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Ares Design announces its new S1 Project

Luxury Italian coachbuilder ARES has revealed a full scale model of the newest addition to the ARES family – a jaw-dropping, low-profiled supercar – S1 Project.

The car, wholly designed by the Italian company, was conceived from a simple brief from ARES’s product team; a car to comprise hypercar design, supercar performance and a sportscar price tag. The result is the ultimate study of bespoke design perfection.

The mesmerising exterior was created by ARES‘s Centro Stile, employing extensive CFD studies to ensure ultimate aerodynamic performance and stability. Created from hand-crafted carbon fibre body panels, the car’s dramatic low-profile silhouette, curvaceous wheel arches, low front splitter and forward-sitting cockpit give the car an aggressive but flowing stance while producing maximum downforce and minimum aerodynamic resistance.

Its sleek design and performance are enhanced by its dynamic rear spoiler and the eye-catching exhaust exiting the bonnet – leaving the rear extractor area free and clean.

At its heart, S1 Project is powered by a naturally aspirated V8 powerplant. With maximum of 8,800rpm the car’s powerful acceleration will produce an anticipated 0 -100kph in 2.7s along with a deeply satisfying sonorous roar from the high-revving engine. In addition, the rear wheel drive supercar has an 8-speed dual clutch transmission, an ARES Design-tuned ECU and a bespoke crafted exhaust system giving the car a maximum power of 522kw (715hp).

At its heart, S1 Project is powered by a naturally aspirated V8 powerplant. With maximum of 8,800rpm the car’s powerful acceleration will produce an anticipated 0 -100kph in 2.7s along with a deeply satisfying sonorous roar from the high-revving engine. In addition, the rear wheel drive supercar has an 8-speed dual clutch transmission, an ARES Design-tuned ECU and a bespoke crafted exhaust system giving the car a maximum power of 522kw (715hp).

Underpinned by double wishbone suspension, forged aluminium axles and adaptive Magnetic Ride Control, S1 Project will deliver a potent yet uncomplicated drive for its owners.

Inside, the car’s interior reveals the use of essential and minimal yet elegant lines, creating a 3D effect enveloping both driver and passenger with the car’s HMI contained within the central console and dashboard. Styling and materials will be the remit of ARES Design’s artisanal craftsmen. They will finish the forward-sitting cockpit using the finest Alcantara, Napa leather and carbon fibre and aluminium panels to create a stunning, yet functional, ambience.

Dany Bahar, ARES Co-Founder, commented: “We are delighted to announce this car, as it marks a new chapter for ARES as it is the first car wholly designed by our team at ARES. We did extensive research with our clients and potential clients to find out what they really wanted in a supercar and, time and again, it came back to them wanting to enjoy driving a car; to have fun and not to be worried about power that supercars have. So, we set about achieving that. The aim was not to produce the fastest, the lightest or the most technologically advanced supercar; we want to produce a car that our clients want, that is simple and fun to drive and looks simply stunning and with the S1 Project I know we will have achieved just that.”

Twenty-four S1 Project coupés will be built to order, with production commencing January 2021.

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Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina

Imagine taking one of Ferrari’s most celebrated supercars, the Enzo, and reimagining it with a design that channels the golden age of 1960s endurance racing. Now, picture this vision brought to life by Pininfarina, one of the most revered names in automotive design. That’s exactly what James Glickenhaus, a passionate car collector and filmmaker, achieved with the Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina.

Unveiled to the public in 2006, the P4/5 is more than just a car; it’s an artistic statement, an engineering marvel, and a love letter to Ferrari’s racing history. With a modern powertrain, bespoke design, and a story as captivating as its curves, the P4/5 continues to enchant car enthusiasts worldwide. Let’s dive into its unique history, groundbreaking design, remarkable performance, and enduring legacy.

A Collector’s Dream Becomes Reality

In 2005, Glickenhaus approached Pininfarina with an audacious vision: to transform the Ferrari Enzo into a one-of-a-kind homage to Ferrari’s iconic “P” series endurance racers of the 1960s. The goal was to blend the evocative spirit of Ferrari’s racing past with the technological sophistication of a modern supercar.

Under the guidance of Andrea Pininfarina, Chairman and CEO of Pininfarina S.p.A., and Paolo Garella, then-Head of Pininfarina Special Projects and founder of M.A.T., a talented team embarked on this ambitious project. Ken Okuyama, Director of Pininfarina Styling, played a pivotal role in shaping the P4/5’s breathtaking exterior, while Jason Castriota contributed significantly to its design evolution. Together, they collaborated closely with Glickenhaus, creating a true masterpiece of automotive design.

