2012 – The Year of the Sports Car Comeback?

Green vehicles were all the rage in 2011, with a heavy focus on reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Consumers are trying hard to be green at every turn – and this doesn’t end when they hit the road. Although that trend won’t be going away any time soon, many automakers are rolling out adrenaline-pumping sports cars that are set to turn heads in 2012. The model names may be the same, but some significant design changes have been made to old school sports cars, like the Honda NSX and Toyota GT-86, and the industry is abuzz.

With the sports car set to make a serious comeback in 2012, the timing is perfect for Donkervoort Automobielen BV, a Dutch automotive manufacturer, that recently rolled out its biggest and baddest model yet – the D8 GTO. Donkervoort relies on SolidWorks 3D design and simulation tools to produce hand built, lightweight, high performance vehicles that perform like Formula One racecars, but look like a classic roadster.

Similar to the changes Honda made to the NSX’s aluminum body, Donkervoort redesigned the body of the D8 GTO to ensure consistently high performance after adding more power and weight to the engine. According to Autoblog.com, the updates paid off, as they consider the D8 GTO the “best thing to come out of Holland since bitteballen and siropwaffelen.”

We’re excited to see the new speedsters, especially the D8 GTO, on the road in the coming year. What auto design changes are you most excited about? And more importantly, is a muscle car on your 2012 wish list? Tell us in the comments below!

Bio
Twitter
LinkedIn
Latest Posts

Kristen Wilson

Senior Manager Brand Offer Marketing, SolidWorks at Dassault Systemes

As the Senior Director of Communications, 3DEXPERIENCE Works, Kristen drives marketing strategy and oversees the team responsible for developing and executing multi-touch marketing plans across the Buyer's Journey, including 3DEXPERIENCE World.