Photography by Jan Morgan
Collection Gift Guide: Georgia Peach
December 1, 2006
The Panoz Esperante GTLM coupe is the road-going version of the victorious
Esperante GT2 racer. Like the exotic racecar, it is based on a coupe body for
aerodynamics (a convertible is available). The car is a showcase of racing
technology, as the American Le Mans Series rules state that the racer must be
based on the road car, meaning that a version of the car must be sold to the
public. On the road, the GTLM’s styling stands out, the voluptuous sweep of its
fenders in stark contrast to the lines and creases that pass for contemporary
styling.
Panoz is a small American manufacturer with its motorsports credentials
established in racing. Its unique front-engine Le Mans Prototype has competed
against prototypes from Audi, Bentley, and BMW, winning many races, including an
ALMS championship last spring in Atlanta and the 2006 Twelve Hours of Sebring,
America’s oldest and most prestigious endurance race.
Aerodynamics play a key role in racing today, even with the production-based GT2
cars. The GTLM’s special body features an extended front fascia, along with a
new lower valance, adding downforce to the front of the car. For balance, the
rear fascia was extended so that the racing wing could be mounted farther back
on the rear deck, resulting in further improvements to stability and cornering
speeds.
A full roll cage has been incorporated within the road car’s new carbon-fiber
top. Only two of the six roll cage structural elements were visible in our test
car. They look purposeful, a visible piece of the GTLM’s racing pedigree. With
the additional reinforcement, the Esperante feels as though it were cut from a
single block of alloy.
The suspension is one of those systems designed specifically for the racecar.
Using unequal-length suspension arms and front and rear coil-over dampers, the
Esperante delivers the balance between ride and handling that Panoz is famous
for, while still leaving room in the trunk for two golf bags.
Panoz pioneered the use of aluminum body panels 10 years ago, and the Esperante
retains the ding-resistant alloy skin. The fit and finish of the hand-fitted
panels is available in any color, or, if so desired, the alloy body can be
polished to a mirror finish.
The GTLM’s interior is wrapped in hand-stitched leather, with fully adjustable
Recaro seats. The finish is more akin to a ’60s-era GT, with modern carbon-fiber
accents on our test car. The accent panels are also available in wood or
exterior body color. The impression is that of old-world hand finishing, which,
in fact, it is.
advertisement
