3 Minutes
Automobili Rodrigues shakes up the hypercar world
In an era dominated by downsized petrol engines and electric powertrains, a small Italian coachbuilder has thrown a mechanical gauntlet down: the new Berlina Veloce. Automobili Rodrigues — a bespoke atelier with roots in Modena’s traditional hammered-aluminum coachbuilding — has revealed a hand-built hyper GT that celebrates analogue power on a grand, unapologetic scale.
Handmade craftsmanship and exclusivity
Each Berlina Veloce is fully bespoke. Panels are shaped by hand, interiors are trimmed to client taste, and every car carries a personalized plaque to reinforce its status as a piece of automotive art. That obsessive attention to detail comes at a matching price: according to the company, buyers can expect to pay between $5 million and $10 million depending on specification.
Two extreme engine choices
What truly sets the Berlina Veloce apart is its engine lineup. Customers can choose either a race-inspired naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V12 or the headline-grabbing 9.0-liter, 18-cylinder masterpiece called the Triangolare 18 (Triangolare meaning "triangle" in Italian).
- 7.0L V12: Inspired by Formula 1 technology, this high-revving unit produces more than 900 hp and is said to spin up to about 10,200 rpm. It’s the purist’s choice: raw, high-revving, and emotionally intense.
- 9.0L Triangolare 18: A compact yet monumental powerplant featuring 18 opposed pistons in a valveless architecture, and both turbocharging and supercharging in a single package. Rodrigues quotes a staggering 2,650 Nm of torque available as low as 2,100 rpm — a tidal wave of thrust that delivers instant, dramatic acceleration.
Manual gearbox option: analog thrills survive
In a nod to driving purists, Automobili Rodrigues offers a manual gearbox for both engine options. Imagine an 18-cylinder engine mated to a gated manual — an evocative combination meant to push the boundaries of driver engagement and mechanical theatre.
Performance and market context
The Berlina Veloce is designed for collectors and enthusiasts who want something entirely different from the electrified, software-defined hypercars of today. While absolute lap times and top speed figures haven’t been the sales pitch, the car’s character—huge low-end torque, extreme high-revving potential (from the V12), and rare manual control—creates a unique offering in the $5–$10M hypercar segment.
Highlights:
- Bespoke Modena-style coachbuilding
- Two exotic powertrains including a 9L 18-cylinder Triangolare
- Manual transmission available for both engines
- Price range: roughly $5–$10 million
The Berlina Veloce isn’t designed to follow trends. It’s a statement: heritage craftsmanship fused with engineering bravado, built for those who still equate automotive excellence with mechanical complexity and human touch.
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