DeTomaso Name Coming Back

Usually, brand names are revived in order to satisfy a loyal fan base that is eager for a new model. DeTomaso probably isn't the most well-known brand name to most of the world. For automotive enthusiasts though, we will always remember it well for vehicles like the Mangusta and long-running Pantera.

The Pantera was powered by a Ford V-8 and DeTomaso was able to secure a U.S distribution deal that resulted in the car being sold in Lincoln dealerships. The Pantera had an incredibly long run, beginning in 1971 and ending 1996, a total of 25 years.

AutoWeek has come out with a report that the name is coming back on three new models. Italian businessman and former Fiat executive Gian Mario Rossignolo has purchased the name from its previous owner so in order to revive the name.

In October, he signed an agreement to rent one of Pininfarina's three plants for the project. Three models are in the pipeline - a sedan, coupe and crossover (!). Crossover? We'll have to see what kind of "crossover" it is. The lineup is going to be high end, with an output of 8,000 vehicles per year (Which could be a very hard target to reach depending on pricing). The three model lineup will be built using a new aluminum technology called Univis.

Rossignolo calls it "space frame technology" that will will require only about 30 dies per vehicle. He plans to invest 116 million euros (about $172 million USD) into the project over the next four years. The first vehicle is supposedly slated for an introduction at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2011. Hopefully "coupe" means supercar - as in a new Pantera.

Image Credits: Nemesis DeTomaso Pantera GTS & Panaramio