De Tomaso Advances Next-Generation V12 Programme with Italtecnica
Rhea-AI Summary
OIO Group (NASDAQ: OIO) announced that De Tomaso has advanced its next-generation V12 programme into prototype bench testing, in collaboration with Italtecnica Engineering. This follows completion of the clean-sheet engine’s design and engineering phase.
The bespoke V12 is engineered exclusively for De Tomaso, starting from first principles rather than an adapted OEM architecture. According to OIO Group, the architecture is intended to control combustion, performance, acoustics and throttle response so the engine becomes a defining element of future De Tomaso automobiles. The programme now enters a validation phase covering durability, calibration, thermal management and performance testing before vehicle integration, with OIO planning further updates as development progresses.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Positive
- Prototype V12 bench testing commenced, moving programme into validation phase
- Clean-sheet V12 developed exclusively for De Tomaso’s future automobiles
- Collaboration with Italtecnica adds specialist Motor Valley engineering expertise
Negative
- None.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13 | Acquisition term sheet | Positive | -7.9% | Signed term sheet for strategic German engineering and low-volume production acquisition. |
| May 01 | Leadership and roadmap | Positive | +21.5% | Announced new leadership, board appointments and ultra-luxury mobility platform roadmap. |
| Apr 28 | Post-closing share count | Neutral | -10.0% | Detailed post-combination capital structure and reverse split–adjusted shares outstanding. |
| Apr 23 | Business combination closing | Positive | -58.4% | Closed De Tomaso business combination and announced reverse stock split and new control. |
| Apr 22 | Reverse stock split | Neutral | -4.2% | Approved 1-for-3 reverse stock split ahead of Nasdaq listing and combination. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent history shows mixed reactions, with some seemingly positive strategic moves drawing sharp selloffs while governance and roadmap news drew a strong gain.
Key Terms
powertrain technical
combustion architecture technical
prototype bench testing technical
thermal management technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
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.”
At a time when clean-sheet internal combustion engine programmes have become increasingly uncommon, De Tomaso’s next-generation V12 demonstrates the marque’s long-term commitment to engineering authenticity, craftsmanship and analogue performance.
OIO Group will continue to provide updates as the programme progresses through prototype validation, vehicle integration and the next stages of engineering development.
About OIO Group
OIO Group (NASDAQ: OIO) is a technology-driven industrial group with businesses spanning advanced sustainable materials, circular economy solutions and ultra-luxury automotive innovation. Through De Tomaso Automobili, OIO Group is committed to creating timeless, limited-production performance automobiles that combine Italian craftsmanship, engineering excellence and emotional design.
About Italtecnica Engineering
Headquartered in Italy’s renowned Motor Valley, Italtecnica Engineering is an independent engineering company specialising in the design, development and validation of bespoke high-performance internal combustion engines and advanced powertrain systems for premium and limited-production automotive manufacturers. Its expertise encompasses complete powertrain development, from concept engineering through prototype validation and production support. https://italtecnicaengineering.com/
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may be considered to contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “target,” “believe,” “expect,” “will,” “shall,” “may,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “would,” “positioned,” “future,” “forecast,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters , but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the statements relating to the proposed acquisition of a privately held German-based specialist automotive engineering and production platform.
Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on the current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of management of OIO Group. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of the Company’s control. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements.
A further list and description of risks and uncertainties can be found in documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by the Company, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 20, 2026, and in other documents that the Company may file or furnish with the SEC, which you are encouraged to read. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this press release is based only on information currently available and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as required by law.
Media Contact
Investor Relations, OIO Group
Email: investors@oio.io
Website: www.oio.io
