Autoblog

click on the pic above for a gallery of 11 shots

We've heard rumblings of a De Tomaso Pantera revival for the last year or so, and now reports are appearing that suggest that the new car, if it ever sees the light of day at all, may not be the same Ford-powered mid-engined supercar that we've come to know and love. We could deal with the idea that the name might have to be changed to Panthera instead of Pantera, but basing the once Ford-powered classic on Lamborghini architecture as our source suggests would surely price the vehicle far out of reach for most of us. The Lamborghini Gallardo and the Audi R8 share similar underpinnings already, and these new rumors suggest that the Pantera re-dux would be based on the same platform and also pilfer the German-Italian V10 engine, which makes us wonder if the market is willing to accept three similar super cars, all with similar running gear and similar performance. Still, if the new car were to look as amazing as the renderings seen in our gallery, we wouldn't kick it out of our dream-garage.



[Source: World Car Fans]

click on the pic above for a gallery of 11 shots

Following on the heels of a rumored revival of the DeTomaso name, 3D hotshot Stefan Schulze has whipped up a flight of fancy that could serve as the flagship of the marque's resurgence. The gorgeously rendered "Panthera" (we suspect the "h" is in there for legal reasons) pays clear homage to Tom Tjaarda's 1970s design. The cues are all there, from the distinctive shape of the rear quarter windows and C-pillar down to the front grille. Since it's not yet rooted in any kind of reality, we can freely dream about the details.

The previous association with Ford would mean some flavor of their modular V8 or maybe V10. The power unit from the new GT500KR would be nice to mount in the middle of this sleek design. Ford even has the platform from the now-dead GT, though a custom platform with riveted and bonded materials isn't as inconceivable as it once was. In fact, buying all of the pieces that mass-manufacturers are really good at, like chassis, braking components, and HVAC systems makes a lot of sense. There's no point in trying to make a really good air conditioner when Harrison's setups are capable of freezing your nose hairs off. Speaking of Harrison, they're a GM supplier, which brings us to the GM tip. It would certainly be interesting to have an LS7 with this shape wrapped around it. Ah, speculation is such fun – by the time we're done specing the thing out, it'll be a million-plus ride. Nice work by Mr. Schulze, as usual.

[Source: CarBodyDesign.com]

In the present automotive climate, with historic European marques being revived left, right and center, a name like de Tomaso couldn't lay dormant for long. The Modena-based supercar-maker (not unlike Pagani) founded by Argentine-Italian industrialist and former racing driver Alejandro de Tomaso had a colored history that included the production of such iconic sportscars as the Ford-powered Pantera and Mangusta. Along the way, de Tomaso also made a few racing cars – including an F1 car for Williams – and even tried its hand at Jaguar-rivaling luxury cars like the Deauville and the Longchamp, as well as temporarily taking over such stoic firms as Ghia, Vignale, Moto Guzzi, and, in between Citroen and Fiat ownership, even Maserati. After a last-ditch effort to produce a new Mangusta with Qvale went sour, however, the company dissolved in June 2004, shortly after the founder's passing.

The latest industry reports, however, suggest that the de Tomaso name might embark on a new future, lead by a group of American and Chinese investors. The company was last owned by MG-Rover, which closed it down after just one year. Back in the day, de Tomaso's most famous customer was Elvis Presley; if thousands can believe that Elvis is still alive, then certainly de Tomaso could be resuscitated as well. We'll be watching the gates of Graceland for emerging news.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Many precincts in the U.S. are ecstatic over their new Dodge Charger police cruisers, but Italian police are just as pleased to replace their fleet of Fiat Mareas with the new Alfa 159. Police cruisers in Italy are called Panteras, which means "Panther" in English, and the crime-fighting Pantera patrols the boot with a bulletproof windshield and windows, separated passenger compartment and remote-controlled, roof-mounted search lights. You may remember the Baby Blue and White paint scheme from the last Italian police car we told you about – a Lamborgini Gallardo. Man, Italy knows how to serve and protect in style.

[Source: Italiaspeed, autoblog.it]