Exotic car dealerships never cease to astound automotive enthusiasts, as their inventory typically boasts vehicles rarely spotted on the roads. During my visit to Lorbek Luxury Cars dealer in Melbourne, I experienced a “wow” moment when initially failing to identify a supercar. However, upon closer inspection, I discovered the model in question to be the rare Ares S1, a V8-powered exotic built upon the framework of the C8 Corvette.
The yellow Ares is a static example of the 2020 concept rather than the slightly toned-down production version that was first shown in 2022. Still, this was my first encounter with a product of the Modena-based coachbuilder, and I was intrigued to check it out from up close.
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Even though the dealership was full of beautiful models from well-established automakers including Ferrari, McLaren, and Porsche, the concept felt like the centerpiece. The extreme proportions make it hard to believe that it is based on humble Corvette underpinnings, as the Ares S1 looks like a real-life rendering. Our analogy was not chosen by accident, as the firm has been criticized for copying the Porsche Electric Le Mans 2035 thesis project of Gilsung Park from 2015.
The sculpted bodywork of the Ares S1 feels like it was designed around the massive 22-inch multi-spoke wheels, which dictate the shape of the bulged fenders. The wraparound windshield sends Koenigsegg vibes, the massive intake at the back with the full-width LED bar is similar to the Bugatti Chiron, and the integrated vents on the fenders are reminiscent of the Porsche 911 GT3. Still, the Italian supercar manages to have a personality of its own, setting aside the obvious references to the aforementioned thesis project.
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As with most static display prototypes, the model didn’t have a drivetrain or an interior. A look underneath reveals that it is mounted on a wheeled tray, making it easier to move it around the dealership. In a quest to answer our questions about the Ares S1 and how it ended up in Australia, we spoke with David Lorbek, Senior Sales Executive at Lorbek Luxury Cars.
When I inquired with David about the rare concept car, he disclosed that he and his brother are clients of Ares Modena, having placed an order for one of the 24 production coupes. Theirs will be one of only five with a right-hand-drive configuration, and the sole unit destined for the Australian market. The Lorbek brothers anticipate taking delivery of the vehicle before the end of 2024 and intend to retain it for personal use rather than considering it for sale.
Another reason behind the concept’s presence in Melbourne is that Ares Modena wants to raise awareness about its name. This could help the company reach more clients for its several coachbuilding projects and putting its cars in exotic dealerships is certainly a clever way of advertising them.
How does the production model differ from the concept?
Ares Modena
You may have come across renderings of the production-spec Ares S1, but the company has recently released real-life photos of the model, confirming its existence. Furthermore, a brief online search reveals a video on YouTube showcasing the same Ares S1 with the distinctive green shade and gold-finished wheels, seen navigating the streets of Europe. However, it remains unclear whether this particular model is one of the 24 customer examples or a pre-production development prototype.
The final design of the Ares S1 retains some of the signature elements of the concept including the gullwing doors and the dual tailpipes mounted on the rear deck. However, the carbon-fiber bodywork has been significantly redesigned, resulting in a taller and more conventional roadgoing supercar stance.
The overhauled interior features a triple-screen layout and high-quality materials including leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber. As for the underpinnings, the 6.2-liter V8 and the aluminum chassis are sourced from the C8 Corvette, although the final specs have not been disclosed yet.
Pricing was initially rumored to start around $600,000, but the latest reports indicate that the Ares S1 will command a price tag exceeding $1 million. n. While this may seem steep for a Corvette-based model, the exclusivity and exotic aesthetics could justify the premium for buyers with ample disposable income.
Hopefully, customer deliveries will start later this year, and we’ll learn more about the Italian model. Until then, check out the short video we created with the wild-looking concept. We’ve also included panoramic views of the Lorbek dealership, showcasing their diverse array of intriguing models on display.
We would like to thank Lorbek Luxury Cars for showing us around their supercar-rich premises in Port Melbourne
