Totem Automobili is moving beyond its restomodded classic Alfa Romeos with a new carbon-fiber architecture designed to underpin three original models, including versions powered by a naturally aspirated V12 and a six-speed manual transmission.
Totem Automobili Moves Beyond the Giulia
Totem Automobili was established in 2018 and has spent the past eight years building bespoke versions of classic Alfa Romeo Giulias. The Italian company has become known for its extensively reworked interpretations of the classic model.
Its current lineup includes three models based on the Giulia. The GT Electric is aimed at classic-car enthusiasts interested in an EV, while the GT Super and GT Super SP offer fuel-powered alternatives.
The GT Super SP is the most powerful of the three, using a 3.2-liter V6 producing 740 horsepower and sending its power to the rear wheels.
Totem Introduces the Tiziano Architecture
Totem announced a year ago that it would stop producing Giulia-inspired cars and instead develop vehicles from scratch using a new platform.
The company has now unveiled that architecture, called Tiziano, during The Quail at Monterey Car Week. It will serve as the foundation for three new models collectively known as the T12 series.
The T12 cars will represent a major departure from Totem’s reimagined Giulias, setting a new direction for the company.
What Is the Tiziano Platform?
The Tiziano is built around a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis supported by aluminum subframes. It uses pushrod suspension at both the front and rear and is designed around a mid-engine layout.
The architecture can also accommodate an EV powertrain, giving Totem the ability to develop an electric version of the platform.
Totem has not yet detailed how it plans to implement the electric powertrain. For its fuel-powered models, however, the company has outlined a more traditional approach.
T12 Models Will Use a Naturally Aspirated V12
Because Totem is a small-volume automaker, it is not bound by emissions regulations imposed on much larger companies. That allows the company to pursue a naturally aspirated V12 engine for the fuel-powered T12 models.
The engine will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission, giving the cars what Totem describes as a true analog experience.
The V12 will be built by Italtecnica and used across all three new models. Totem has not yet determined the power ratings for the engine.
Three T12 Models Are Planned
Totem’s new lineup will consist of the T12 Corsa, T12 Lunga and T12 Turismo, with each model serving a different purpose.
- T12 Corsa: A track-day-focused model.
- T12 Lunga: A grand tourer.
- T12 Turismo: A combination of the characteristics of the Corsa and Lunga.
The T12 cars are expected to occupy a position well beyond the reach of most buyers, although pricing has not been provided.
With the Tiziano architecture and three new T12 models, Totem Automobili is shifting from its familiar Giulia-based restomods toward a new generation of cars developed entirely from scratch.
