A new Panther on the prowl…

Pantera-inspired supercar announced by Dany Bahar’s ARES Design

MODENA-BASED ARES Design has announced plans to produce its Project Panther supercar in 2018. As the name suggests, it draws inspiration from the classic 1971-92 De Tomaso Pantera; but whereas that car was powered by a Ford V8, Project Panther will be based on a Lamborghini Huracán platform.

ARES Design will build the car in its brand new design and production headquarters, conveniently situated between the homes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, which officially opens on 30 January. It will boast two production lines, plus prototyping and composite facilities, a photographic studio, and design and visitor areas.

Founded three years ago by ex-Lotus CEO Dany Bahar, previously responsible for the formation of Red Bull’s Formula 1 team, ARES specialises in producing one-off coachbuilt designs for wealthy clients, typically based on Bentley Mulsanne, Mercedes G-class and Land Rover Defender donor vehicles. Project Panther will be the first all-new vehicle to be built at its Modena facility, and made in very limited numbers.

‘We’re not restricted by corporate processes or fixed views on how “our” cars should be seen, nor are we limited by technology and facilities that restrict what we can do for customers,’ claims Bahar. ‘Project Panther feels right now like our “halo car” but I can guarantee there is much more to come in 2018!’

Octane understands that another project in the works is a re-interpretation of the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, based on the platform of today’s GTC4Lusso, the latest version of the FF four-wheel-drive estate.