Pantera International Enthusiast Poll - What is your opinion?

It now looks like there is at least some hope that the DeTomaso factory will survive and offer
several interesting cars in the near future.

While these new cars are in the development stage and since the factory has shared their plans with our organization, we ask our site visitors to offer their advice as to how to make these cars attractive to DeTomaso enthusiasts. Please take a moment and offer your advice. We will submit this focus group study to the factory for possible implementation. Thank you.

Now it is your turn to speak out.

	What should the new Vallelunga offer? Describe the size, horsepower, number of cylinders, brand of engine, and any ingredients you would like to see in the new car.
	The new Vallelunga is to be "affordable". What price range would you consider for a car of this description? Do you think the concept is a good one in the first place, a lower cost sports car?
	Most people thought the name Mangusta for the new car (Qvale Group) was an unwise choice. What do you think about the Vallelunga? Hit or miss?
	From what you can see of the new Pantera, is the factory on the right track with the Gandini design?
	What would you be willing to pay for the new Pantera? Describe your view on the ideal power train and performance parameters?
	Do you think the name Pantera should be used for the new car?
	Do you think having a new Pantera on the scene will increase/decrease or have no effect on Pantera values?
	What is your opinion on the DeTomaso strategy to get back to hot blooded, two seat, mid-engine cars?
	Do you think DeTomaso can actually pull off building two new cars or is the factory biting off more than they can chew? Does the DeTomaso name have credibility after the recent "divorce"?
	What are your thoughts about the factory working with our organization, reaching enthusiasts directly in marketing the new car? Should the factory aim its marketing effort at people outside the DeTomaso community and assume that we will be loyal and will automatically purchase the new offerings?

Please feel free to add any other comments on this topic

Please complete the form fields below and state your opinon. You may add any other pertinent comments as well.
Please no phony, profane or goofing answers, we are serious and want to
share your responses with the proper parties. Thank you.

Name :
E-Mail :

Please state your opinion.

Thank you for participating in our poll.

The Vallelunga should be a retro of the original and be mid-engined, 4 cylinder state of the art type light and nimble. Styling wise it should be modern but capture the flavor of the original. Price wise it needs to be somewhat exclusive but not out of reach $35,000.00 to $50,000.00.
John H. Ohrt <johrt@ogihara.com>
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You guys have built some very beutiful cars in the past. I even think that you did a great job on the new Vallelugna. I think that the car is very detailed. But your new SUV looks to much like any other SUV on the road and it doesn't look to appealing to me. I don't like telling you this because you have been my favorit. When I seen my first Pantera I went nuts and I have always wanted one. You guys have been doing an outstanding job with everything else that I have seen. Keep up the good work. And once again, Sorry for the negative input. Kevin
Kevin C. <X49quiksilver@aol.com>
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do something with front end.it is not racy looking.get rid of headlight doors and use resecced lighting and clear covers.engine should be small block ford built with the input of robert yates. have 2engines available 200 to 300hp. 400 to 600hp.
michael yates <mech1394@alltel.net>
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Once again rearward visibility is atrocious. Give the driver a chance to see cars in the huge blindspot, mirrors don't see all. Delete the headlight doors. Make the lights flush and save a ton of money and potential problems. Good looking car otherwise.
Dennis Garbacik <D.Garbacik@home.net>
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cmw is not good i drive a 2001 mercedes c-class and im only 16 years ,now what. senora
boboy youres
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I really think that the DeTomaso factory has a real identity crisis. Here in the US we really haven't seen anything for over a decade, so it's very hard to get excited about anything they say. Up until the Mangusta(overpriced and ugly) there was nothing. The Guara and Pantera200 were very nice looking machines, but what's the point if they're not available?? As for any new vehicles, they should be low cost to attract new buyers. For the Vallelunga, I think a different name is warrented and it should be a low cost high performance speedster e.g. Lotus Elise and should cost no more than $33K. (Heck, buy the dies from Kia for the Elan, or make a low cost Guara!) As for a new Pantera, keep the name becuase it has recognition, but it should cost no more than $65K. The reason for the price of both cars is that there is a lot out there from more reputable companies. I really think that DeTomaso should have 2 offerings in different price ranges. Take a page from the Lotus handbook and become a real company!!!