This extraordinary effort came with an equally extraordinary price tag—approximately $4 million—but the result was worth every cent. The Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina would become one of the most celebrated bespoke automobiles of all time, capturing the imagination of car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Design: A Perfect Fusion of Past and Present

The P4/5’s design is a tribute to Ferrari’s golden age of endurance racing while incorporating modern engineering and materials. The car’s lines were inspired by legendary racers like the Ferrari 330 P3/4, blending soft muscularity with contemporary aerodynamics.

Crafted entirely from carbon fiber, the Ferrari P4/5 is both lightweight and visually stunning. Its aerodynamic tapered front end emphasizes both performance and elegance, while the butterfly doors add a touch of drama. The rear is dominated by a teardrop-shaped transparent window, which serves as an engine cover and evokes the racing cars of the 1960s.

The 20-inch aluminum wheels are a perfect example of this fusion of modern technology and classic aesthetics. Milled from solid blocks of aluminum, these wheels are not only functional but also visually striking, showcasing the technical prowess involved in the car’s creation. The car’s lighting is another standout feature, with custom bi-xenon headlamps incorporating an innovative yellow and white LED system. This unique lighting setup serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose, blending performance with style.

As you move to the rear of the car, the ceramic-coated exhaust tips are a nod to vintage racing cars, designed to evoke the spirit of Ferrari’s racing heritage. These elements are a visual cue that this is no ordinary road car, but one that has been crafted with both performance and history in mind. The exposed aluminum and stainless steel hinges further enhance the P4/5’s industrial elegance, providing a modern contrast to the sleek carbon fiber body while underscoring the car’s meticulously engineered nature.

These design elements, from the wheels to the exhaust tips, are not just details—they represent the culmination of over 200 unique components developed specifically for the Ferrari P4/5. Each element was crafted to enhance the car’s performance, aesthetic appeal, and connection to Ferrari’s racing lineage, making it a true work of art on wheels.

Inside, the P4/5 reflects Glickenhaus’ personal vision. The interior was completely redesigned to include custom carbon-fiber seats, high-quality leather upholstery, and modern conveniences like climate control and a tablet-based navigation system. Every detail, from the materials to the ergonomics, was tailored to meet Glickenhaus’ and his family’s preferences, creating a personal touch rarely seen in automotive design.

Engineering Excellence

While its design pays homage to the past, the P4/5’s performance is firmly rooted in the present. Based on the Ferrari Enzo, the car retains the Enzo’s 6.0-liter V12 engine, which delivers an exhilarating 660 horsepower. It rockets from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 3.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 225 mph (362 km/h).

The P4/5 underwent extensive aerodynamic testing at Pininfarina’s Grugliasco wind tunnel facility. These tests resulted in a remarkable drag coefficient of 0.34, showcasing the team’s ability to blend aesthetics with functional performance. The car’s carbon-fiber construction further enhances its capabilities, reducing its weight to just 2,645 pounds (1,200 kilograms)—an impressive 617 pounds (280 kilograms) lighter than the Ferrari Enzo.

A Legacy of Collaboration

What sets the Ferrari P4/5 apart is the close collaboration between Glickenhaus and Pininfarina’s design team. Glickenhaus was deeply involved in every stage of the project, from the initial sketches to the final wind tunnel tests. His input was instrumental in creating a car that reflected not only Ferrari’s legacy but also his personal passion for automotive history.

Ken Okuyama, reflecting on the project, emphasized the elegance and simplicity of the P4/5’s design, which he described as a modern interpretation of Pininfarina’s timeless style. This harmonious relationship between client and creator resulted in a car that seamlessly combines artistic vision with engineering excellence.

Awards and Global Acclaim

The P4/5’s debut at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was met with universal acclaim. Automotive enthusiasts and industry insiders praised its design, innovation, and execution. Over the years, the P4/5 has continued to receive accolades, including recognition at prestigious events and awards for design and engineering excellence.

Notably, the car was honored with the Most Beautiful Car in the World award, a testament to its enduring aesthetic appeal and the craftsmanship that went into its creation.

The Enduring Legacy of the Ferrari P4/5

For many Ferrari enthusiasts, the Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina is what the Ferrari F80 could have been—a stunning blend of Ferrari’s racing heritage and modern design. With its aggressive lines and striking presence, the P4/5 stands as a timeless icon that still looks futuristic today.

Created by James Glickenhaus with the expertise of Andrea Pininfarina and Ken Okuyama, the P4/5 is more than just a car. It’s a tribute to Ferrari’s history, a showcase of innovation, and a masterpiece of bespoke design. Its unique combination of performance, artistry, and cutting-edge engineering continues to captivate car enthusiasts, securing its place as one of the most iconic vehicles ever created.

The Ferrari P4/5 is a perfect example of what’s possible when passion meets precision, and it remains a symbol of automotive excellence that continues to inspire.