equipment, they know brands and models of every cars that pass by and have an incredible order to position themselves in a matter of seconds, without giving boredom one another. But back to the cars available for testing: now it’s my turn and I have already chosen, because there is a car that I long wanted to see better and this is a chance to climb, or should I say: slip inside. I’m talking about the Donkervoort D8 GTO. Perhaps little known to the general public, or at least to those who cry out: “Look at that Ferrari” when they spot a red Alfa 4C.
After talking with the kind and helpful guys at the stand, including the same Amber, they accompanied me to the car. How to describe it? A classic line, but extremely modern at the same time, low, racy and with a long nose, with front wheels faired in part by small fenders, two lateral exhaust pipes that make it very angry and menacing. Getting in it is not a problem, even for me who I am not a featherweight or a short guy, the door is opened by rotating upwards and the rest is pretty easy, once on the seat, with my legs stretched out, the test driver helps me get the racing seat belts, that because of my jacket, makes me a little clumsy, but I have say that you are also comfortable, although tight. You are surrounded by exposed carbon fiber, inside on the side panels, on the windscreen pillars and across the dashboard, really beautiful, where all the instruments and excellently positioned and visible. I also appreciate the shape of the round air vents, as I have always the problem of wanting them perfectly parallel (I know it is a craze). Above, a blue sky, and today is a beautiful day, but nevertheless the car has a practical top that closes very well, starting from the far back and even giving it a completely different line. Turning on the engine via the spectacular knob reminiscent of a fighter jet, then the roar of the 2.5 Audi five-cylinder that develops 340hp (380hp for the Performance package) on a kerb weight of only 730 kg. That alone would be a nice business card. We leave the test pit and we are already stuck in traffic, this still is a test for the car, all day between burnout and hallucinatory queue but it still drives like a perfect clockwork. Some small stretch of free road, interspersed with gas taps, even for the delight of the audience and we arrive at the roundabout that leads to the famous tunnel; in practice we cruise a good part of the F1 G.P. of which they are already finalizing barriers and stands. Photographers admire the Donkervoort and invite the pilot to go heavy on the throttle, the time to have a little ‘of useful space and I can clearly appreciate the acceleration. I state that I am not accustomed to performance of Panda or Punto, yet I feel that here, more than accelerating, it seems to be “fired” like a bullet. To comply with the recommendations of the Local Police, and we thank them anyway for the great work of these days, we come back immediately in the permitted speed limits. When we arrive at the ending part of the F1 circuit, finally open road, because the only cars in front of us, politely give way. It is an opportunity for other small but intense blasts, first gear, second and then a flawless braking that gives an enormous sense of security. A very scenic detail that can be appreciated while sat in the cockpit is that the wheels are clearly visible, very similar aspect to a racing single seater. We arrive at “La Rascasse” corner, then to the straight where the road is blocked, we turn right for Casino square, always between a massive crowd that takes photographs, and then we are back in the avenue that leads us back to the test drive area. With the engine off, I must say that I came out of the car like a cat from a jar of jam, but without back pain and a few kilos less, I could have done better. A chance to stay in shape maybe? Conclusions, even if it’s a ride as a passenger: beautiful, powerful, agile, safe, well finished, with a line that does not get old, reliable, new but classic, with something English (which counts a lot for me) and with an attractive price, considering the exclusivity in addition to its great performance.
It does not end here, in fact we are already planning a trip for a in-depth test, from the right side of the cockpit.
Words by Roberto Marrone
DONKERVOORT D8 GTO (2014-)
Layout – front-engined, rear wheel drive
Engine – 5 cylinder 2480cc – turbo
Transmission – 5-speed manual gearbox
Power – 340 hp @ 5400 rpm
450 Nm @ 2000 rpm
Weight – 730 kg ca.
Acceleration – 3,3 sec.
Top Speed – 255 kph
Price – from 115.000 €