MAT STRATOS

Eight years after German billionaire entrepreneur Michael Stoschek’s modern Lancia Stratos concept was revealed, this Pininfarina-designed take on the iconic Italian rally champion will see production. Finally!

To be built by Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT), the ‘New Stratos’ will be strictly limited to just 25 examples, with the first unit making its debut at Geneva. Pricing is expected to be close to AU$750,000 each and MAT say they will build the New Stratos in RHD.

MAT also say that the basic platform and body structure of the New Stratos can be used to create a GT racer, Safari racer (ie. rally car) and a “competent supercar for daily use”.

On top of a full aluminium chassis and FIA-approved roll cage, the body panels are all carbon fibre, but even with that, the New Stratos is more than 250kg heavier than the original at 1247kg. Overall dimensions are slightly larger, too.

Numerous small styling changes give a modern edge to the classic Stratos, but remain authentic to the 2010 concept. Sharper edges and new treatments of elements like the headlights feature, while the wheels are 19-inch alloys; significantly larger than the 14-inch wheels that adorned the 1970s original.

Power comes from a Ferrari F430’s rear-mounted, 4.3-litre V8, producing a claimed 400+kW at 8200rpm and in excess of 510Nm at 3750rpm. This is matched to a 6-speed ‘sequential’ automatic gearbox that handles gear changes in less than 60 milliseconds, while carbon ceramic brakes (398mm front, 350mm rear) handle the stopping.

A stripped-back interior features an abundance of alcantara trim on the seats, dash, doorcards and even the Ferrari-style steering wheel, while a nod to the original Stratos has been added in the form of special compartments in the doors to hold helmets.