2015 Panoz Esperante Spyder GT Prototype - Jay Leno's Garage
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- Опубликовано: 25 окт 2014
- Take an up-close look at the car designed to celebrate Panoz' 25th anniversary.
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2015 Panoz Esperante Spyder GT Prototype - Jay Leno's Garage
• 2015 Panoz Esperante S...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage 
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I worked at Panoz Auto Development in 1997, building the AIV Roadster. I later worked at Panoz Motorsports in 1999 when we won the Petit Lemans.
Don always came into the factory through the door to the Parts Room, where I worked. One day there was the scrawny-looking guy in ragged jeans, a white t-shirt and Converse Hi-tops. "Tom, I'd like you to meet my friend Paul Newman." And it was him and we had a nice little chat about his racing days.
Thomas Payne name dropper
If I knew those names I'd be dropping them as well.
RIP Dr. Don. Great man, did a TON for sports car racing in the USA
He seemed like a very nice guy, and as the inventor of the nicotine patch he left quite the legacy behind! What kind of father can truly make their child's dreams come true, when their child's dreams are as grandiose as making their own car company, where they design their own dot certified cars, then take those to major races, like the 24 hours at LeMons, Sebring, etc., and win... Wow. Not every father must be that good to a child, but every father should want to be. What a legacy indeed.
I remember panoz from Gran Turismo 3. memories...
I've always admired the Panoz designs. They go their own way and build something unique and limited edition. And it's smart using a power train that can be serviced anywhere in North America.
Jay, why don't you make a video that goes over the overall garage? You can do several episodes where you walk around different parts of your garage, introduce us to each of your car briefly (still waiting for the video of that DS) and tell us the significance of each for you. Then introduce us to the other people in your garage; mechanics and artisans who, I hope, can pass their skills to the next generations to come. Love your show, all the best!
I see a lot of people here complaining about the design... Fair enough, it's not exactly an Italian beauty. But it's a working car, build by a small company and still compliant with the rules and regulations. It's a huge challenge to accomplish that and I salute the man for achieving this.
I'd love to see any one of the people complaining build a car with the restrictions out there. Oh wait it takes what they don't have . Money
Don Panoz seems like a really swell fella.
So cool.
RIP Don Panoz
September 11th 2018
I agree with others here in that it looks dated, but you can get a version with up to 800HP and a proper manual gearbox. Have to love it. The customization is amazing. I appreciate their philosophy to making cars.
I also love their race cars.
May look dated but that adds to the uniqueness of the vehicle, looks like a 90s sports car, in between a Ferrari and a Toyota MRS.
I remember watching the Panoz win overall at Petite Lemans in 01' w/David Brabham. They had a turn-key race rental program back then that was the best. A true race car you could rent & run at Road Atlanta. I wish they would get that back up & running! I like the long-nose sports cars: Vipers, 928s & older Datsun Zs.
I had a chance to meet Don and his son in the mid-90's when I toured the plant in Braselton - at that time I lived right around the corner in Buford, GA - and worked with the SCCA at Road Atlanta on occasion - I loved the original roadster, but this looks pretty hot too - they skim over the PMVF aluminum, but that would make an interesting segment by itself.
...According to their website, they'll build you a GTR-1. That crazy front-engined Le Mans racer from the early '90s. For the street.
...Want.
You mean late '90s.
Love the interior, very clean
fantastic car, very ferrari-esque in the styling but thats not a bad thing, and one of the nicest interiors i've seen on a car - the clean lines, very simple but functional , looks solid, and my fave is those deep seated air vents, a bit like the intake snorkels on the race car
Incredible family. I met Don Panoz ~10-years ago in Atlanta, GA. Don’s son (Dan Panoz) collected 1962 Ford Thunderbirds and I flew to Atlanta to purchase a Thunderbird he listed for sale on eBay Motors. The Thunderbird originally belonged to my grandmother which is why I made the trip to purchase the car in person. Dan personally picked me up from the airport in a very cool car. (I later learned it was this Esperante). Dan drove me to their auto museum in Braselton, GA., we had a happy hour at Chateau Elan, and I joined the entire family for dinner that evening. It wasn’t until I returned to my home that I researched the Panoz family and found out of their incredible success. They were so hospitable and unassuming. Ironic part was, during dinner Don (inventor of the nicotine patch) frequently excused himself from the table to smoke outside.