Carl VanDommelen <carlv@execpc.com>
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TO BE HONEST!.YOU HAVE SOME VERY NICE NEW CARS.BUT,I REALLY LOVE YOUR (74)AND(GT5S)PANTERA'S.WHY.?.CAN'T YOU GO BACK AND RE BUILD THEM?(vw)CAN.(FORD)CAN.?CAN'T YOU!! ps.JUST THINK ABOUT IT.
MR.WINN,SR <MKW3866@YAHOO.COM>
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Cool, another Vallelunga car??? I'll vote for that name! Of course, I am a bit prejudiced since my name is also Vallelunga. However, I must admit that at least in the USA, no one knows how to pronounce it. Any info on something new would be appreciated. I like to keep my web site up to date. http://www.vallelunga.com
John Vallelunga <johnv@sonic.net>
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to whom it may concern as fans from several years ago 35-40 years I know the advanced chassi central tube of the old mangusta, and here I try to promote by races cars the creation of a cagtegory with that abse in several ways, by authoritym by drivers, enginners, and in any moment exist an intend to build several similar as mangusta here the Renault andino, The baufer renault, and in the last 3 years the Tulietta , from the most complete and in quantity builder of comeptition cars mr Crespi from Balcarce city. I hope the best with the new body of the Vallelunga and the Suv . many thanks in advance. Nestor Clemente Balcarce 1053 1064 pb 12 buenos aires argentina if psosible that send to me complete photography of the new vallelugna thanks
nestor clemente <enecefotahotmail.com>
buenos aires, buenso aires argentina -

I wish to applause DeTomoso on the recent Pantera concept. Although I'm but a mere freshman in collage I hope to one day be the engineer responsible for designing or maybe even refining the engines placed in such awe-inspiring cars. Since I first laid eyes on the Pantera I was in love and unlike most new cars that are placed on the market to "revive" an old nameplate, the concept that you are considering is deserving of the name Pantera. But please make it's performance numbers equal or greater than that of it's ancestor. If it were up to me I would go with the Ford V-10, DOHC, 4 valves/ cyl., performance exhaust, and maybe even dual super chargers......wishfull thinking! Sincerly Justin D. Hill
Justin Hill <seniorof99@yahoo.com>
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no opinion thank you
ahmed y al jumaa <a_jumaa@hotmail.com>
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I have only seen a picture of the rear and I think that the car looks outstanding. Panteras have always looked ahead of their time and I think always will. Keep up the good work and could you send pictures of the whole car. And I also think that silver is the best color that you could have put on the car.
kevin cox <x49quiksilver>
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detomaso needs some help...
danmangt40 <danmangt40@aol.com>
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The original Pantera was a car ahead of it's time. Today, some 30 years later it still fits in with the ultra modern. I am currently shopping for a '73 or '74. Why doesn't DeTomaso bring back something close to the original? I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Look at the V.W. Beetle and what it's done for Volkswagon. As for the fancy mirrors, is the drive gear plastic? Will the car overheat? Why not a real "Pantera" with modern upgrades, built on 30 years of road trials and a dedicated following? Personally I think it will be an overpriced failure. My dad bought his white/black L-Type in '74 for $13,000. Need further proof. Where's the Mazda RX-7...one of the great two seaters. Oh that's right they added dual turbos, modified their design, left enthusiasts in the dust and are now in extinction. You asked for my two cents. Sorry....I'll buy a real Pantera.
Robert Radcliffe <cptqlty@email.msn.com>
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I totally love the new design of the New Pantera. It looks just as I would have designed it myself. The expaned wheel wells help add to it's beautiful wide look. The new head lights or a stroke of genuis. I was planning on finding an older one with the up front light design, but now I will be saving my pennies for this new one. Please stay with the ford. A 4.6 or a 5.4 option will keep it's mystic and keep things right with the world. Speaking for my 20 something generation who is the next line of car enthusists this is a great design right down to the wheels. The interior should have a wrinkle black seat option or standard. Adding a roll bar would be a nice sporty touch if it's not already there. It's simplistic design is sweet especially for anyone wanting to add a spoiler for their own touch. I may never afford such a car, but for this car to exist in this form is a great comfort for the likely hood that one I may afford or might have a chance to win one in a contest. If the Ford engine is not continued at least have removeable side walls and enough frame support to be able to maybe find an older engine to put into it. In all this is a beautiful design, and I hope to see this car on the road soon.
