Key Takeaways
- Technical base: chassis and 5.2-liter V10 from the Lamborghini Huracán, remapped to 650 hp and 599 N·m of torque.
- Design: carbon-fiber body penned by Mihai Panatescu with pop-up LED headlights, paying tribute to the De Tomaso Pantera.
- Production: 21 units, all already sold, built at Ares Design's 17,000-square-meter facility in Modena.
Ares Design has put the Project1 into production, the first model in the "Legends Reborn" series dedicated to reinterpreting automotive icons. The Modena-based atelier, founded by former Lotus CEO Dany Bahar, built the model on the chassis of the Lamborghini Huracán, from which it also carries over the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine.
Mechanics Derived from the Huracán
The engine has been remapped with a new control unit and a redesigned exhaust, reaching 650 hp (478 kW) and 599 N·m of torque. The transmission remains the 7-speed dual-clutch unit with all-wheel drive, recalibrated for sharper responses. Ares Design claims a 0-100 km/h sprint of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of over 325 km/h. The braking system uses Brembo carbon-ceramic discs with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers; the forged Vossen wheels, 20 and 21 inches, are wrapped in Pirelli tires sized 255/30 R20 and 325/25 R21.
Bodywork Faithful to the De Tomaso Pantera
The design, penned by Romanian designer Mihai Panatescu, echoes the proportions of the 1970s De Tomaso Pantera. The wheelbase is just 12 centimeters shorter than the original, despite a wider track. The car features pop-up headlights with LED projectors, a solution not seen on a newly produced car since the Chevrolet Corvette C5 and Lotus Esprit, both of which ended production in 2004.
Bespoke Interiors and Limited Production
The cabin abandons the tech-forward layout of the Huracán in favor of a Nappa leather, Alcantara, and carbon-fiber setup, customizable for each client. Production takes place at the Ares Design facility in Modena, spanning over 17,000 square meters, with an estimated build time of 12 weeks per unit. The series is limited to 21 units, all of which have already been allocated.