Watching this video in 2021 because I just saw a panos Esperante yesterday. So great to hear they're still making these cars today. Absolutely beautiful
Looks like it was designed in 2005
you're a decade or two off. It looks like 90s car with an 80s rear end.
Pretty sure it was bro. Really old unrefreshed car.
The front looks like a 10 year old Boxter
you're close. the esperante first came out with this same design in 2000
Hans Sarpei I have a 14yr old Boxster and the whole car looks better then this thing.
RIP Don. An all American man.
I first heard of Panoz when I was young. I got four different Panoz GTR-1 Hotwheels. In my teens the Panoz Esperante was in Forza Motorsports, and now I see them here. While I do forget about them form time to time, I have always liked their cars and am glad they are still around. They have done just enough advertising that car people will find them.
As a student of john at lanier tech where he now teaches i can proudly say he is an amazing engineer and teacher. Everything ive learned about panoz is incredible and i truly look up to them in my motorsports journey
I think I am the only one here who likes the design of this car...
It certainly seems like it just might be the two of us that like it.........however, there could be just a bunch of internet tools commenting too.
I do as well
GreenJeep1998 the vocal minority is always the loudest bunch
I like it better than any other US sports car. The Europeans have always come up with the best designs.
nah i like it alot except the front end, which changing would be easy enough for someone who had the $ to buy one of these in the first place, but i think the biggest selling point of the car for me is its customization aspect.
The Panoz LMP-1 Roadster was my favorite race car when I was a kid. They should make a street legal version of that.
That and and the GTR-1 those cars are sexy af. This... not so much.
Me too! :D I loved that car. This however, looks like a scared goblin. I can't believe its a 2015 car.
Glad I'm up to catch a new vid from Jay.
Thanks for sharing! Really like the sound and the look.
FANTASTIC automobile!
The front design looks out dated
Like a Porsche?
Yeah, I did a double take when he said it was a 2015. Very outdated design. Also, when he pops the hood the car looks scared lol.
WezleyB
You think that looks like a porsche? Time for a visit to the optometrist.
If you pause at 2:33 the design looks like from the 1997 ish
no, I was saying it looked outdated, like a Porsche. But if you look at their past cars, they all have the same front, trying to make a "face" for their brand, again like Porsche?!?
Beautiful car! Thanks Jay.
Still one of the most awesome looking cars. Brings back memories of playing Sports Car GT :)
a Fiat Barchetta with an aero package glued on.
So thrue lol. And a used barchetta cost only à few dollars ^^
Its handmade, has a v8, much more aerodynamic. The barchetta is built by robots and turns like a multipla
"all american", uses brembo breaks, kenwood infotainment, bbs wheels, michelin tires... Im pretty sure in today's world a car cannot be 100% from one nation
True enough, but it's American where it counts: the motors and final assembly...
They could easily have gone with Baer or Stoptech, both excellent brake companies. And aren't BBS wheels German?
That was my point. It uses international parts
except Argentina
***** well they should have left the final assembly to someone else, look at the terrible fit of the front bumper^^
What a great American success story. I have to say that I've never really loved the front end of the Esperantes but, as I watched it being driven it really grew on me as a whole. I'm sure that America's D.O.T. regulations dictate much in the way the front has to be styled. I wouldn't say that it is outdated but rather classic in the GT sense. I need to see one in person again to appreciate it. That sound!
I have never seen these cars on the road or at any car shows before. I am surprised they managed to stay in business so long. Pretty impressive to keep such a small production with not that high of a price and stay around all these years.
You all do realize that the official production release will almost definitely fix the issues with the bumper continuity right?? It's just a prototype. There will be improvements.
People are quick to criticise...
I hate the front lip, it's too much, and looks like the car has gotten some inspiration from the Porsche 911 and dodge viper
The rear screams 360 Modena.
NafanyaZX with that sprinkle of ferrari california which is also ugly
NafanyaZX exactly!
justkiddin1980 I definitely see the Ferrari back end, but you totally lost me when you said the California was ugly.
