Latest on the New Stratos: One Off Project, For Now

Around the beginning of the month, pictures surfaced on the internet that have captured the attention of automotive enthusiasts ever since. What looked to be a new Lancia Stratos was testing at a Fiat test track near Milan.

Fake photos, company concept, one-off design? No one knew for sure, but more details slowly came out. Now we get even more, as the car gets its own website: New-Stratos.com.

The project was funded by wealthy German businessman Michael Stoschek. He is heavily involved with the auto industry as a rally car driver and head of the fifth-largest auto parts supplier in Germany.

The Ferrari parts bin sharing and running gear rumors were true - the new Stratos is based on the platform of the Ferrari F430 Scuderia and its bodywork is crafted completely from carbon fiber.

As also speculated about earlier, Jason Castriota was the  car's lead designer. He worked on the project while at Pininfarina. After he left for Bertone (he is now at Saab), the project was completed by Luca Borgogno at Pininfarina.

There is currently only one example in existence. The project is obviously extremely well funded, with famed design house Pininfarina on board and the heavy use of the Ferrari parts bin.

The carbon fiber bodywork provides a power-to-weight ratio of less than five pounds per horsepower and a 50:50 weight distribution. Stunning looks, stunning performance - the New Stratos is a fantastic homage to the original.

One thing is for sure, the car has generated a lot of attention, especially for a project not undertaken officially by the Fiat Group. However, with all the interest could there be a limited run in the works? Possibly as a cooperation with Fiat, or even as a separate entity? Time will tell.