It's safe to say that Ares Design's
previous projects
haven't exactly left us brimming with enthusiasm. That could be about to change, though, as the undeniably talented team at the helm of the coachbuilder has unveiled its latest venture.
'Project Panther' is the first car to be developed and built at Ares' new Modena production facility, and it marks a pretty interesting change of pace for the company.
Its previous output has mainly consisted of carbon fibre clad SUVs and one-off specials, all priced at variously jaw-dropping six-figure sums. Now though, it's working on something that's much more PH appropriate: a new take on the legendary De Tomaso Pantera.
This isn't the first time such an idea has been floated, of course. It's just over a decade since designer Stefan Schultz penned his modern interpretation of the Pantera. That was to be based on a Lamborghini Gallardo though, and the reception was somewhat frosty; the first comment in the forums contending, "I can't see any point in rebodying a Gallardo for what seems to be the same money..."
So, what of Ares' attempt? Well, DamoLLb, you'll be pleased to hear it's not a rebodied Gallardo, and it certainly won't cost the same money.
No, Project Panther is instead based on... a Huracan. Exactly which iteration of Huracan remains to be seen - fingers crossed for the
rear-wheel drive LP580-2
- as there are no technical or performance specs as yet. Although the press release does somewhat disingenuously claim that the Huracan "recently smashed the
Nurburgring production car lap record
." If the Panther is to be based on
a Performante
then they'll really have our attention...
What we do know is that the car is currently undergoing its final design, aerodynamic and crash-test engineering before its "very limited run" can begin. Sounds like there's plenty of work to be done before its launch in the second half of 2018 then, but it could be a properly exciting proposition if done right. Fingers crossed.
Talking about Ares' current plans, founder and CEO Dany Bahar said, "This factory and Project Panther give a clear sign of our intent to design, engineer and produce the world's most stunning bespoke and coachbuilt cars." Going on to reveal that, "Project Panther is the first of a portfolio of cars - and other surprises - that we will be presenting at an official opening in January."