New Donkervoort GTO-RS is Holland’s crazy Caterham rival

Over the years, many companies have taken Colin Chapman’s basic but brilliant two seat tub-with-wheels design, made it quicker and added more bonkers. However, no one has pushed the boundaries further than crazy Dutch brand Donkervoort.

It started out building replica Lotus Sevens, then turned it into a seriously fighty bit of kit called the D8 GTO. Now, they’ve taken the GTO and made that even fightier with the road-legal GTO-RS.

So if you’re interested in driving rather than simply travelling, and like to scare yourself along the way, you might want to listen up.

Under the long bonnet is Audi’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine from the RS3 and TT RS. Power hasn’t officially been quoted yet, but the last iteration of the barmy GTO had a not inconsiderable 380bhp to the rear wheels, enabling a Nissan GT-R-baiting 2.8-second 0-62mph time.

Even if power isn’t boosted in the new one, it’ll still accelerate like that oft-quoted shovel-based maxim, thanks to plenty of carbon fibre which allows the RS to tip the scales at less than 700kgs.

With angry-looking bodywork and an increased front and rear track, it doesn’t half look purposeful. Plus, with no traction control, power steering or ABS, it’ll keep you on your toes too.

If you’re in the market for a more left field track-focused road car, the D8 GTO-RS will go on sale this summer for £121,000 excluding taxes.

That’s a healthy chunk of money when you can buy two of Caterham’s most ballistic car – the 620R – for the same cash. It is more exclusive though as only 40 will be made. Apparently, 21 are already accounted for. So if you want one, you’ll have to be quick.