V12 Hypercars Still in Style

Have you heard of the Giamarq Karla? Not yet? With its 7-liter V12 engine producing 2,157 horsepower (2,008 Nm) powered by four turbos, we'd love to test it. It seems that this little-known Italian manufacturer has produced an SUV version (Giamaro Albor). We'll have to wait and see, but production is likely to be limited. Not the price (€2,470,000)... And what about the Zenvo Aurora from Denmark, announced with another quad-turbo V12, with “only” 1,250 hp? Its power is “slightly” increased with electric motors to 1,850 hp (0 to 62 mph in 2.3 seconds, 280 mph).

We don't know the price, but there will only be 50 in the world. Still in the realm of the unknown, the Nilu27 hypercar with a naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 1,070 hp (860 Nm at 11,000 rpm, 400 km/h) and manual transmission also looks pretty good in its own right! Still no price announced, but with only 54 cars in production, there's going to be a rush!

Fortunately, there are a few models we know—and have been able to test drive—such as the Lamborghini Revuelto, the Aston Martin Vanquish, the Ferrari 12 Cilindri, which lives up to its name, the 812 Superfast, and Rolls-Royce with its twin-turbo V12, the same engine that powers the Phantom, although the power output is slightly different: 600 hp for the Cullinan, 571 hp (900 Nm).

Lamborghini Revuelto hybrid

Although I had the opportunity to discover it “in its natural habitat” at the brand's factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese during the presentation of the Temerario, it was in Cannes, at the local dealership, that I went to pick up the beast.

A magnificent machine, delivering 1,015 hp (0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, 350 km/h), the initial power of the V12 (900 hp) being supported by the HPEV (High-Performance Electrified Vehicle) plug-in hybrid system, even if this does not allow it to escape the super tax (€70,000). I must admit that I didn't feel very comfortable during the first few laps with this devastating power, while the (phenomenal) noise of the engine filled the cabin. It must be said that at over €500,000 (how much does a wheel rim cost?), you quickly calm down. The main difficulty came from the very low ground clearance of only 5 cm.

Suffice to say that the slightest bump or defect in the asphalt—and there is much to be said about the condition of our roads outside the major highways—was not appreciated by our “Lambo.” What remains is the thrill of driving such a car and, let's be honest, the infinite pleasure of being admired by many. Suffice to say that testing the performance of this car is a challenge, if not impossible outside of a racetrack, but driving to a beautiful hotel, such as the Villa Gallici in Aix-en-Provence, was another pleasure... shared with the valet.

We hope you're not in too much of a hurry, because the entire production run for the next two years has already been sold!

Aston Martin Vanquish

Another day, another delight, this time in Monaco, with this supercar with aggressive lines that clearly set it apart from the last Vantage, for example. The pleasure is compounded by the sophisticated allure of an Aston, beloved by James Bond, and the roguish... luxury of this angular version, which proudly proclaims its sportiness. With its 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 835 hp (1,000 Nm, 0 to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds, 345 km/h), the sensations behind the wheel are such that you forget its price (€440,000), the super tax, and even its fuel consumption (I averaged 31.8 l per 100 km).

The 82-liter fuel tank makes perfect sense! Although I regretted the overly dark interior of “my” Aston, I enjoyed its comfort, power, handling, driving comfort, and of course its prestige. Suffice to say that you'll make quite an impression on the Place du Casino in Monte Carlo.

Rolls Cullinan, Ghost, and Phantom

In the winter of 2024, we had the opportunity to drive the various models equipped with the famous 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine (571 hp, 850 Nm, 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds) to reach the mountains. Courchevel, of course! Driving a Rolls is the ultimate experience in luxury, comfort and silence, a virtue that has always been a hallmark of the brand. Times have changed, and driving your own Rolls is a total pleasure.

One might think that given its size (5.55 m), large 22-inch wheels, and weight (2.5 tons), a Rolls would drive “differently.” This is not the case at all, as it is extremely easy to handle. In fact, you quickly get used to this hushed world that technology has not forgotten.

(Ghost: from €330,600, Phantom: from €456,000, Cullinan SII, €393,000, Black Badge Cullinan SII: €455,400.)

Ferrari 12 Cilindri

It was in Cannes, in the super Ferrari dealership (six floors, 6,000 m², all the cars in the range on display), that I rediscovered this wild beauty, just like the 812 Superfast, a collector's item that preceded this 12 Cilindri, with which I had gone to Maranello a few years ago.

So here we have a 6.5-liter V12, the same as the 812 Competition, with 830 hp (680 Nm) and an intense rev range of up to 9,250 rpm. Unfortunately, I was unable to test drive this new model and had to content myself with admiring it.

Article written by Bernard Van de Kerckhove, published in issue 12 of OniriQ magazine.

Translated by Bethszabee Garner