The Ultimate Apex Predator: A Comprehensive Review of the De Tomaso P900

 

The Ultimate Apex Predator: A Comprehensive Review of the De Tomaso P900

Following the stunning revival of its brand with the beautiful P72, De Tomaso has pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering and design to an extreme. The result is the De Tomaso P900, a track-only hypercar that trades the P72's sensuous, road-going elegance for a singular, brutal purpose: to dominate the race track. This vehicle is not a mere evolution; it is a declaration of the brand's motorsport heritage, a machine built for unadulterated speed and a purist's driving experience. This article takes a comprehensive look at what makes the P900 a truly uncompromising and revolutionary vehicle.

The Ultimate Apex Predator: A Comprehensive Review of the De Tomaso P900

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Design: Form Follows Ferocity

The De Tomaso P900's design is a testament to the principle that form must follow function, especially at the highest levels of performance. While the P72 was a rolling sculpture, the P900 is a machine sculpted by the wind. Its body is a masterpiece of aerodynamic engineering, featuring a full carbon fiber construction that is both lightweight and incredibly stiff. Every surface, from the large front splitter to the meticulously sculpted side pods, is designed to generate immense downforce.

The most striking visual element is the colossal rear wing, an active aerodynamic component that is crucial for stability and grip at high speeds. The P900’s design is a nod to De Tomaso’s racing history, particularly its Formula 1 and Le Mans prototypes, but it is executed with modern materials and technology. There are no unnecessary flourishes; every line, every vent, and every curve serves a singular purpose: to extract maximum performance on the track.

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The Engine: A Scream into the Wind

The heart of the De Tomaso P900 is its most extraordinary feature: a custom-built, naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces a staggering 900 horsepower and revs to an ear-splitting 12,300 rpm. This engine is a mechanical symphony, a deliberate choice by the brand to create a visceral and emotional driving experience that is almost extinct in the modern era of forced induction. The car's name, "P900," is a direct reference to its 900 hp power output and its target weight of 900 kg, a power-to-weight ratio that places it in the realm of top-tier racing cars.

For owners who may need to conform to specific track regulations, De Tomaso also offers an alternative engine: a version of the supercharged Ford V8 from the P72. However, it is the bespoke V12 that defines the P900's character, providing an unfiltered and raw soundtrack that is a celebration of pure, unbridled engineering.

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Engineering Excellence: A Chassis of Carbon and Purpose

The De Tomaso P900 is an engineering marvel. It is built around a full carbon fiber monocoque chassis, which provides an incredibly stiff and lightweight foundation. The suspension is a race-spec setup, featuring push-rod activated coil-overs that provide a high degree of tunability for different track conditions. The car's braking system is equally as impressive, with powerful carbon-ceramic brakes designed to handle the extreme demands of track use.

The P900’s most advanced feature is its Active Drag Reduction System (DRS), which allows the driver to adjust the rear wing's angle to reduce drag on straightaways for higher top speeds and then increase downforce in corners for maximum grip. This technology, borrowed directly from modern motorsport, gives the P900 a performance edge that is simply not found in road cars.

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The Driving Experience: Unfiltered and Uncompromising

Driving the De Tomaso P900 is an experience for the purist. With no road regulations to conform to and a singular focus on performance, the car delivers a raw and visceral connection between the driver, the machine, and the track. There are no unnecessary distractions, no infotainment systems, and minimal driver aids. The interior is a spartan, race-focused cabin with a full roll cage, racing seats, and a steering wheel adorned with controls for the car's various systems. The driver is in complete control, and the P900 responds with a level of precision and immediacy that is breathtaking. It is a car that demands respect and skill, and in return, it provides an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.

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Conclusion: A Return to Racing Glory

The De Tomaso P900 is not a car for everyone. With a limited production run of just 18 units, it is an incredibly exclusive vehicle for a select few collectors and track enthusiasts. It is a clear statement that the resurrected De Tomaso brand is not content with just building beautiful road cars; it is dedicated to its rich racing heritage. The P900 is a fitting tribute to that legacy, a car that pushes the boundaries of engineering and design to create the ultimate track experience. It is a true testament to the pursuit of perfection and a new benchmark for what a track-only hypercar can be.

