This New Italian Supercar Has 888 HP, a Manual Gearbox, and No Interest in Trends

Supercars keep getting faster, smarter, and packed with technology. Silvestri Automobili decided to head in the opposite direction. The Italian startup has unveiled its first model, the MN 40 Tributo, a machine built for drivers who still believe a great supercar starts with three pedals, a high-revving engine, and as little electronic interference as possible.

The name carries special meaning too, honoring legendary engineer Nicola Materazzi, the man behind icons like the Ferrari F40, Lancia Stratos, and Bugatti EB110.

Based in Sant'Agata Bolognese, the same town as Lamborghini, Silvestri Automobili enters the supercar world with a striking first effort. The carbon-fiber body, designed by Francesco Rocco, includes several subtle tributes to the Ferrari F40, including a fixed rear wing, triple center-mounted exhaust pipes, and a black strip running along the profile. At the same time, the rest of the design follows its own path. The front fascia, dramatic side air intakes, and sculpted bodywork blend inspiration from several famous performance cars into something that feels familiar without looking like a direct copy.

The engineering philosophy is where the MN 40 Tributo really stands apart. Beneath the body sits a lightweight tubular aluminum spaceframe developed around principles established by Materazzi himself, with the focus placed on balance rather than complex electronic systems. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 6.8-liter V12 supplied by an Italian specialist.

The Silvestri Automobili MN 40 Tributo revs all the way to 9,500 rpm and produces 888 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. That output reaches the rear wheels through a seven-speed manual transaxle from Bologna-based CIMA, complete with an open-gate shifter, a custom clutch, and a torque-sensing differential. Buyers who prefer quicker shifts can also choose an optional sequential gearbox with paddle shifters.

For now, the MN 40 Tributo exists as a full-size static prototype, though Silvestri Automobili plans to build 15 examples over the next three years. Only 13 will reach customers, while the remaining two will stay with the company. No word on price yet, though it's safe to assume it will carry a seven-figure price tag.