HONG KONG and TURIN, Italy, July 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OIO Group (NASDAQ: OIO) today announced its collaboration with Italtecnica Engineering on De Tomaso's next-generation V12 programme, as prototype bench testing commences following the successful completion of the engine's design and engineering phase.
De Tomaso's next-generation V12 is a clean-sheet, bespoke powertrain engineered exclusively for the marque. Rather than adapting an existing OEM engine architecture, the programme has been conceived from first principles to embody De Tomaso's vision of mechanical purity, analogue driving and timeless automotive craftsmanship.
The clean-sheet architecture provides complete engineering freedom to define every aspect of the engine's character—from its combustion architecture and performance characteristics to its acoustics, throttle response and emotional driver engagement. The result is a powertrain designed to become an integral part of the next generation of De Tomaso automobiles, rather than simply its source of propulsion.
With prototype bench testing now underway, the programme enters the critical validation phase, where the engine will undergo comprehensive durability, calibration, thermal management and performance testing before progressing to vehicle integration.
Carlo Cavagnero, Technical Director of Italtecnica Engineering, said:
"A clean-sheet V12 programme of this nature has become exceptionally rare in today's automotive industry. Developing an engine entirely from first principles gives us the freedom to define every aspect of its character without compromise—from its responsiveness and performance to its acoustics and emotional engagement. Rather than adapting an existing production architecture, we have engineered a powertrain specifically around De Tomaso's vision. That level of engineering focus is what makes this programme truly special."
Norman Choi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OIO Group, said:
"A bespoke V12 programme is a deliberate strategic decision. It allows De Tomaso to own the engineering DNA that will define every future De Tomaso automobile—from its performance and sound to the emotional connection it delivers behind the wheel. Our collaboration with Italtecnica brings together a specialist Motor Valley engineering team with De Tomaso's vision for the future. The commencement of prototype bench testing marks another step forward as we continue building the next generation of De Tomaso automobiles. This is the standard of execution we intend across the group."