2002 Panoz Esperante

Limited Edition Drivers Esperante

Panoz Auto Development, a leading manufacturer of high performance automobiles and racing cars, debuted the all-new Driver's Edition of its luxury sport convertible, the Esperante at the 2002 New York International Auto Show.

The Driver's Edition Esperantes celebrate the Panoz Racing Team and its leading drivers' efforts. They are the direct result of a close collaboration between the Panoz Motor Sports and the Panoz Auto Development operations. Only 20 Drivers Edition Esperantes will be built to commemorate the team's leading drivers Jan Magnussen and David Brabham. 10 Magnussen Edition Esperantes and 10 Brabham Edition Esperantes will be built per year celebrating the 10 annual ALMS races. The drivers have provided direct input on the technical, aesthetic and ergonomic specifications of the cars. Suspension settings, brakes, wheels, tires, seats, trim, colors and other details have been hand selected by both Jan and David. These limited edition cars have been designed to provide more of a pure sporting environment to the customer while retaining many of the highly acclaimed GTS features, bringing more of the Le Mans performance and endurance ethos to the road cars.

The Driver's Edition Esperantes are a lighter variant of 320-horsepower, hand built convertible. They feature carbon fiber super structures, revised spring rates, adjusted rear suspension rocker ratios, an upgraded brake and rotor package, BBS LM wheels (8.5x18 front 10x18 rear), Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires with Billet alloy pedals and shifter as standard. They are also fitted with lighter adjustable sport seats, a carbon fiber front spoiler and a rear ducktail. In total the Drivers Edition cars have over 140 different parts to the standard car.

The new Drivers Edition and 2002 Esperantes continue to feature the formidable aluminum 4.6-liter, dual overhead (DOHC) cam, Ford SVT engine hand built by two-man teams in Romeo, Michigan. Panoz will also continue to service all Esperante customers through its nationwide dealer network.

Like all Esperantes, the Driver's Edition cars come fully equipped with dual airbags, a semi-rigid power convertible top, leather seats, ABS, Electronic Traction Control and a race-inspired four-wheel independent suspension system. They will also be covered by Panoz' 3-year/36,000 mile warranty and 24-Hour Roadside Assistance plan.

The Drivers Edition Esperantes are limited run cars with only 10 Magnussen Edition and 10 Brabham Edition cars being built annually. David Brabham and Jan Magnussen will hand sign them individually.

Prices start from $116,765 and Driver's Edition Esperantes will continue to offer the exclusivity, performance and value that have become synonymous with Panoz cars.

Source - Panoz