Guarà Coupe, Spider and Barchetta (1993-2004)
For the creation of the Guarà, De Tomaso went back to his racing roots, resurrecting his trusted and successful formula of a spine 'backbone' chassis, mid-mounted engine and lightweight alloy components.
Presented at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show; the Guarà, styled by Carlo Gaino (of "Synthesis Design,") was based upon the Maserati Barchetta Stradale prototype race car from 1991. Initially available as a coupe, a spider and an open barchetta version were eventually produced.
The first cars went into production in 1994, initially employing a BMW engine, a 4.0 litre DOHC, all-alloy V-8. It's features included fully electronic engine management and computer-controlled fuel injection; the transmission was a 6-speed Getrag transaxle unit. Later models came with a Ford/Visteon V8 unit.
A unique element of the chassis design was the use of an inboard-mounted shock absorber system, employing push and pull rods to actuate the shock units (a system that was similar to Formula 1 and IndyCars of the time.) This design allowed the suspension to react to road changes more quickly. Additionally, Brembo ventilated disc brakes and Campagnolo cast alloy wheels completed a suspension system that would have been be at home on both race track and autostrada. In the interior, some of the body colour composite materials were on show, presumably as a race inspired design element.
The press praised the acceleration and handling prowess of the Guarà. However, this was to be the final project to be produced out of the De Tomaso factory at Modena.
The essentials:
- Designed by Carlo Gaino
- Estimated 50 produced
- Sports car, 2 door coupe, spider and barchetta
- Mid engine, rear wheel drive layout
- BMW M60 B40 V8 (1993–1998)
- Ford/Visteon V8 (1998–2004)
- Transmission 6-speed manual
De Tomaso Guara coupe, images courtesy of BMW Car Magazine.
