Six-figure supercars are nothing new, but the aesthetics of this one shame the usual suspects.
Concept cars are often an exciting glimpse into the future of automotive design. Freed from the constraints of production realities such as safety regulations, emissions standards, and manufacturing costs, these cars allow manufacturers to explore bold and innovative designs, which capture the public's attention. The result is often a stunning visual masterpiece - elegant lines, eye-catching shapes, and futuristic features - that make us dream about what could be.
The transition from concept to production, however, can be less exciting. Many concept cars lose their appeal when it comes time to be approved for road use. To meet strict safety and emissions requirements or simply to make the car producible, striking design elements are often significantly toned down. Features that once distinguished the car are either modified or completely removed, resulting in a production model that may only vaguely resemble the original concept.
But occasionally, a manufacturer exceeds expectations. De Tomaso is one of those brands that have managed to do just that with its P72. When the company unveiled its long-awaited P72, it shocked fans by revealing a road-going version that closely resembles the jaw-dropping concept car first shown in 2019. The design of the P72 remains as sensual, bold, and daring as the prototype, staying true to its original aesthetics without compromising the elements that make it so appealing. This is a rare and refreshing turn of events, where the beauty of a concept car is not diluted in the name of production feasibility. Instead, De Tomaso created a hypercar that retains the raw emotion and excitement that made the original concept so captivating.
The P72 is a testament to what can happen when a manufacturer refuses to sacrifice design for practicality and is a true example of how a vision can be realized without compromise. From its curvaceous forms to the eye-catching details, the De Tomaso P72 is not just another supercar - it is a statement.
This De Tomaso P72 is ready for production and is something beautiful.
De Tomaso, a name synonymous with exotic cars thanks to the iconic V8-powered Pantera, returned to the spotlight in 2019 to mark its 60th anniversary with the debut of the P72 at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed. The P72 was not an ordinary concept; it was a celebration of De Tomaso's heritage and vision for the future. After five years of development and another six years of anticipation, De Tomaso finally unveiled the production version of this hypercar, and it remains true to the impressive design of the concept.
Unlike many concept cars, which lose their charm when they become production models, the P72 retains much of what initially captured our attention. The low-slung body, swan-wing mirrors, and impossibly short front overhang are all present, giving the P72 both an aggressive and graceful presence. The all-carbon-fiber bodywork conceals a carbon-fiber chassis, which not only contributes to the car's striking looks but also provides a lightweight, high-stiffness construction. This is a car designed with performance in mind, and beauty is certainly more than skin deep.
But the P72’s exterior styling is not the only thing that stands out – its performance is equally impressive. At the heart of this beast is a hand-built 5.0-litre V8 engine, borrowed from Ford powerplants but extensively reworked for this application. With the addition of a supercharger, this engine generates an impressive 700 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. De Tomaso promises a unique engine character, thanks to forged internal components and custom manifolds, giving the P72 a sound and feel that is distinctly its own, even though its origins may seem more familiar.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission with a short final drive ratio – yes, a manual gearbox, because De Tomaso understands that the true pleasure of driving comes with some involvement. The rear-wheel-drive configuration, combined with a pushrod suspension system and manually adjustable dampers, ensures that the P72 delivers the “raw and expressive” driving experience promised by De Tomaso. This is a car that is both focused on the driver’s connection with the road, as well as on brute force and elegance.
In the P72, De Tomaso has created a hypercar that pays homage to its heritage while pushing the boundaries of performance and design. This is a car that speaks to the enthusiast, combining a legendary V8 engine, a driver-focused manual gearbox, and a design that makes an impression even before the engine starts. If the P72 lives up to its promise, it will be remembered as more than just a beautiful machine – it will be an exhilarating, intuitive experience that challenges our expectations of what a modern supercar should be.
De Tomaso calls the P72 an “analog statement in a digital world”,
The De Tomaso P72’s cockpit is a testament to the brand’s focus on the intimate connection between the driver and the machine, building on the legacy of its iconic predecessor, the Pantera. Unlike many modern cars that rely heavily on screens and digital interfaces, the P72 celebrates the pure, tactile driving experience. The interior is a masterful blend of craftsmanship and functionality, drawing parallels with cars like Pagani and Spyker, known for their dedication to mechanical satisfaction.
One of the standout features of the P72 is its exposed manual gearshift lever, offering a raw, mechanical feel that connects the driver directly to the car’s performance. Analog gauges, framed in exquisitely milled aluminium, further reinforce the sense of traditional craftsmanship, providing a visual connection to the car’s engineering. Hand-stitched leather adorns the seats, steering wheel, and dashboard, creating an atmosphere that exudes luxury and attention to detail.
Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of the P72’s interior is the deliberate absence of distracting elements. The cockpit is intentionally free of screens, infotainment systems, and overlays that have become standard in most modern cars. De Tomaso has created a space that is entirely focused on driving, offering a pure and immersive connection with the car. As De Tomaso puts it, there is nothing here to distract from the experience. For those 72 lucky owners who will take this masterpiece home, the P72 promises to be not just a car, but a tactile and emotional experience that celebrates the art of driving in its most unfiltered form.
Final Thoughts
We are not sure how many of the 72 examples of the De Tomaso P72 are spoken for, but the manufacturer claims that each one will be significantly personalised, tailored precisely to the owner’s specifications. In 2019, De Tomaso stated that each one would cost “around 750,000 euros”, approximately $840,000.
We'll have to start saving our pennies. In the meantime, we'll play around with the De Tomaso configurator. You know… just to be ready to order. De Tomaso says deliveries will begin later this year.
