De Tomaso P72: Manual, screen-free supercar thumbs its nose at the modern age
The P72 rides on a bespoke platform with carbon-fibre woven in a 4×4 twill weave to a form a single piece for the central monocoque, as well as the front and rear subframes.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
As for the exterior, its design is inspired by the P70 race car from the late 1960s. The body is also made from carbon-fibre, and can be finished in a choice of 'heritage-inspired' paint options or with exposed carbon weave.
Despite the long gestation period, the P72 is almost indistinguishable from the 2019 concept car. There are some subtle tweaks to the lower air intake, and lower aero package.
Perhaps the biggest change is to the car's wraparound glass canopy, which now includes now small roll down window section. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
On the inside, the centre tunnel is wider and the area around the exposed gearbox shifter linkages is more open than before, but otherwise the cabin stays true to the concept's analogue ethos.
While the car's design, construction and engineering relies heavily on modern digital processes, the cabin is a throwback to an earlier analogue time as there are no screens, infotainment or otherwise, to be found.
An integrated mobile phone holder is the interior's one nod to modernity, but it's there primarily for navigation purposes because there's no audio system to connect to. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
There's a huge array of dials ahead of the driver, and in the centre of the dashboard. Milled aluminium, either bead-blasted, hand-brushed, or hand-polished, is used extensively throughout for the dials, buttons, knobs, gear shifter, and other touch points.
Behind the passenger cell is the vehicle's sole soundtrack system, a 5.0-litre V8 — thought to be from Ford — that's fitted with new forged internals and a De Tomaso supercharger. It makes 522kW and 820Nm, and drives the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
De Tomaso hasn't provided any performance figures for the P72. The company says top speed wasn't the focus, but rather the car is tuned for 'exhilarating in-gear performance' and to be 'immediate, responsive, and emotionally rewarding'. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert
The car rides on a pushrod suspension system. Although there no selectable drive modes, the P72 does feature three-way manually adjustable dampers.
The car revealed here is an 'internal production specification unit', and isn't one of the 72 production vehicles that will be delivered to customers.
No pricing for the P72 has been publicly announced, but given the high levels of craftsmanship and extensive personalisation for each car, it will probably make Australian housing stock seem cheap and affordable. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Most remember De Tomaso for its Mangusta and Pantera supercars, but in the mid-70s it took over Maserati, and was responsible for its push into BMW territory with the Biturbo, and its offspring.
After selling off Maserati and Innocenti in 1993, the brand largely lay dormant until it was revived briefly to, once again, take on BMW. That effort died when Gian Mario Rossignolo, the company's owner, was arrested and sent to jail for misappropriating government funds taken to revive De Tomaso.
The current iteration of De Tomaso was purchased by Hong Kong businessman Norman Choi in 2014.
MORE: Everything De Tomaso
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Surprise gas guzzlers identified in vehicle road tests
Some of the most popular vehicles in Australia are consuming significantly more petrol than advertised, tests have shown, and hybrid cars rank amongst the most unexpectedly thirsty models. Twenty-five of 30 vehicles tested on Australian roads failed to meet their laboratory test results, and 11 of the cars consumed 10 per cent or more fuel than expected. The Australian Automobile Association revealed the findings in its latest round of on-road vehicle testing, which also found six models produced more noxious emissions than allowed in Australia. The results come amid a greater focus on vehicle emissions, following the introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard in 2025 and after rising sales of hybrid cars. The association tested a wide range of vehicles in the latest round of its $14 million Real-World Testing Program, ranging from large SUVs and vans to small cars, a ute and people-mover. The vehicles are tested on a 93km route around Geelong in Victoria, with tailpipe emissions captured on urban streets, rural roads and motorways and compared to lab test results. Surprisingly, a small SUV registered the greatest gap in fuel consumption during recent tests, with the Hyundai Kona Hybrid using 33 per cent more fuel on the road than in the lab. Another small SUV, the Kia Stonic, used 26 per cent more fuel than expected, followed by the Hyundai i30 Hybrid (17 per cent), the Toyota