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De Tomaso Ghepardo: Four Doors, Some Waiting
Concept could hit streets in the next few years.
With the De Tomaso name (and old Pininfarina factory) now being owned by former Fiat exec Gian Mario Rossignolo, it’s good to see the company presenting a new face to the world—and as you’d expect from the folks who brought you the Pantera, she’s a looker. The Ghepardo (that’s Italian for “cheetah,” in case you were wondering) concept claims to be a four-door sports car along the lines of the Aston Martin Rapide, though to be frank, we’re having trouble finding the rear doors on these images. However, the Reventon-meets-Lotus styling is all right by us. Should the concept go into production, power would likely come from either a methanol fuel cell connected to 440 horsepower worth of electric motors or (more likely) a 465 horsepower 3.5 liter Ford EcoBoost V6. Right now the concept only exists as a 1:4 scale model, but the new iteration of De Tomaso may begin building cars next year; if that happens, the Ghepardo would be a good bet for the first model out the door.
[via WCF]
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Press Release:
De Tomaso: Designer introduces new De Tomaso concept
(SEPTEMBER 2010) The four-door sports car, Ghepardo, suggests the new concept for future De Tomaso.
As the sportiest alternative to the growing number of exotic four-door super coupes, the Ghepardo challenges indeed the Aston Martin Rapide, Fisker Karma and the Porsche Panamera.
With a modern interpretation, the Ghepardo concept takes inspiration from a tailor-made Italian suit visible in its purple surfaces.
Design
Ghepardo is designed with great respect for the De Tomaso history and design language, and several elements are inspired by the surface treatments of the Pantera and Mangusta. It is designed to match the future trends within the automotive industry both in design and functionality.
* Through ecoboost technology and methanol fuel cells, the car takes in demand for sustainable, green energy and technology. This is represented by the absence of big air intakes which normally indicate power.
* It represents speed, aggression yet elegance through its surface treatment, stands, volume and details such as tensioned lines and integrated spoilers creating active down force.
* In the question of usability, the Ghepardo serves as both a sports car as well as a saloon; giving it the versatility to suit different user needs.
* The bottom windows are designed to increase the rear passengers’ perception of speed.
* With inspiration from the Mangusta, the large rear gull wings function as both rear doors as well as boot lit.
Technology
The De Tomaso Ghepardo uses technology based on both the latest production cars as well as the concepts cars currently being tested.
* Ghepardo may be powered either by a Ford twin-turbo ecoboost 3.5 V6 producing 465 bhp or by four electric in-hub fuel cells each producing 85 Kw (combined an equivalent of 440 bhp). Electricity is produced by a methanol fuel cell stack located beneath the 500 litre boot.
* It features aerodynamic design creating 0.25 Cd drag.
* Active aerofoils are incorporated in the ‘c-pillar/rear wing’ giving the car optimal down force at any speed.
* The Ghepardo measures a length of 4820 mm, a width of 1970 mm, height of 1300 mm and a wheel base of 2990 mm.
“De Tomaso Ghepardo meets the need for saving natural resources. A sports car with the dynamic performance of a full-blooded Italian sports car and the fuel economy of a modern small car opens up exceedingly attractive perspectives for individual mobility in the future”, says Frederik Tjellesen, Designer of De Tomaso Ghepardo.
De Tomaso was considered the entry level to the holy grail of Italian super cars in the 1960s and 1970s. The cars were as fast and as beautiful, however, more inexpensive than the ones of Ferrari and Lamborghini. In 1971, De Tomaso introduced the Deauville which was the fastest saloon car at the time. It was referred to as a super saloon by founder Alejandro De Tomaso. Inspired by the spirit of the Deauville, the De Tomaso Ghepardo is a modern four door fuel cell super car with a surface treatment inspired by the legendary De Tomasos of the 60s and 70s and designed for the nigh future.
wow that is sooooo cool.. i love it...