The 700bhp De Tomaso P72 Will Have A Roush-Tuned Mustang V8 Heart
The old De Tomaso Pantera had a simple setup. Chassis and styling by Italy, married to V8 power from America. The company’s longest-running, biggest selling car was propelled by a Ford Windsor V8, picking up where the also Blue Oval-powered Mangusta left off.
This tradition is set to continue - the recently re-born brand’s new P72 supercar uses a mid-mounted Ford Coyote V8, it’s been confirmed. But it won’t be quite the same as the mill used in the Mustang - this one’s been played around with by Roush.
It’s supercharged, giving a power output of “around” 700bhp plus a torque figure in excess of 600lb ft. The redline will be over 7500rpm. DeTomaso says that we can expect: “A world-class engine that provides a unique soundtrack reminiscent of the days of old”.
Flying in the face of the supercar world’s near-universal adoption of automatic gearboxes, the P72 will be available with only one transmission option: a six-speed manual. It’ll be a joyous thing to use too, thanks to the gorgeous exposed linkage (above).
The resurrection of DeTomaso is all thanks to a Hong Kong-based concern called IdealVenture, which also backs Apollo Automobil. This makes it possible for the P72 to sit on the same LMP-like structure as the mad Intensa Emozione. The P72 will have a much greater focus on luxury than its angular track-only cousin, however. The cabin is a sea of beautiful quilted leather, while on the outside, you’re treated to swooping, classy styling inspired by the P70 of the 1960s.
The P70 was part of a collaboration between Alejandro De Tomaso, Carroll Shelby and Peter Brock, but the project wasn’t to be - only one car of a planned run of 50 was ever made. Will the P72 be more of a success? We’ll have to wait and see - the last time someone tried to resurrect De Tomaso (2012) it ended in liquidation.
The early signs on this occasion are good, however. There’s no outlandish business plan involving multiple models, and the car is using a proven platform with an engine from just about the most major supplier possible.
We can’t wait to hear that “unique soundtrack”.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Every time I see the car
“iT’s NoT a ReAl ToMaSo!!!”
Well 3 people clearly missed the obvious sarcasm in your comment
180 degree headers, anyone?
When the car was seen driving at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, it had the same exact V12 as the Apollo IE, and the car’s beautiful styling resembles the Ferrari 330 P4, which also had a V12 engine. The engine change is understandable though, because De Tomaso used to borrow the V8 engine from Ford back then. Can’t wait to see it running with a new Roush-tuned heart! That’s great that De Tomaso is totally coming back to its roots! Great to hear it will have a six-speed manual aswell!
I’m really excited for it, I hope it succeeds as it is probably the best looking new car atm. And with a manual as well, this ought to be good!
So we’re just going to ignore that wack exhaust?
Me rn
One of the most beautiful cars of this decade without a doubt
It’s definitely at least a little inspired by the P 4/5. I know DeTomaso have said they didn’t copy it but the car looks almost exactly like the Ferrari from the front. Don’t get me wrong, I like the engine choice tho.
I see what you mean. Still, it looks absolutely gorgeous.
They are doing everything right!