Donkervoort P24 RS is the most Dutch supercar ever created

Donkervoort says its new P24 RS is “the most Dutch supercar ever created”, which presumably means it enjoys wearing orange and yelling DU DU DU DU, MAX VERSTAPPEN at weekends.

Apparently, the claim also relates to the Dutch reputation for “honest, unfiltered feedback”, as Donkervoort calls its latest supercar a “direct counterpunch to a computerised, homogenous automotive world”. Ouch.

Donkervoort P24 RS: a deliberately analogue supercar

Despite its exposed carbon fibre, unusual pop-out LED headlamps and futuristic, insect-like styling, the P24 RS is resolutely old-school. There is a large engine at the front, a five-speed manual gearbox in the middle, and every bit of drive is sent to the rear wheels. Even power steering and ABS sit on the options list.

Those are options we would probably select, though, as the P24 RS is powered by a modified Ford 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6. It features forged internals, dry-sump lubrication, 3D-printed exhaust manifolds and a pair of new turbochargers supplied by fellow Dutch company Van der Lee. Output is an absurd 600bhp, although Donkervoort’s ‘Power To Choose’ management software lets drivers reduce this to 400bhp or 500bhp when feeling especially sensible. The earlier Donkervoort F22 used Audi’s 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder, which peaked at 500bhp.

In full Verstappen mode - regrettably not its official title - the P24 RS produces 590lb ft of torque. With a dry weight of only 780kg, it reaches 200km/h from rest in 7.4 seconds, generates 2.3G in corners and exceeds 300km/h flat out. Yeesh.

Chassis, aerodynamics and track options

Fortunately, adjustable traction control comes as standard. The car also has a Torsen limited-slip differential, active suspension with adjustable ride height, and automatic rev matching to make downshifts smoother. Naturally, the rev-matching function can be disabled if you want to demonstrate your own heel-and-toe ability.

Planning to take the Donkervoort on circuit? Carbon-ceramic brakes, which remove 2.1kg from each corner, are available as an extra. The P24 RS can also be fitted with a removable aerodynamic package that improves cooling while channelling air around the exposed front wheels or beneath the floor towards the double diffuser. It gives the car an enormous chin, but delivers a further 90kg of downforce at 250km/h without affecting top speed.

Carbon targa roof and P24 RS interior

It is also worth noting that the P24 RS has a carbon-fibre targa roof. Even with its panels fitted, Donkervoort says a driver standing 2.01m tall can fit behind the wheel - useful when most Dutch people apparently reach that height before puberty. There is boot capacity on a par with a Ford Fiesta, lightweight Recaro seats, and a cabin dominated by physical switches and dials.

Only 150 P24 RS examples will be hand-built in Lelystad, with more than 50 already sold to customers across Europe, the US and the Middle East. Better move quickly on the €298,500 asking price, then.