The De Tomaso Guarà is based on the Maserati Barchetta Stradale prototype from 1991. The Guarà was launched at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show. It came in both a coupé, spider and also as an open barchetta.
Fibreglass, Kevlar, and other composites make the body shell, fitted to a backbone chassis. The suspension is true Formula 1 and IndyCar technology with independent upper and lower wishbone with pushrod front and rear end suspension. The Guarà is known for its highly agile handling which makes it a bit too “nervous” for the average driver. The Guarà has no luggage space at all, the area under the front being taken up by the racing-style suspension. The large, distinct rims are by Marchesini.
First, the Guarà was built using technology and interior parts from BMW but later all cars came equipped with Ford/Visteon (Canada) parts and engines. The Guarà was never homologated for US sale, although one engineless example was sent to the US importer of De Tomasos. However, at least one of the Ford powered Guarà coupés has been imported into the US and has California license plates.
Production ceased when De Tomaso switched to the Ford engine as the new powerplant did not leave enough room for the canvas. As for the Maserati Barchetta the designer is Carlo Gaino of the “Synthesis Design”. The first cars were sold in 1994 and were selling up till around 2005.
1998 De Tomaso Guara Gallery
See full 1998 Detomaso Guara Gallery here
In Detail
| engine | V8 |
| valvetrain | DOHC 4 Valves / Cyl |
| displacement | 4600 cc / 280.7 in³ |
| bore | 91.4 mm / 3.6 in |
| stroke | 91.4 mm / 3.6 in |
| compression | 10.5:1 |
| power | 296.0 kw / 396.9 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| specific output | 86.28 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | bhp per tonne |
| torque | 501.7 nm / 370.0 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm |
| driven wheels | Mid Engine / RWD |
| front tires | F 245/40ZR-18 |
| rear tires | R 285/35ZR-18 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs |
| f brake size | mm / in |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs |
| r brake size | mm / in |
| front wheels | F 45.7 x 43.2 cm / 18.0 x 17.0 in |
| rear wheels | R 45.7 x 53.3 cm / 18.0 x 21.0 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion |
| curb weight | 1134 kg / 2500 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2609 mm / 102.7 in |
| front track | 1631 mm / 64.2 in |
| rear track | 1661 mm / 65.4 in |
| length | 4191.0 mm / 165.0 in |
| width | 2029 mm / 79.9 in |
| height | 1199 mm / 47.2 in |
| transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | :1 |
| top speed | ~276.8 kph / 172.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~4.9 seconds |
Keyword: 1998 De Tomaso Guara