Pete Stout and Scott Dahlquist team up to chase down De Tomaso's first US import since the 1970s.
''It's almost square," said one of the wide-eyed onlookers as he pondered the radical lines of the sunburst yellow supercar parked before him, his expression that of someone who had just witnessed an extraterrestrial landing. And no doubt about it...the De Tomaso Guarį is one unusual-looking vehicle, mostly because its width appears to match its length. To put that into perspective, even though it measures ten inches shorter than a Dodge Viper, it's more than five inches wider than Mopar's sizable snake. The end result is a wildly-styled sports car that stops traffic just about anywhere it travels.
Some things never change. Twenty-five years ago the De Tomaso Pantera was creating the same kind of stir. But not since 1974 have Americans seen a federalized De Tomaso on our shores, though a number of Panteras made their way in through the gray market for a few years. A government crackdown in the late '80s essentially put the kibosh on such vehicles, including the slow trickle of cars from Modena. But now after more than two decades of absence, De Tomaso is ready to once again charge the driving lust of American enthusiasts with their winning combination of heartland power propelling stunning Italian coachwork.
If this wild ride looks familiar, it might be because of SCI's coverage (August 1994) of De Tomaso's Guarį Barchetta. Sans windshield, that topless, helmet-requiring torpedo was obviously not making the trip to the United States. The BMW-powered Barchetta lacked the proper amenities to qualify it for admission to US roads. However, the addition of a roof, a federalized Ford V8, and a lot of legwork by De Tomaso USA has changed prospects for American enthusiasts. And-though we aren't exactly holding our breath-the company says we can expect to see an expanding product line that will include a sport utility along with a four-seat convertible aimed at the Jaguar XK8 market. A fourth model for US export is in the works too, a pickup truck based on the convertible which has been a hit in Europe. While the idea of a $60,000 Mustang-eating executive pickup doesn't appeal to us, we'll have to give De Tomaso credit for some serious cojones if it really happens.
The muscular ride on these pages is the very first Guarį to enter the States on an extended visit, and has provided De Tomaso USA a test bed for different engine configurations. In clearly recalling the Pantera, it's fitting that motivation comes from a Ford V8. Fortunately, the mill of choice this time around has swapped pushrods for dual-overhead cams and four-valves-per-cylinder. While some may clamor for the wondrous BMW Eight that Europeans enjoy in the same model, the Ford engine has far more aftermarket support in the US.
To meet US regulations, De Tomaso will only send over cars with standard Cobra-spec engines. De Tomaso USA will then add an FRM 1.6 screw-type supercharger, boosting horsepower to well over 400 and torque just barely touching that magic number. This "import option" will likely be available within the company's projected price of the car. The addition is very similar to aftermarket conversions available to current Mustang owners, and will be smog-legal in all 50 states (The car we drove was not the supercharged version.)
Other changes will be minimal. Gearbox linkage will probably differ from those of Euro-spec models, but that's about it. In recent years, De Tomaso USA has been surviving on robust parts sales to Pantera owners, and has completed a number of 4.6-liter conversions on Panteras. De Tomaso USA's Steve Wilkinson is enthusiastic about the engine-enough so to go to the trouble of developing a 50 state-legal conversion for older Panteras.
The parts business will remain an important focus for the company, with the anticipation of a limited market for the Guarį. Wilkinson conservatively estimates that 20 to 40 cars will be imported annually. Delivery of the $135,000 supercar should begin late this year.
Speed Racer
You know something's wrong when a gawker in a Toyota pickup can keep up with the Guarį in the twisties. So busy minding the enormous width of the Guarį through the hills around Malibu, we couldn't come close to testing the car's prodigious grip. Whenever a short chute would appear between corners, a depression of the softly-sprung accelerator would leave a county or two between the light truck and our mount. Slowing back down for the next set of very tight corners brought the tagalong back to our tail.
A straightaway materializes and a touch of the throttle sends the Ford V8 through its rev band, causing the whole car to resonate with a delightful throb of power, echoing the feel of what is essentially a pure-race chassis.
Out of all the sensations we felt while driving the Guarį, this is easily the one savored most. No vibration this, as such a description brings to mind images of Volkswagen diesels permanently stuck on spin-cycle. After scooting through an apex, one's body is treated to an intimate conversation with the machine, a delicious dialogue not sampled in ordinary, run-of-the-mill sports car hardware.
The feeling extends to the controls, which are far from the norm in the car world. Huge racing-style brakes require a forceful touch, but slow the car from high speeds effortlessly. The clutch, too, takes some getting used to, but is not a particularly high-effort item. The linkage to the Getrag six-speed suffers from a vague rod-driven setup, though Wilkinson reassures us that US cars will be equipped with more positive cable-actuated units.
