De Tomaso Automobili proudly unveils the P72, a powerful homage to the brand’s distinguished 65-year heritage. This car is a heartfelt celebration of a bygone era, a time when automotive design and engineering were primarily fueled by passion and profound intuition, rather than solely by analytical data. The P72 draws its profound inspiration from the legendary 1965 De Tomaso P70, a collaborative masterpiece born from the partnership between Alejandro De Tomaso and Carroll Shelby. The P72 aims to reignite that very same spirit, evident in its gracefully flowing lines and its undeniable “analogue soul,” which powerfully evokes the romance of the 1960s—a period when automobiles were truly sculpted works of art, driven with intense purpose. First introduced as a concept at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the P72 has now emerged in its definitive production form, meticulously realized and poised to embrace the open road.
Meticulously Engineered from the Ground Up
Beneath the P72’s exquisite exterior lies an entirely new, bespoke carbon fibre chassis. This isn’t just any ordinary carbon fibre; it’s intricately woven in a 4×4 twill pattern, extending seamlessly from the central monocoque through both the front and rear subframes. At its very core is a remarkable unibody monocoque, skillfully crafted from a single, uninterrupted piece of carbon fibre with no bonded sections. This represents a rare and incredibly complex achievement in automotive engineering, significantly enhancing rigidity, reducing overall weight, and establishing a new benchmark for structural integrity.
The development of this advanced platform required several years of rigorous, iterative engineering. Rather than simply modifying an existing architecture, De Tomaso committed to a comprehensive ground-up solution. This approach allowed for precise control over crucial elements such as suspension geometry, mounting points, and the car’s overall chassis balance. The final structure was meticulously tailored to accommodate the P72’s low-slung driving position while ensuring the powerful engine is centrally positioned at the lowest possible point within the chassis. The outcome is a platform that delivers optimal weight distribution and an exceptionally low centre of gravity, factors that are fundamental to the P72’s intuitive, old-school driving experience. Encasing this advanced structure is a full carbon fibre body, available in a carefully curated range of heritage-inspired paint finishes or, for those who prefer, a striking visual carbon exterior.
An Unmistakable Analogue Statement in a Digital Age
Stepping inside the P72, one is immediately struck by its clear rejection of the pervasive digital era. The cockpit is refreshingly devoid of screens, infotainment systems, or any distracting overlays. Instead, drivers are greeted by traditional analogue dials, custom-crafted switchgear, and a cockpit designed entirely around the profound human connection to the machine.
At the very heart of this driver-focused space is a masterfully designed exposed linkage shifter—a suspended sculpture of polished metal that connects the driver directly to the six-speed gearbox through pure tactile feedback, not digital programming. This particular element perfectly embodies everything De Tomaso represents: tactility, artistry, and raw emotion. While a discreet phone holder is thoughtfully included for practical convenience, there is absolutely no digital connection between your device and the car. In the P72, the road itself serves as your interface, and the engine provides an unforgettable soundtrack. Every surface, from the meticulously hand-stitched leather to the precise finish of machined metal, bears the deliberate signature of human craftsmanship. Throughout both the interior and exterior, De Tomaso utilizes individually milled aluminium components, each painstakingly crafted by skilled artisans. These parts are then meticulously finished with one of three distinct treatments—bead-blasted, hand-brushed, or hand-polished—composed with the same exacting attention to detail one would find in a fine mechanical timepiece.
Crafted for Authentic Feeling, Not Just Raw Figures
De Tomaso boasts a long and storied history with V8 power, a definitive hallmark of the brand’s enduring legacy. At the core of the P72 beats a hand-assembled 5.0L supercharged V8, developed exclusively for its “P” platform. With bespoke forged internals and an all-new De Tomaso supercharger, this engine generates a robust 700 horsepower and 820 Nm of torque.
Crucially, with its short gear ratios, the powertrain is not engineered for sheer top-speed dominance. Instead, it is precisely calibrated for exhilarating in-gear performance—delivering immediate, responsive, and profoundly emotionally rewarding power. Paired with a 1960s-inspired header design, the P72’s V8 transforms into a living instrument, emitting a raw and expressive soundtrack. There are no convoluted drive modes, no digital shortcuts; just the open road, the powerful engine, and the driver in perfect, unadulterated harmony. Beneath the carbon monocoque, a push-rod suspension system has been developed to provide a distinctly classical driving sensation. The 3-way manually adjustable damping system allows drivers to fine-tune the car’s behaviour to their exact preferences. Complemented by a low-drag aerodynamic profile, the P72 truly rewards familiarity. Each journey becomes a captivating dialogue between poise and courage, precision and playfulness.
A Significant Milestone Achieved, A Promise Fulfilled
The vehicle revealed today is an internal production specification unit, constructed outside of the 72 customer allocations. This signifies that it represents the final design, engineering, and build quality that the fortunate “custodians” (owners) will ultimately receive. Each of the 72 production cars will be individually commissioned and meticulously crafted with tailored finishes and aesthetic options, all reflecting De Tomaso’s fundamental values.
Norman Choi, CEO of De Tomaso Automobili, stated, “The P72 was our solemn promise to faithfully revive a historic marque. This first production-specification vehicle embodies everything we stand for: a mechanical soul, timeless beauty, and a driving experience that transcends modern conventions. It is our echo through time – now made real.” With the P72, De Tomaso emphatically reasserts its profound belief in a driving experience rooted in pure emotion. In an era increasingly dominated by digital screens and electric silence, the P72 serves as a powerful reminder that the most impactful technology is often found in the human touch. Deliveries to custodians are anticipated to commence in late 2025, marking the dawn of a new chapter where cherished heritage and contemporary craftsmanship converge on the open road.
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