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News16 December 2021 by Andreas 326 Viewed

Ares Design reveals the Defender Spec.1.2

• Modenese coachbuilder ARES reveals limited-edition ARES for Land Rover Defender Spec. 1.2

• Exterior features include carbon fiber bodywork and panoramic roof

• Luxurious handcrafted interior with leather and carbon fiber throughout

• Enhanced V8 powerplant and 6-speed transmission

Luxury Italian coachbuilder ARES Design has released details of its bespoke Land Rover Defender Spec. 1.2 detailing its high level of customization and luxury, creating a modern-day tribute to the timeless off-road icon.

Designed by the company’s Centro Stile, the exterior sports a carbon fiber bonnet, widened wings and is devoid of all visible body bolts. While the front-end LED-powered lamps are housed in a new one-piece carbon fiber front end the rear sports new style circle LED tail lights.

Rounding off the customised exterior are larger tinted windows, including a high-grade panoramic roof and 18” ARES designed rims giving the vehicle a commanding modern appearance.

Inside, the company designers and artisans have combined their talents to produce a stunning bespoke interior. Expertly finished, the finest leather and carbon fiber trim extends to every part of the cabin, from the instrument panel through to the rear bench seats giving a sensation of luxury and quality throughout. Additionally, its new infotainment system, revised and upgraded air conditioning unit and four electrically operated windows assure interior comfort and luxury.

Once behind the wheel the driver will begin his journey with a simple start/stop button, and with modern-era levers controlling lights and wipers at this finger tips their journey will be uncomplicated and fun. For colder weather the vehicle has adjustable and heated side mirrors with an incorporated indicator ensuring the swiftest of departures on the coldest of days.

Underneath the newly defined exterior ARES’ extensive engineering work has been undertaken. The coachbuilder has replaced the original 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with a 4750cc V8 engine capable of delivering 280hp and a torque of 440Nm all supported by a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Additional strengthening on transmission and axle shafts and CV joints supports the higher speed and power delivery while the braking system sports larger performance discs and 6-piston calipers. Ensuring the smoothest of drives the ARES for Land Rover Defender Spec 1.2 has an electronically adjustable suspension with a soft and sport setting.

Dany Bahar, ARES Design CEO, explained: “We created our first Defender Ultra V8 in 2018 so we have a great knowledge of the vehicle and that has led us to create a second edition with an even more distinctive style and refined finish. Powered by the same V8 engine, the ARES for Land Rover Defender Spec 1.2 retains the characteristics of the new Defender design but beautifully reimagined to express modernity and luxury.”

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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Aspark SP600

In a landmark achievement, the Aspark SP600, a production intent prototype hypercar, has become the world’s fastest electric hypercar, clocking a remarkable top speed of 438.7kph. This record-breaking feat was realized through the dedicated efforts of Manifattura Automobili Torino (M.A.T.) in collaboration with tire specialist Bridgestone and driven by professional racer Marc Basseng.

A Vision Realized

The Aspark SP600’s journey to this historic moment began with the vision of Aspark CEO Masanori Yoshida, whose company had previously set benchmarks with the Aspark Owl, renowned as the fastest accelerating electric hypercar. For this new project, Aspark once again partnered with M.A.T., entrusting them with the development and manufacturing of a hypercar capable of shattering the world top speed record for electric vehicles.

Collaboration and Innovation

To achieve this extraordinary speed, M.A.T. sought the expertise of Bridgestone to develop a custom-engineered tire. Bridgestone rose to the challenge with bespoke Potenza Race tires designed specifically for the SP600, ensuring they could handle speeds exceeding 420kph while managing the vehicle’s weight and driving dynamics.

The SP600 underwent rigorous testing at M.A.T.’s headquarters in Torino, Italy. This included extensive virtual and physical evaluations, wind tunnel validation, and numerous track testing sessions. M.A.T. meticulously handled the vehicle’s complete development, from powertrain and software integration to suspension and chassis design, as well as software calibration and the bespoke battery’s design and production.

Record-Breaking Achievement

On June 8th, during the second attempt of the day at Automotive Testing Papenburg, Marc Basseng flawlessly piloted the Aspark SP600 to its record-breaking speed of 438.7kph. This achievement was precisely measured using the certified Racelogic V-Box, a high-precision GPS-based device provided by the ATP proving ground.

The event was attended and supported by numerous marketing and premium partners, including the Supercar Owner Circle, who backed the attempt from its inception. Key executives from Aspark, M.A.T., and Bridgestone were present to witness this monumental accomplishment.

Statements from Key Figures

Masanori Yoshida, Aspark CEO: “It has been about 10 years since we started making the OWL Hypercar. We aimed for the world’s Fastest Acceleration car, and then attempted and achieved the top speed world record today. This technical capability inspires all involved to personal excellence and to challenge and grow in leaps and bounds into the future.”

Steven De Bock, Bridgestone VP EMEA Sales and Original Equipment:
“It was a big excitement on this first attempt for the record, which we immediately saw the potential of the cooperation between the car and tires. The whole team at Bridgestone worked extremely hard to deliver this project in such a short period, another testimonial of our technical capabilities and how we cooperate with our partners.”

Paolo Garella, M.A.T. CEO and Founder:
“This record represents a milestone in the continued growth of M.A.T., a company that today represents the best of the Italian tradition in the automotive industry. In 10 years, we have developed more than 11 full vehicle projects and we have demonstrated that with the right resources we are second to none. I am very proud of my team and also extremely happy to reach this milestone in the anniversary of the 10 years of foundation of M.A.T. A special thank you to Aspark’s CEO Mr. Masanori Yoshida for his vision, support, and trust in M.A.T., and to the Bridgestone team for taking on the challenge and supporting with their most advanced technology this record attempt.”

Exclusive Interview with Riccardo Garella

In an exclusive interview, Riccardo Garella, Sales and Marketing Manager at M.A.T., provided insights into the development process of the Aspark Owl. Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel here.

This historic achievement not only sets a new benchmark in the electric hypercar segment but also underscores the capabilities and potential of electric vehicles in pushing the boundaries of speed and performance.

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