Coachbuilder reimagines DeTomaso Pantera, but not as an EV

The DeTomaso Pantera is arguably one of the most iconic models – and names – of the last century in car design. Design house Ares Modena has been gradually reviving this hallowed supercar, and most recently showcased the Panther Evo, the next step on from the Panther ProgettoUno. It is not the only Italian icon that has been reborn of late, with Alfa Romeo re-launching the 33 Stradale to much fanfare late last month.

The Panther Evo project was led by Gianluca Cordua, head of design at Ares Modena. A graduate of the Scuola Politecnica di Design in Milan, Cordua has been with Ares for nearly five years now, working on coachbuilding projects such as the Ares Defender 4x4, the 50s-inspired Ares Wami Lalique roadster and a reimagined Bentley Mulsanne Coupe. He may also have leaned on his experience working on a Lamborghini concept for his masters project while at SPD. In any case, this will surely have been exciting project for someone in the early stages of their design career.

CDN caught up with Cordua to learn more about the Panther Evo and how the team combined modern techniques with retro-futurist design cues during its development.

Car Design News: Could you give us a brief idea of what Ares is about – what is the company’s philosophy, how big is the team, how long has it been in operation?

Gianluca Cordua: Ares is a coachbuilding company that aims to revolutionise the approach to luxury vehicles. We continuously evolve our design criteria and process, shaping and designing each car based on client feedback to ensure a “co-creation process.” Our small, dynamic design team consists of ten individuals, including designers, digital designers/polygonal modelers, and CAS modelers, all working collaboratively.

CDN: What are the main differences between the Panther Evo and the earlier Panther ProgettoUno?

GC: We sought to enhance specific aspects of our model, focusing on refining details to create a fresh, unblemished look while preserving the overall shape and proportions. Most of our efforts were concentrated on the rear, resulting in a completely redesigned rear-end, diffuser, rear lights, and an upgraded design of the interior: dashboard, tunnel and seats.

CDN: Could you explain your fascination with the original DeTomaso Pantera, and which design cues you wanted to keep with the Panther Evo?

GC: Our inspiration was to re-envision and breathe new life into an iconic legend from the past, capturing the captivating 70s aesthetic within a modern, technologically advanced platform.

CDN: Was there a clay model, or – as the trend of the moment seems to be – was the development process digital?

GC: The design process was entirely virtual, utilising polygonal modeling extensively in conjunction with CAS modeling.

CDN: The interior manages to blend retro styling (the open gate gear box!) with modern technology. Was this blend of old and new always part of the brief?

GC: Absolutely, given our small company status, we embraced the challenge of creating something artisanal that pays homage to the original car’s heritage while infusing it with contemporary allure from a design perspective.

CDN: Was there ever a discussion to make this car electric – why did you choose to go ICE?

GC: This model was conceived with a clear intent to reinvigorate a legend, and so we preferred to equip the Panther with the powerful V10 engine from the donor car.

CDN: What is the intention with the Panther Evo – is it a concept, a pre-production prototype, a one-off?

GC: The Panther Evo is a limited series vehicle that can be fully customised for special clients.