This thing looks amazing.
With its stunning proportions and wedge-shaped design, the De Tomaso Pantera caught the eye of sports car buyers in the 1970s. It was an attractive option for buyers who wanted the same European styling as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche but without the fussy powertrains. The Pantera’s spirit lives on, even though the De Tomaso brand was not able to survive.
As part of the “Legends Reborn” series, Ares Design has teased its Panther since last. The camouflage is now off and the stunning coupe is a true recreation of the Pantera De Tomaso from the 70s. This reborn Pantera will make a name for herself with a new platform (using Lamborghini Huracan’s base), and modern styling.
Ares Design drapes carbon fibre body panels over each Huracan donor. The Huracan is slightly wider than the original Pantera but its wheelbase measures only 12 centimeters more. This gives the modern Panther the same proportions as the original. The body is largely unchanged in its original form, but modern touches like forged 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels, and LED running lights complement the classic look. Pop-up headlights with LED beams are a major retro feature.
Lamborghini’s V10 engine, a 5.2-liter, produces power. Although it is more expensive to maintain than the Ford V8, its free-flowing power makes this engine worth every penny. This application uses a high-revving engine that produces 641 horsepower (477 Kilowatts) as well as 442 pound-feet (599 Newton meters) of torque. Thanks to an ECU tuned and a new exhaust system, the engine can produce up to 641 horsepower (477.5 kilowatts). This engine produces 10 more horsepower than the standard Huracan. The top speed is a healthy 201 mph (325 km per hour).
The Haldex all-wheel drive system and dual-clutch transmission ensure that extra horses are available to all four wheels. Brembo six-piston carbon-ceramic brakes provide ample stopping power. The Ares weighs only three more pounds than the base Huracan, and the Panther is 3,137 pounds (1.423 kg).
Buyers have the option to choose from a variety of materials in their cabin. Ares showcases wide swathes carbon fiber, Alcantara and chocolate brown Nappa leather in the renderings (below), but states that each interior is fully customizable based on the customer’s design request.
The Panther will be available for purchase on the streets by the end of May. However, it is not easy to build one. The Panther is priced at $695,000 (EUR615,000) by Ares Design, with an estimated build time around three months.