After years of modifying Alfa Romeos, Totem is set to build its own car with a V12 engine

For years, Totem Automobili drew on the heritage of’Alfa Romeo to create spectacular cars—radically transformed yet still based on an existing model. That era is now coming to an end. During Monterey Car Week, the Italian automaker unveiled Tiziano, its first fully in-house platform. This architecture is intended to allow the company to break free from Alfa Romeo’s donor cars and, above all, to launch a new family of V12-powered sports cars.

Totem is now starting from scratch

With the Tiziano, Totem is no longer really a “restomod” company. Riccardo Quaggio’s firm now aims to define itself as a true automaker, capable of designing its cars from the ground up. This is a significant shift. At the heart of the Tiziano lies a central carbon-fiber monocoque, paired with front and rear aluminum subframes. An upper tubular structure then allows for different body styles—open or closed—without altering the core of the architecture.

This gives Totem a true blank canvas. The engine, transmission, suspension, steering, braking system, and major auxiliary systems are integrated into this new platform, while the body design can evolve much more freely.

A naturally aspirated V12 engine and a manual transmission

And Totem didn't exactly go low-key in marking the start of its independence. The first model line to use the Tiziano engine will be called the T12 and will be built around a naturally aspirated V12 engine developed by its partner Italtecnica.

Mounted behind the cockpit, this engine will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential, and a dual-plate hydraulic clutch. The final specifications of the V12 remain unknown, but the choice of this powertrain clearly demonstrates Totem’s ambitions: to prioritize driving excitement and the mechanical connection between driver and machine. However, the platform was designed to go even further. In the future, it will also be able to accommodate a twin-turbo V6 or an all-electric powertrain.

Inspired by Competition

Beneath its carbon-fiber monocoque, the Tiziano incorporates particularly sophisticated design solutions. The four wheels feature double wishbones, combined with pushrod- and rocker-type suspensions. The shock absorbers can be electronically adjusted for compression and rebound, while several components will be machined from Ergal 7075-T6 aluminum.

The target weight distribution is 45 % at the front and 55 % at the rear. The steering will retain hydraulic power assistance, while Brembo will supply the brakes, with six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear. Carbon-ceramic rotors will be offered as an alternative to ventilated steel rotors.

Three T12s to start with

Totem is already developing three versions of this platform. The T12 Corsa will be the most radical and track-focused, with its mechanical components largely exposed. The T12 Lunga will feature more elongated and muscular proportions, with more advanced aerodynamics. Finally, the T12 Turismo will focus more on elegance and driving pleasure on the road.

A first running chassis is set to be unveiled in 2027, deliberately showcasing the V12 engine, the monocoque, and the suspension. For Totem, this is a declaration of independence: after reinventing Alfa Romeos of the past, the small Italian brand now wants to build the Italian sports cars that collectors might seek out in the future.