Fortuner (16 per cent), and the Kia Sportage Hybrid (14 per cent). Findings that one-third of the vehicles consumed more fuel on the road than in the lab indicated a widespread issue in the automotive industry, association managing director Michael Bradley said. "It's becoming clear that carmakers continue to optimise their vehicles' performance for lab testing, meaning new cars are too often overstating their improvements in fuel use and environmental performance," he said. "Some vehicles perform as advertised but most do not, and our program is seeking to reward carmakers that deliver genuine financial and environmental savings." In addition to fuel consumption, six of the 30 vehicles tested produced more noxious emissions than allowed under the Australian standard, including the Ford Ranger ute, Toyota Hi-Ace, and Toyota Fortuner. Five vehicles did buck the trend and use less fuel than expected, however, such as the Ford Transit van (nine per cent less), Lexus NX350h SUV (seven per cent less), and Mercedes-Benz GLC250 SUV (three per cent less). The program, funded by the federal government, has examined emissions from 114 vehicles since 2023 and found 88 models failed to meet their promised fuel consumption. The association will expand its tests to electric vehicles shortly, Mr Bradley said, and compare their on-road range to what consumers are promised. "Range anxiety continues to be a significant barrier to EV uptake," he said. Some of the most popular vehicles in Australia are consuming significantly more petrol than advertised, tests have shown, and hybrid cars rank amongst the most unexpectedly thirsty models. Twenty-five of 30 vehicles tested on Australian roads failed to meet their laboratory test results, and 11 of the cars consumed 10 per cent or more fuel than expected. The Australian Automobile Association revealed the findings in its latest round of on-road vehicle testing, which also found six models produced more noxious emissions than allowed in Australia. The results come amid a greater focus on vehicle emissions, following the introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard in 2025 and after rising sales of hybrid cars. The association tested a wide range of vehicles in the latest round of its $14 million Real-World Testing Program, ranging from large SUVs and vans to small cars, a ute and people-mover. The vehicles are tested on a 93km route around Geelong in Victoria, with tailpipe emissions captured on urban streets, rural roads and motorways and compared to lab test results. Surprisingly, a small SUV registered the greatest gap in fuel consumption during recent tests, with the Hyundai Kona Hybrid using 33 per cent more fuel on the road than in the lab. Another small SUV, the Kia Stonic, used 26 per cent more fuel than expected, followed by the Hyundai i30 Hybrid (17 per cent), the Toyota Fortuner (16 per cent), and the Kia Sportage Hybrid (14 per cent). Findings that one-third of the vehicles consumed more fuel on the road than in the lab indicated a widespread issue in the automotive industry, association managing director Michael Bradley said. "It's becoming clear that carmakers continue to optimise their vehicles' performance for lab testing, meaning new cars are too often overstating their improvements in fuel use and environmental performance," he said. "Some vehicles perform as advertised but most do not, and our program is seeking to reward carmakers that deliver genuine financial and environmental savings." In addition to fuel consumption, six of the 30 vehicles tested produced more noxious emissions than allowed under the Australian standard, including the Ford Ranger ute, Toyota Hi-Ace, and Toyota Fortuner. Five vehicles did buck the trend and use less fuel than expected, however, such as the Ford Transit van (nine per cent less), Lexus NX350h SUV (seven per cent less), and Mercedes-Benz GLC250 SUV (three per cent less). The program, funded by the federal government, has examined emissions from 114 vehicles since 2023 and found 88 models failed to meet their promised fuel consumption. The association will expand its tests to electric vehicles shortly, Mr Bradley said, and compare their on-road range to what consumers are promised. "Range anxiety continues to be a significant barrier to EV uptake," he said. Some of the most popular vehicles in Australia are consuming significantly more petrol than advertised, tests have shown, and hybrid cars rank amongst the most unexpectedly thirsty models. Twenty-five of 30 vehicles tested on Australian roads failed to meet their laboratory test results, and 11 of the cars consumed 10 per cent or more fuel than expected. The Australian Automobile Association revealed the findings in its latest round of on-road vehicle testing, which also found six models produced more noxious emissions than allowed in Australia. The results come amid a greater focus on vehicle emissions, following the introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard in 2025 and after