I remember how excited it was to see, in 2010, the emergence of a new Lancia Stratos (in the pictures). It was a unique model, commissioned by Michael Stoschek, a German businessman, and of all the reinterpretations that the iconic Lancia model had been subjected to in recent years, this was undoubtedly one of the most convincing — curiously with Pininfarina's finger, when unlike the original, which came out of Bertone's studio.
It wasn't just a plan of intent, a fiberglass model waiting for investors to come true — this new Stratos was ready to go . Underneath the evocative bodywork was a Ferrari F430, albeit with a shortened base. And like the original Stratos, the engine remained the cavallino rampante brand, even though it was now a V8 instead of a V6.
Development was proceeding at a good pace — even “our” Tiago Monteiro was a key player in its development — and there was talk about a small production of a few dozen units, but a year later, Ferrari “killed” those intentions.
The Italian brand did not consent to the limited production of a model that was dependent on its components. Shame on you Ferrari!
History end?
It seems not…—seven years after what seemed to be the end of this project, it rises from the ashes like a phoenix. All thanks to the Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT), which has just announced the production of 25 units of a new Lancia Stratos . Okay, it's not a Lancia, but it's still a new Stratos.
Michael StoschekI'm delighted that other passionate car enthusiasts can come to experience how the successor to the most fascinating rally car of the 1970s still sets the benchmark in design and performance.
Stoschek has thus allowed MAT to replicate the design and technologies of its 2010 car. However, at the moment it is unclear what base or engine it will have — it will certainly not resort to anything from Ferrari, for the reason already mentioned. We only know that it will have 550 hp — the original Lancia Stratos debited just 190.
This new machine will maintain the compact dimensions of the Stoschek prototype, which includes a short wheelbase, just like the original Stratos. Also the weight should be contained, below 1300 kg, like the 2010 prototype.
There may only be 25 units, but the MAT announcement reveals three variants of the new Stratos on the same base — from a supercar for everyday use, to a GT circuit car to an intriguing Safari version.
Side by side with the original Stratos.
Who are the MAT guys?
Despite being founded only in 2014, Manifattura Automobili Torino has gained increasing relevance in the automotive scene. The company is involved in the development and production of machines such as the Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG003S and the latest Apollo Arrow.
Its founder, Paolo Garella, is a veteran in the field — he was part of Pininfarina and has been involved in creating more than 50 unique car designs over the past 30 years. Even so, the production of 25 units of the new Lancia Stratos is a new challenge for this young company, which, as he says, “is another step in our growth and allows us to follow our path in becoming a real builder”.
Here is a short film about the presentation of the prototype in 2010.