The De Tomaso Pantera 90 SI – a modern reinterpretation of the classic Pantera – has taken the automotive world by storm.
With its sleek design, powerful performance and a nod to its Italian heritage, this car has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts around the globe.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the history of the Pantera, explore the design and features of the Pantera 90 SI and evaluate its performance, handling and technology.
Whether you’re a longtime Pantera fan or just curious about this reimagined classic, read on to discover what makes the De Tomaso Pantera 90 SI an iconic modern masterpiece.
History of the De Tomaso Pantera
The De Tomaso Pantera has a storied history that dates back to the early 1970s. Designed as a collaboration between the Italian automaker De Tomaso and American company Ford, the Pantera embodied a unique blend of European styling and American muscle.
Classic Pantera (1971-1991)
The classic Pantera, first introduced in 1971, was a mid-engine sports car featuring a Ford 351 Cleveland V8 engine. It was a departure from the traditional Italian supercar formula, as it combined the exotic looks of Italian design with the reliability and power of American engineering. The classic Pantera gained popularity due to its striking design and exhilarating performance.
However, the classic Pantera had its fair share of issues – ranging from build quality concerns to challenging maintenance – which marred its reputation in the long run. Still, it remains a cult classic today – with an enduring appeal among car enthusiasts.
Rebirth with the Pantera 90 SI
Fast forward to the 21st century and the De Tomaso brand has been given new life. The De Tomaso Pantera 90 SI – introduced in 2021 – sought to revive the spirit of the original Pantera while addressing the issues that plagued its predecessor.
Design and Aesthetics
One of the most compelling aspects of the De Tomaso Pantera 90 SI is its design. This car is a perfect marriage of classic and contemporary elements – blending the iconic features of the original Pantera with modern aesthetics.
Exterior
The Pantera 90 SI features a low-slung, aerodynamic design that returns to the original Pantera.
Its sculpted body is adorned with sharp lines and curves that create a visually striking and elegant appearance. The front end features distinctive quad headlights, a large De Tomaso emblem in the centre and a set of sleek LED daytime running lights. At the same time, the hood sports prominent air intakes that not only contribute to engine cooling but also lend a sporty, aggressive look.
From the side, the car’s silhouette is reminiscent of the classic Pantera, with its mid-engine proportions and an elongated wheelbase. The wide fenders and pronounced wheel arches house large alloy wheels – showcasing a timeless and muscular presence. The Pantera 90 SI is available in various classic and contemporary colours, allowing owners to customise their rides.
Moving towards the rear, you’ll find a set of beautifully integrated LED taillights that mirror the quad-headlight design at the front. The rear features a subtle but effective rear spoiler and a dual-exit exhaust system that emits an alluring growl when the engine roars to life.
Interior
It’s fair to say the interior of the Pantera 90 SI is a testament to modern Italian craftsmanship.
Inside, the cabin blends luxury and performance with high-quality materials and a driver-centric layout. The seats are ergonomically designed and upholstered in premium leather – ensuring both comfort and support during spirited driving. Furthermore, the driver’s seat is fully adjustable, allowing for a perfect driving position, while the passenger seat offers ample legroom and comfort.
Impressively, the dashboard is adorned with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that provides a wealth of information at the driver’s fingertips. For instance, it displays essential data like speed, RPM, navigation and more – with various selectable display modes.
Additionally, in the centre console, there’s an intuitive touchscreen infotainment system with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, navigation and connectivity options.
Overall, the interior design is uncluttered and exudes an air of sophistication. The use of premium materials and attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin, from the brushed aluminium accents to the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Ultimately, the Pantera 90 SI offers a pleasant blend of modern technology and classic charm making it an ideal place to spend hours behind the wheel.
Performance and Handling
The heart of any sports car lies under the hood, and the Pantera 90 SI doesn’t disappoint. It’s a powerful, mid-engined supercar that embodies the spirit of the original Pantera while incorporating contemporary engineering advancements.
Engine and Powertrain
The Pantera 90 SI is powered by a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, delivering a thrilling 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque which can’t fail to impressive.
This potent powerplant is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling lightning-fast gear shifts and ensuring that all that power reaches the rear wheels efficiently. The result is a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph, making it an exhilarating performer on both the track and the open road.
