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The legendary Lancia Stratos HF was without a doubt the most spectacular and successful rally car of the 70s. With its thrilling lines and uncompromising design tailored to rally use, the Lancia Stratos not only single-handedly rewrote the history of rallying, it won a permanent place in the hearts of its countless fans with its dramatic performance on the worlds asphalt and gravel tracks - a performance which included three successive world championship titles.

For Michael Stoschek, a collector and driver of historic racing cars, as well as a successful entrepreneur in the automotive supply industry, the development and construction of a modern version of the Lancia Stratos represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Back in 2003, the dream had already begun to take on a concrete form; now, at last, it has become a reality.

In November 2010, forty years after the Stratos presentation at the Turin Motor Show, the New Stratos was publicly presented for the first time at the Paul Ricard Circuit - the legend returns.

A retrospective.
It all began in 1970, at the Turin exhibition stand of the automobile designer, Bertone. The extreme Stratos study on display there - a stylistic masterpiece by the designer Marcello Gandini - didnt just excite visitors, but caught the attention of Cesare Fiorio, Lancias team manager at the time… and refused to let go.

Just one year later, the Lancia Stratos assumed its final form when the midmounted V4 engine from the Lancia Fulvia was replaced by the significantly more powerful Ferrari Dino V6 engine. The road version of this "flounder" was just 1.08 meters high, mounted on a short steel chassis, and its aerodynamically sophisticated body was molded from reinforced fiberglass. The Lancia Stratos low weight, ideal weight distribution and excellent dynamics provided the optimum conditions for spectacular performance on the international rally tracks, which at the time were still dominated by Alpine and Porsche. However, the results were not so immediately gratifying.

It was only when Lancia works driver Sandro Munari and British Formula 1 driver Mike Parkes got behind the wheel of the ruthless driving machine that success finally materialized. And it did so at lightning speed: in 1973 Sandro Munari took home the first victory for the Lancia Stratos HF, and the victories just kept coming in throughout 1974. By the end of 1976, the Lancia Stratos had pulled off a hat trick, winning three World Cup titles in a row.

The Italian "flying wedge" also enjoyed success beyond its works deployment: top driver Bernard Darniche brought home an incredible 41 victories in his Lancia Stratos - the majority of them for the private team, Chardonnet of France.

The Fiat groups dramatic reduction of the Lancia racing budget in 1979, in favor of the Fiat 131 Abarth, was the death knell for the Stratos works team. From then on, only dedicated private teams took to the track competing against works cars - as in the 1981 Monte Carlo Rally.

Even today, theres hardly any other vehicle that excites audiences at worldwide motor sport events like the Lancia Stratos. Michael and Maximilian Stoschek have also shared in this enthusiasm for many years - not, however, as spectators, but as active motor sports enthusiasts - and they have made the creation of a modern interpretation of this legendary automobile their goal.

The project initiators.
The contemporary New Stratos is a non-commercial project by Michael Stoschek and his son Maximilian Stoschek. Together, they played a fundamental role in determining the technical concept and design of the one-off vehicle. Construction of the car has been underway since autumn 2008, at Pininfarina in Turin, Italy.

A keen sportsman, Stoschek won the Carrera Panamericana in 1999, 2001 and 2004, and the 2006 FIA European Rally Championship, driving a 1971 Porsche 911 in both races. The Lancia Stratos Group 4 has a special place amongst the historic rally cars that Stoschek employs for rallies and hillclimbing. Sporting a Marlboro design, the vehicle has been restored over more than a decade, according to the specifications of the 1974 Tour de Corse Andruet/Biche works car.

The decision to develop and build a new, ready-to-run Stratos was inspired by a meeting with Chris Hrabalek, with whom Michael Stoschek became acquainted at the 1986 World Stratos meeting organized in Alta Badia by Stoschek. This was also the impetus behind Stoscheks involvement in the Fenomenon Stratos project, presented at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, as well as his co-acquisition of the Stratos trademark rights.

In September 2008, Michael and his son Maximilian Stoschek commissioned Pininfarina to build a one-off vehicle. Currently, the New Stratos is one of a kind. Michael and Maximilian Stoschek hold all rights to the vehicle as well as ownership of the tools. Production of an exclusive, limited run under their license is planned.

Design as challenge.
Classic products remain forever style icons. Bertones Lancia Stratos, with its avant-garde design, is as inimitable now as ever. A modern interpretation of such a classic presents a particular challenge for a designer. It can be difficult to find the right balance between the problem of, on the one hand, drawing too much from the original and, on the other, departing too much from the initial concept.