rising sales of hybrid cars. The association tested a wide range of vehicles in the latest round of its $14 million Real-World Testing Program, ranging from large SUVs and vans to small cars, a ute and people-mover. The vehicles are tested on a 93km route around Geelong in Victoria, with tailpipe emissions captured on urban streets, rural roads and motorways and compared to lab test results. Surprisingly, a small SUV registered the greatest gap in fuel consumption during recent tests, with the Hyundai Kona Hybrid using 33 per cent more fuel on the road than in the lab. Another small SUV, the Kia Stonic, used 26 per cent more fuel than expected, followed by the Hyundai i30 Hybrid (17 per cent), the Toyota Fortuner (16 per cent), and the Kia Sportage Hybrid (14 per cent). Findings that one-third of the vehicles consumed more fuel on the road than in the lab indicated a widespread issue in the automotive industry, association managing director Michael Bradley said. "It's becoming clear that carmakers continue to optimise their vehicles' performance for lab testing, meaning new cars are too often overstating their improvements in fuel use and environmental performance," he said. "Some vehicles perform as advertised but most do not, and our program is seeking to reward carmakers that deliver genuine financial and environmental savings." In addition to fuel consumption, six of the 30 vehicles tested produced more noxious emissions than allowed under the Australian standard, including the Ford Ranger ute, Toyota Hi-Ace, and Toyota Fortuner. Five vehicles did buck the trend and use less fuel than expected, however, such as the Ford Transit van (nine per cent less), Lexus NX350h SUV (seven per cent less), and Mercedes-Benz GLC250 SUV (three per cent less). The program, funded by the federal government, has examined emissions from 114 vehicles since 2023 and found 88 models failed to meet their promised fuel consumption. The association will expand its tests to electric vehicles shortly, Mr Bradley said, and compare their on-road range to what consumers are promised. "Range anxiety continues to be a significant barrier to EV uptake," he said. Some of the most popular vehicles in Australia are consuming significantly more petrol than advertised, tests have shown, and hybrid cars rank amongst the most unexpectedly thirsty models. Twenty-five of 30 vehicles tested on Australian roads failed to meet their laboratory test results, and 11 of the cars consumed 10 per cent or more fuel than expected. The Australian Automobile Association revealed the findings in its latest round of on-road vehicle testing, which also found six models produced more noxious emissions than allowed in Australia. The results come amid a greater focus on vehicle emissions, following the introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard in 2025 and after rising sales of hybrid cars. The association tested a wide range of vehicles in the latest round of its $14 million Real-World Testing Program, ranging from large SUVs and vans to small cars, a ute and people-mover. The vehicles are tested on a 93km route around Geelong in Victoria, with tailpipe emissions captured on urban streets, rural roads and motorways and compared to lab test results. Surprisingly, a small SUV registered the greatest gap in fuel consumption during recent tests, with the Hyundai Kona Hybrid using 33 per cent more fuel on the road than in the lab. Another small SUV, the Kia Stonic, used 26 per cent more fuel than expected, followed by the Hyundai i30 Hybrid (17 per cent), the Toyota Fortuner (16 per cent), and the Kia Sportage Hybrid (14 per cent). Findings that one-third of the vehicles consumed more fuel on the road than in the lab indicated a widespread issue in the automotive industry, association managing director Michael Bradley said. "It's becoming clear that carmakers continue to optimise their vehicles' performance for lab testing, meaning new cars are too often overstating their improvements in fuel use and environmental performance," he said. "Some vehicles perform as advertised but most do not, and our program is seeking to reward carmakers that deliver genuine financial and environmental savings." In addition to fuel consumption, six of the 30 vehicles tested produced more noxious emissions than allowed under the Australian standard, including the Ford Ranger ute, Toyota Hi-Ace, and Toyota Fortuner. Five vehicles did buck the trend and use less fuel than expected, however, such as the Ford Transit van (nine per cent less), Lexus NX350h SUV (seven per cent less), and Mercedes-Benz GLC250 SUV (three per cent less). The program, funded by the federal government, has examined emissions from 114 vehicles since 2023 and found 88 models failed to meet their promised fuel consumption. The association will expand its tests to electric vehicles shortly, Mr Bradley said, and compare their on-road range to what consumers are promised. "Range anxiety continues to be a significant barrier to EV uptake," he said.
