This isn't the final design of the new Pantera, but we'd sure like to think so. Image: Top Speed

Like so many cars that blur the lines between muscle and sports car (i.e. the Corvette), we at Street Legal TV have a secret space in our hearts for the DeTomaso Pantera. The Italian immigrant rolled up on American shores sporting Ford’s famous 351 and quickly climbed the ranks of automotive stardom. Unfortunately, it was ultimately short-lived and the Pantera faded into legend.

Well, good news for us loves of the Sicilian Panther, the newly resurrected DeTomaso has officially announced that the Pantera is set to return before the end of the year and will be unveiled at the LA motor show in November, nearly 40 years after the car was first launched. This news of course, comes after the brand’s launch of its all-new DeAuville SUV at the Geneva show.

While the DeAuville was meet with mixed reviews – despite all the work of Pininfarina to make it more appealing – costing 89,000 euros, the  SUV is equipped with a twin-turbo 2.8-liter V6, cranking out a mild 300hp and a top speed of 155mph.

Thankfully, the Pantera is planned for much more oomph in the way of a 550hp V8, although we’re not certain if Ford will be returning as the supplier.