Best of the V12 series episode 5 – The weird one (Tramontana R)

Okay, seriously, what the hell is this thing? Is it a Formula 1 car? Is it a fighter jet? A bit of both, with a sprig of the every-day luxury? To say that the Tramontana R is unique would be the understatement of the century. It’s weird, and not in a bad way.

Put it this way. If you like to be stared at while out and about, then put your Aventador back in the garage. This open-wheeler with lateral intake vents and two tandem passenger seats will make you feel like the SWAT Kats heading out for a dog fight on a rainy day.

A puzzling act

There’s an air of mystery about the origins and whereabouts of this intriguing hot rod. Legend has it that Kal-El assembled this craft on the moon, using extraterrestrial metals, and sent it down to Earth for the Chosen Petrolhead to steer humanity away from mayhem. Okay, that’s pushing it, but it’s a tale worthy of such a trip.

Back to Earth, people. A biturbo V12 from Mercedes-AMG married to a semi-automatic transmission gives the Tramontana its power, and delivers 720 ponies. It’ll get you to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. Not particularly ground breaking, but if you’re getting something for the speed, then this is obviously not your first choice.

If you’re wondering how safe it is to drive a Tramontana R, don’t worry your little tush over that. The monocoque chassis fashioned from honeycomb carbon fibre (F1 fans will recognise it) forms the basis of this 1300-kg speed monger.

As for the driver, you’ll sit in a carbon fibre jet-fighter-like cocoon that will offer you the same sort of protection as motorsport racers in the event of an accident. They’ve used premium materials, from wood to gold, for all the various insertions, and, of course, it’s all handmade.

A weird conclusion

If you’re one of those guys who likes to race straights, you’ll really enjoy the perfect weight symmetry from the tandem position of the seats. As far as unique goes, if just getting behind one of the wheels isn’t enough, each car is built around an ergonomical study of its client. Not to mention customised inscriptions on the chassis. Literally poetry in motion.

Exactly why this one gets the top spot is anybody’s guess. Its history and origins have been drawn into the boundaries of ambiguity. Not much is known about it, and if you’re hoping to spot one on the streets, you’d be hard pressed to do so considering its limited production.

But we like weird. We are all weird in our own unique ways. And so the Tramontana deserves top spot on this, and any other greatest V12, list.

So that’s it! The Tramontana concludes our Top 5 V12s! Keep an eye on our fun corner for more exciting series. Thank you for joining us on this 12-cylinder ride.

Wanna see/feel/hear the Tramontana R’s V12? Check this out.