Rejoice: The Long-Awaited 'New Stratos' Is Back On
Back in 2010, much of the motoring world was collectively salivating over the prospect of a new Lancia Stratos. Well, sort of - it was a project launched by billionaire German businessman Michael Stoschek, who commissioned Pininfarina to design a modern re-imagination of the legendary Lancia coupe.
The concept version used a Ferrari 430 Scuderia as a base, with 200mm lopped off the chassis to echo the original Stratos’ stunted proportions. It seemed an appropriate choice - the old Stratos was powered by a Ferrari V6, so why not give the new one a Maranello-built V8? Unfortunately it wasn’t to be, because Ferrari wasn’t happy.
Ferrari blocked Pininfarina from making the thing, along with anyone else who might want to try. It seemed like that was that, but nearly eight years on, it looks like the Stratos Homage is finally going to happen.
A firm called Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT) has licensed the car from Stoschek, and will be building 25 units. We’re not entirely sure what will be used as a base (there’s a distinct lack of technical information in the press release), but MAT has said it’ll have 542bhp.
Interestingly, the platform the firm is using “will allow the creation of a GT racer, a Safari version” along with “a competent supercar for the daily use.” Already, we want them all.
The trio of cars will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, along with pricing. There’s no indication yet as to how much they’ll cost, but we wouldn’t be surprised at all if it ends up being a six-figure sum…
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Oh yes.
Ohhh what would I give to own one…
How about a million dollars ?
I was reading about this recently and I think it was a Ferrari 430 Scuderia originally but shorten down so it was faster Ferrari didn’t like this and blocked it. I hope Lancia takes inspiration and makes a performance car again.
nvm its in the article now XD
Only 25? I guess I didn’t want one anyway.
That would be just the perfect car and I want one sooo badly
Please just gimmieee
Excuse me.
Pop up headlights?
A thing of the past, due to pedestrian safety laws.
They are doin’ something there…
IT IS PROBABLY GONNA BE A FAILURE.
Why 542bhp? I crave a entry level sport car with apr. 250bhp and RWD. Something light, sporty and cheap. I think it should be built with the same spirit than the GT86.
But anyway, I’m dreaming!
The original Lancia Stratos did 0-100 km/h in 6 seconds. That’s the performance of a Ferrari 308 of the same year - a mid engined, top of the line supercar - but in a car that’s smaller and shorter wheelbase than a Golf I. If you want an entry level sports car, then fair enough, but calling that entry level sports car a Lancia Stratos would be a disgrace for the name. The Stratos was the ride on the cannon ball, and you don’t win the WRC three times with anything less than that.