Currently in the U.S., the 600 hp Kimera and the 640 hp Totem both hide a secret: the same low-profile Italian engine manufacturer under the hood

In case you missed it, Monterey Car Week 2026 is currently in full swing in California. For one week, Monterey and the surrounding area become one of the hubs of the automotive world, featuring new-model unveilings, concours d’élégance events, and auctions of exceptional vehicles.

And once again this year, Italian manufacturers are making a splash. Here at Italpassion, we’ve already mentioned Totem and its GT Super Euforiathe One-off Ferrari CZ26the Lamborghini Revuelto SV or even Kimera and her K39, built for a U.S. customer. And let's not forget Eccentrica, which is showcasing its restomod of Lamborghini Diablo Roadster.

The auctions also sent the numbers soaring: $8 million for the Pagani Executor, 18 million for a Ferrari Daytona SP3 and even 40 million for the Ferrari Luce. These figures are sure to turn heads. But behind some of the Italian cars on display in Monterey lies a much more low-key name: Italtecnica.

Italtecnica's 4-cylinder engines are making their way to the United States under the hoods of Kimera vehicles

The Italian craftsman may not have his own booth in the spotlight at Monterey Car Week, but his expertise has certainly made its way across the Atlantic. You need only look to Kimera Automobili. The Italian brand has arrived in the United States with its EVO37, EVO38 and K39.

However, under the hood of the EVO37 lies an Italtecnica four-cylinder engine producing 505 hp. The EVO38 goes even further, as its four-cylinder engine—also from Italtecnica—delivers 600 hp. To be precise, the new K39 is equipped with a V8 engine that is not made by Italtecnica.

In other words, when American visitors see these spectacular Kimera cars, they are also—without necessarily realizing it—getting a glimpse of Italtecnica’s work as an engine manufacturer. And Kimera isn’t the only one.

At the same time, two Totem GT Super cars with their 640 hp Italtecnica V6 engines

Totem Automobili also made the trip with two GT Super models. And once again, Italtecnica is at the heart of the car.

Both models are powered by the 640 hp Italtecnica V6, an engine that plays a major role in defining the character of this spectacular restomod inspired by the Alfa Romeo Giulia GT.

That is ultimately what makes Italtecnica’s presence in Monterey particularly interesting. While one might regret the absence of brands such as Alfa Romeo or Maserati, part of Italy's automotive craftsmanship is certainly there, but in a much more understated way. Not necessarily with a huge logo or a global launch, but under the hoods.

The Italian artisan who brings dreams to life

While all eyes are on Ferraris selling for tens of millions of dollars, Italtecnica finds itself at the heart of several of the most talked-about Italian creations at this year’s Monterey Car Week. Kimera on one side, Totem on the other: two manufacturers with different philosophies who have placed their trust in the same Italian engine builder. And the story isn’t likely to end there. Italtecnica is already working on a new V6 capable of revving up to 9,000 rpm. This serves as a reminder that behind some of today’s most desirable Italian cars lie companies whose names are far less well-known than the engines they build.