Giamaro Katla V12 Hypercar with over 2,000 hp: Probably the most powerful combustion engine in the world

Newcomer Giamaro Automobili is based in Modena, at the heart of the Italian sports car world. And Giamaro is poised right at this heart with the recently unveiled Katla supercar. Named after an Icelandic volcano, it delivers so much power that it's sure to leave the competition—if there even is any—dizzy.

Let's start with the aforementioned powertrain. Giamaro relies on a V12 engine developed in collaboration with Italtecnica, featuring a 120-degree bank angle, dry sump lubrication, seven liters of displacement, and boost pressure from four turbos, all located in the "hot V." The twelve-cylinder sits longitudinally in a mid-engine configuration within the carbon fiber chassis and delivers up to 2,157 hp and a maximum of 2,008 Nm of torque. The twelve-cylinder engine operates without any electric assistance and is arguably the most powerful pure combustion engine ever used in a sports car.

The Koenigsegg Gemera offers even more power at 2,300 hp, but its V8 is supported by a powerful electric motor. The Hennessey Venom F5 Evolution, with its 6.6-liter twin-turbo V8 and 2,059 hp, was previously considered the most powerful combustion engine, but also falls short compared to the Katla. The Bugatti Tourbillon, with its V16 hybrid powertrain producing only 1,800 hp, stands no chance in this battle of power.

To ensure the driver isn't completely overwhelmed, the full power is unlocked in three stages via the ignition key. Stage 1 limits the power to just 800 hp, stage 2 unleashes up to 1,670 hp and 1,556 Nm, and only stage 3 allows the full potential to be utilized.

It's remarkable that Giamaro sends all of the drive torque exclusively to the rear wheels. Only a limited-slip differential and a seven-speed automated manual transmission are used in between (a dual-clutch transmission with eleven gears is already in development). Giamaro doesn't disclose any performance figures. However, considering the two-seater weighs just 1,450 kilograms, they're likely to be spectacular.

The monster engine is housed in a carbon monocoque with bolted-on aluminum crash elements and a docked roll cage. The independent wheel suspension all around is combined with electronically controlled spring elements, mounted horizontally in F1 style and controlled by pushrods. The chassis height can also be adjusted. Another adjustable spring element counteracts body roll. Giamaro mounts 20-inch rims with 265/35 tires at the front. At the rear, the Katla rides on 21-inch wheels with 345/30 tires. Deceleration is provided by carbon-ceramic brake discs with 420-mm discs all around, combined with ten-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear.

Formally, the 4.91-meter-long, 1.19-meter-high, and 2.03-meter-wide Katla (wheelbase: 2.75 meters) blends elements of all current hypercars into a more or less typical mid-engine sports car silhouette, peppered with countless air intakes and outlets. At the rear sits an extendable wing that adjusts its height and blade angle to the current driving situation and also functions as an air brake. Giamaro promises a drag coefficient of 0.33. The lighting, of course, relies on LED technology.

The cockpit, with two permanently integrated carbon seat shells featuring visible carbon fiber surfaces and leather-covered surfaces, creates a sporty yet sophisticated blend. A digital instrument cluster provides the driver with all important information. Integrated centrally in the dashboard, a touchscreen combines additional control functions and the infotainment system. Below this, there are direct-select buttons for the climate control. The center console houses the gear selection buttons.

Company founders Giacomo and Pierfrancesco Commendatore (the family made its fortune in the mattress market) want to manufacture the Katla not for the customer, but with them. Accordingly, buyers are involved in the design process, so no two Katla models will be alike. The automaker has yet to reveal when it will launch, how much a Katla will cost, and whether the production run will be limited. However, pre-orders for 30 vehicles have reportedly already been received.