The Lancia Stratos, to car enthusiasts, ones especially fond of the 70s era machines, is a car that needs no introduction. In fact, to those who have but glimpsed its compact yet futuristic shape might have a hard enough time letting it slip away from memory.
A project to revive the car was heroically attempted by some intrepid engineers, using the endoskeleton, engine, and chassis from the most compact mid-engine Ferrari available at the time: the 430. More accurately, they would need to shorten it order to ensure the proportions remained faithful.
This project, simply but aptly titled the ‘New Stratos’, was put on the back burner for the past few years due to some issues not too well detailed - though some pointed out that Ferrari may have pulled their initial blessing. But now the same team comprising of dedicated engineers, a German billionaire, and even Pininfarina, have announced that the 2010 vision will come to life as a very limited run of 25 vehicles, with the first example to be shown at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show this March.
New Stratos GbR will work in collaboration with Manifattura Automobili Torino to build the modern classic. No changes to the original design package was announced, but we’re sure to find out for sure next month in the Swiss capital. With that in mind, we should expect the exterior to remain identical, with motivation coming from a 4.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 with power output pegged at “above 550 horsepower”, quite a fair amount more than the original Stratos’ 2.4-litre V6 powerplant.
Due to packaging constraints - this car is roughly the same size as an Alfa Romeo 4C - it’s likely that power will be transmitted through Ferrari’s ‘F1’ automated sequential gearbox that preceded their foray into dual-clutch transmission that began with the subsequent 458 Italia and California.
For more on Ferrari cars, which this is closest to, check out our Showroom.
