All Hail The Ares Panther’s Pop-Up Headlights - And 641bhp V10
You’re looking at the first new supercar in decades to wear pop-up headlights, but now we also know that there’s serious bite to back up the Ares Panther’s bark.
The supercar, which, as we reported last year, is based on a Lamborghini Huracan but takes the De Tomaso Pantera as its inspiration; hence the ultra-cool pop-ups. It’s the first in Ares’ planned ‘Legends Reborn’ line of reimagined supercars from yesteryear. Production is limited to 21 cars.
We now know that the mid-mounted V10 has been enlarged from 5.2 litres to 5.6, helping the modified beauty achieve at least 641bhp and 413lb ft. More is possible after final testing is complete, says the company.
In a sign of just how aggressive Ares is going with the Panther, throttle response is said to be faster than the standard Huracan’s and the seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox delivers sharper shifts.
Ares Design Technical Director Matteo Vezzani said:
“This car is a showcase of ARES DESIGN’s capabilities. From the very first statement of intent to the shakedown, people have been fascinated by this project and I totally understand why. One of the most significant characteristics of the ARES Panther is its voice.
“The sound produced from the naturally aspirated V10 engine is nothing short of a roar. Super sporty, throaty and head turning, the team have done an incredible job in creating a stunning sounding, beautiful looking car.”
These new details have been released as the car nears its production phase. Test drivers are said to be giving the car its final shakedown before the plans are signed off and built. Prices start at €515,000, but will rise quickly with options and bespoke changes. The Huracan starts at about a quarter of that.
Each car will take about 24 weeks to build, depending on the level of customisation complexity requested by the customer. Everything from the design to the build and the customisation will be carried out at the firm’s new 18,000sq ft Modena facility.
Comments
Nut
Imperator DT5 from Rocket League is alive
The car gods have spoken!
My miatas alredy trying to seduce her
Is this the following of the Italdesign method? Taking an R8 and overpricing it.
It appears that the biggest reason why people on here are so hyped about this car is because of the pop-ups, but to be honest, it’s nothing to be that overtly excited about. From an engineering standpoint, pop-ups are worse than fixed headlamps because while they may have less drag when in the lowered position, they will have more of it when they are activated. Alongside that, their implementation opens up the door to electrical and/or mechanical failures on their part, which can prove to be problematic in the case that they do occur.
pop-ups are purely for style, and that’s reason enough to love them, even if they are not as practical as fixed headlights. they give most cars an undeniable charm.
But they look awesome so all of what you said goes out the window
But they look awesome so all of what you said goes out the window
Is this a production car or a concept that’ll never come to fruition?
“Prices start at €515,000…”
I wonder how they got around crash standards to get the pop ups to work
Alright who stole a BMW M1 and added modern tech to an old design?
Simple. We won’t get any in the US.