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A Timeless Masterpiece: A Comprehensive Review of the De Tomaso P72

 

A Timeless Masterpiece: A Comprehensive Review of the De Tomaso P72

In a world increasingly dominated by supercars that look like angular, high-tech machines, the De Tomaso P72 is a stunning rebuttal. It is not just a car; it is a rolling sculpture, a romantic ode to a bygone era of automotive design. The P72 is a modern tribute to the legendary De Tomaso P70 prototype and the sensuous, flowing lines of 1960s Le Mans-era race cars. As the spearhead of the brand's resurrection, the P72 aims to capture not just the look but also the spirit of the golden age of motoring. This article takes a comprehensive look at what makes the P72 a truly unique and compelling vehicle.

A Timeless Masterpiece: A Comprehensive Review of the De Tomaso P72

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Design: Sculpted from a Golden Era

The single most captivating aspect of the De Tomaso P72 is its design. Penned by Jowyn Wong from the De Tomaso team, the P72 is an artistic masterpiece. Its form is a symphony of curves, with every line flowing seamlessly into the next, creating a liquid-like shape that looks both classic and futuristic. The design is a direct and respectful nod to the P70, a collaborative prototype between Alejandro de Tomaso and Carroll Shelby. The P72 features a beautiful teardrop cabin, a low, curvaceous body, and large, exposed wheels that fill the arches.

The P72 is not adorned with aggressive wings, sharp creases, or oversized aero elements. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and purity of form. The body is handcrafted from carbon fiber, but you would never know it by looking at the car, as the material is seamlessly molded into a body that appears to have been sculpted from a single block of metal. The attention to detail is staggering, from the intricate wheel design to the beautiful tail lights. This is a car that doesn't just look fast; it looks timeless.

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The Heart of a Beast: Performance and Heritage

While its design is rooted in the past, the P72's performance is decidedly modern. At its core is a Ford-based, supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine, developed in collaboration with Roush. This powerful motor produces over 700 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, giving the P72 breathtaking acceleration and a thrilling exhaust note.

However, in a world of dual-clutch automatics and paddle shifters, the P72 makes a bold statement by offering a manual transmission. This six-speed gearbox is a deliberate choice, intended to provide the driver with a direct and emotional connection to the car, a feel that is increasingly rare in modern supercars. The P72 is not about setting blistering lap times; it is about the experience, the sound of the engine, the satisfying feel of a manual gear change, and the pure joy of driving.

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Interior: An Extravagant Work of Art

The P72’s interior is as much a work of art as its exterior. It is an extravagant, handcrafted cabin that pays homage to classic race car interiors while using modern materials and techniques. The dominant theme is a stunning blend of polished copper and exposed mechanicals. The gear shifter's intricate linkage is left exposed, a mesmerizing piece of mechanical sculpture that is a focal point of the cabin.

The dashboard features vintage-inspired analog gauges with a touch of modern digital display, perfectly blending the old and the new. The seats are wrapped in sumptuous leather, and the overall fit and finish are exceptional. Every detail, from the air vents to the switchgear, feels bespoke and luxurious. The P72’s interior is a testament to opulence and a true celebration of mechanical beauty.

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Conclusion: More Than a Car, an Icon Reborn

The De Tomaso P72 is a car for a very specific type of enthusiast. It is not a vehicle for daily use, nor is it a car that prioritizes track-day performance above all else. With a limited production run of just 72 units and a price tag that places it in the realm of ultra-exclusive hypercars, the P72 is a collector's item and a rolling work of art.

The P72 successfully revives the spirit of De Tomaso and provides a fitting tribute to the brand's heritage. It is a vehicle that values emotional connection and aesthetic beauty above all else. In a world full of fast cars, the De Tomaso P72 stands alone as a truly timeless masterpiece, a car that celebrates the past while forging a unique path for the future.

