Lancia prepares to enter new Stratosphere

In the motoring world the words Lancia Stratos ignite many fond memories. Huge rally success etched the model into immortality. Imagine, then, the good will that would accompany an all-new Stratos. The response would be, well, stratospheric.

Indeed, this is exactly what we are witnessing now that news has emerged that a one-off Stratos recreation is on the way to making a bona fide comeback.

Back in July a Stratos inspired test mule was spotted in action at Fiat’s test track. It certainly got tongues wagging, but it was understood the car was simply a unique Pininfarina creation made at the request of wealthy German entrepreneur Michael Stoschek. However, it now appears the Stratos is back.

Underneath the skin you will find a fair bit of Ferrari F430 architecture and chassis components. This includes the free-revving 4.3 litre V8 complete with more than 500bhp (375kW). An all carbon fibre body helps keep weight down to around 1240kg. Already, there could be as many as five new Stratos prototypes running around. You want one, don’t you!

Next year marks the 40th anniversary of the original Stratos and if Stoschek gets his way there could be a limited run of 25 or so of this new 21st century Stratos.

Until more concrete details are confirmed you can keep an eye on this website while developments unfold.

[via Evo & Italiaspeed]