Brian Hendrix <bhendrix@cfl.rr.com>
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I think the new Pantera should be called just that. The same way Volkswagen called the new beetle, the "New Beetle" . I think that you should use the Ford F-150 Lightning 5.4 Motor. This motor performs well enough to make a truck run with a Corvette. The car's styling is incredible. I wouldn't change anything but the bodyline where the front fenders meet the hood. It would look more proportionate if the hood was wider. Great work on the car!!!
Robert Goddard <vegita-dbz@home.com>
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The Qvale Mangusta is a bad mistake in both design and marketing. The Gandini-"Pantera" is too heavy-looking for my liking. I believe that DeTomaso should continue to use Ford motors, the 4.6 or 5.4 litre are lovely motors. I also believe that DeTomaso should bring back the Vallelunga. This is a hot market, and if the car could be placed somewhere between the Honda S2000 and BMW Z8, I think they would become a household name. Price the car around $50K so it will compete directly with the Porsche Boxter S and to-be-released Jaguar F-Type, but give it the Ford Cammer motor with an option to supercharge it. Adopt Honda's methodology for the S2000 by making it a bare-bones roadster, with no options other than the supercharger. By keeping the frills to a minimum, one DeTomaso could keep their costs low, but still sell a "blank canvas" for people to demonstrate their artistic acuity for personalizing the vehicle. I hope DeTomaso learns from the "mistake" of the Shelby Series One; the Europeans are knowns for elegance, litheness and purpose; let those qualities shine in the new Vallelunga!
Shane Ingate <madmax_xx@hotmail.com>
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The new Pantera certainly looks like it has a lot of potential. In terms of styling the car appears well proportioned although the rear and rear deck look somewhat under-developed and overly simple. I assume the photo's are of a mock-up model and not of a running prototype. As for the name, I would like to see DeTomaso come up with a new name. part of looking to the future should be writing a new chapter in the company's history, rather than repeatedly looking backwards in their choice of names (Mangusta, Vallelunga, and now Pantera.) The idea of a new "affordable" Vallelungs is interesting, but DeTomaso should study Lotus' debacle with the new Elan. Small companies have a hard time producing "affordable" cars. I hope the company doesn't spread it's resources to thin and produce many under-developed cars, rather than a few well engineered ones. The Guara may need only one new stablemate, rather than two (and that doesn't even include the new SUV they are working on.)
Edgar Farrera <ERFarrera@aol.com>
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I would like to see a vallelunga that is similar to the original convertible showcar with modern braking, a 6 speed transmission, and how about the mazda rotary engine for a twist. I think an affordable car can be made if it is made for a driving enthusiast. I would say an affordable priced roadster could be priced in the low 20's. The vallelunga convertible could keep costs down by looking at the old mazda rx-7 and miata parts bins. A rotary engine mounted in the middle could be a fantastic marketing concept for the de tomaso vallelunga "the affordable pocket rocket." How about a turbo charged rotary car as the next step up that could make the vallelunga into a boxster and m-roadster killer. One of the fastest cars I ever drove had to be the last version of the twin turbo mazda rx7. Could you fathom a normally aspirated rotary engine or a turbo charged engine mounted in the middle. That would be a true wonder on wheels. Also keep the interior spartan like to keep costs down. The Mangusta is a part of history that is good and should not even be associated with that goofy looking front engined convertible that Qvale is selling today. If Qvale can try to sell that ugly car then why not see how much more successful de Tomaso can be by selling the Guara. The Guara is a beautiful car that should be offered here in the United States. The Pantera is a great part of de Tomaso history and although I am intrigued by the looks of the new design I think the new car should get a new name. As far as the Pantera is concerned why not bring the old beast back to life with modern braking, suspension, cooling and a 6 speed gearbox. Gandini's work of art should not be tampered with. I think de Tomaso can build these two cars if they look at keeping costs down by using mazda parts on the vallelunga and how about a high performance northstar engine in the new Pantera with a 6 speed tranny. These cars will be sought after by de Tomaso enthusiasts as well as those outside of the de Tomaso circle if if they are a pleasure to look at and offer components that can be inexpensively serviced and replaced easily.
mark sackoor <ultimat1@gateway.net>
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With this new Pantera, I think you've finally managed to build a car that beats anything at Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc in design. Especially the back is quite remarkable. Only the headlights could have been a bit better looking. I'd have preferred them somewhat in the shape and size of the headlight doors, and perhaps they're also placed a little too close together. But a list of "downfalls" would be so much longer with any other car. Congratulations!
