Donkervoort P24 RS Review: A Lightweight Analog Monster With 600bhp
Bukemersanacokyakisir – The automotive world continues to move toward electrification and digital driving assistance. However, Donkervoort chooses a completely different direction with the new P24 RS. This extreme lightweight sports car delivers a raw and analog driving experience rarely found in modern performance cars. Built with advanced carbon technology, a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, and minimal electronic interference, the Donkervoort P24 RS stands out as one of the most exciting driver-focused machines on the market today. Despite its compact dimensions, the car offers hypercar-level performance wrapped inside an aggressively unique design.
Donkervoort Continues Its Radical Engineering Philosophy
Since 1978, Donkervoort has built a reputation for creating lightweight performance cars inspired by the legendary Lotus Seven philosophy. Unlike Caterham, which stayed close to the original Seven formula, Donkervoort evolved into something much more radical. The Dutch manufacturer focused heavily on advanced materials, aggressive aerodynamics, and extreme performance engineering. As a result, the P24 RS represents the ultimate evolution of that philosophy. While the car still embraces analog thrills and low weight, it now feels closer to a miniature hypercar than a traditional open sports car. Consequently, the P24 RS delivers a completely unique identity within today’s automotive industry.
The P24 RS Introduces a New Twin-Turbo V6 Engine
One of the biggest changes in the Donkervoort P24 RS is the departure from Audi powertrains. Previous models used the famous turbocharged five-cylinder engine from Audi RS cars. This time, however, Donkervoort developed a new 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine known as “PTC” or “Power to Choose.” The engine is based on the Ford EcoBoost V6 architecture but receives significant modifications, including a dry-sump lubrication system, custom turbochargers, and a bespoke intake setup. Thanks to these upgrades, the engine produces up to 600bhp in Performance mode. Meanwhile, Touring and Comfort modes offer 500bhp and 400bhp respectively. Therefore, drivers can adjust the car’s behavior depending on road conditions and driving style.
Ultra-Lightweight Construction Defines the Car
Weight reduction remains the heart of Donkervoort’s engineering philosophy. Because of extensive carbon fiber usage, the P24 RS weighs only 780 kilograms dry. The chassis combines tubular steel with proprietary Ex-core carbon fiber side panels for exceptional rigidity and low mass. In addition, the bodywork and front subframe are also made from carbon fiber. This lightweight approach gives the car a remarkable power-to-weight ratio comparable to some of the world’s fastest hypercars. Furthermore, the absence of unnecessary luxury features helps preserve the car’s raw driving character. Every engineering decision clearly prioritizes performance, agility, and driver engagement above everything else.
Hypercar Performance in a Compact Package
Despite its small dimensions, the Donkervoort P24 RS delivers astonishing performance figures. According to the manufacturer, the car can accelerate from 0 to 124mph in just 7.4 seconds while reaching a top speed beyond 186mph. Even more impressive, the car is capable of generating 2.3G of cornering force. Those numbers place the P24 RS alongside some of the most extreme supercars available today. Additionally, the optional track-focused aerodynamic package significantly increases downforce. The setup includes a large front splitter and unique rear winglets inspired by modern endurance race cars. As a result, the P24 RS becomes even more capable during high-speed track driving.
Analog Driving Experience Makes the Car Special
Modern performance cars often rely heavily on electronic systems to enhance speed and stability. In contrast, the Donkervoort P24 RS embraces a pure analog approach. Buyers can even choose whether they want ABS, traction control, or power steering installed in the car. This philosophy creates a highly connected driving experience where the driver feels every movement and surface change directly through the steering wheel and chassis. Moreover, the five-speed manual gearbox adds an old-school layer of involvement rarely found in modern hypercars. Although the gearbox feels heavy and mechanical, it reinforces the car’s raw personality and motorsport-inspired character.
Handling Feels Sharp Yet Surprisingly Controllable
At first glance, a lightweight car with 600bhp might sound terrifying to drive. Surprisingly, the P24 RS feels remarkably balanced and predictable when pushed hard. Thanks to excellent suspension tuning and precise steering feedback, the car communicates clearly with the driver during aggressive cornering. The adjustable motorsport-style traction control system also helps maintain stability without removing excitement. In lower traction settings, the P24 RS becomes playful and lively while still feeling manageable in experienced hands. Consequently, the car offers entertainment instead of intimidation, especially for drivers who appreciate traditional rear-wheel-drive dynamics and mechanical feedback.
Ex-Core Carbon Technology Becomes a Major Innovation
One of the most fascinating aspects of the P24 RS is the use of Ex-core carbon fiber technology. Unlike traditional carbon manufacturing methods, Ex-core combines pre-preg carbon layers with a special foam core that eliminates the need for high-pressure autoclave curing. This process allows Donkervoort to create complex structural components faster and more efficiently. In fact, the technology became so successful that Toyota licensed it for its World Endurance Championship program, while several Formula 1 teams also adopted the system. Because of this innovation, the P24 RS achieves extraordinary structural rigidity while maintaining an extremely low weight.
Interior Design Blends Luxury With Motorsport Feel
Although the P24 RS is clearly a hardcore sports car, the interior still feels surprisingly refined. Drivers sit inside carbon fiber Recaro seats surrounded by high-quality materials and handcrafted details. At the same time, the cabin maintains a strong motorsport atmosphere thanks to exposed carbon surfaces and minimalistic controls. Unlike many track-focused cars, the Donkervoort also offers practical elements such as a removable carbon targa roof and 300 liters of luggage space. Consequently, the P24 RS feels usable enough for road trips while still delivering the excitement of a lightweight race-inspired machine.
Driving the P24 RS Requires Full Concentration
The Donkervoort P24 RS demands attention and skill from its driver. Once the engine switches into full 600bhp Performance mode, the car becomes extremely responsive and aggressive. Drivers must carefully manage throttle inputs because the lightweight chassis reacts instantly to power delivery. Additionally, the mechanical limited-slip differential provides strong rear-end connection, making every movement feel direct and transparent. Unlike heavily computerized supercars, the P24 RS constantly rewards focus and proper driving technique. Therefore, every drive feels immersive, intense, and emotionally engaging from start to finish.
High Price Reflects Exclusive Engineering
There is no denying that the Donkervoort P24 RS sits in an extremely expensive category. Starting at around €298,000 before taxes, the car can easily exceed £375,000 with optional upgrades. Nevertheless, the price reflects the extraordinary engineering and exclusivity behind the vehicle. Advanced carbon fiber technology, hand-built craftsmanship, and low production numbers all contribute to its premium status. Additionally, Donkervoort plans to produce only 150 units over the coming years, making the car highly collectible for enthusiasts seeking something different from mainstream supercars.
Donkervoort P24 RS Delivers a Truly Unique Experience
The Donkervoort P24 RS is not a car designed for everyone. Instead, it targets passionate drivers who value lightweight engineering, analog excitement, and mechanical purity above luxury or convenience. While many modern performance cars feel increasingly digital and isolated, the P24 RS delivers raw feedback and emotional intensity in every kilometer. Furthermore, its combination of advanced technology and old-school driving involvement creates an experience unlike anything else currently available. For enthusiasts searching for a truly special sports car, the Donkervoort P24 RS proves that analog performance still has a place in the modern automotive world.