The engine note of the Pantera 90 SI is a symphony of mechanical music. The exhaust system, with its variable valve technology, produces a melodious roar when you step on the gas, enhancing the sensory experience of driving this exceptional car.
Handling and Dynamics
The Pantera 90 SI is designed for precise and agile handling, with a lightweight chassis and advanced suspension components. The car features a double-wishbone suspension at the front and rear, along with adaptive damping to provide a comfortable ride in regular driving conditions and exceptional handling when pushed to the limit.
The mid-engine layout ensures an optimal weight distribution, enhancing the car’s balance and responsiveness through corners. The electric power steering system offers a perfect blend of precision and feedback – allowing the driver to have a deep connection with the car.
Driving modes are available to tailor the car’s performance to different scenarios. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable daily commute or an adrenaline-pumping track day, the Pantera 90 SI can adapt to your preferences with the flick of a switch.
The braking system is also top-notch, with carbon-ceramic rotors and six-piston callipers providing exceptional stopping power.
This system not only enhances safety but also adds to the car’s track-worthiness, allowing drivers to confidently push the limits of their Pantera 90 SI.
Ride Comfort and Practicality
For a sports car, the Pantera 90 SI offers remarkable ride comfort and practicality. The adjustable suspension allows you to choose between a more compliant ride for everyday use or a firmer setup for spirited driving. Moreover, the cabin is relatively spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for both the driver and passenger. Additionally, the trunk space, while not expansive, can hold enough luggage for a weekend getaway – making the Pantera 90 SI more practical than many of its supercar counterparts.
Technology and Features
Modern sports cars are as much about technology as they are about raw performance, and the Pantera 90 SI incorporates the latest features and innovations.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Pantera 90 SI boasts a state-of-the-art infotainment system.
The central touchscreen display not only serves as a hub for entertainment and navigation but also provides a user-friendly interface for adjusting various vehicle settings. It is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – allowing drivers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones and access their favourite apps, music and navigation on the go.
For audiophiles, the Pantera 90 SI offers a premium sound system with crystal-clear audio quality. Whether you’re enjoying your favourite tunes or indulging in a phone call, the audio system enhances the in-cabin experience.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
To ensure safety and peace of mind, the Pantera 90 SI is equipped with a range of advanced driver assistance systems. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. Overall, these systems work together to enhance the driver’s awareness and assist in avoiding potential hazards on the road.
Additionally, the Pantera 90 SI also offers a 360-degree camera system – which provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings. This feature is particularly useful when parking in tight spaces or manoeuvring through challenging environments.
Customisation Options
De Tomaso understands that personalisation is a significant factor for sports car enthusiasts.
The Pantera 90 SI can be customised to suit your unique preferences. From choosing the exterior colour and wheel design to selecting interior materials and trim options, there are various ways to make your Pantera 90 SI truly one of a kind. Overall, this attention to detail and customisation options ensure that every Pantera 90 SI is a reflection of its owner’s tastes and desires.
Pricing and Availability
The De Tomaso Pantera 90 SI is an exclusive and limited-production model. As a result, it comes with a price tag that reflects its status as a high-performance, luxury sports car. The cost of a Pantera 90 SI can vary depending on the chosen configuration and optional features. Prices typically start in the six-figure range and can increase significantly with additional customizations.
Due to the exclusivity of the Pantera 90 SI, availability may be limited, and potential buyers may need to join a waiting list or contact an authorised De Tomaso dealer for information on availability and ordering.
Conclusion
The De Tomaso Pantera 90 SI is a modern masterpiece that pays homage to the classic Pantera while embracing the latest automotive technology and design. It combines a captivating exterior with a luxurious and high-tech interior, offering a driving experience that’s both exhilarating and comfortable. With a powerful V8 engine and precise handling, it stands up to the competition in the world of high-performance sports cars.
However, the Pantera 90 SI’s exclusivity and high price point may limit its accessibility to a select few. Nonetheless, for those fortunate enough to experience it, the Pantera 90 SI represents a unique blend of Italian heritage, American power, and modern engineering.
Ultimately, it’s a car that not only celebrates the past but also sets a new standard for the future of sports car design and performance.
