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| 2010 Lancia Stratos |
Rendering a modern re-creation of a classic shape is something very few can get right. There has to be a balance of old elements, seamlessly amalgamated with contemporary aspects, that create a shape that pays homage to the old, while ushering in a new era of functional form. The then-radical Bertone design of the original Stratos, penned by Marcello Gandini was already ahead of its time, the challenge of re-design was always going to be a challenge. The brightest boys at Pininfarina were contested with the design brief from the Stoschek father and son duo, as well as Chris Hrabalek, to incorporate their influences and specific additions to the car. Michael has been quoted: "Because the design of the Lancia Stratos was characterized by the contrast between round and rectilinear elements, I wanted to see that tension to be carried over into the New Stratos as well."
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| 2010 Lancia Stratos |
With alcantara bucket seats and six point harnesses, the interior of the New Stratos can never be mistaken for anything other than a supercar. If you still have your doubts, have a look at the special helmet compartments in the doors for both passenger and driver which will certainly put to bed any doubts you may have had. It’s all business - but in a good way. By that we mean it isn’t minimal like say, a Lotus, but has signatures that stir the blood. There are strong inklings of Ferrari throughout, like the steering wheel with integrated shiftlights, center console, and switchgear – but we aren’t complaining. The driver’s view is a thing of beauty and taking center stage is the Ferrari-based dials that have a unique sinister appeal – think F430 meets Knight Rider and you’ll know what we’re talking about. The large rev counter reads optimistically to 10,000RPM, flanked by a speedometer and obligatory gauges.
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| 2010 Lancia Stratos |
The goal for the development of the Lancia Stratos HF’s successor was to maintain the essence of the original, meaning the mid-engine sports car had to have a short wheelbase, low weight, and superior agility and handling. Like we mentioned earlier, the New Stratos shares a lot in common with the Ferrari F430 Scuderia and the performance is no different. Actually it is. Because the entire car is made from carbon fiber and is smaller than the Ferrari, it’s faster! Almost all of the borrowed Scuderia components have been modified and, as necessary, customized to their new intents. The F430 chassis is made form space-age aluminum, and was shortened by 20cm and welded to a roll cage made of FIA-certified, 40mm-thick steel. This significantly increased rigidity, and when combined with the 50:50 weight distribution, provides the basis for the vehicle’s extraordinary handling characteristics.
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| 2010 Lancia Stratos |
The 4.3L V8 engine, which draws its intake air from the roof spoiler’s side openings, has been equipped with a new intelligent computer and a high-performance exhaust system, with custom headers and sports cat. The 6-speed transmission received a once over that included a new differential, and the modified control electronics allow for extremely fast gear changes at less than 60 milliseconds. New electronic damper calibration, adjustable via the steering wheel, ensures that the ride is soft on dodgy roads and firm when you visit the track. The 19” center locking wheels expose the carbon-ceramic Brembo braking system, which is comprised of 6-piston calipers at the front, and 4 pots at the rear. Finally, the steering has been converted to an electro-hydraulic setup – something that has been criticized in the past for lessening feedback, and has paddle shifters from the Ferrari 430 GT2 racecar for company. Even the battery hasn’t escaped the dieting – the lithium unit weighs just 4.2kg. Despite the 55kg steel roll cage and the 28kg air conditioning unit – which was a necessary addition, the New Stratos still weighs about 80kg less than the Ferrari. We can expect a 0-60 time of around 3.4 seconds and a top speed of close to 200mph! This will be coupled to the sound of the racing Ferrari V8 which can best be described as a group of Italian tenors being electrocuted. This is automotive nirvana at its absolute finest!
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| 2010 Lancia Stratos |