AirsoftWarfareHD I love this thing, but the front is identical to a 599.
Looks good on Jay I think. Would make a great cruize in car for going out on the weekend. I love the back of it and the long hood line. Jay you need that car in the collection!!
15:50 Jay's seat moves a lot!!
They should bring back the roadster. Also, fix the fitment on the front fascia.
I just noticed jay wear the same clothes every video. Even tho I'm sure he has a billion of each jacket and jeans lol.
I once saw jay Leno and he was wearing those clothes. Not a joke. I'm pretty sure it's his thing.
He mentioned the clothes in another video, and explained that he had a lot of the same clothes.
Yah I'm sure he does.
In the movie/entertainment business it is called continuity. If they don't finish a shoot, or have to come back for some retakes it looks like it was all done at the same time, no one has to remember what Jay was wearing. Just think what some people would say if he started the segment in black pants and cut to another angle and he was wearing tan pants. Besides he looks good in a Canadian tuxedo.
Now go watch a video from 2003 and he's in the same outfit. Its his thing.
I wish Jay would stay forever... This is a true gear head show. Top gear is just a show. Its for everyone, especially kids. Its not about cars, its about average people put in incredible cars and their reaction to it. Jay Leno's garage is about people too, but gearheads, people who create the industry, but even as you hear them talk, the camera isn't on their stupid face, its on the car. Because the show is about the cars, and the people are about the cars. Top gear people are about big corporations and getting people hyped over the new cash cow.
Please keep doing this show Jay. We love it, you're a true gearhead. Thank's for sharing it.
Fascinating vehicle and interesting history of Panoz.
Very cool video.
The car kinda looks like from the 80's.
Not kinda, it's very dated.
And it looks awesome
Yup, really dated and dull. The nose is terrible. Can't downplay their accomplishments though, pretty tough surviving in the business atm.
change the front bumper and get some sharper headlights and it would look awesome
cuntdestr0yer Yeah I definitely agree with that, the headlights should should be rounded like diamond shaped rather than oval.
Oh gosh he died last month :(
September 11 2018.
awesome to see Panoz still alive; my dream cars growing up
I was behind one of these this morning in Baltimore. Had no idea what it was, but I could tell it was special, particularly by the chrome exhaust resonators. It was a blue convertible. I was able to get beside it for a few seconds. Dry nice!
The whole car looks a bit outdated imo. Looks like they're about 15 years behind in design.. Or they just never bothered to move on from their previous designs.. For the price i'm surprised anyone would buy one compared to other cars in a similar price range and design..
It's even got BBS RGT's for christ sake, those wheels came out in like 2002.
totally agree.
200K for a car with a $10,000 Ford 5.0L seems a bit pricy.
all that carbon fiber for a 3128lb curb weight is also weird.
^ Boutique, low production products tend to be very expensive. It's called economy of scales.
Senator Armstrong, restoring America to its former glory true, but there wasn't anything special about this car.
Anyone can buy a 5.0L nothing special.
how are they doing factory direct and Tesla is not allowed to do that ? wtf?
The big car companies don't feel threatened by Panoz but they are by Tesla.
theslimeylimey yeah I kinda figured that
It's called politics. When your car averages more sales than a government backed stooge like GM, it will hit the fan!
They also sell limited amounts of cars, they're not a large production company like Tesla.
The Panoz is truly a gem. A sports car that is really derived from motorsports to the streets. I had a chance to see one in Road Atlanta Petit Le Mans.
Great video and car. Thanks Don and Jay.
The interior is beautiful, although they seriously need to re-work the exterior.
It's like someone put a veilside front kit on a Porsche that had a baby with a viper.
I had the immense pleasure of meeting Dr. Don at the Mosport Racetrack in Canada, on the very weekend that he sold the track to Ron Fellows. I have a race poster of the ALMS race signed by both the seller and buyer of the track ( and all the drivers). He was a real gentleman and is sorely missed by the industry. Yes the Esperante is and was very expensive but was a hand built super powerful sports car. If you ever drove one you would understand. RIP, DON..
I don’t have a problem with this design. Simple but nice.
l love the car and the company, but, in all sincerity, the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale wants its rear end back.
