GIAMARO AUTOMOBILI

Giamaro Katla: Italian hypercar quad-turbo 2,127 hp 

If you think you understand what 300, 500 or even 1,000 horsepower means in a car, get ready to rethink your concepts.

A new Italian manufacturer called Giamaro Automobili has revealed the Katla, an incredible hypercar with no less than 2,127 hp and 204 kgfm of torque, all coming from a V12 engine with four turbos — no electrification, no hybrid assistance, just furious combustion.

Presented in Modena, the cradle of Italian automotive tradition, the Katla makes its debut as a statement of technical daring.

According to the brand, the engine was developed completely from scratch with a 120-degree “hot V” configuration. The arrangement of the four turbos between the cylinder banks still raises technical questions, especially in terms of cooling, but the Italians seem confident.

This enormous power is distributed exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automated gearbox from CIMA.

An 11-speed dual-clutch transmission is also in development. All this in a car weighing just 1,450 kg, thanks to a carbon fiber monocoque weighing just 170 kg.

The Katla will have three power levels activated by different switches. The white one limits delivery between 395 hp and 789 hp for “sedate” use (if that’s possible). The black one releases 1,647 hp, and the red one releases the full 2,127 hp — and probably requires a contract, a will and a prayer before it can be turned.

The car features active suspension with components machined from solid aluminum, carbon-ceramic brakes and an active rear spoiler that acts as an aerodynamic brake. The suspension height and shock absorbers are also adjustable. Visually, the Katla draws attention for its well-measured aggressiveness.

The two enormous ducts on the roof feed the V12, while the square intakes at the front — with integrated daytime running lights — are inspired by fighter jets.

The interior follows the same philosophy, with a central console that refers to the control panel of an aircraft, digital screens and abundant use of aluminum and exposed carbon.

And each Katla will be unique. In addition to the colors and finishes, the buyer will be able to customize the steering behavior, throttle mapping and even the suspension calibration.

“We don’t build cars for customers, we build with them,” say founders Giacomo and Pierfrancesco Commendatore.

But Giamaro didn’t stop there. At the same event, the brand revealed the Albor — an off-road version of the Katla with the same quad-turbo V12, but with a raised suspension and a more radical look.

Inspired by a volcano on Mars, the Albor promises to be a hypercar for any terrain, although it is not yet clear whether it will have all-wheel drive. The company's motto? "Why not?"

Given such boldness, this simple question is perhaps the best explanation for the emergence of the Katla — a car that not only wants to be fast, but also to provoke emotion, identity and an almost spiritual connection with whoever is behind the wheel.

Autonews