Ares has yet to finish its Lamborghini Huracan-based Project Panther. But that isn’t stopping the Italian coachbuilder from signing up for a new project car. This one is called Project Pony, and as the name suggests, it’s going to be based on a Ferrari, specifically the GTC4Lusso. According to reports, Ares was contacted by an individual who wanted to create a modern-day version of the Ferrari 412, the boxy Prancing Horse sports car that burst onto the Italian performance car scene back in 1985.

If there’s anything we know about Ares in its short existence, it’s that the coachbuilder isn’t afraid to swing for the fences with the projects it’s taking. The design of the Lamborghini Huracan-based, De Tomaso Pantera-inspired Project Panther sports car was unveiled last December, and it was a beauty. The company has said that it’s targeting a delivery date by the end of 2018 for that build.

Once that’s done, Ares will shift its focus on Project Pony. Very little details have been revealed about the car, but we do know that Ares will use the current 680-horsepower GTC4Lusso in the same capacity as the Huracan in the Project Panther build. Part of that shared use includes the running gear of the stock GTC4Lusso. The only difference is that Ares will use its own carbon fiber body on the Project Pony build, presumably to make the car lighter and faster. A sketch of the car reveals some striking details, including the angular headlights, vented hood, and the boxy roof. All these characteristics look to be straight out of the 412’s own styling features. The sketch also reveals a two-door layout for the car, though the interior is said to feature the GTC4Lusso’s own 2+2 seating configuration.

In terms of the engine, Ares will use the same 6.3-liter V-12 powerhouse found under the GTC4Lusso. There’s no word yet on whether power’s going to be tuned to a higher number, so in the meantime, expect it to carry the same 680-horsepower output as the GTC4Lusso. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which, in turn, sends the horses to all four wheels of the car. Owing to its carbon fiber body, the Project Pony car should have better performance numbers than the GTC4Lusso. The latter is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds to go with a top speed of 208 mph. My best guess is that Project Pony will be faster than 0.2 seconds to 60 mph — 3.2 seconds — than the standard GTC4Lusso. Top speed could also increase, but I don’t expect it to be significantly higher than what the Lusso is capable of. Perhaps 210 mph? Maybe 211 mph if Ares stretches it?

In any event, Project Pony isn’t going to be for the weak of heart, nor is it for the light of wallet. According to Ares, the car will cost $872,470. In case you’re wondering, that amount of money will get you two GTC4Lussos, a Ferrari California T, and a Honda Civic Type R. Think about it.

References

Ferrari GTC4Lusso

Read our full review on the 2016 Ferrari GTC4Lusso.

Read our full review on the 2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso T.