A New 600 HP Beast Weighing Just 780 Kilograms
The automotive world is currently obsessed with electrification and the production of heavy SUVs that prioritize comfort over driving dynamics. While most manufacturers are rapidly shifting their focus toward reducing emissions and adding autonomous features, one Dutch company refuses to abandon the traditional sports car formula. Donkervoort has built a reputation for creating lightweight machines that offer an unfiltered connection between the driver and the road. Their latest creation pushes this philosophy to an entirely new level by combining immense power with a featherweight chassis. This new model is known as the P24 RS and it serves as a more extreme successor to the already radical R22.
Beneath the sculpted bodywork lies a significant mechanical change that marks a new era for the brand. The legendary Audi five-cylinder engine that powered previous models has been retired in favor of a new powertrain. The P24 RS is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine based on a Ford architecture that features two high-performance turbochargers. Engineers have utilized a dry-sump lubrication system to mount the engine six centimeters lower than before to improve the center of gravity. This adjustment drastically sharpens the handling dynamics and ensures the car remains planted during aggressive cornering maneuvers.
The performance figures generated by this new setup are nothing short of astronomical for a vehicle of this size. The V6 unit churns out a massive 600 horsepower and 800 Newton-meters of torque while the entire car tips the scales at just 780 kilograms. This incredible power-to-weight ratio allows the P24 RS to sprint from a standstill to 200 kilometers per hour in a mere 7.4 seconds. The manufacturer has not released the standard 0 to 100 acceleration time but it is undoubtedly on par with the fastest supercars in existence. Drivers can expect a top speed that easily exceeds 300 kilometers per hour on a clear track.
Driving this machine is intended to be a raw and physical experience that demands total concentration. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission that features an automatic rev-matching function for smoother downshifts. There is no power steering and no traction control system to save you if you make a mistake. The only electronic assistance provided is a system called ‘Power to Choose’ which allows the driver to select between 400, 500, or the full 600 horsepower depending on road conditions. It is a vehicle designed purely for mechanical grip and driver skill rather than software intervention.
This dedication to analog performance makes the P24 RS a rare gem in a market flooded with digital technology. The cockpit is stripped of unnecessary luxuries to maintain the low weight and keep the focus entirely on the driving experience. A limited-slip differential helps manage the massive torque output and ensures that power is delivered effectively to the tarmac. Donkervoort has once again proven that there is still a place for uncompromising engineering that celebrates the joy of combustion engines.
We would love to hear if you think this analog approach is better than modern electric hypercars so please share your thoughts in the comments.
