De Tomaso Automobili has unveiled its new V-12 engine for the P900 hypercar – a feat of engineering that took four years to develop and looks like a mechanical nightmare ripped from science fiction. The engine displaces 6.2 liters, screams to 12,300 rpm, and unleashes 900 horsepower on synthetic fuel. The P900 itself will sell for $3 million, positioning it squarely against the elite of the hypercar world.
The Engine: A Mechanical Monstrosity
The V-12’s design is far from conventional. It features a bizarre, twisted arrangement of steel components, culminating in a massive 12:1 exhaust manifold. This structure resembles the exposed internals of a jet engine but with a disturbing symmetry. De Tomaso initially planned a Judd-sourced V-10 in 2022, estimating a two-year development cycle for the V-12. The reality took twice as long, resulting in an engine that is both brutally powerful and visually unsettling.
Performance and Practicality
The P900 is built for extreme performance, with a curb weight under 2,000 pounds and rear-wheel drive. Unlike many modern hypercars, it eschews hybrid power, relying solely on the raw output of the V-12. Massive aerodynamic elements and a fighter plane-style cockpit complete the look. However, the car is intended primarily for track use, making it gloriously impractical for everyday driving.
Limited Production and Storage
Only 18 P900s will be built, which is good news for the welders who assembled the exhaust system. De Tomaso will store the cars at the Nürburgring, providing a suitable environment for unleashing the engine’s full potential. The company believes the track will be worthy of such a beast.
The P900’s engine is an eldritch mechanical artwork that adds to its appeal, making it a visceral experience rather than just a high-performance machine.
The De Tomaso P900 stands out not only for its power but also for its unsettling aesthetics. It’s a hypercar that screams performance, complexity, and exclusivity in equal measure.