The design of the New Stratos body and interior was devised in constant consultation between the clients, Chris Hrabalek and his staff, as well as renowned car designers such as Luca Borgogno, from Pininfarina.

Stoschek himself specified that, "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."

The assignment was to find a contemporary interpretation of all the quintessential design characteristics of the Lancia Stratos; distinctive features such as the wedge-shaped body, the semi-circular windshield, the striking front end with its central radiator, the rear end with the round tail lights, the roof and rear spoiler and the five-star rims.

After the design direction had been defined, a number of steps were necessary to make the New Stratos a fully-functioning, road-ready sports car. This complex and comprehensive process included not only the production of a prototype, but also the overall development of the car via mathematical modeling, design implementation and verification of each individual component up until the wind tunnel test.

Development of the New Stratos throughout the entire design phase proceeded in conjunction with tests in the Pininfarina wind tunnel - first, in order to validate the basic shape of the car, then, during the last test phase, to refine the aerodynamic details.

Among other things, the body was configured to different height values and pitches, and the effect of these on the perfect balance of the contact pressure between the front and rear axles was measured on the wind tunnels "rolling road", at speeds between 140 and 200 km/h. The effect of different types of front, roof and rear spoilers on the front and rear downforce was extensively studied and resulted in the current design. Furthermore, various spoiler lips were tested on the underbody, in order to increase the downforce on the front axle. The efficiency of the air intakes and outlets, the cooling system forward of the engine and the brakes were optimized using flow visualization techniques and pressure measurements.

Engineering the New Stratos.
The goal for the development of the Lancia Stratos HFs successor was to once again create a mid-engine sports car with a short wheelbase, low weight and superior agility.

Just as the Lancia Stratos, with its Ferrari Dino V6 engine, was nevertheless a distinct sports car in its own right, the New Stratos is also a distinct development, using components of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. Almost all of these components have been modified and, as necessary, customized to their new purpose. However, it should also be emphasized that the Ferrari Scuderia already sets the standard amongst the current super sports cars and, as such, provides an excellent basis for further development.

The aluminum chassis was shortened by 20cm and welded to a roll cage made of 40mm-thick FIA FE45 steel. This method significantly increases rigidity, and this, combined with the shifting of the center of gravity towards the front, provides the basis for the vehicles extraordinary handling characteristics. Both the body - which is 33cm shorter than the Scuderias - and the interior are constructed entirely of carbon fiber and aluminum. All of the body components of the shell and interior are made of visible carbon. This places especially high demands on the quality of the processing, which was accomplished by Re Fraschini.

The centerpiece of the New Stratos is the 4.3L, light alloy V8 engine from the Ferrari F430 Scuderia, which accelerates the high tech sports car to a speed of 200 km/h in 9.7 seconds. The high performance engine which draws its intake air from the roof spoilers side openings, has been equipped with a new control unit and a high-performance exhaust system by Capristo, including manifold and sports cat exhaust system; it delivers 540 hp and provides a torque of over 500 Nm.

The sequential 6-speed transmission received a new mechanical Drexler differential lock, and the modified control electronics now allow for extremely fast gear changes.

The chassis was completely reengineered by the ZF Sachs engineers, including integration of new electronic damper calibration, adjustable via the steering wheel, modified springs and optimized camber and toe values. The 9 and 11-inch wide by 19-inch center lock wheels are fitted with Dunlop Sport Maxx tires, sizes 265/30/19 and 315/30/19.

To fully reap the benefits of the lightweight, torsionally stiff, well-balanced vehicle, the height, camber, toe and caster were changed completely, and, above all, the whole setup.

To this end, stiffer suspension springs were employed alongside new damper calibration with greater differentiation of damper stiffness, adjustable via the steering wheel, as well as an optimum wheel/tire combination identified via testing of various tire brands, sizes and rubber composites.

The Brose-sponsored, Portuguese WTCC and former Formula 1 driver, Tiago Monteiro, was instrumental in the chassis development, working in close collaboration with the engineers from ZF Sachs.

The Brembo brake systems, comprised of 398mm-diameter ceramic discs and 6-piston calipers at the front axle, and 350mm-diameter and 4-piston calipers at the rear axle, are equipped with Brembo racing brake pads and steel flex lines.

With its free and sophisticated spirit, the new Lancia Flavia proves it is the quintessence of open air driving pleasure with 4 genuine seats. It is the ideal answer for a customer who wants the advantages of a coupé without sacrificing the unique sensations that only a convertible has to offer. Thats not all. The new convertible is the most interesting option of this market segment able to win over a customer who demands not only a substantial product, but also a distinctive and unique style. Besides, whoever chooses a Lancia vehicle starts a new trend because he follows only his own personality.

