Revealed in Affalterbach, Germany, the P72 marks the culmination of a considered six-year journey from concept to reality. First showcased at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed, this automotive tour de force now emerges in its definitive form – a sophisticated ode to driving pleasure that prioritises genuine connection over digital interference.

“The P72 was our 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 rises above modern convention. It is our echo through time—now made real.”

Norman Choi, CEO of De Tomaso Automobili

Engineering excellence without compromise

The P72’s chassis represents the pinnacle of carbon composite craftsmanship. De Tomaso has developed a clean-sheet carbon fibre structure woven entirely in 4×4 twill weave, extending from the central monocoque through the front and rear subframes.

Remarkably, at its core lies a unibody monocoque formed from a single, uninterrupted piece of carbon fibre with no bonded sections. This technical achievement enhances structural rigidity, reduces overall mass, and establishes new standards for architectural purity. The chassis serves as both engineering triumph and aesthetic statement.

Rather than adapting existing architecture, De Tomaso pursued a ground-up solution through years of rigorous development. This approach grants precise control over suspension geometry, mounting points, and overall balance. The resultant structure supports the P72’s purposeful driving position while positioning the powertrain at the lowest possible point within the chassis, delivering optimal weight distribution and a low centre of gravity – essential characteristics for genuine driver engagement.

A cockpit crafted for connection

The P72 interior presents a refreshing departure from contemporary automotive design. The cockpit eschews digital displays in favour of mechanical intimacy – traditional analogue instruments, bespoke switchgear, and a driver-focused layout that prioritises tactile connection above all.

Commanding attention at the centre is an exquisitely crafted exposed linkage shifter – a suspended sculpture in polished metal that connects driver to the six-speed manual gearbox through direct mechanical action. It encapsulates De Tomaso’s philosophical approach: tactility, artistry, and emotional engagement.

While a discreet phone holder acknowledges practical necessity, there exists no digital integration between device and automobile. The P72 asserts that the road surface provides all necessary feedback, with the engine note serving as the definitive soundtrack.

Every surface reflects deliberate craftsmanship – from hand-stitched leather to precisely finished metal components. Throughout the vehicle, individually milled aluminium elements are crafted by skilled artisans and finished in one of three distinctive treatments – bead-blasted, hand-brushed, or hand-polished – executed with the precision typically reserved for fine horology.

Mechanical heart with authentic character

De Tomaso’s heritage is inextricably linked with V8 power, a tradition the P72 continues with aplomb. At its core beats a hand-assembled 5.0-litre supercharged V8, developed exclusively for the ‘P’ platform. Featuring bespoke forged internal components and a proprietary De Tomaso supercharger, this powertrain delivers 700 hp and 820 Nm of torque.

Performance philosophy focuses not on abstract velocity records but on genuine driving pleasure. With carefully selected gear ratios, the drivetrain provides exhilarating mid-range acceleration – responsive, immediate, and emotionally satisfying. The 1960s-inspired header design transforms the P72’s V8 into an expressive mechanical instrument.

Perhaps most tellingly, the P72 dispenses with selectable driving modes and electronic intermediaries. It presents a pure, unfiltered connection between road, engine and driver. Beneath the carbon structure lies a push-rod suspension system developed for classical handling characteristics. The three-way manually adjustable damping allows drivers to tailor mechanical behaviour to preference without electronic intervention.

Complemented by efficient aerodynamics, the P72 rewards driver familiarity and skill. Each journey becomes a nuanced dialogue between mechanical balance and driver confidence.

Limited production with bespoke attention

The vehicle unveiled represents De Tomaso’s internal production specification, constructed outside the 72 customer allocations. It demonstrates the design, engineering and build quality standards that awaiting owners will receive when deliveries commence in late 2025.

Each of the 72 production examples will be individually commissioned and crafted with tailored finishes reflecting De Tomaso’s core values – an approach that contrasts sharply with standardised production methods.

“The P72 was our promise to faithfully revive a historic marque,” says Norman Choi, CEO of De Tomaso Automobili. “This first production-specification vehicle embodies everything we stand for: a mechanical soul, timeless beauty, and a driving experience that rises above modern convention. It is our echo through time—now made real.”

With the P72, De Tomaso reaffirms the value of emotional connection in automotive design. In an era increasingly characterised by digital interfaces, the P72 serves as a compelling reminder that mechanical authenticity remains the ultimate luxury.