ARES Design has just revealed the first images and details of its upcoming supercar, codenamed ‘Project Panther’.

The Italian coachbuilder is the brain child of Dany Bahar, the Swiss businessman best known for his controversial time as chief executive of Lotus. With Project Panther, the company wants to create a modern interpretation of the De Tomaso Pantera.

Powering the vehicle is the same 5.2-liter V10 engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and all-wheel drive system as the Lamborghini Huracan, expected to deliver the same 602 hp. Additionally, Project Panther uses the same aluminum and carbon fiber chassis as the Huracan and promises to be every bit as fast.

While the car’s underpinnings may be all Lamborghini, the exterior is something unique and to our eyes, absolutely gorgeous. Perfectly combining retro design elements with modern flair, the Project Panther includes LED daytime running lights, pop-up headlights, a small front grille, and a low engine cover clad in carbon fiber.

Discussing the car, Bahar said it will be built at the company’s new manufacturing facility in Modena.

“We started ARES three years ago with unprecedented demand to work on the personalisation of clients’ cars, and have satisfied well over 200 customers with unique interiors, exterior design elements, bodywork engineering and performance upgrades. Our new Modena facility allows us to move above and beyond this normal personalisation service, bringing together new design and engineering technologies, teams of skilled craftsmen, and passionate experts who have joined us from local supercar businesses.”

ARES Design claims that the car is currently undergoing design, aerodynamic, and crash-test engineering assessment before reaching the hands of customers in the second half of 2018. Pricing details have yet to be announced.

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