It is the perfect expression of the Italian way of life, the beauty of Italian lifestyle based on taste, imagination, style and refinement. The new front wheel drive Lancia Flavia guarantees a refined driving experience unparalleled by any other in its segment, whether tackling the daily trip in town to go to the office or when taking to splendid panoramic roads out of town on weekends.

In terms of length (4.9 metres), height (1.4 m) and width (1.8 m), the new Lancia is at the top of segment D, offering the ultimate in interior room (it can perfectly accommodate up to four adults) and on-board comfort, with its generous 276-cm wheelbase.

Distinguished by an elegant and dynamic look, Lancia Flavia has a sculpturesque front end sporting the unprecedented grille with Lancia logo and the original front headlights and fog lights. Furthermore, the surface of the side panel is extremely clean, in addition to being distinguished by a sleek line, which lengthens the car and lends it dynamism, and by elegant 18" alloy wheels.

The rear LED light clusters stylistically connected by a thin chrome-plated bar that further enhances their overall look contribute to accentuating the original design. This impression is further reinforced by the unusual chrome-plated tailpipe and by the sophisticated electrically-controlled soft top enclosed inside the hood cover, harmoniously built into the body with the third brake light at its base.

So, if "elegance and dynamism" describe the exterior of the new Flavia, the guidelines inside are refinement and innovation, in perfect tune with the Italian style and the craftsmanship quality that has always distinguished Lancia cars. Aesthetic refinement that flows through the entire passenger compartment and wraps around driver and passengers in a warm "embrace" thanks to the careful selection of fine materials, the attention devoted to the smallest detail and the adoption of cutting-edge comfort, safety and driving pleasure content.

Therefore, the new Lancia Flavia boasts a sophisticated environment that will without a doubt win over a customer who seeks exclusiveness, technology and Italian taste in a car. A new console has been created for him. It has elegant chrome-plated frames and a large central display; a brand new steering wheel wrapped in leather complete with built-in controls for managing radio, cruise control and phone in total safety; and newly designed seats upholstered in fine leather, complete with practical "active" headrests.

Produced at the Sterling Heights plant in Michigan (USA), in keeping with the stylistic features of the Lancia brand, the glamorous Lancia Flavia Cabrio interprets the Chrysler 200 Convertible model being launched on the European market. In Italy Lancia Flavia is offered in a single, exclusive version that is "all inclusive". As the name itself intimates, it offers a wealth of standard equipment, from the top quality leather upholstery, electronic stability control (ESC) and traction, latest-generation ABS and four airbags (front multi-stage and side) to the ISOFIX mountings for transporting children in complete safety, the innovative Uconnect® multimedia system complete with satellite navigation system, and the sophisticated "Boston Acoustic Sound System".

The new Lancia Flavia is equipped with a 2.4 litre petrol engine combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission that delivers a maximum power of 170 HP at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 220 Nm at 4500 rpm.

Lancia Flavia completes one of the broadest ranges on the international automotive scene
The Lancia Flavia launch completes the Lancia range in an important year, which began with the new 5-door Ypsilon marketing and continued with the debut of the flagship Thema and the best Voyager ever. These latter two cars - together with the brand-new Lancia Flavia that, in keeping with the stylistic features of the Lancia brand, interprets the Chrysler 200 Convertible model being launched on the European market - are the best demonstration of how it is possible to join two worlds so geographically distant yet so close in their essence. This perfect alchemy expertly combines typically American dimensions, personality and performance with the interior elegance, comfort and exclusivity of great Lancias.

The result is a new automotive dynasty founded on the will to excel in the future and on the values engraved in its century-old history: design and innovation. Without forgetting the Delta and Musa models that complete one of the widest ranges on the international scene that starts with segment B to reach the Large MPV segment, also including the medium, flagship and convertible segments.

Style: elegance on the outside, refinement on the inside
Superior in design, aerodynamic in forms and sinuous between the folds of the wind. The new Flavia boasts an unconventional beauty that combines elegance on the outside and innovation on the inside, in perfect tune with the Italian style and the craftsmanship quality that has always distinguished Lancia cars.

Elegant and dynamic look embellished with a next-generation soft top
Distinguished by an elegant and dynamic look, Lancia Flavia has a sculpturesque front end sporting the unprecedented grille with Lancia logo and the original front headlights and fog lights. Furthermore, the surface of the side panel is extremely clean, in addition to being distinguished by a sleek line, which lengthens the car and lends it dynamism, and by elegant 18" alloy wheels.

