Lancia Planning Modern Stratos Comeback?
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Like something from another dimension, the Lancia Stratos' radical design still blows minds almost 40 years after its introduction. If spy photos and the story that comes along with them today are correct, we may be getting a modern version from the Italian marque.
Designed by Marcello Gandini, then-head designer at Bertone, the Stratos defied all convention, its angular nose, tight coupe glasshouse and, in rally form, wildly flared fenders combining to form an icon of both design and motorsports. So you can see why those infatuated with the Stratos might revel in the possibility of a return of the car, filtered through the lens of modern design and manufacturing processes and therefore without the stereotypical Lancia gremlins.
But before we raise hopes too high, it's important to pay attention to the details: first, the photos, purported to have been taken at the Fiat Group's Balocco test facility in June 21, are grainy and oddly vignetted, leaving the door open for both editing and outright forgery to be hidden in the artifacts. Second, the report accompanying the photos claims the project is being privately funded by a "European industrialist," which could mean anything from Richard Branson to the Russian mob. It could also mean the project is a coachbuilding exercise, based on any one of the Fiat Group's many platforms.
In other words, we're not going to call this one a reborn Stratos headed for production just yet. Still, the idea is enthralling, and the information so far is suggestive enough to give us hope. Catch the full details at the link below.
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By Neil Posted: 8/3/2010 2:11pm PDT
By Free Advice Posted: 8/3/2010 2:28pm PDT
Maybe this guy has pulled the trigger and the above prototype is his dream being tested in reality?
http://www.automobile.com/wild-fenomenon-stratos-concept-brings-back-glory-days-of-lancia-rally-domination.html
Next you'll tell us there was only one generation of 911 speedster, oh wait, you already did that!
First, if by "research" you mean baseless supposition that a quick google search means this is the same as the (very different-looking, much older, and unrelated) 2005 Fenomenon concept (http://www.stratossupersite.com/fenomenon.htm), then no, I didn't do that.
As for the 911 Speedster, I never said there was only one generation; the only time I've ever written about it, I merely mentioned the original 911 Speedster as a point of reference (see: http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1047102_porsche-working-on-new-911-speedster).
So, while I appreciate your enthusiasm and your comments, I encourage you to do a little more homework before getting on your high horse.
By Saabaru5 Posted: 8/4/2010 8:21am PDT
I am glad someone else feels my pain and questions the credibility of some of the statements made in many of Nelson's articles. At first I wasn't sure if it was MA in general, but I think it's just Nelson..
Some of the comments he makes is like trying to bare it through an awkward scene of a movie - it's like - "did he really just say that??"
@Neil
I definitely think you're on to something, many people over on Jalopnik have also pointed out that this picture looks like an image from GT5 - could be.
@Nelson
You don't seem like a bad guy, and I hear that you're from the 303 - so I extend my local support to you, but come on man, get it together and LOOK ALIVE!
As for the Fenomenon link--Free Advice may actually be on to something, though from what I've read, there's nothing firm on it, so I'm reluctant to associate the two without any confirmation.
By Saabaru5 Posted: 8/4/2010 9:36am PDT
Fair enough.
As for 303 - yes, I was making a reference to an area code, I heard at some point that you were from Denver, not that you currently reside there.
By Thomas Posted: 8/20/2010 2:44pm PDT
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