C. E. Weiss <chucke_weiss@yahoo.com>
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i think you should put the mustang cobra's 351 in it possibly turbo charged. i think that the front end should seem more swept back like the panteras of old.
adam ferguson <chevellex70x@aol.com>
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the new vallelunga should be ~1600 lbs, w/a turbo'd alfa twinspark engine making at least 180hp. cost should be under $30k. regarding qvale's mangusta, the only reason why the name was a poor choice was because the current mangusta bears no resemblance to the original, and while the original was gorgeous, the current model is butt-ugly. same goes for the former pantera, & the current prototype. if de tomaso wants to build a new pantera, make it so anyone on the street will recognize it as a pantera. even the newest porsche 996 is immediately recognizable as the sibling of the 1st 911 from the mid-60's. give the new pantera a 400hp all-aluminum version of its 5.4 v8, have it weigh ~2800 lbs., & price it under $80k. otherwise, i'll buy a new lotus esprit... ;~) if de tomaso continues to build butt-ugly cars, it will have no effect whatsoever on the older panteras, which are already very soft on the market. and, they will not be successful marketing even *one* new car, let alone two. if, however, they build something resembling their former cars, it will definitely have a positive impact on the older models, & they will have no problem marketing two new models.
doug sedon <sedond@ors.od.nih.gov>
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I bought my Pantera because it was a work of art with high grade affordable mechanical fundamentals. I'm sorry, the 'NEW PANTERA' shown here is absolutely hideous. To me the name DeTomaso is unworthy of the uncoordinated incompetent commitee designs which have filled the motorways for the past 25 years. Create a work of art! and let the others take care of the uglyness on our roads.
J.C.J. Robinson <Robi156@AOL.COM>
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Nice to hear about the "New Pantera!" This appears to be the answer to the Ford GT90 that was proposed a few years back. I hope that you get some valuable input and build it. I always liked the Pantera and would very seriously consider buying one. Barring the possibility that it wouldn't be too cost prohibitive.
charles hooper <userc988570@cs.com>
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The new Pantera looks interesting, but not too stunning. The rear end treatment is nice, and the side profile is also nice, but the front just doesn't do it. I think the designer needs to look at the Pantera GT5 S for inspiration, cause even though the car is nearly two decades old, it still looks incredible. As for the engine, the Pantera has traditionally had a Ford V8, but how about a Cosworth prepared V8 or even a V12, like the new Aston Martin DB7 Vantage. In the end, it all comes down to price and against what cars it will do battle with. If its priced near the Ferrari 360 Modena, then forget it, the car will be a hard sell. Neither would it be capable to compete with a Porsche 911 Turbo, unless DeTomaso drops a V12. So, the target market should be standard 911 buyers, Jaguar XKR and even the new Maserati 3200GT. I might be completely wrong about the target market, but I think a prespective buyer might be looking at those cars. All those cars are sports grand tourers, and that means this Pantera has to be comfortable, something the old Pantera never was. I do wish that DeTomaso comes up with a new Pantera, rather than waste their efforts on an SUV that no one will buy, remember the Lamborghini LM002, when was the last time you saw one of those? Anyway, I can't wait to see what DeTomaso comes up with next. Nauman Farooq
Nauman Farooq <NaumanF1@excite.com>
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In my opinion, new pantera should use v8 engine like lexus 400, BMW m5, v8 twin turbo which has small engine block. I want to see new pantera win at race car truck and became No 1 sports car. From tateshi.
tateshi miura <tateshi_m@hotmail.com>
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The new Pantera prototipo is one of the most striking images I have ever seen. Aimed at it's target audience, it should probably bring $120k(american dollars). For a powerplant, possibly an extremely built and tuned Ford 5.4 litre would give it the neccesary get up and go. It should be able to achieve 0-60 mph in sub 4 second range and a top speed of 220 mph.
Kevin Merrill <kevinrmerrill@yahoo.com>
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wing at the back would bring out a little more of stiffness to it and also maybe a few sharp angles and then it would be fine as of looks.
