New Lancia Stratos is Ferrari-based, Makes Over 500 Horsepower
Among famous automobiles, the Lancia Stratos is perhaps not as well known as it should be. Maybe because only 492 such cars were ever built between 1972 and 1974. It could also be because the Stratos mostly competed in rally racing, which is an oft-overlooked form of motorsports. Maybe it is because people never realized how great the Stratos really was.
Whatever the case, Lancia is bringing the Stratos back into the 21st century. Based on the chassis of a Ferrari F430 Sucderia and with a 540 horsepower engine, this new Lancia Stratos is sure to attract some much-due attention.
This new, unique Lancia is the brainchild of one Michael Stoschek, a German billionaire and obvious car fanatic. Over two decades ago he met Chris Hrabalek and the two have been plotting the return of the Stratos over since. Called the New Stratos, it uses much of the Ferrari F430 Scuderia, including the 4.3 liter 508 horsepower V8 engine. Tipping the scales at just over 2,700 pounds, this is a lightweight car with a killer engine. 0-60 times come in at a hair over 3 seconds, with a top speed of around 170 mph.
This keeps in line with the racing heritage of the Stratos, which back in its day was lightweight and overpowered with 280 horsepower naturally aspirated or over 540 horsepower from a turbocharged engine on tap. First entered into the World Rally Championship in 1974, the Stratos won three consecutive titles. It also went on to win the 1975-77 Monte Carlo Rally, even after the Fiat group pulled its support in favor of the 131 Abarth.
For now, this is just a one-off car built by an eccentric German billionaire. He could have had any car in the world, except the one he really wanted. So he built it. Who is to say any of us wouldn’t have done the same?
Source: Lancia