Perth Now
2 hours ago
- Perth Now
Surprise gas guzzlers identified in vehicle road tests
Some of the most popular vehicles in Australia are consuming significantly more petrol than advertised, tests have shown, and hybrid cars rank amongst the most unexpectedly thirsty models. Twenty-five of 30 vehicles tested on Australian roads failed to meet their laboratory test results, and 11 of the cars consumed 10 per cent or more fuel than expected. The Australian Automobile Association revealed the findings in its latest round of on-road vehicle testing, which also found six models produced more noxious emissions than allowed in Australia. The results come amid a greater focus on vehicle emissions, following the introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard in 2025 and after rising sales of hybrid cars. The association tested a wide range of vehicles in the latest round of its $14 million Real-World Testing Program, ranging from large SUVs and vans to small cars, a ute and people-mover. The vehicles are tested on a 93km route around Geelong in Victoria, with tailpipe emissions captured on urban streets, rural roads and motorways and compared to lab test results. Surprisingly, a small SUV registered the greatest gap in fuel consumption during recent tests, with the Hyundai Kona Hybrid using 33 per cent more fuel on the road than in the lab. Another small SUV, the Kia Stonic, used 26 per cent more fuel than expected, followed by the Hyundai i30 Hybrid (17 per cent), the Toyota Fortuner (16 per cent), and the Kia Sportage Hybrid (14 per cent). Findings that one-third of the vehicles consumed more fuel on the road than in the lab indicated a widespread issue in the automotive industry, association managing director Michael Bradley said. "It's becoming clear that carmakers continue to optimise their vehicles' performance for lab testing, meaning new cars are too often overstating their improvements in fuel use and environmental performance," he said. "Some vehicles perform as advertised but most do not, and our program is seeking to reward carmakers that deliver genuine financial and environmental savings." In addition to fuel consumption, six of the 30 vehicles tested produced more noxious emissions than allowed under the Australian standard, including the Ford Ranger ute, Toyota Hi-Ace, and Toyota Fortuner. Five vehicles did buck the trend and use less fuel than expected, however, such as the Ford Transit van (nine per cent less), Lexus NX350h SUV (seven per cent less), and Mercedes-Benz GLC250 SUV (three per cent less). The program, funded by the federal government, has examined emissions from 114 vehicles since 2023 and found 88 models failed to meet their promised fuel consumption. The association will expand its tests to electric vehicles shortly, Mr Bradley said, and compare their on-road range to what consumers are promised. "Range anxiety continues to be a significant barrier to EV uptake," he said.
Perth Now
4 hours ago
- Perth Now
Piastri back where his grand prix winning habit started
Oscar Piastri has got used to winning since his maiden success in Hungary last year. He now returns to the scene of those happy moments as Formula One leader, seeking to take a tidy advantage over McLaren teammate Lando Norris into the August break. The 24-year-old has won six of 13 grands prix so far this season, already more than any Australian driver has ever managed in a single year, and leads his British rival by 16 points with 11 races remaining. "I'm really excited to go back. It's always a fun weekend. It's a great city, a cool track as well," said Piastri after winning a rain-delayed race in Belgium last Sunday in McLaren's sixth one-two of the season. It ended a resurgent run by Norris, who had closed the gap at the top by winning the previous two races. "I'm sure it will be nice to go back to where I had my first win. But as soon as we get on track, you forget about that immediately." Hungary, hot and twisty and with a layout more like an overgrown go-kart track that makes overtaking tricky, puts a premium on qualifying. Norris took pole last time in Hungary but lost out to Piastri at the start, recovered the lead when the Australian suffered a slower pitstop and was then ordered by the team to hand back the place. The Briton eventually complied but it rankled at the time and he will be looking to win on Sunday without any such controversy. With McLaren dominant, and historically the most successful team in Hungary, the stage is set for another duel between the teammates. Who chases them hardest remains an open question but this could be the moment Lewis Hamilton has been waiting for with Ferrari, while teammate Charles Leclerc has had five podiums already this season. Four-times world champion Max Verstappen, winner in Hungary in 2022 and 2023, will be starting his 200th race for Red Bull. The race is the 40th Hungarian Grand Prix and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, who took his first win at the circuit with Renault in 2003, has raced in more than half of them - this being his record 22nd.