Dj PyRO <djpyro@purerave.com>
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Sadly not a De Tomaso. This starts to look like a Pantera from three-quarter but loses it around the rear diffuser and lights..... The shapes are too difficult, busy, too contrived and too smooth to have any character, let alone one that fits the name Pantera. The rear blister arches are too big and appear overdone, they take away from the car's stance and make the rear track and wheels look smaller and less aggressive than a car of this character deserves. From front on this car is nameless same for it's badge... an odd mismash of shapes that share no common lines or themes with the rest of the car. Add the headlight treatment (especially) and rear mirrors and it looks cartoonish. I myself am a uni student finishing studies in mechanical engineering and design, towards ultimately working in this sort of design. For a long time I've wanted a Pantera, I'd still want one on the aura of it's appearance alone if you took away the many other great points about the car. The original was beautiful and classic at once. Still is. See one and it intimidates you with it's aggression enough to want come closer, sensual, tight and intergrated enough to want to follow it's lines and wear it like a suit. The functional features of this car (lights, intake ports etc) are far too busy and draw too much attention to themselves..... where the original stood with taut, flowing, lines, this is a rounded shape with features tacked on. It's retro, if so, in the way a New Beetle is, and I'd definately class it more a Gandini concept than a De Tomaso of any sort. It's got no lightness, too big and heavy looking. It's no where near as adventurous as original and is not about to take anyone's breath away on appearance save for being in the presence of an expensive-looking piece of machinery. This has missed the boat. On price and sophistication ? Not too much of either. If it's to be called as much, keep the original Pantera recipie. A car with style, quick, competant and brutally so.... a car that is as beautiful as it is, and as it may be for it being, a wonderfully raw experience (as this current new design is not). Oh, and in the above, keep the easy, servicable and tunable Ford V8 power.
Zeus <firstlineofdefence@hotmail.com>
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I think the new design is going the way of the future, and if De Tomoso plans to be succesful they should produce it.In my opinion it has a very distinct and stylish look.
Johnny H. <bigj560@aol.com>
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I was watching a segment on CNN news about the new Thunderbird coming out...My earlier idea of Detomaso taking the original style of the Pantera and just build modern technology into it was reinforced when i saw the design of the new Thunderbird...It will be a 2001 model but its style was retro yet did not look dated at all!..It looked like a 2001 model year car and looked like a 1950`s car all at the same time!...It worked!!..So again i say "why can`t Detomaso just take the original Pantera and buld it like a new car with all the technology learned in 30 years since the original Pantera was a concept itself?" just leave the original body style alone and build a new car out of it!!..The new Pantera i hate to say in my opinion is very dissapointing and very unnattractive and shouldnt bear the Pantera name I dont like it at all!..I cant say enough about how unimpressive and dull this car is and even looks to me like something you`d see in the woody allen movie "sleeper" or a cartoon..JUST STAY WITH THE ORIGINAL DESIGN!
Brad <brassa@aol.com>
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I love the design of the car, but if it were my design I would add a little retro flare to it. Sharpen some edges and combine the futuristic look with some slight resemblance to the early 1970's Pantera, Chrysler is making a killing on retro. As for the engine how about a Mazda rotary engine, that would be different? If not the new aluminum v-10 from ford would be nice.
John Gargan <1stmill@terranova.net>
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I am a loyal Detomoso Pantera owner. I have a 1972 pre "L" and would love to see a Ford engine special made with lots of power to be put into the new pantera I wouldn't buy the car any other way. Keep up the good work Detomoso stick with Ford. P.S. Ford has a couple new engine on their way use one of them I know it will be a hit.
Gary Travinski <Gtravinskijr@gtaengs.com>
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Dange! When I was very young, say 8 to 13 there was a guy up the street from me that owned and drove a yellow Pantera, 71 I think. I asked him about it So I knew it had a ZF transaxle with a 351 Cleveland in back. I just am now in my 40s trying to find the history of these cars. My best guess is Detomaso is a branch of the European/German made Ford division, but maybe thats wrong too. Detomaso seems Italian. Can you recemend a web site either Detomaso's offficial web or one on the history and the new Detomasos. Thanks
PeterJohnson <peterjohnsonct@hotmail.com>
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I love the new look. It is a bit bold..but in my opinion that's what makes Panteras so cool. The originals were unlike anything else and if De Tomaso were to produce this new design it would certainly be unlike any other. As for engine choice, a more lively,,,perhaps aluminum Ford V-10 would be nice. A price under 35k would really be nice too.
Ian Coil <Ian Boss69@aol.com>
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Love the new 2002 Pantera. I hope it will be powered by the Ford V-10 or the 5.4 litre Lightning engine. Just one thing, lets ad a rear wing somehow. It needs one.