Sheeeit I knew I recognized the rear end from somewhere.
flyingphoenix113 lol correct
I like the car but that front bumper is hideous I wonder do they have other options for that
I LOVE WHEN JAY HAS RECENT CARS!!!
this made my day. Thank you leno
It's design is just not quite right, most of the individual design elements are ok but it just doesn't come together. The front bumper is something from the mid 90s What I saw of the interior looked good. I'd love to see Chris Harris review it to see how it drives.
Looks like Porsche Ferrari Love child
Thanks Jay, your garage videos are fun and informative. I never know Panoz was an American brand, always assumed it was some European exotic.
gotta get me one of these, congrats Don to you and the team!
this is why american cars arent made anymore. look at that bumper! lol what a piece of junk
G8 B8 M8 I R8 8/8
Arn't made anymore? Where have you been...
I come for the videos... I stay for the intelligent comments.
jack black What? Seriously? There still remain multiple American Manufacturers designing and building cars here. With a statement like that you sound insane.
I guess you've been living under a rock for the past couple of years.
The design seems a mix and influence of many others.. a little MR2, Viper at the front.. Ferrari-ish at the rear. It's not horrible, but it seems a little dated in design.
Wow. The Esperante looks pretty much the way it did 15 years ago. And it's a good looking car. But since then we've seen the Esperante GTR and the Abruzzi, two of the best looking sportscars of all time. I would love to see roadgoing versions of either (and yes, I know the Abruzzi is a road car, but I have NEVER seen one on the road).
Give me either of those, and I would drive it every day for the rest of my life.
Beautiful and timeless design! Has that classic roadster shape.
Body panels look like they were put in place with a glue gun, if you hadn't told me it was a brand new car I would've thought it was designed in the 80's or 90's and had been stored away and maintained for the past 20-30 years... Just further proof the Americans are still not catching up in terms of quality, fit and finish compared with Japanese or European counterparts. Even when it comes to small independent companies...
" Wahhhh it looks dated, blah blah blah." You people are nuts. Lot's of cars can look dated, that isn't a bad thing. Automotive culture isn't for you if all you want is everyone to run with the pack of trying to be 'trendy'. You design what you like, and if someone else likes it, they'll buy it. Simple.
The only thing I find questionable is the build quality. Prototype or not, the front bumper looked shoddily mounted, the panel gaps were unacceptable, and electronic hand brake in what they INSIST is a sports car through and through? ... Questionable, and personally unethical to purchase and support a manufacturer that exists thanks to the most heinous industry there is, pharmaceuticals.
You sure are trying to tell people what to do and think. Good Luck with that. Buy a corvette. This thing is FUGLY.
Boo
Oh yes. What a great American car company. And what a Fantastic car. Thank you so much Jay Leno for making this episode. And THANKS Mr.Panoz for hand building such a stunning American car. Just fantastic. ! !
Great vid. Jay , very interesting !!!
I gotta say the design inside and out is about what I could do and I couldn't design anything. It's too plain and simple.
Simplicity is the point though. It isn't meant to be as complicated as Ferraris or Porsche. It also is much better looking in person, more exciting than many of the current sports cars.
Jaguar51995 What have you driven?
I never said I drove it.
Jaguar51995 Ever drive a Ferrari or a Porsche?
also looks too narrow
There's the unchanged design that Porsche does and then there's this.
It was ugly then, it looks tragic now. Do something new for a change.
Google "Abruzzi". Just don't eat before you do that.
Yup, the Porsche design is a classic and a big part of the brand, but this...
***** I played Forza4 - why'd you have to remind me...!?!?!
Porsche designs do change, but in a continuous, undisruptive way.
Looks are one thing. The sound is another. Best part of the video!
I liked the car many years ago when it was much newer and still competitively racing. Being a boutique car, it was quite rare. A true American exotic. Except unlike other rare exotics, this one was fighting wheel to wheel with the likes of Porsche and Ferrari.
Definitely a worthwhile visit to Jay's garage. I'm glad both parties took the time to shine a spotlight on a neat little American sportscar.
I love these cars because of the story and the performance but, I don't really like the look. It doesn't really have a smooth body line.
I think its just the nose, the rest looks good, back is really sweet.
I love a car with a nice butt, one of the things I like about my car.
