Thursday 5th May 2011

Video: Is This The New De Tomaso Pantera?

First claimed sighting of prototype Pantera posted on YouTube

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We reported back in March that De Tomaso is set to launch an all-new Pantera model at the LA show this November, and now footage has appeared on YouTube that purports to show the car in prototype form.

According to an announcement at the Geneva show this year - where De Tomaso launched its BMW 5GT-esque DeAuville concept (also featured in the videos below) - the company is working on a 550hp V8 which hopefully will provide motivation for the Pantera as well as De Tomaso's other planned models.

When we first reported on the marque's revival back in 2009, we said the business plan called for a trio of models that shared a low-cost aluminium spaceframe technology called Univis - which we don't pretend to know much about, but which is said to require just 30 dies to build a car.

Either way, we're looking forward to the LA show when the wraps come off this exciting project.

The alleged Pantera video...

And the DeAuville...

[j_s14a]

It looks like a Nissan 300zx in drag

[Squabbler]

The shape looks slightly odd, although the noise is

[robinessex]

It doesn't look different to many other 'generic' rear engines super car. Unless the body is disguise. And don't they need number plates in Italy ?

[carsnapper]

'...but which is said to require just 30 dies to build a car.'

30 deaths per chassis - seems expensive

Sounds decent enough.

[mwmackenzie]

Hmmm looks very like the old Autocar Lotus Esprit renders!

Mark



also looks in the photo like an F355 replica gone wrong when the vent up the side is not viewed at an obvious angle??

Not sure about it.....

Mark

Edited by mwmackenzie on Thursday 5th May 12:34

[MartinJames]

If it is styled by the same people who were responsible it's going to be a real minger under that generic disguise. Shame, the original Pantera is in my top ten.

[gareth.e]

I can't believe only 30 people have to die to build a car!

[Roberty]

Looks somewhere between an F355 and Audi R8.

Hopefully it will be more impressive minus the disguise panels?

[Stew2000]

A bit of Noble M15 in there.

[QUADratic]

looks a bit like the lovechild of a 355 / m600 . . .

[LuS1fer]

Looks like an old Ferrari to me.

[nelly_h]

Rear wheels on the prototype look very "show-car" already.

At least they seem to be trying to develop a set-up that works with those, rather than test on little wheels and then try to sell some ride ruining "statement" alloys at point of purchase.

[spiritof'76]

I once walked into a lampost whilst eyeing up the old Pantera in a showroom window

This is giving me nothing like the same affect

[Proxy]

Ooo, can't wait to see more of this!
It sounds absolutely glorious too

[Jabbawokky]

Looks to be the same car as the camo esprit back in 2007. Lotus said it was not thiers at the time but a clients? if i remember correctly.....

[cookie1600]

I bet there is a guy in Poland already working on a tub of glass fibre and something he rescued from the breakers.......

[jake15919]

Jabbawokky said:

Looks to be the same car as the camo esprit back in 2007. Lotus said it was not thiers at the time but a clients? if i remember correctly.....

Great spot.

[Dagnut]

Just take tracing paper to this and be done with it

[Jaykaybi]

Jabbawokky said:

Looks to be the same car as the camo esprit back in 2007. Lotus said it was not thiers at the time but a clients? if i remember correctly.....

[Dodgey_Rog]

Jabbawokky said:

Looks to be the same car as the camo esprit back in 2007. Lotus said it was not thiers at the time but a clients? if i remember correctly.....

You beat me to it! Although i was told this might be the next Venturi Atlantique.