De Tomaso is making a bold move against the trend of electrification, confirming a naturally-aspirated 7.0-liter V12 engine will power its upcoming P900 supercar. This isn’t just another engine; it’s a deliberate throwback to the high-revving, sonorous V12s of classic Formula 1, built for track enthusiasts who value raw experience over efficiency. The company has partnered with ItalTecnica to deliver this powerplant, which prioritizes sound and responsiveness as much as raw horsepower.
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Engine Specifications: A Return to Analog Power
The V12 boasts impressive specifications. It’s configured in a 65-degree V, featuring eight-stage dry sump lubrication and high-strength internals designed for extreme performance. Key components include a billet aluminum crankcase, forged connecting rods, and ultra-lightweight pistons.
The engine utilizes dual overhead camshafts per bank, four titanium valves per cylinder, and a lightweight carbon fiber intake. Despite its substantial displacement, the engine weighs under 441 lbs (200 kg), contributing to the car’s overall agility.
Performance and Transmission
The engine produces 888 hp (662 kW / 900 PS) at approximately 9,500 rpm, just shy of its 10,200 rpm redline. Power is channeled exclusively to the rear wheels via a sequential Xtrac gearbox, ensuring precise and direct control for track driving. This setup is not for public roads; it’s specifically engineered for the demands of a circuit.
A Shift in Plans and a Nod to Racing Heritage
De Tomaso initially planned to use a Capricorn-built V12 for the P900, but shifted gears due to the evolving automotive landscape. The company explicitly rejected electrification, stating its goal was to create a powertrain with “a true identity,” mirroring the visceral experience of iconic F1 engines where sound was not an afterthought, but the very essence of the brand.
“We wanted an engine that remembers the era of Formula 1 V12s, when noise was not a byproduct, but the defining signature of a marque.”
This statement underscores De Tomaso’s commitment to a distinctly analog driving experience.
Future Updates and Limited Production
De Tomaso hasn’t announced a firm launch date for the P900, but promises visual and aerodynamic refinements later this year. The production run is limited to just 18 units, catering to a niche market of enthusiasts who appreciate the purity of a high-revving V12 and a track-focused design.
The revival of this engine configuration in a modern supercar is a deliberate statement against the industry’s shift towards electric power. It represents a defiant embrace of the past, offering drivers an experience that prioritizes the raw, unfiltered thrill of internal combustion.