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The Time Machine That Never Was: A Comprehensive Review of the DeLorean DMC-12

 

The Time Machine That Never Was: A Comprehensive Review of the DeLorean DMC-12

In the annals of automotive history, few cars occupy a space as unique and storied as the DeLorean DMC-12. A product of ambition, innovation, and ultimately, controversy, the DMC-12 is far more famous for its role as a time machine in the Back to the Future film trilogy than for its actual performance on the road. Despite its short-lived production run and commercial failure, the DeLorean has achieved a level of iconic status that few other cars can rival. This article takes a detailed look at the DMC-12, peeling back the layers of Hollywood mythology to review the car itself.

The Time Machine That Never Was: A Comprehensive Review of the DeLorean DMC-12

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A Design from the Future

The single most striking and enduring feature of the DeLorean DMC-12 is its design. Penned by the legendary Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the DMC-12's styling was truly a vision from the future. Its low-slung, wedge-shaped body, and smooth, clean lines were a stark contrast to the more traditional sports cars of the era. The most talked-about design element, of course, were the gull-wing doors. They were not just a gimmick; they were a bold statement that set the car apart from everything else on the road.

Complementing the futuristic shape was the DMC-12’s unfinished brushed stainless steel body panels. This feature eliminated the need for paint, making the car a unique, raw metallic canvas. It was a bold and unconventional choice that has since become its most recognizable characteristic. While the design was a masterpiece of its time, its build quality was often criticized, a product of a rushed manufacturing process and an inexperienced workforce in its Northern Ireland factory.

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Performance: Style Over Substance

For a car that looked like a spaceship, the DeLorean’s performance was, to put it mildly, underwhelming. Under the rear bonnet was the PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) 2.85-liter V6 engine. The motor produced a modest 130 horsepower, a figure that was simply not enough to move the car's heavy stainless steel body with any real urgency. The 0 to 60 mph (0-97 km/h) time was a sluggish 10.5 seconds, a far cry from the performance of its contemporary rivals like the Porsche 911 or Chevrolet Corvette.

The DMC-12’s ride, however, was generally considered comfortable. The suspension, designed by Lotus's Colin Chapman, gave the car a surprisingly good ride and predictable handling. It was more of a grand tourer than a genuine sports car, designed for smooth highway cruising rather than high-speed cornering. While its lack of raw power was a major disappointment for performance enthusiasts, it was a perfectly adequate and comfortable car for daily driving.

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The Interior: A Quirky Cabin

Inside the DeLorean, the cabin was a quirky mix of futuristic ambition and 1980s design. The interior was generally well-appointed, with leather seats and a sleek, low-profile dashboard. However, the ergonomics were often criticized. The seats were not particularly supportive, and the quirky layout of the controls and gauges felt dated even at the time.

The most unique interior feature was the car’s lack of a full-size rearview mirror, which was mounted on the windshield, a result of the gull-wing doors. Despite its flaws, the cabin was a comfortable and unique space to be in, and the excellent visibility from the large windshield and a surprisingly open feel made it a pleasant place to spend time.

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The DeLorean’s Legacy: From Failure to Icon

The DeLorean Motor Company went bankrupt in 1982 after just a couple of years of production, following founder John DeLorean's legal troubles. The car's commercial failure and its reputation for poor performance in its day could have relegated it to a mere footnote in history. However, its starring role as the iconic time machine in Back to the Future cemented its place in popular culture forever.

The film transformed the DeLorean from a commercial flop into a legendary icon. It gave the car the one thing it lacked in reality: a sense of extraordinary purpose. Today, a thriving community of enthusiasts maintains the roughly 9,000 cars that were produced. These cars are now highly sought after by collectors, not for their performance, but for their unique styling and their undeniable place in film history. The DeLorean is a car that will forever be defined by its cinematic legacy, a vehicle that transcends its mechanical shortcomings to remain one of the most beloved and recognizable cars in the world.

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