Tad Schwendeman <opendreamer@msn.com>
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It's exciting to think that a new Pantera will be available in the near future. I hope it stirs as much excitement in the young as well as the older of car ethusiasts as the original did. Suggestions would be - make sure the styling ques from the original are "strongly" apparent in the new, such as the rear end styling. This is the end of the car that most Panterafiles love and which "hooked" them on the car in the first place. The prototype rear styling is laskluster in my opinion. Another suggestion is build quality - PLEASE build a fully sorted car! or none at all! Build quality and quality of materials used are extremely important, I believe, as a buyer. As much as I love my current Pantera, my purchase of it was more emotional than rational. Any consideration of purchasing a copy of the new Pantera would be based on more rational criteria. I believe this is true of most "new" car buyers in this class. I love the aggressive look of the prototype. Make sure there is quality and no flashy gimmicks and you'll have a winner!
Phil Perry - PI member car #5924 <pperry@harrykahn.com>
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I have always like the pantera and I think it was some what in relation to the sr71 blackbird because it seemed that it was before its time but it has well developed and I was wundering if you could email me back and the I could giive you my address and you could send me a few brochers on them with the price because I want to buy one down the road, maybe in the next four years. but I like what you guys have done. robert
Robert Oathoudt <rwo5@juno.com>
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The new Pantera looks horrible! Too much plastic and too round.
bob
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DeTomaso es una leyenda en los automoviles y me encanta la idea de que pueda resurgir. Es una marca que es rival natural de Ferrari o Venturi. Debeis buscar un buen motor (no americano) y probar suerte en la competicion, ya que eso os servira para promocionaros y a la vez para desarrollar los coches. En cuanto al tipo de coches, por supuesto deportivos pero relativamente accesibles, nada de precios astronomicos, excepto en alguna version especial (aniversarios...) o limitada. El dise�o es uno de los puntos clave y debe hacerlo algun buen artesano. Marcelo Gandini (ya se ocupo del Diablo) es un magnifico profesional, ya que no podeis recurrir a Pininfarina puesto que ellos ya se ocupan de Ferrari. Tambien debeis crear un simbolo que identifique a todos los modelos, como: la rejilla del cambio de Lamborghini o Ferrari, el contacto a la izquierda en los Porsche... En definitiva teneis que crear una especie de religion de fieles seguidores de la marca un estilo a los Tiffosi italianos. Bueno eso creo que es todo, si algun dia llegase a ser dise�ador, me encantaria ayudaros a cumplir vuestro sue�o. Gracias.
Manuel Gutierrez <Zonta@eresmas.com>
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I THINK THE NEW PANTERA SHOULD LOOK AS LOW AND WIDE AS POSSIBLE. CHANGE THOSE LIGHTS (FRONT AND REAR) PUT A COUPLE "VENTS" ON IT. I ALSO THINK THE FRONT SHOULD HAVE A SQUARED LOOK, NOT ROUND! LEAVE THE BACK ROUND. IT SHOULD LOOK LIKE A PANTERA THE MOMENT ANYONE SEES IT FOR THE FIRST TIME. FORD WILL KILL PUBLIC REACTION! THE FRONT BUMPER SHOULD BE SHAPED SO IT LOOKS LIKE ITS LEANING FORWARD! HOW ABOUT A COUNTACH-TYPE REAR WING? WANT THE NEW PANTERA TO LOOK "NEW"? USE COMPOSITE HEADLAMPS! WHAT ABOUT PUTTING THE HEADLAMPS ON THE HOOD AND COVERING THEM WITH A FLAT CLEAR COVER THAT TURNS BLACK WHEN NOT USED, LIKE A LCD CALCULATOR. "FRENCH" THE TAIL LAMPS(THE NEW ONES THAT YOU NEED TO DESIGN) THE DOORS SHOULD OPEN UPWARDS. USE VIDEO CAMERAS FOR MIRRORS BECAUSE IT IS A SELLING POINT. USE 4 WHEEL STEERING TO PARK THAT LOW-WIDE CAR. CALL IT THE PANTERA DEMON AND ONLY OFFER IT IN BLACK! I WILL BUILD A SIMULAR AUTO SOME DAY IF ALL GOES WELL. I AM A HIGHLY SKILLED BODY MAN WHO ONLY GETS INTIMEDATED BY A TRUELY TOP OF THE LINE AUTOMOBILE. I HOPE YOU TAKE MY ADVICE.
