Project Panther is
inching closer to production as ARES Design has released the first pictures of
a camouflaged prototype. The Panther is a
limited production model which is envisioned as a modern-day version of the De
Tomaso Pantera. Despite its retro-inspired design, the car will be based on the
Lamborghini Huracan and feature custom carbon fiber bodywork as well as pop-up
headlights.
Power will be
provided an upgraded 5.6-liter V10 engine that produces an estimated 650 PS and 560 Nm of torque. This would be 40 PS more the Huracan and the company suggested the final figure could be
even higher.
ARES Design
declined to say how fast the car will be, but it could be even quicker than the
Huracan which can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds before
hitting a top speed in excess of 325 km/h. Regardless of the final
numbers, the company says the model will have an improved throttle response and
sharper shifts from the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
According to ARES
Design founder and former Lotus CEO Dany Bahar, “This is a really exciting
moment for us. Within just six months of announcing the Panther project we have
our test car on the road and are ready to present to the world our expression
of a car that I dreamt of as a kid.” He went on to describe the model as a “perfect
blend of old school charm and charisma.”
The Panther is
slated to go into production in October and pricing will start at € 515,000
(US$ 597,374 / £ 461,600). Only 21 units will be built and all of the build spots
for 2018 have already been spoken for.
