Totem GT Super: A Bespoke Italian Masterpiece Reborn

Totem GT Super: A Bespoke Italian Masterpiece Reborn

In a world of automotive conformity, the Totem GT Super emerges as a defiant declaration of individuality and obsessive craftsmanship. This isn’t merely a car; it’s a rolling work of art, a meticulously re-imagined tribute to the iconic Alfa Romeo GTV, infused with modern engineering prowess and an almost audacious level of bespoke detail. With a staggering 670 horsepower on tap and a featherweight curb weight under 3,000 lbs, the GT Super promises a driving experience as visceral as it is visually arresting.

A Symphony of Carbon Fiber and Bespoke Engineering

Totem’s philosophy is clear: shun parts-bin sharing and embrace the unique. The GT Super is built around a proprietary carbon monocoque with aluminum sub-sections, ensuring immense structural rigidity and a significant weight advantage. The heart of this beast is a unique twin-turbo V6 developed by Ital Technica, the same minds behind the Chimera’s potent engine. This bespoke powerplant churns out an exhilarating 670 horsepower, a figure that dwarfs its vintage inspiration and catapults the GT Super into supercar territory.

Complementing the bespoke engine and chassis is a gearbox that harks back to a golden era of Italian performance: the Graziano six-speed gated manual from the Ferrari 550 Maranello. While a delightful mechanical connection, the engine’s incredibly light flywheel presents a unique challenge for rev-matching, demanding a delicate touch and a willingness to engage with the car’s character. This, coupled with a tight rear differential, contributes to a setup that feels almost akin to a drift car, with a palpable eagerness to rotate.

Performance: Raw, Explosive, and Utterly Engaging

The GT Super offers a three-mode driving system, reminiscent of Alfa Romeo’s DNA selector. ‘A’ (All-Weather) mode limits power to a still-potent 350 horsepower, essentially running on the wastegate. ‘N’ (Natural) provides a balanced output, while ‘D’ (Dynamic) unleashes the full 670 horsepower with traction control deactivated. The sequential twin-turbo system, much like the legendary Porsche 959, delivers a surge of power as the second turbo spools up, creating a truly intoxicating rush.

While the acceleration is undeniably rapid, the car’s aesthetic might lead one to underestimate its true velocity. The balance is exceptional, with a pleasing front-to-rear distribution. However, the driving experience isn’t without its quirks. The brake pedal, described as slightly soft, requires a firm press, which can complicate heel-toe downshifts. Furthermore, the steering exhibits an inconsistent ratio, with a significant change occurring beyond five degrees of input. This necessitates frequent mid-corner corrections, a minor blemish on an otherwise dynamic package.

Totem’s commitment to personalization is paramount. Each GT Super is tailor-made for its owner. Before delivery, Totem meets the customer at a track to fine-tune the alignment, throttle mapping, ABS, and traction control settings to their exact preferences. This bespoke approach ensures that the car truly becomes an extension of the driver.

Interior: A Masterclass in Bespoke Luxury

Step inside the Totem GT Super, and you’re enveloped in a world of obsessive detail and exquisite materials. The carbon fiber theme extends throughout the cabin, creating a sense of lightness and purpose. The seats, sourced from Ferrari, are finished in a matching houndstooth pattern, a nod to vintage racing aesthetics. The dashboard features classic-style clocks, and every switch, knob, and lever – from the blinker stalks crafted from carbon fiber rods to the knurled HVAC controls – has been designed and manufactured specifically for this car. The level of finish and the tactile quality of the materials are extraordinary, especially for a company’s inaugural product.

Value and Exclusivity: A Price of Passion

The Totem GT Super comes with a significant price tag of €620,000, and it’s important to note that the initial production run is already sold out. This is not a car for the faint of heart or the budget-conscious. However, considering the extensive use of carbon fiber, the bespoke Italian engineering, the hand-built nature, and the sheer obsessive attention to detail, the price, while steep, begins to make sense. It occupies a niche similar to that of Singer Vehicle Design, offering a modern interpretation of a beloved classic, but with a distinctively Italian flair and a focus on cutting-edge materials.

The target buyer is someone who appreciates automotive artistry, possesses a deep appreciation for heritage, and seeks a vehicle that stands apart from the mainstream. They are likely enthusiasts who understand the value of exclusivity and the dedication required to create something truly unique. While the cost is undeniably high, the GT Super represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive passion, meticulously crafted with no expense spared and no detail overlooked.

Verdict: A Triumph of Obsession

The Totem GT Super is more than just a car; it’s a testament to the power of obsession and a celebration of automotive heritage. It’s a risky endeavor, much like a filmmaker attempting to remake a cinematic masterpiece, but Totem has achieved near perfection. The dynamic imperfections, such as the steering inconsistencies and the occasional tire rub, are minor footnotes in an otherwise awe-inspiring experience. The explosive power, the sublime ride quality (once dialed in), and the sheer sensory delight of the interior make the GT Super an unforgettable machine.

For those fortunate enough to secure one, the GT Super offers a driving experience that is both exhilarating and deeply engaging. It’s a car that commands attention, inspires awe, and reminds us of the boundless creativity that drives the automotive world forward. It’s a rare breed, a jewel of bespoke engineering, and a fitting homage to one of Italy’s most cherished automotive icons.

Source: 670HP. Carbon. Art. – The Smoking Tire (YouTube)