A V12 That Looks Alive
While car engines are typically celebrated for their performance, reliability, and sound, De Tomaso’s V12 for the P900 may be setting a new benchmark in design. The Italian marque has just unveiled its new V12, and it looks otherworldly—so much so that some have compared it to visuals straight out of the Alien movie franchise.
The loudest design cue is the exhaust manifold, which De Tomaso calls the 12-to-1 exhaust. Each of the 12 cylinders channels its exhaust gases into a single cylindrical outlet that looks as if it belongs on a fighter jet. De Tomaso credits itself with designing the powertrain, while Italtecnica Engineering is said to have crafted it.
The Heart of the Machine
The exhaust is routed around a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V12 producing 900 horsepower. While that output may seem to explain the P900 name, it actually refers to the car’s targeted 900-kilogram (1,984-pound) dry weight, which—on paper—undercuts the curb weight of a Mazda MX-5 Miata. The engine is rated at 900 horsepower on synthetic fuel.
More notably, the V12 is capable of revving beyond 12,000 rpm, which may help explain the exhaust’s complex design, as it can contribute to a distinctive sound—particularly noteworthy among V12-powered cars such as the Pagani Zonda F and Ferrari 812. However, this layout could complicate servicing, an important consideration for any high-performance car. But for a vehicle priced at $3 million, it’s likely the least of an owner’s concerns.
Aside from its mid-mounted engine, the track-only De Tomaso P900 features an intricate exterior design with a strong emphasis on aerodynamics, highlighted by massive side vents and a large rear wing. There are very few sharp corners, giving the car a rounded, fluid appearance.
Built Without Apologies
Only 18 examples are scheduled to be produced. While a V10 is also an option, it’s an encouraging sign to see De Tomaso tapping into V12 territory, especially as automakers increasingly downsize and electrify their powertrains to meet emissions regulations. Modern V12-powered cars still on sale include the Aston Martin Vanquish, Lamborghini Revuelto, and Rolls-Royce cars.
What sets the P900 apart, however, is its decision to forgo turbocharging and hybridization, much like the Ferrari 12Cilindri, resulting in a more straightforward, old-school driving experience—complete with rear-wheel drive and an Xtrac sequential transmission.
