RS3

Make
Audi
Segment
Sedan

Dutch boutique supercar manufacturer Donkervoort has just taken the wraps off its latest creation, dubbed the F22. Contrary to popular belief, the car is named after Managing Director Denis Donkervoort's daughter, Filippa, who was born on May 22, 2022.

Under the long hood lies the same sort of 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo engine as that found in the Audi RS3, but Donkervoort has given it new bearings and reduced friction overall to increase performance and efficiency.

As standard, the unit in the F22 produces 463 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque, but with an optional exhaust system (which is only legal for track use), the car can manage 492 hp with 494 lb-ft. That may not seem like much, but the target weight here is just 750 kilograms or 1,653 pounds, which means extreme performance is guaranteed.

Featuring a chassis that is a hybrid of tube steel and Ex-Core carbon fiber, the super sports car has outstanding torsional rigidity and minimal weight.

As a result of its low weight and extraordinary output, the F22 is estimated to do 0-62 mph in just 2.5 seconds and 0-124 mph in 7.5 seconds. The top speed is estimated at 180 mph, but straight-line speed is less important than how this car will behave on track.

Donkervoort says that the F22 will pull 2.15 G in the corners, even though it sends all its power to the rear wheels alone. With a five-speed manual boasting automatic rev-matching that can (thankfully) be switched off, the F22 is a serious driver's car that is meant to attack circuits but can still be enjoyed by the novice on a public road.

Donkervoort chose a five-speed because it takes up less space - allowing the motor to be mounted further back - and weighs at least 26 lbs less than a six- or seven-speed transmission would. The car also boasts new AP Racing four-piston calipers front and rear with 330-millimeter discs and 18-inch wheels in front and 279-mm discs behind 19-inch wheels at the rear. Both sets of rims are wrapped in newly-developed Nankang AR1 rubber.

A Torsen limited-slip differential sits on the rear again, but it's now encased in a new housing "that no longer requires an additional cooling system for concentrated track work."

Basically, Donkervoort has looked at every detail of its previous cars and found ways to make the F22 better in all respects.

This is evident in the size of the vehicle as well, as the all-new F22 is bigger than its D8 predecessor and likely more comfortable, too, with more space in the cabin and a removable carbon fiber Twin Targa roof, which features a removable support bar.

With more shoulder room and length, big, tall drivers can enjoy this monster too, and long drives should be more tolerable. However, one can still expect good support thanks to lightweight Recaro seats with "the first six-point harnesses approved for both racing and road use." Interestingly, the company says these negate the need for airbags, and the car is homologated for sale in Europe, the US, and the United Arab Emirates.

While we're focused on the cabin, we should note that the dash is much cleaner than ever, with most switches now on the steering wheel.

If you wish, you can complicate things. An integrated iPad Mini infotainment system is offered, as are myriad other personalization options. For example, the active suspension not only improves comfort and handling on the track but also provides the opportunity to fit a ride-raising system that can lift the car by almost 1.2 inches, protecting the vehicle from steep driveways and speed bumps.

Other options include a racing anti-lock braking system, the aforementioned stainless steel exhaust system, heated seats, parking sensors, front and rear cameras (the latter will undoubtedly be standard in the US to meet local homologation requirements), a lightweight air-conditioning system, forged or carbon fiber wheels, a wholly exposed carbon body, and even a carbon undertray.

There are enough options here to make some Lamborghinis look mass-produced, and they add up.

Deliveries of the car will start in January 2023, with European pricing starting at €245,000 (roughly $258,000) before taxes, but according to our calculations, a fully loaded model could set you back as much as €440,000 ($463,650) before taxes. Ouch.