The D8 GTO RS is a terrific track car from Dutch boutique carmaker Donkervoort. A hardcore variant of the D8 GTO, the RS edition benefits from a remapped ECU, new suspension with fully adjustable racing ABS and traction-control, and automatic double-clutching. Packing an Audi-sourced, 2.5-liter TFSI unit producing over 400-horsepower, 0-60 mph takes just 2.7 seconds. So far, Donkervoort has delivered 20 examples of the D8 GTO RS out of the 40 planned for production.
If that wasn't already limited enough, the company also sells a special edition model called the Bare Naked Carbon Edition, the first of which is currently being delivered to its new owner in Germany. The first customer example is finished in a striking Monte Carlo Blue Carbon. Just as the name suggests, the Bare Naked Carbon Edition makes no attempt to hide its modesty. Using an innovative transparent paint technology, the first customer car was built using lightweight visible carbon components with a blue finish that still shows the pattern of the carbon fiber. During the painstaking painting process, a transparent UV layer is placed on every carbon component by hand.
The latest development in the technology allows the engineers to add a special color pigment to the transparent paint, using a mixture that transforms the fibers and makes them appear in color. The result is eye-catching, to say the least, and the technique also reduces weight compared to traditional sprayed carbon components. The D8 GTO RS Bare Naked Carbon Edition is also the first car to be built using Donkervoort's innovative X-Core technology, a patented production method for carbon fiber components that can be produced in a single production cycle. Bodywork components usually consist of an inner and outer shell, but the X-Core process directly joins both shells using a strong foam structure.
From the beastly nose to the distinctive diffuser, 95 percent of the bodywork is made from visible carbon. Inside, the 'carbon look' continues for the tunnel, doors, window frame, dashboard and seats. Even the belt and roll-bar trim, ignition cylinder housing and headlight housing are made from visible carbon. The D8 GTO RS Bare Naked Carbon Edition is being built in a limited production run of just 15 units costing 182,000 Euros ($218,616) each. All 40 units of the standard D8 GTO RS have already been sold.