Our test car had a reduction gearset that discouraged the use of first gear (unless we wanted to shift mid-intersection), but the other gears were well-spaced. The Guarį's suspension, tremendous torque, unshakable grip, and chassis rigidity allows it to put most of the power to the pavement, creating exhilarating acceleration.
Handling is also a strong suit. Think apex and the car almost steers itself into the corner's sweet spot. There's no perceptible body roll-the feeling is very much like a race car. However, the fact that we're on a public highway means we'll not try to find the limits of the huge Michelin Pilots or the chassis structure on this day in the sun.
As we head back to more populated roadways, the Toyota catches up and passes us, flashing a smiling "thumbs up." We approach the freeway, and other traffic makes way for the blinding yellow terror entering from the on-ramp. We roll on some throttle and the car surges forward, but just as quickly we back off, remembering that the Guarį is brighter than the sun and could earn a speeding ticket from a meter maid. We have no intention of adding to city coffers on this or any other day.
Surprisingly, the Guarį makes an excellent freeway cruiser. Need to pass? A stab of the throttle will jettison you quickly around the slow pokes. With factory A/C, decent ventilation, and readable instruments, nothing's amiss in the interior.
Luxurious hand-stitched leather covers just about every surface and surrounds various bits and pieces supplied from BMW's 5-Series cars, including all switch gear, gauges, and ventilation equipment. It makes perfect sense as a business arrangement and is a far cry from the Italian switches of yore. Although the driver is positioned a bit distant from the passenger, the cabin remains intimate and comfortable. The Guarį's thin pillars help reduce blind spots. Even the oddly shaped door mirrors offer a generous rear view once one figures out how to use the car's flanks for perspective.
Exhaust note aside, the Guarį lacks a sound system, and the glovebox is where De Tomaso recommends the control unit be placed. That said, it's obvious that interior storage is basically nil.
While Mangustas and Panteras of the past (and even the Guarį Barchetta) had disappointing fit and finish, the Guarį we sampled excelled. Paint quality and luster were excellent, and the panel fit was easily up to the standards expected in this segment.
Exotic automobiles usually offer up interesting internals and the Guarį is no different. The central chassis tube is made up of aluminum honeycomb and houses a fuel tank that connects directly to a second tank near the right side of the engine. Opening the decklid exposes carbon fiber backing for the GRP body structure, as well as exotic suspension hardware and that beautiful Ford DOHC modular V8.
To the left of the engine and positioned against the outer body panel is a storage bin that contains an impressive factory tool kit. A center-lock wrench is included should the need arise to remove a wheel. Additional storage is minimal. With the tool kit stowed, there's just enough room for a small gym bag, although we wouldn't recommend stowing away film or chocolate bars.
The front compartment, like the rear, does not disappoint. From the suspension arms to the elegant hub carriers and clever antiroll bar, there's no doubt about the seriously designed purpose of such a machine. At the rear, pushrod-actuated coil-over Konis mount directly to the bellhousing-very much like a competition machine. And unfortunately, the view of the engine and transmission is spoiled by an enormous exhaust silencer, though the Italians are working to relocate it in order to fit a small luggage pod in the compartment.
Investigating the details of the Guarį eventually led us to the owner's manual. We expected such a limited production car to have something quite simple, but it was one of the most complete we've ever seen. Perhaps this is one indication of just how serious De Tomaso is this time around. With a machine as competent as the Guarį, they might just pull it off.
Other changes will be minimal. Gearbox linkage will probably differ from those of Euro-spec models, but that's about it. In recent years, De Tomaso USA has been surviving on robust parts sales to Pantera owners, and has completed a number of 4.6-liter conversions on Panteras. De Tomaso USA's Steve Wilkinson is enthusiastic about the engine-enough so to go to the trouble of developing a 50 state-legal conversion for older Panteras. 
As we head back to more populated roadways, the Toyota catches up and passes us, flashing a smiling "thumbs up." We approach the freeway, and other traffic makes way for the blinding yellow terror entering from the on-ramp. We roll on some throttle and the car surges forward, but just as quickly we back off, remembering that the Guarį is brighter than the sun and could earn a speeding ticket from a meter maid. We have no intention of adding to city coffers on this or any other day. 
While Mangustas and Panteras of the past (and even the Guarį Barchetta) had disappointing fit and finish, the Guarį we sampled excelled. Paint quality and luster were excellent, and the panel fit was easily up to the standards expected in this segment. 