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Donkervoort- S8
- 1986 S8
Donkervoort1986 Donkervoort S8 Dimensions, Size & Specs| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1986 |
| Production Years: | 1986 - 1994 discontinued in 1994 |
Precise measurements of the 1986 Donkervoort S8, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3600 mm141.7 in11.8 ft |
| Width: | 1730 mm68.1 in5.7 ft |
| Height: | 1100 mm43.3 in3.6 ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 685 kg1510 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 925 kg2039 lbs |
| Tire Specifications | |
| Rims Size: | 8J x 15 |
| Tire Sizes: | 225/50 R15 (W:225 | H:50 | D:15) 205/50 R15 (W:205 | H:50 | D:15) |
The Donkervoort S8 is a distinctive Dutch roadster produced between 1986 and 1994, celebrated for its minimalist design and exceptional lightweight construction. Measuring just 3600 mm (141.7 inches) in length, 1730 mm (68.1 inches) in width, and standing 1100 mm (43.3 inches) tall, the S8 offers compact dimensions that emphasize agility and driver engagement. Weighing only 685 kg (1,510 lbs) curb weight, it maintains a low mass that contributes to its spirited performance and nimble handling.
Constructed with a focus on simplicity and performance, the Donkervoort S8 features 15-inch rims (8J x 15) fitted with sporty tires sized 225/50 R15 on the front and 205/50 R15 on the rear, ensuring excellent grip and cornering abilities. The maximum vehicle weight is registered at 925 kg (2,039 lbs), highlighting its lightweight ethos.
This roadster stood apart from typical sports cars of its era by combining race-inspired engineering with street usability. Its compact size and low height enhance aerodynamic efficiency and lower the center of gravity, delivering thrilling driving dynamics. The Donkervoort S8 represents a niche choice for enthusiasts seeking a purist’s experience with a small footprint and lightweight design, still revered decades after its production ended.
Discover the standout features that make the 1986 Donkervoort S8 a leader in its class
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The Donkervoort S8, produced from 1986 to 1994, measures 3600 mm (141.7 inches) in length, 1730 mm (68.1 inches) in width, and 1100 mm (43.3 inches) in height. These compact dimensions contribute to its nimble handling and sporty profile, making it one of the more agile roadsters of its time.
The Donkervoort S8 roadster weighs a remarkably light 685 kg (1,510 lbs) curb weight, which helps improve acceleration and handling dynamics. Its maximum weight capacity is 925 kg (2,039 lbs), meaning it can carry a combined weight of passengers, fuel, and cargo up to that limit without compromising safety or performance.
The Donkervoort S8 rides on 8J x 15 rims, fitted with tires sized 225/50 R15 on the front and 205/50 R15 on the rear. These tire sizes provide a balanced contact patch and contribute to precise handling and grip, essential for a lightweight roadster designed for sporty driving characteristics.
With its compact dimensions—3600 mm (141.7 inches) long, 1730 mm (68.1 inches) wide, and 1100 mm (43.3 inches) high—the Donkervoort S8 fits comfortably into a standard garage. Most typical residential garages have a minimum width of about 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) and a height clearance over 2 meters (6.6 feet), so the S8 can easily be accommodated.
The Donkervoort S8 is notably compact when compared to other roadsters from the late 1980s and early 1990s. With a length of only 3600 mm (141.7 inches), it's shorter than many contemporaries, which often exceeded 4 meters (157 inches). Its narrow width of 1730 mm (68.1 inches) and low height of 1100 mm (43.3 inches) emphasize its minimalist and lightweight design philosophy, contributing to enhanced agility and sporty performance.
The Donkervoort S8, being a dedicated two-seater roadster, offers a snug and driver-focused cockpit designed for sporty driving rather than spaciousness. Its compact size limits interior room, providing adequate comfort for two occupants but little to no extra room for cargo or rear seating. This intimate space enhances the driving experience by positioning the driver close to the action.
The Donkervoort S8 represented an evolution in size and design compared to earlier Donkervoort models like the S7. Generally, the S8 maintained the brand's lightweight ethos but featured incremental increases in dimensions for improved occupant comfort and better aerodynamics. While exact predecessor dimensions vary, the S8's length at 3600 mm (141.7 inches) marked a careful balance between compactness and usability relative to earlier models.
When compared to similar minimalist roadsters like the Lotus Seven and Caterham variants, the Donkervoort S8 displays comparable compactness, though it often is slightly shorter and a bit narrower than some Caterham models that evolved post-1990s. The S8's 3600 mm (141.7 inches) length places it firmly within this niche segment of lightweight sports cars, designed to maximize performance through minimal weight and size.
The Donkervoort S8's compact and lightweight design, including its 3600 mm (141.7 inches) length and 685 kg (1,510 lbs) curb weight, significantly enhances its driving dynamics. The small footprint contributes to nimble handling, quick directional changes, and a low center of gravity, which collectively provide an engaging and responsive driving experience. These attributes align with the car's focus on delivering raw and pure roadster thrills.
Due to the Donkervoort S8's compact size and lightweight construction, maintenance often requires attention to specialized components that may be less common in larger, mass-produced vehicles. Its low height (1100 mm/43.3 inches) can make certain underbody inspections and repairs more accessible, but the specialized tires (225/50 R15 front and 205/50 R15 rear) and custom rims may require sourcing from niche suppliers. Overall, regular maintenance is straightforward, but owners should be aware of the unique, performance-focused design features.
