Powerful Hypercar Equipped with a 7.0L V12 Engine Vows to Disregard Environmental Concerns
A new player has entered the hypercar landscape, with Italian startup Giamaro Automobili unveiling their debut model, the Katla. Named after an Icelandic volcano, the Katla bucks industry trends by featuring a massive quad-turbocharged 7.0-liter V12 engine, while many other marques pursue full electrification. The Katla boasts up to 2,127 horsepower, marking a commitment to mechanical madness over electrification.
FROM MATTRESS MOGUL TO HYPERCAR VISIONARY
The brainchild of Giacomo Commendatore, a successful entrepreneur who amassed his fortune in the bedding industry, Giamaro Automobili was founded in 2021 alongside his son Pierfrancesco. Commendatore, an early investor in Pagani, has gathered an impressive roster of talent from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Pagani himself to work on the Katla.
IN-HOUSE APPROACH FOR UNPARALLELED PERFORMANCE
What sets Giamaro apart from other hypercar startups is their in-house approach, developing the Katla's engine and engine components themselves, rather than outsourcing. Loris Bicocchi, renowned for his work on iconic vehicles such as the Bugatti EB110, Veyron, Pagani Zonda, and early Koenigseggs, has been secured as the chief test driver for the Katla.
POWERHOUSE PERFORMANCE
With a bespoke 6,988cc V12 in a 120-degree "hot V" layout, the Katla delivers impressive power figures–1,670 horsepower and 1,148lb-ft of torque (standard); and an astonishing 2,157 horsepower and 1,481lb-ft of torque (extreme configuration). The Katla's top speed hasn't been disclosed yet.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automated manual transmission, with an 11-speed dual-clutch gearbox under development for future iterations. The Katla's impressive power-to-weight ratio, along with a relatively light curb weight of 3,197lbs, promises performance that's hard to match.
METICULOUS ENGINEERING FOR UNPRECENTED BALANCE
The light weight is due in part to a carbon fiber monocoque weighing just 375 pounds, contributing to the car's 42:58 front-to-rear weight distribution. Suspension components machined from solid aluminum alloy blocks aid in further weight reduction.
Stopping power comes from carbon-ceramic discs, measuring an enormous 420mm at all four corners, gripped by 10-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers. The 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels are wrapped in specially-developed Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires. Aerodynamics play a crucial role, with an active rear wing that adjusts position based on speed and driving conditions, and can even function as an airbrake during hard deceleration.
RETRO-INSPIRED DESIGN MEETS MODERN TECHNOLOGY
The Katla's exterior, penned by Alessandro Camorali of Caval Studio, draws inspiration from the golden era of '90s supercars. Proportions reminiscent of iconic vehicles like the Bugatti EB110 and Lamborghini Diablo characterize the design, but with a more modern twist. The aerodynamic drag coefficient stands at a mere 0.33.
The interior features a fighter jet-inspired layout, blending carbon fiber, aluminum, and textile surfaces with digital instrument clusters and the infotainment system angled towards the driver for improved focus. Giamaro has also teased an even more exclusive rally-inspired Albor model. Despite the aggressive appearance, the Katla is set to be a rare sight on the roads, with production limited to just 100 examples.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Giamaro KatlaEngine: 7.0L quad-turbo V12 (120° hot-V configuration)Power: 1,670hp (standard), 2,157hp (extreme configuration)Torque: 1,148lb-ft (standard) / 1,481lb-ft (extreme configuration)Transmission: 7-speed automated manual (11-speed DCT in development)Weight: 3,197lbsConstruction: Carbon fiber monocoqueWheelbase: 108.3"Brakes: 420mm carbon ceramic discs with 10-piston front/4-piston rear calipersTires: Bridgestone Potenza SportLimited Edition: Yes, 100Release Date: 2027 (expected)
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
With a sticker price of approximately €2.47 million ($2.8 million USD) before taxes and any optional extras, the Katla is an exclusive offering, limited to just 100 examples. First deliveries are projected for 2027, with 20 slots already reserved.
- Giacomo Commendatore, the founder of Giamaro Automobili, has ventured into the automotive industry after amassing his fortune in the bedding industry, and has gathered talent from renowned companies like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Pagani to work on the Katla.
- Unlike other hypercar startups, Giamaro is taking an in-house approach, development the Katla's engine and engine components themselves, with Loris Bicocchi, the chief test driver, boasting a résumé that includes work on iconic vehicles such as the Bugatti EB110, Veyron, Pagani Zonda, and early Koenigseggs.
- The Katla's engine is a bespoke 6,988cc V12 in a 120-degree "hot V" layout, promising power figures of 1,670 horsepower and 1,148lb-ft of torque (standard), and an astonishing 2,157 horsepower and 1,481lb-ft of torque (extreme configuration).
- In addition to its powerful engine, the Katla also boasts a carbon fiber monocoque weighing just 375 pounds, contributing to a car's 42:58 front-to-rear weight distribution, and featuring state-of-the-art aerodynamics, technology gadgets, and styling inspired by the '90s supercars.
