De Tomaso P72 Debuts with a 5.0-litre V8, Manual Transmission and Jaw-Dropping Design

More than six years after its debut as a prototype at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the De Tomaso P72 has officially arrived as a production-ready, road-legal supercar. The wait appears to have been well worth it as De Tomaso has stayed true to the original design, preserving the concept’s jaw-dropping aesthetics in the final article. Drawing inspiration from the 1965 De Tomaso P70—a project born from the collaboration between company founder Alejandro De Tomaso and Carroll Shelby—the P72 channels a distinctly retro spirit. As the brand puts it, “With its flowing lines and analogue soul, the P72 celebrates the romance of the 1960s, a time when cars were sculpted as art and driven with intent.” While it’s unlikely to be available in India, only 72 units will be produced globally, with deliveries slated to begin later this year.

De Tomaso P72: Looks

The production-spec De Tomaso P72 stands out with its eye-catching white exterior, enhanced by rose gold detailing on the stripes, mirror caps, accents, and wheels. The uniquely styled rims pay homage to the original P70, showing a visual connection to the brand’s heritage.

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While its design may draw you in, the real innovation of the P72 lies beneath the surface. The car is underpinned by a carbon fibre chassis, shaped in a 4x4 twill weave, running seamlessly from the central monocoque through to the front and rear. Its core is a one-piece carbon fibre unibody with no bonded joints—a rare and complex construction that not only lightens the car but adds impressive rigidity. It’s a fusion of form and function that exemplifies modern automotive engineering.

De Tomaso P72: Interior

The P72’s interior is a departure from modern and digital-heavy concept, with a more traditional, analogue approach. Modern car enthusiasts may be disappointed by the absence of touchscreens, as the dashboard sticks to traditional analogue gauges and tactile physical controls. There’s no infotainment system—just a basic phone mount and a single screen for the rearview camera, subtly placed within the mirror. The highlight is the exposed linkage of the manual gear shifter, a clear nod to old-school mechanical engineering. Paired with hand-stitched leather, the cabin highlights a deep respect for craftsmanship and design precision.

De Tomaso has used custom-milled aluminium elements inside and out on the P72, offering them in three distinct finishes: bead-blasted, hand-brushed, or hand-polished. Each piece is shaped with the care and accuracy usually seen in the creation of high-end timepieces by experienced craftsmen.

De Tomaso P72: Under the Hood

Powering the P72 is a hand-assembled 5.0-litre supercharged V8. It incorporates custom-forged internal components and a new De Tomaso supercharger to generate 690bhp and 820Nm. The power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

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De Tomaso states that the 1960s-inspired exhaust system enhances the engine's presence as an integral part of the driving sensation. The P72's mechanical purity, lacking drive modes or electronic shortcuts, ensures a direct driver-road interface. The carbon monocoque underpins a push-rod suspension with adjustable damping.