A 9‑liter, 18‑cylinder engine producing nearly 2,700 Nm of torque — that’s the centerpiece of Automobili Rodrigues’ Berlinetta Veloce, a hyper‑grand tourer concept that feels more like a fever dream than a car.

The Berlinetta Veloce promises [2,700 Nm] of torque — numbers that make even Bugatti look modest.  
Credit: New Atlas

The Berlinetta Veloce begins with a base configuration that already borders on the extreme: a 7.0‑liter naturally aspirated V12 derived from Formula One technology. This engine uses a dry sump lubrication system, which allows it to rev safely to 10,200 RPM while delivering more than 900 horsepower. Dry sump systems differ from conventional wet sump designs by storing oil in a separate reservoir, ensuring consistent lubrication even under high lateral forces — a necessity in motorsport and high‑performance road cars.

A 9‑liter, 18‑cylinder engine sits at the heart of Automobili Rodrigues’ boldest claim yet.  
Credit: New Atlas


But the real headline is the optional Triangolare 18. The name, meaning “triangular” in Italian, hints at its unconventional architecture. This 9.0‑liter, 18‑cylinder engine eliminates traditional valvetrain components entirely. Instead, it relies on forced induction from both turbocharging and supercharging — a twin‑charging setup that combines the immediate response of a supercharger with the high‑end efficiency of a turbo. The result is staggering: 1,954 lb‑ft (2,679 Nm) of torque, a figure that dwarfs even the most powerful production hypercars. For context, Bugatti’s quad‑turbo W16 produces around 1,600 Nm. Automobili Rodrigues is promising nearly double that.

Hand‑hammered aluminum meets a valveless engine design no one has ever seen on the road.  
Credit: New Atlas  



Transmission choices are equally bold. While most modern hypercars default to dual‑clutch gearboxes for speed and efficiency, Rodrigues offers a manual option for purists. In a car with this level of output, the idea of rowing through gears by hand feels almost anachronistic, yet it underscores the company’s emphasis on craftsmanship and driver engagement.

“Next‑Gen Cloud Ride” suspension is announced, but no prototype has been shown.  
Credit: New Atlas  

Visually, the Berlinetta Veloce carries the proportions of a classic grand tourer: a long hood, sleek roofline, and sculpted bodywork formed from hammered aluminum. This is a nod to the Modena school of coachbuilding, where artisans shaped metal by hand rather than relying on industrial stamping. Inside, the cabin continues the theme of bespoke luxury. Italian leather, open‑pore wood, hand‑brushed metal, and knurled switches milled from solid billets create an environment that is as much art piece as automobile. Each car is hand‑built and delivered with a commission plate engraved with the owner’s name.

“Next‑Gen Cloud Ride” suspension is announced, but no prototype has been shown.  
Credit: New Atlas  

Automobili Rodrigues claims the car will feature “Next‑Gen Cloud Ride” suspension, a proactive system designed to adapt dynamically to road conditions. While details remain scarce, the implication is a blend of traditional mechanical engineering with modern electronic control, aiming to balance comfort and performance in real time.

Pricing is expected to fall between $5 million and $10 million, consistent with the company’s previous bespoke builds. Yet here lies the tension. Despite the grand promises, there is little evidence of Automobili Rodrigues’ cars existing in the wild. No verifiable customer deliveries, no independent testing, and imagery that appears more digital render than physical prototype. The company leans heavily on the language of “automotive art” and “old‑world craftsmanship,” but without tangible proof, skepticism lingers.

That skepticism is not unfounded. Experimental engines of this scale — especially valveless, twin‑charged 18‑cylinder designs — would pose immense engineering challenges. Cooling, reliability, emissions compliance, and drivability are hurdles that even established hypercar manufacturers struggle with. As one observer noted, concepts like this “would make Koenigsegg pause mid‑sentence,” a reminder of how ambitious, perhaps implausible, the claims are.

Still, whether vaporware or reality, the Berlinetta Veloce captures attention precisely because it dares to imagine beyond the boundaries of conventional automotive design. In an era dominated by electrification and efficiency, a hand‑built aluminum hyper‑GT with a 9‑liter, 18‑cylinder engine feels almost rebellious. If it ever materializes, it could stand as one of the most audacious machines of its time. And if it doesn’t, it remains a fascinating glimpse into how far the dreamers of Modena are willing to push the idea of what a car can be.