Now here's a machine that guarantees exclusivity. Hand-built in Georgia, the Esperante uses Mustang powertrains in a unique carbon-fibre structure, with suspension derived from Panoz's racing experience. Three models are offered as a coupe or convertible. Despite quirks typical of hand-built sports cars (centrally mounted gauges, strange vents and a fiddly convertible top), the Esperante is a thrill drive, with neutral handling, superb brakes and great steering. The base 320-hp 4.6-litre V8 with its five-speed manual 'box provides strong acceleration, but for those who still want more, there's the supercharged, 420-hp, six-speed GTLM. A storming performer on the open road, the GTLM is also surprisingly well behaved around town.
Hand-built exclusivity, lots of power, great handling
Quirky interior, cumbersome turning circle
| PANOZ Esperante, GT, GTLM |
| PRICE |
$100,000/$134,000/$159,000 |
| VEHICLE |
2-dr. 2-pass. conv./coupe/^ RWD |
| |
| STANDARD EQUIPMENT |
| Engine |
4.6 V8 DOHC/^/^ Super |
| HP |
305 @ 5800/^/420 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) |
320 @ 4200/^/390 @ 3500 |
| Trans. |
5M/^/6M |
| Brakes |
Disc-Disc |
| Tires |
255/45ZR17 / ^ / 255/45ZR18 |
| |
| SPECIFICATIONS - mm (in.) |
| WB |
2715 (106.9) |
| L |
4475 (176.2) |
| W |
1860 (73.2) |
| H |
1355 (53.3) |
| Curb Weight - kg (lb.) |
1490/N.A./^ (3284/^/^) |
| Cargo Capacity - L (ft3) |
N.A. |
| Fuel Tank - L (gal.) |
58 (12.8) |
| Fuel Grade |
Prem |
| |
| CONSUMPTION - L/100 km (mpg) |
City 16.4 (17) (est.) Hwy 11.4 (25) (est.) |
| |
| SAFETY |
| ABS |
(f/r) std |
| Side Airbags |
none |
| TCS |
std |
| |
| POPULAR OPTIONS |
| Trans. |
4A |
| A/C |
N.A. |
| Cruise |
N.A. |
| Sunroof |
none |
| CD |
std |
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