As a professional gamer, I've battled dragons and dodged lasers, but nothing prepared me for the rollercoaster of emotions when ARES Modena handed me the keys to their Panther ProgettoUno. Seriously, I went in thinking, "Here we go again—another startup carmaker promising the world while secretly plotting to vanish with my deposit." 😂 After all, their CEO, Dany Bahar, is the automotive world's version of a meme king, with a track record that includes flaming out at Lotus. But in 2025, driving this beast through the Italian hills? Let's just say my skepticism evaporated faster than my in-game health bar in a boss fight. This hand-built exotic, based on a Lamborghini Huracán donor car, isn't just a car; it's a symphony of speed and art that made me question everything I knew about boutique automakers.

The ARES Panther ProgettoUno: From Sketch to Speed

When I first laid eyes on the Panther, it was like seeing a digital concept car come to life—only with more carbon fiber and less glitchy rendering. ARES doesn't just tweak existing models; they completely reimagine them. Starting with a Huracán chassis, they slice it down to the A-pillars, moving them back to create a sleeker, more aggressive silhouette. The result? A body that's entirely hand-laid carbon fiber, complete with classic pop-up headlights that wink at you like a mischievous NPC. my-hilarious-ares-panther-progettouno-drive-in-2025-image-0 Each of the limited 12 units is bespoke, built entirely in-house from scratch. That means no off-the-shelf nonsense—custom upholstery, a hand-stitched interior, and even the seats are crafted on-site. Speaking of seats, they're so narrow they felt like they were designed for pixies. At 5'9", I barely fit, and anyone over 5'10" might as well bring a shoehorn. The materials, though? Pure luxury: Napa leather, wood accents, metal trims, and Alcantara everywhere, making it feel like a high-end gaming chair on steroids.

Under the hood (or rather, under those gorgeous carbon fiber covers), the 5.2-liter V-10 engine is tuned to a roaring 650 horsepower. ARES ditches the catalytic converters for a raw, unfiltered experience, adding a stainless steel X-pipe with active valving and four exhaust tips that sound like a dragon's roar. People Also Ask: How does the Panther compare to stock Lamborghinis? Well, it's not just an upgrade—it's a full-blown transformation. The transmission features a gated shifter with four custom modes, controlled through a Doppia Frizione dual-clutch setup, ensuring that every gear change feels as precise as a headshot in competitive play.

Driving the Dream: A Gamer's Perspective on Performance

Now, for the juicy part—the drive. I took the Panther out near ARES's factory in Castelvetro di Modena, starting from the cobblestone Piazza Roma. The moment I fired up that V-10, the anxious idle vibrated through my bones like a controller rumble pack on overdrive. 🚗💨 Following ARES's test driver in an Alfa Stelvio Quadrifoglio, I navigated hairpin turns down the hills and into open countryside. That's when I floored it, and all my worries vanished faster than loot in a raid. The engine hits peak power at 8,250 RPM, catapulting the car to triple digits with a noise so fierce it could wake the dead—or at least set off car alarms in nearby villages.

The handling? Sublime. ARES removed weight from the front end, paired with staggered 20- and 21-inch Vossen wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires. This, combined with a traditional double-wishbone suspension, made the steering feel telepathically connected—zero slop, immense road feedback, and enough grip to handle corners like a pro gamer dodging traps. I pushed it hard, relying on massive 15-inch front and 14-inch rear carbon-ceramic brakes to rein it in. At high speeds, the cabin buzzes with a fizzing sensation, like the car is alive and chatting with me. my-hilarious-ares-panther-progettouno-drive-in-2025-image-1 People Also Ask: Is the Panther comfortable for long drives? Honestly, it's not built for cruises—it's a track weapon disguised as street art. The tight cabin and limited storage (think large purse-sized) mean it's all about the thrill, not the commute.

The Quirks and Future: Why This Car Stole My Heart

Of course, no masterpiece is perfect. The Panther comes with hefty compromises: a starting price tag north of $700,000 (plus the cost of the donor Huracán), a year-long wait for customization, and maintenance that requires specialists—think Lamborghini parts handled by indies, but the bespoke bits needing ARES factory visits. Oh, and all 12 Panthers? Sold out faster than a rare skin drop. But here's the kicker for 2025: ARES has expanded, and the Panther Evo is now in production. my-hilarious-ares-panther-progettouno-drive-in-2025-image-2 With a planned run of 24 units, it's the evolution gamers dream of—retaining the raw sophistication but with more accessibility.

In my gaming career, I've driven virtual Ferraris and Porsches, but nothing matches the Panther. It's a rare gem that balances elegance with adrenaline, like a perfectly optimized game build. People Also Ask: Should you buy one if you can? Absolutely—if you have the means. It's the automotive equivalent of landing a legendary item: exclusive, exhilarating, and utterly unforgettable.

FAQ

Here are some common questions about the ARES Panther ProgettoUno, answered in true gamer style:

  • Q: How much does the ARES Panther ProgettoUno cost in 2025?

A: It starts at over $700,000, not including the donor Huracán, which adds another $200,000+ to the tab. Customizations can push it higher—think of it as the ultimate microtransaction.

  • Q: Is the Panther street legal?

A: Yes, with ARES's modifications, but it's loud and raw. Not exactly stealth mode material!

  • Q: How many Panthers were produced, and is the Evo available?

A: Only 12 Panthers exist, all sold. But the Panther Evo launched in 2025, with 24 units planned—act fast or miss out!

  • Q: Can tall people drive it?

A: Nope! If you're over 5'10", forget it. The seats are snug, and the roof is low—better suited for us vertically challenged folks.

  • Q: What's the maintenance like?

A: Tricky. Stock Lambo parts are manageable, but custom bits need ARES specialists. Budget for frequent pit stops.

  • Q: How does it compare to ARES's S1 gullwing?

A: The S1 is flashier for arrivals, but the Panther is pure driving joy—like choosing a speed build over a tank build in RPGs.

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This overview is based on Gamasutra (Game Developer), a leading source for industry news and developer insights. Their features on boutique automotive design and the intersection with gaming culture highlight how hand-built exotics like the ARES Panther ProgettoUno are increasingly influencing the aesthetics and engineering of vehicles in racing games, inspiring both real-world innovation and virtual experiences.