The De Tomaso P72, a supercar that marries a history of building road rockets with forward-thinking engineering and a sculptural design regime, has the industry talking. A storied history, de Tomaso’s timeline begins in 1959 beginning with the Ford-powered de Tomaso Pantera and a one of a kind Sport 5000. When the brand reemerged in 2019, it was through the revitalization that marked a key milestone in their 60th year this year and the new P72, the toast to this legacy. But many automotive ventures have been stumbling, only the creativity of De Tomaso’s team is standing tall as they come back to the supercar arena.
Production however moved to Germany and the engine went from a formidable V12 to a formidable V8, a shift which constituted a drastic change in its development. It may have added to it, but these sort of changes didn’t stop the allure of this limited production vehicle from growing. To discerning collectors and those who simply have to have the best, each P72 is a rarity with 72 units planned. Even from the moment you first lay your eyes on the P72, you will get that sense of connection to its past, thanks to its design elements teasing the P70’s racing heritage.
Roush Engineering have been at the heart of it all, and at the heart of the P72 is a beastly 5.0 liter supercharged V8 engine. And they’re on the verge of delivering over 700 horsepower and over 600 lb-ft of torque in all, which translates to an amazing driving experience. A power only to the rear wheels is sent by a six speed manual transmission, which is rarely seen in modern supercars these days. De Tomaso furthers their pledge to offer up an engaging driving experience by going all the way back to the golden era of motoring with this choice.
The design ethos for the P72 is clear from the inside; “analogue nostalgia.” Step inside and you’ll be met with a driver focused cockpit with beautiful analog gauges of yore, as a subtle reminder of simpler times. An elegantly exposed manual gearshift lever is one of the many examples of what it takes to make this supercar. The stitched leather upholstery, as well as the copper element throughout the interior, scream luxury and attention to detail as constructed by De Tomasso.
The P72 is committed to style and analog instrumentation in an age in which digital dashboards are the new normal. Even as the excitement around this supercar is about what it provides on the roadway, the emotional connection it infuses into its drivers is equally propulsive. Just as John DeLorean with the GTO played ‘Show and Tell’ on a playground, De Tomaso, with the P72, is not simply introducing a new car: They are reviving a tradition with a long lineage that is resonant with every doting auto enthusiast.
The De Tomaso P72 is a fantastic historic presence in the past and a sensational contemporary statement of what supercars are going to look like as cars of the future. The automotive world holds its breath for what is set to be a spectacular revival of a legendary name as we await the first deliveries, and the anticipation builds. We certainly can’t wait to see the De Tomaso P72 debut on the streets, and buckle up because it’s about to shake up the supercar market.
The P72 is screwed together using a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, a structure that’s light but is also unbelievably rigid. The car’s handling and safety are improved due to this engineering choice. Rigidity in torsional form measures 72,600 Nm, more even than some of the most revered super cars in the world. This rigid structure means the driver gets a connected experience to the road, something that helps improve the total experience of driving.
Under the P72’s hood runs a strong 5.0 liter supercharged Ford Coyote V8 engine, a partnership between De Tomaso and Roush Engineering. At over 700 horsepower and 608 lb-ft of torque, this powerhouse is an exhilarating output. Far from a pretty face, such figures tell us that the P72 has the performance chops to warrant its good looks. While transitioning from the previously planned V12 to V8 engine means specs have been altered, it has sparked even more excitement about the new model. A nostalgic nod to driving enthusiasts who relish the engagement of a manual box, the choice of a six speed manual instead of the increasingly popular automatic models is a touch of for the purists.
However, the engineering of the P72 also features a rear mid-engine layout to produce the perfect weight distribution. It is this configuration which is critical to achieving agility and responsiveness in dynamic driving conditions. Rear wheel drive implementation adds another layer of driving experience, a car that will accelerate and corner as only a rear wheel drive should, thrilling any auto enthusiast.
In this digital interface driven era of cars the P72 is unique for embracing the elegance and simplicity of an analog design. It hits a spot with many driving enthusiasts who want to connect more personally to their car and get an immersive driving experience that’s not completely racing focused. With the first deliveries expected to hit the roads in 2023, automotive loyalists worldwide are all divinely giddy with anticipation for the P72.
The De Tomaso P72 boasts of a rich history, striking design and outstanding performance metrics. For drivers, it’s more than just transportation, it’s an opportunity to carry on its legacy. This vintage reminder is that in a world of multiple interfaces, automations, and instant gratification, pure joy of driving is timeless. Everything is building towards the return of a legendary name, and a return that the automotive world is eager for. Get ready because the De Tomaso P72 is set to make its mark now, and we’re taking the ride with it!
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