Ares Design, the coachbuilder founded by former Ferrari and Lotus boss Dany Bahar, has unveiled an open-top version of its S1 supercar. Like the McLaren Elva, Aston Martin Speedster, and Ferrari Monza the S1 Spyder does away with roof, windows, and windscreen, offering just a pair of small “aeroscreens” to deflect a hurricane over the car’s occupants. Ares describes a “virtual canopy and a calm, yet unfiltered driving experience.”
There’s nothing calm about the performance of the S1 Spyder. Its 700-hp naturally-aspirated V-8 engine propels the car from rest to 62 mph in 2.7 seconds. Driving power goes to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, just like the coupe version. The exhaust and ECU have a different tune to suit the open-air driving experience.
The interior boasts a twin cockpit theme with lashings of Nappa leather and Alcantara. Bahar says, “This new barchetta version adds more charm to the S1 Project design, as it takes additional inspiration from the world of motorsport and the racing cars of the past.”
Ares Design is set to build just 24 Spyders alongside the 24 fixed-roof cars and, although prices have yet to be announced, a “sports car price tag” has been touted.
Report by Nik Berg for hagerty.com
Photos by Ares Design
