When we talk about Italian exotics, the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Pagani are the first to come to mind. But what if we say that there was one lesser-known performance carmaker that managed to make the “world’s most powerful street-legal car” once upon a time, triumphing over the likes of Ferrari LaFerrari, Lamborghini Aventador, and even the Pagani Huayra BC. It is called the Mazzanti Evantra Millecavalli and this hypercar packed 1000 hp back in 2016!
A wild creation by Mazzanti Automobili, this exotic machine used an LS7-derived V8 motor that can propel this Italian hypercar from 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds. Based on the “mundane” original Evantra supercar that was launched in 2013, the mad minds at Mazzanti have added in a bespoke gearbox, a new forced heated airflow system, new suspension, and clever new aero bits to create this 1000 hp supercar.
Also, “Millecavalli” is the Italian for “a thousand horses”. You can’t get more direct than that! The interior of this mean machine is surprisingly lavish with fine leather and loads of customization options. Only 25 units are destined to be made over 5 years (it’s 5 cars per year). While the pricing and launch details were never officially published, the automaker is still around and very much active at various auto events, showcasing its prized possessions. But there’s more! As things got wilder during the development phase with the addition of an “R”.
The Mazzanti Evantra Millecavalli is Italy’s best-kept exotic automotive secret.
An LS7-Derived Twin-Turbo 7.2-Liter V8 Churning Out “Millecavalli”
The standard Evantra uses a 7.0-Liter V8 motor based on a Chevy big block. Mazzanti reworked that engine even further by dialing the displacement up to 7.2 liters and slapping on a new bi-turbo layout to churn out a colossal 1000 hp and 885+ lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels only. The engineers developed a bespoke six-speed sequential gearbox to take all of this engine’s wrath. This deadly layout was capable of blasting the Evantra Millecavalli from 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds and had a slated top speed of 250 mph.
Race-Spec Construction For This Road-Going Racecar
This meaty engine is wrapped around a sophisticated chassis setup derived straight from racecars. It uses a monocoque chassis made from steel and molybdenum chrome, the same as the one from the standard 700 hp Evantra. But the Millecavalli gets some carbon fiber inserts that bring down the curb weight to just 2,866 pounds.
This also helps increase rigidity. Also, this hypercar packs insanely huge carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes that are slated to slow down this hooligan from 186 mph to zero in just seven seconds. And connecting all of this to the tarmac are sticky Pirelli Trofeo R tires wrapped around cool OZ Racing lightweight wheels.
Aggressive Italian Artwork Inspired From LMP And F1
The Evantra Millecavalli has a unique and aggressive design. But we couldn’t help but see a bit of the Maserati MC12 at the front. The base design is no different from the humbler Evantra supercar, but Mazzanti has given it an aggressive aerodynamic kit derived from the likes of racecars.
The front fascia has an F1-inspired nose with lots of intake vents. It also gets a hood-scoop which adds to its cool looks. The side profile is garlanded by vents, skirts, and muscular fenders. Most of the drama, however, happens at the rear. It gets a massive fin attached to the rear wing that is inspired by the Le Mans prototype race cars.
Taking inspiration from F1 cars, it packs a clever aero trickery that helps extract heated air from the engine bay out onto the fin and wings. This whole setup plays together to provide more downforce, all the while, controlling the engine temperatures. The rear fascia is this car’s most aggressive area, with menacing race-spec diffusers and four exhaust tips. And yes, this hypercar sounds godly!
Driver-focused Interior With A Luxurious Appeal
We expect a car of such caliber to have an interior that will make a mere human’s back hurt and is only good for a few laps. But Mazzanti has added in a level of luxury and comfort with the use of all-natural leather for a softer feel to the touch.
Also, there are loads of customization options on the trimmings and materials used. Even the seat padding and paddle shifter can be custom-made for the owner’s comfort and fit. All other interior bits are purely driver-focused, and the steering wheel can also be equipped with LED lights for shift indicators, just like a racecar.
Only 25 Units Of This $1.2 Million Hypercar
While the official pricing was never confirmed, the Mazzanti Evantra Millecavalli made sense with a $1.2 million price tag. Only 25 specimens of this exclusive hypercar were destined to be made with 5 units per year. Mazzanti has taken its 1000 hp hypercar to many automobile events, but we haven’t come across a single customer car yet. Also, when equipped with all the optional bits, the Millecavalli is rumored to be priced well near the $3 million mark!
There’s More: A 1121 Hp Evantra Millecavalli R
But that isn’t the end of this story. The Millecavalli was showcased as a prototype at the 2016 Turin Auto Show, and all the above-mentioned figures were from then. Later on, it was further upgraded in the development stage.
The meaner version bumped up the displacement from 7.2 to 7.3-liters and churned out a mental 1,200 hp (this is in 2018). This also got a redesigned exterior with more aero wizardry and is called the Mazzanti Evantra Millecavalli R. Clearly an evolution of the originally intended 1,000 hp machine, the Mazzanti website now hosts just the R version and there is no mention of the original “Millecavalli”.
Sources: Mazzantiautomobili.it, Instagram com/mazzantiautomobili_official, Motorauthority.com, Motor1.com, Supercars.net
