World-renowned keepers of the low-volume supercars, Manifattura Automobili Torino, have decided to take up building a worthy successor to the legendary Lancia Stratos.
Ferrari never gave its blessing to build a successor to the original Lancia Stratos despite there being a complete design and development already in the works but eight years after Ferrari said no, Manifattura Automobili Torino has been given the green light. According to MAT, and thanks to our motoring friends over at Auto Evolution, in an official press release they dropped earlier last week (Feb 10, 2018) they’ve been granted exclusive rights for a limited production run of 25 new Stratos. Just check out the Pininfarina designs for yourself below.
New Pininfirina designed 550hp #Lancia Stratos set for a production run of 25 ?? https://t.co/iayn2ESumt pic.twitter.com/hIUpIjKhl8
— Car Waffle (@CarWaffle) February 9, 2018
Want to know what the new Stratos is like? We had a go in one a while back… https://t.co/O5haUyJsOS
— Autocar (@autocar) February 9, 2018
Although details were light on the official specs, powers numbers around 550 HP have been mentioned from MAT. The design itself was commissioned back in 2010 by rally driver and Chairman of the Brose Groupe, Michael Stoschek. Using a Ferrari F430 chassis that’s been shortened by 7.9 inches, what results is a stunning Stratos successor that take clear design elements from its legendary design. According to Stoschek when he worked with Pininfarina back in 2008,
“The assignment was to find a contemporary interpretation for all the quintessential design characteristics of the Lancia Stratos, including:
the wedge-shaped body,
the semi-circular windshield,
the front end with its central radiator,
the rear end with its round tail lights,
roof and rear spoiler
and the five-star rims.”
As for performance, expect to find a Ferrari F430 engine tuned and massaged to the tune of 550 HP and 383 lb-ft of torque under the rear decklid. With this new Stratos almost touching 2,800 pounds, there’s not much to move. MAT expects this Stratos to hit 60 MPH in 3.3 seconds and, with the right gearing, approach 200 MPH and beyond without breaking a sweat.
It should be noted that MAT is the same coachworks manufacturer that brought us the bespoke and race competent Glickenhaus SGC003 (among other notable manufacturers) in which their engineering expertise helped American driver Jeff Westphal grab pole position in the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring. Suffice to say, these guy’s know what they’re doing.
This will be a serious race machine, like its predecessor, will be worked hard if it lands in the hands of a privateer keen on racing. With such a rich history, it would be a shame if this new Stratos didn’t at least attempt some type of racing.
