Way back in September of 2020, an Italian company called Ares Modena released a series of digital renderings showing its new S1 supercar – a coachbuilt two-seater that was based on the mid-engine C8 Corvette Stingray.
Now, the company has released images of the new Ares S1 Speedster – a roofless version of the S1 that is, rather predictably, also based on the C8 Corvette Stingray. While the Ares S1 taps the Vette’s mid-engine platform and naturally aspirated 6.2L LT2 V8 engine, that’s where the similarities end. This coach-built creation does not share any body panels with the Chevy, boasting its own LED headlamp design and a unique rear LED light bar. The body panels are full carbon fiber, which has likely helped the S1 shed some poundage over the Chevy on which it’s based, but Ares has yet to share any official weight figures.
Inside, the Ares S1 Speedster retains a similar cabin layout to the C8 Corvette Stingray’s, incorporating the same instrument binnacle and center console. There are some differences, however, including a different centrally mounted infotainment display, a passenger-side digital display screen, diamond-stitched leather upholstery and a reupholstered version of the Vette’s square steering wheel with sueded side grips and glossy carbon trim. Naturally, all the Corvette crossed flags logos have been tossed out in favor of Ares’ own spartan logo.
One of the more eye-catching aspects of the Ares S1 and the S1 Speedster are the exhausts, which exit out of the top of the engine cover, rather than the rear bumper. These exhausts connect to the C8 Corvette’s standard 6.2L LT2 V8 engine, which produces 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in the C8 Corvette Stingray when paired with the available Performance Exhaust. Ares has not said how much power the S1 will produce, but seeing as the Corvette’s engine control system is protected through encryption, we’re not expecting any major performance improvements over the Stingray.
The Ares S1 Speedster will be limited to just 24 units. Pricing is available upon request, the Modena-based company says.
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Comments
Bet you have to rent (or forward stash) the golf clubs at the links.
It seems that just about anyone outside of GM is able to easily improve upon the looks of the c8…custom body panels from Ares and Caravaggio, as well as many amateur online designer renderings that look far better.
If the c8 were more similar to this (roughly this type of exterior design without all the high-dollar items – regular exhaust exit, non-carbon/plastic panels, and the regular interior), I would probably already own one.
Rear end design and other features look inspired by a few different McClaren models…that’s not entirely a bad thing, but this design seems to have no frunk or trunk, so not a practical Corvette alternative design as shown.
Few will remember this company or car if the company doesn’t survive, but this kind of look with a Corvette badge would age well and be desirable for decades. Also, if GM wanted so badly to abandon round-ish tailights, using a more timeless design like this straight light bar would have been so much better.
Article didn’t say if this car is a real “hardtop convertible”.
Looks like it would have a huge T-roof and wondering where
you would store it? At home, maybe?
It says it’s a “roofless” speedster…no targa top, no hard top…no thanks.
I’m not a fan of this one at all. As far as cost I wouldn’t pay a dime for it.
“Pricing Available Upon Request.” PASS!!!
Yep, that pretty much means it’s for the Financial Elite who aren’t scared of those numbers, I’ll manage to continue on with my life as if this car never existed I guess, but overall, it looks good.
It will easily go for seven figures for sure for just 24 units. For a boutique exotic company like this, they were wise to use the platform from the C8 since it is a world class platform in its own right. The only thing about this car I don’t like is that it has some off self things shared with the C8 in the cockpit where I could tell but companies like this have to start somewhere with limited capital to utilize.