Italian sports cars have a stereotype or reputation that often precedes them, an unshakable status that persists even today. And while performance cars from Italy were once regarded as the elite, there are now many countries producing high-end and luxury automobiles, like Koenigsegg from Sweden, for example.
Another example of stereotyping might be to say that Italian cars used to be unreliable, a stereotype that also seems outdated today, thanks to massively improved quality control, automated production, computer-aided design, and advances in technology.
Many people have heard of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and perhaps Pagani – but most have arguably never heard of Mazzanti. Formally presented in 2013, the Evantra, a low-scale production supercar with real performance and scope for customization wowed crowds with its style and speed potential.
10/10 The Mazzanti Evantra’s Formidable Powertrain
Mazzanti’s powertrain options for the Evantra vary based on the model as the car came in various forms.
The standard engine that appears in the first Mazzanti Evantra is a 7-liter, naturally aspirated General Motors LS7 V8 with 751 hp and 625 lb-ft but later models such as the Evantra 771 would use a 771 hp-version of the LS7, while the 781 came with a (you guessed correct) 781 hp, turbocharged 6.2-liter GM V8.
In the Millecavalli and Millecavalli R, the previous 7-liter V8 was now 7.2/7.3 liters in capacity and now had twin-turbochargers and 1000 hp/1200 hp respectively.
The later ‘entry-level’ and ‘purer’ Mazzanti Evantra Pura comes with the return of the turbocharged 6.2-liter V8 from the Evantra 781 and a 761 hp output.
9/10 The Evantra Has Competitive Performance Stats
All the Evantras have real performance potential, and all can reach 60 mph in around 3 seconds, making this as fast as most typical gas-powered supercars today.
Evantra Millecavallis can complete the 0-60 mph dash in a claimed 2.7 seconds, while top speed for these Italian hypercars is up at around 250 mph – for reference, the Rimac Nevera can reach around 256 mph.
All this performance works alongside a rear-wheel-drive powertrain and different versions of Evantra included either a 6 or 7-speed sequential transmission or in the case of the Pura, a 7-speed paddle-shifter.
8/10 A Customizable And Modern Supercar Body
Mazzanti constructs the Evantra with either carbon fiber composites or aluminum panels for the body and steel construction for the chassis underneath meaning this car is light and strong.
Several sources cite that customers can personalize the Evantra’s construction with reference to the aluminum panels.
This is strictly a 2-seater with a mid-rear engine setup, making it small and short in the wheelbase, which goes some way to setting it up for agility.
The Evantra supercar is hand built on a small-scale production schedule, with only 5 cars built per year making this a rare, expensive and exclusive car.
7/10 Mazzanti Uses A Lightweight Structure For The Evantra
Thanks to its aluminum and carbon fiber composite body construction, the Mazzanti Evantra is light, whichever version you pick.
The standard Evantra weighs just under 2900 lbs, meaning this a rapid and maneuverable supercar; its mass is only around 100 lbs heavier than the skinny Lotus Evora GT430.
Minimum power of around 750 hp and a weight of under 3000 lbs enables the Evantra to combine speed and acceleration with agility.
6/10 The Mazzanti Evantra Has Italian Style And Flair
The Evantra blends Italian style with functional aerodynamics, but this Italian supercar eschews simple elegant lines akin to the Ferrari Roma for aggressive muscular looks, and an abundance of angles and lines.
Up front, the headlights and side mirrors have a touch of inspiration from the Pagani Zonda and, further back there are large side scoops for the power plant and one on the roof.
Round the back, the design becomes even more eclectic with a set of angular grills, diffuser, and on some models, a large wing.
It is an original yet perhaps not very elegant rear end, though one which shouts ‘racing car’ and should be effective aerodynamically at speed.
5/10 Inside The Cabin Of The Mazzanti Evantra
Mazzanti says that they make each car to measure and that it is fully customizable, meaning no two cars are likely to be the same.
The trim, upholstery for the bucket seats and interior layout is all flexible and makes for a luxurious place to sit and drive – the Evantra’s interior has that Italian flair and opulence that comes with a car of this price point.
There is the usual screen in the center of the dashboard and some models have a smaller screen on the steering wheels for limited information such as the car’s current speed. There are different drive modes and the center screen controls features such as the air conditioning, navigation and telephone functions.
4/10 Good Luck Finding One: The Mazzanti Evantra Is Rare
With a prohibitively high price tag and the limited production run of only 5 cars a year, the Mazzanti Evantra will impress all your friends as they likely will be unaware of its existence.
Production of the first model began nearly a decade ago, and the latest Mazzanti Evantra Pura started to become available from last year.
Other limited-run luxury cars like the Aston Martin One-77 proved popular with wealthy customers but the Mazzanti brand is relatively unknown to the public and non-enthusiasts, further adding to its appeal.
3/10 An Aggressive Racer That Also Appears In Some Video Games
Surprisingly, the Mazzanti Evantra also appears in the Asphalt racing game series, alongside other more well-known performance cars.
It is an interesting decision to include the obscure Evantra in a video game and thanks to its appearances as a selectable vehicle more people have become aware of the model and brand.
2/10 The Mazzanti Evantra Is An Alternative To The Usual Suspects
Due to its target audience and esoteric appeal, the Mazzanti Evantra isn’t necessarily the first or second pick for wealthy customers, partly due to its limited utility as an investment.
What it does offer though is quirky style and a very luxurious and customizable interior, along with real power, from an alternative to the usual suspects like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani and Maserati.
The customer who buys a new Evantra is very much part of the design and build process and due to the small-scale production can enjoy a bespoke experience from start to finish.
1/10 Customizable: If You Have The Money And Connections
As we have already seen, the Evantra is bespoke: on the outside, the customer can modify the aluminum panels’ design, or the car can instead utilize a carbon fiber shell.
Inside the car, there is real scope for having the car of your dreams, with custom seats, upholstery, colors and materials all available for customization.
There are carbon fiber trims available but in true Italian style the cabin really shines when combined with the tan leather option that looks every bit as expensive as this forgotten hero’s price tag.