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View Full Version : Lancia to build a new Stratos!


Keith B
February 7th, 2003, 07:02 AM
Has anyone seen this on www.italiaspeed.com?

"The relaunch the Lancia brand will include a modern interpretation of the classic 1970s mid-engined sportscar, the Stratos, which will go on sale in 2006. Ambitious plans being drawn up by Gianni Coda the head of the Fiat/Lancia/LCV division and Fabrizio Longo, the Lancia chief, include a new Integrale, the "Fulvietta" 2+2 Sports Coupe which will be shown in Geneva and aims to update another 1970's classic, the Fulvia, a luxury mid-size MPV, already at an advanced stage, and proposals to return the marque to the RHD markets that were abandoned over ten years ago as well as a push into the Far East and the USA.
The new Lancia Stratos will be a 2-seater luxury mid-engined four wheel drive sportscar, producing 300-400bhp and limited to 1000 units. Designed by Bertone, it is believed that Ferrari have had strong input into the proposals including the area of technology sharing. The new Ferrari-designed 4.2-litre V8 engine that appears in the Maserati Coupe and Spider is under consideration, although the forthcoming GM/Alfa Romeo V6 engine is currently the route being tipped. The original Stratos was powered by a 190bhp V6 sourced from the Ferrari Dino, and, like the Fulvietta concept, the new Stratos will draw heavily on the old car for inspiration.

Lancia will continue to invest in their "luxury sports" image, with a fundamental overhaul of their dealer network, starting in Italy and fanning out across Europe. Early targets will include establishing new markets in the Eastern European countries, that stand on the verge of joining the EU. Longer term proposals center around a sales drive into Asia and the possibility of a return to the RHD markets, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Japan"


Drawing heavily on the old car for inspiration eh - I like the sound of that even if 2006 is a long time to wait!

mogul_x
February 7th, 2003, 07:33 AM
I just hope that they take the new Integrale or Fulvietta and make a WRC contender out of it.:D

rutthenut
February 7th, 2003, 07:53 AM
I take it you'd already seen the 'Stratos 2000' design prototype that was at one of the Italian shows a few years back?

This was a modern interpretation of the (visual) design and looked really neat. It even used a similar dayglo-style colour to an early Stratos show car. Not all like the rectangular prototype from the original design brief.

I saw pictures of it in AutoItalia magazine, and somewhere on the web (can't remember where though). There is/was also a model of it available, at a site I referenced not too long ago in this forum.

Post edited to add image link http://www.autosportmodels.com/specials/ABC133.jpg

Stratos
February 7th, 2003, 08:10 AM
Originally posted by mogul_x
I just hope that they take the new Integrale or Fulvietta and make a WRC contender out of it.:D

There are rumours going around in the WRC circles of 2 new manufacturers taking part by 2006.

Most people seem to have dismissed Fiat/Lancia/Alfa because of their financial problems, and because Alfa is more racing than rallying, and because Lancia had been repositioned as a manufacturer of "Executive Saloons".

This might indicate that Fiat are going to try and re-position Lancia as a "Sporting brand", and use a new Integrale to do it.

guy mayers
February 8th, 2003, 03:58 PM
Bugger. No more holidays for the next four years. I wonder how much it will be?

John
February 9th, 2003, 07:00 AM
I understand that the new FIAT-GM V6 is now in production (in Canada?) I heard that it is all aluminium and destined for several GM brands in the states. As the current V6 built at Ellesmere Port is now in decline, production due to finish in 2005, looks like I'll be back in car build before too long. BOOOO!!