I dig the rear of the car, it's spot on... That has character, but the front could use some refreshing/updating indeed. The rest? I think it's well done & dual filler caps which make it worry free when pulling into a gas/petrol station.
Always bewildered by how ugly and poorly fit/made that front bumper is.
draggonhedd the front bumper was designed to be like that.
Very nice car ! Never heard of it. Very cool guys. Thank You for the patch Don ! Made quitting the easiest thing I've ever done in my life. Smoked for 42 years, used the path and never wanted to go back even from day 1 on the patch.
Well, it is a friendly looking car, but also has a look of wealth. I'd love to have one.
Beautiful car. I like it!
1995 headlights, 1995 steering wheel, 2001 wheels, body lines of a mitsubishi eclipse $200 body kit. I mean, common people, look at all small builders... this is just plain ugly. I admire the determination and effort, but this is bad.
Seriously. I respect these guys and what they're doing but man... what an ugly car.
2:38 panel fit is horrible...
I own one of the original Panoz Esperante's in Chili Pepper Red metallic. Only 234 ever made and it is every bit of what I love of what America is all about. It's like a modern day Shelby Cobra with an incredible rumble from the Cobra motor and the factory magnaflow twin exhaust. I have had Porsche's and other cars but this just brings the biggest smile of all of them.
As always, thanks Jay.
Looks like 1995 threw it up...
IT WOULD LOOK NICE IN THE EARLY 90'S ……………………………TODAY THIS CAR IS OUT DATED BUY A BRAND NEW CORVETTE 206 10X BETTER
common + boring
Linamar everyone drives a new Corvette. boring
*The interior design of this car is AMAZING,* it is a work of art.
Don Panoz passed away today but nobody else seemed to notice
My first time I came in contact with Panoz was at high-end dealership Manhattan Motorcars. I have seen a few in my lifetime and their amazing.
Get a Italian as your head designer. That car looks really dated.
You obviously can't afford a grammar book.
he is Italian
Italy doesnt have that many good designers anymore apart from the people that design Lamborghini and Ferrari thats it. I would prefer someone from either Germany or Britain.
Other than Lambos, what great looking Italian cars are there?
All Panoz steering wheels are imported from Italy. It's a start.
I remember Panoz from Gran Turismo. Great car, but really ugly.
Awesome looking car and a perfect interior :D
It reminds me alot of the BMW z8. I love the design, its unique and different.
Good lord was that built by a 5yr old? Hardly anything lines up and nothing matches. The doors don't meet the back CF, the front bumper is miles out of alignment and the list goes on. Even if some of the panel gaps were even it wouldn't be so bad. Terrible.
Reverend Eslam
Yes. Is that now an acceptable excuse for shoddy build? If they can't be bothered or aren't capable of making ONE car well which they know is going on JLG and probably any other publicity, what exactly does that say about them? Even if they iron out the body to look like it fits I would be very sceptical about their integrity under the skin after seeing this as something they see fit to display to the world.
Kudos to Jay for being a patriot and supporting US companies but this ugly Frankenstein car hacked together from over the counter parts just does not cut it in any department. Ugly, outdated technically, too heavy, the list goes on and on...
What a great dad! Don, is one of the best!
i love this car, very unique
I LOVE THE PANOZ! ONE OF MY FAVORITE AMERICAN SPORTSCARS!
I had no idea Panoz was based in Braselton, GA! Wow!! I'm in Woodstock, GA, less than an hour away from there. Might see if they have a factory tour or some such. Definitely would be cool to see one of these in person, that's for sure!
RIP, Mr. Donald Panoz. I was blessed to work at his Chateau Elan Winery & Resort for 15 yrs. He was a truly nice gentleman.
Best line - 'Damn kids!' Nifty car. Hell, they're all nifty.
As always, I furthered my education thanks to The U of L (University of Leno)! What a cool father and son team! Amazing that dad invented the nicotine patch! As for the car, i think it looks and sounds amazing. Another great episode Jay! BTW: Really looking forward to the new TV show!
Wow. A real life Panoz 🏁🚘
very cool. i completely forgot about the Panoz brand. first found out about their brand from the gran turismo video game
Great channel! cheers from Turkey