TONY V <BLACK92CORVETTE@HOTMAIL.COM>
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A great market to be in, I own four SUVs plus the Pantera. I would like to see the deTomaso SUV look and act more like the Lamborghini 4 wheel drive vehicle or be able to be easily setup in that model. Not even the Hummer matches that macho magnificence. If deTomaso can do that, then I'm interested, my brother is intersted and anyone else we happen to talk to will be interested. Currently, it looks like it will be underpowered, tall and narrow. Give it variable height suspension, lower it and soup it up, put propane in the tank a supercharger and keep the price competitive.
Byron@Tomingas <Byron@Tomingas.com>
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I would like to see detomaso produce the silver prototype for around 150k dollars. They should also make it very exclusive, no more than 200 a year. I would aldo like to see an engine other than ford. The days of do it yourself engines are over. For the price it will likely have, it should offer a technologically advanced engine with 450-550hp straight from the factory.
anthony
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it is very bad
anas gazy nabas <anas 1983_jo>
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ht is very bad
anas gazy nabas <anas 1983_jo>
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i have only seen the DeTamaso cars for a couple of days. And from what i seen, i think the cars are amazing.
Matt Meeker <rusty_nuts@webtv.net>
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When in Modena in '96, I saw the Guara and heard it run at Imola racetrack. There seemed to be lots of gear noise from the powertrain. Later, I was told that, in order to get the engine low in the chassis and still align the halfshafts to the gearbox, a pair of straight-cut spur gears were positioned between the engine and gearbox, much like a '50s Halibrand quick-change. This was then found to be a weak point in the powertrain and was only to be used with the low-torque BMW engine option. So what was used with the more powerful 4-cam Ford? Can anyone confirm all this? FYI, in my opinion, the front of the Guara greatly resembles a late-'80s Pontiac Fiero; not unattractive, just derivative to me. J Deryke
Jack DeRyke <jderyke@aol.com>
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Let's face it.......most of us are Ford car nuts as well as Pantera owners. I've got one Pantera pretty much finished, a second one about to be turned into a group 4 clone and my 1967 Mustang fastback is getting painted. I have several 67 and 68 Mustangs, a Suburban to pull the race trailer and my wife drives a BMW. In the past I have owned just about every Italian car made, from Fiat, Lancia, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and have had a love/hate relationship with most of them. One of the failings with many of the European cars is that the interior room is marginal. There are exceptions of course; BMW, Mercedes, and most recently Porsche. I'm 6'4" and don't fit in many of the sports cars that I like, so I make do; different seats, etc. I haven't driven some of the newest offerings from Italy lately, but would be very surprised if I fit in many of them. Let's think ROOM. That aside, I think Detomaso needs to really consider their market. Are they satisfied with the limited market we as fans comprise or are they looking to gain a larger market share and to develop a potentially larger following. I'm sure that a larger market is their goal. I am also thinking about the US market rather than world market. Is price a factor? You bet it is. The lower the price, the larger the market share, the larger the product identification. Henry Ford priced his cars so that the workers in the Ford plants could afford to buy one of his cars. Not a bad policy for a large market share. If that is a goal then they better be thinking $18,000.00 to $25,000.00 range. If they are aiming at a smaller but more loyal market, $30,000.00 to $38,000.00 would be a better choice. A lot will depend on quality control, design, ergonomics, and the difficult to define "fun factor". No matter what the name of the car, "Pantera, Guara, Mangusta, Vallelunga", make it great and SOON!
Tom Jones <tmjones@bendcable.com>
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Here is a thought...Detomaso could go right back full circle to the original Pantera, and build the car as it was and build all the technological advancement of 30 years of auto industry knowledge into the original design...The owners of Pantera`s over all these years have built in upgrades so why not the factory do the same just starting over with the original car? The style of the Pantera remains timeless..Its body style could easily be a 2000 model! ..... The Vallelunga,same thing...Just make a spyder out of it with enough horsepower to compete with the Boxter S and Honda 2000 and BMW Z-3
Brad <brassa@aol.com>
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I don't think they're gonna make the new car in the Bugatti factory, I'm quiet sure Dave. And Ford engine are not completly out of the race.
