The lights of the Nürburgring Nordschleife glow in the distance as a low, alien silhouette sits in the pit lane. The engine is not running, but the presence is unmistakable. This is the De Tomaso P900, a track-only hypercar that represents the purest expression of the brand’s philosophy: a naturally aspirated V12, no electrification, no forced induction, and no road-legal ambitions.
The P900 was first revealed in late 2022 as a concept, and it has been through a series of changes since. The original plan called for a 6.2-liter V12 revving to 12,300 rpm, but the final production engine is a 7.0-liter unit that produces 900 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and redlines at 10,200 rpm. It is a car that De Tomaso built because the founders of the revived brand had a dream: to create a V12 that would have been worthy of Alejandro De Tomaso himself.
The Engine: A V12 in Defiance of Convention
The heart of the P900 is a 65-degree naturally aspirated V12 developed in collaboration with ItalTecnica, an Italian powertrain specialist. The engine displaces 7.0 liters and produces 900 horsepower at approximately 9,500 rpm, with a redline of 10,200 rpm. It is a masterpiece of engineering: a billet aluminum crankcase, forged connecting rods, ultra-lightweight pistons, and a full gear-driven cascade for the valvetrain.
The engine weighs less than 200 kilograms, making it remarkably light for its size and configuration. It features an eight-stage dry sump lubrication system, ensuring consistent oil pressure during high-g cornering. The carbon intake system is engineered as much for sound character as airflow efficiency. The objective, according to De Tomaso, was not purely power, but response, absolute immediacy on command. An engine not built for a brochure, but for the driver.
The engine’s sound is a defining characteristic. The 12-into-1 exhaust manifold, crafted from heat-reflective Inconel 625 steel piping, is designed to create a unique, high-pitched, visceral sound. De Tomaso describes it as a “10,200 rpm symphony,” a tribute to the era when noise was the defining signature of a marque.
The Chassis: LMP-Inspired Aerodynamics
The P900 is built around a carbon fiber monocoque, with a dry weight of just 900 kilograms. The car’s design is a collaboration with Jowyn Wong, the designer behind the Apollo IE and De Tomaso P72. The exterior features large air intakes, an active DRS-capable rear wing, and extensive underbody aero management. The aerodynamic package was validated in an F1-spec wind tunnel.
The result is a car with a power-to-weight ratio of 1:1, akin to the Koenigsegg One:1. The P900 is designed to deliver an authentic LMP-style driving experience. The car is fitted with an Xtrac sequential gearbox, which sends power to the rear wheels.
The Experience: More Than a Car
The P900 is not just a car; it is an experience. Owners will have access to “De Tomaso Competizione,” a driver’s club that organizes and helps run the car for owners at circuits. The cars will be stored and maintained by De Tomaso, and transported to and from track events. The first customer deliveries are expected to begin soon.
The Nürburgring Evening
The P900 has completed its demonstration run. Its V12 has delivered the 900 horsepower that makes it one of the most extreme track cars ever built. The carbon fiber chassis and advanced aerodynamics have kept it planted through the curves. The driver has experienced a level of performance that is as exclusive as it is extraordinary.
The P900 is not a car for everyone. It is limited to 18 units, priced at approximately $3 million each. But it represents a significant moment in De Tomaso’s history. It is a car that proves the naturally aspirated V12 is not dead, that there is still a market for cars that prioritize emotion over efficiency.
The P900 is not just a car. It is a statement. It is a reminder that even in an era of electrification and automation, there is still room for a car that is built by hand, driven with intent, and cherished as art. The track-only V12 has arrived. And it is unforgettable.
