This is the Pagani Utopia, a V12 powered, 852bhp ultracar costing a cool $2.2M USD. Six years in the making, the Pagani Utopia is a celebration of the past and a deliberate failure to embrace the new. The old-school marks the return of a seven-speed manual gearshift. A powerful car with a manual gearbox is as outdated a concept as it is to replace CGi in a Marvel movie with hand-drawn animation.

There is a reason why a seven-speed gearbox should be automated… ease of use. A modern automated gearbox is simply more efficient. Perhaps a sports car with a manual gearbox has become a byline for masculinity.

The exterior styling looks like a concept from the early 2000s, it is traditional and functional, as if it is trying to hide from view.

Unlike a Ferrari SF90 which looks as if it wants to be the center of attention even when at a standstill, I prefer Pagani’s subtle yet striking approach.

The Utopia will also be offered with an automated single-clutch transmission. The vehicle’s mass weighs in at 1,280kg, which is considered light for a modern sports car containing a bulky V12.

The engine is sourced from Mercedes AMG, the 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 is loaded with 852 bhp and 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft) of torque from 2,800-5,900 rpm. The engine is tuned to rev up to 6,700 rpm. Performance figures are yet to be detailed.

The suspension is derived from Formula One. The components are directly connected to the subframe. The pushrod springs and damper setup allow for semi-active driveability according to Pagani. This allows the Utopia to remain settled over the most unsettled urban dominions.

The Pagani Utopia rides on Pirelli P Zero Corsa treads, 21 inch at the front and 22 inches at the back.