jan pellissier <japellis@tin.it>
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First off, I am excited for the factory and for us as a consumer. Since I have every DeTomaso model except the Vallelunga, we need the "Maestro's" contiued insight as brashness in the industry. I would like the Vallelunga to break the mold from before, and come in with an absoloutly bare boned mid-engine car with a 4.6. Like a Honda S2000, Miata and so, but cost more, but have the flexible 4.6 to build upon. Maybe the same price as a new 'Vette...be sure to make it a ragtop!!! The next generation for the current Pantera's is going to be the 4.6 or 5.4 four cam motor. I have a twin turbo 4.6, built by John Caldwell of Viper fame, and it is awesome. The generation after the twin turbo is the supercharger, which is just less exoctic and easier to work with. So I blow a motor? A full repalcement motor from Ford is $5-6k. Top to bottom, plug into your computer and add oil. Just try to FIND and LS-1 replacement motor for a 'Vette. So focus the new cars on the 4.6 or the 5.4 Do the new Guara's have the upgraded cable transmission??? Go DeTomaso!
Greg Sullivan <GPS@AOL.COM>
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The new Pantera looks to be on track. I have #1448, and it is a marvelous car. The new Pantera will hopefully join it here in America.
Mark Basile <mark@sickbay.com>
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First of all my best to you on a car that I wish I could afford : ) Secondly I have to say that the front end of the car needs "something". The rest of the car is great, but it is kinda like the front is just cut off. It needs to be flared out farther in front perhaps about 2 more feet (.75 m) to bring in "forward" I know you have spent a lot of time on this and I really do feel bad about saying something, but being in a creative area myself sometimes it is best to back off and listen. you are so very close to perfect that it just needs that little tweak which will make all the difference.
Bob Hillenbrand <not1star@aol.com>
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The "NEW" pantera looks way too fancy!! The pantera has always had an more destinct look.. the new look is to "MAINSTREAM-FUTURE" looking!!
Christer M. Abrahamsen <chrabnet@online.no>
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I agree with some of the previous posts. I am not too fond of this particular design either. It really has no design features relating to the original pantera, so it should not be designated a pantera. Marcello gandini has nto syled anything good in years and the majority of his previous designs are all too agressive and overbloated. Detomaso should turn to a design house like zagato ro bertone to design the new pantera. This silver prototype just doesnt do it for me.
mike mezlan
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Please dont take this the wrong way, but I love Pantera's and this isn't one. This thing is damnned ugly. Almost like the last one of the previous run. Why do carmakers today seem to think that to be aerodynamic, cars have to look like fat eggs? Ferrari isnt building fat egg cars. If this one is to be made PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT CALL IT A PANTERA! The body of the '73-'74 style cars was very close to perfection, and I don't think it looks too dated. Maybe get rid of the vent windows, lay the windshield back some, lose the chrome trim, and an old Pantera would fit in perfectly with modern design cars. Further suggestions might include a nice scoop on the rocker panel or rear fender ala Ferrari GTO, 17 to 20 inch rims with Comp TA tires, blend the mirrors in with the fenders and hood ala new Camaro, A nice leather interior with a kick a** stereo, and then walk away and leave it alone!
Eric Bonds <poonzilla@springnet1.com>
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The New Pantera looks great! ... If DeTomaso could re-do the front to look like a modern version of the original Pantera, (just like you can see the original Pantera lines in the rear of this new car), we would have one complety awesome looking beast!!
Laslo Antal <lasloantal@netscape.net>
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Since they made so few of the original Vallelunga cars, and they were not a finished product, it matters little what you call the new ones. Hopefully, they will be a better product in design and conception than the original...So, if the car is well-thought out, the specifics are a moot point. Especially if DeThomaso intends to market a "line" of automobiles. As for the factory wanting input, had they been listening to us years ago they would have probably done alot of things differently by now. Understandably, one of the attractions of the Pantera was the reliable American Iron that could be easily modified by owners for more Hp. The 70's are over with. Cheap, do-it-yourself power is no longer viable. Any new car is going to have to compete with a number of worthy automobile marques, and it isn't gonna be inexpensive. Thus, they are going to have to offer something more than just nostalgic attitudes and vague pedigrees to get consumers to actually buy (and keep) the car. Current styling looks like it was done by the same group that did the New VW Bug. Hardly what I would have expected for a supercar design.
Dr Tim Sheehan <Nathrach@worldnet.att.net>
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We think that the factory has got the right idea.
Dave Adler <pantera@home.com>
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