The rear LED light clusters stylistically connected by a thin chrome-plated bar that further enhances their overall look contribute to accentuating the original design. This impression is further reinforced by the unusual chrome-plated tailpipe and by the sophisticated electrically controlled black soft top enclosed within the soft top cover, harmoniously built into the body with the third brake light at its base.

The exterior colours available at launch are Bright White and Mineral Grey, which can be matched with two interior shades - black and two-tone black and white - and one soft top colour, black. Afterwards the colour range of Lancia Flavia will be enriched with the Deep Cherry, Silver, Black and Blackberry body colours in addition to a beige soft top.

A sophisticated passenger compartment marked by a combination of "refinement and innovation"

So, if "elegance and dynamism" describe the exterior of the new Lancia Flavia, the guidelines inside are refinement and innovation, in perfect tune with the Italian style and the craftsmanship quality that has always distinguished Lancia cars. Aesthetic refinement that flows through the entire passenger compartment and wraps around driver and passengers in a warm "embrace" thanks to the careful selection of fine materials, the attention devoted to the smallest detail and the adoption of cutting-edge comfort, safety and driving pleasure content.

The new Lancia Flavia therefore boasts a sophisticated environment that will without a doubt win over a customer who seeks exclusiveness, technology and Italian taste in a car. A new console has been created for him. It has elegant chrome-plated frames and a large central display; a brand new steering wheel wrapped in leather complete with built-in controls for managing radio, cruise control and phone in total safety; and newly designed seats upholstered in fine leather, complete with practical "active" headrests.

Generous size and comfort, making it the best in class
In terms of length (4.9 metres), height (1.4 m) and width (1.8 m), the new Lancia is at the top of the segment, offering the ultimate in interior room (it can accommodate up to four adults) and on-board comfort, with its generous 276-cm wheelbase.

In the same way, the space for the front passenger and driver is the largest in its category: 1.07 metres of legroom and 1.43 metres for the shoulders. Lastly, the new Flavia boasts a luggage compartment which heads up the segment thanks to the technological solutions adopted for closing the soft top: 377 and 198 litres, when the soft top is closed and open respectively.

Exclusive equipment for maximum comfort and safety
Lancia Flavia surrounds both driver and passengers with technology which ensures them the highest level of comfort on board, as demonstrated by the sophisticated electrically controlled soft top and the innovative UconnectTM multimedia system. In full observance of Lancias tradition, the new model also offers the best available to date in the technological innovation field applied to both safety and protection.

Electrically controlled soft top
For savouring those unique sensations that only a convertible has to offer, Lancia Flavia adopts a sophisticated electrically controlled black soft top enclosed within the soft top cover, harmoniously built into the body with the third brake light at its base. In detail, the top has a retractable heated rear glass window that takes just 28 seconds from the time the command is given on the remote control to transform the car from a saloon into a convertible.

UconnectTM Media Center
Designed to enrich the driving experience and perfectly integrated in the design of the new Lancia Flavia, the innovative UconnectTM Media Center offers a 6.5" touch-screen and voice commands for easy control of several multimedia sources and outputs. It is also possible to customise on-board multimedia entertainment through iPod® integration and the auxiliary port for MP3 players. The Media Center also includes a modern Radio/CD/DVD/MP3/WMA system and a 40 GB hard disk where music, photos and voice messages can be stored through a USB interface. In addition to the software and navigation maps, the hard disk can contain up to about 6,700 tracks, depending on the model.

By connecting a digital device with analogue connection to the USB port located in the storage compartment, you can listen to hours and hours of digital music in MP3 and WMA formats. The audio is played by the car stereo system - a sophisticated "Boston Acoustics Sound System" with 6 speakers is standard - while the information (artist, track title, album, etc.) is displayed on the radio screen. In addition, the audio peripheral device battery recharges when connected to the USB/AUX connector. Another peculiar feature of Lancia Flavia is the "UConnectTM GPS": the satellite navigation function with 2D and 3D birds eye view maps and progressive route guidance.

Next-generation Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
A constant, predictable handling of the car that compensates for any mistakes by the driver, allowing critical situations to be tackled effortlessly, is a fundamental requirement for achieving high active safety. In this field Lancia Flavia comes with not only an excellent braking system, but also the most sophisticated electronic dynamic control devices available today. Starting from the next-generation Antilock Braking System (ABS) that detects and prevents the wheels from locking by acting independently on all four wheels, improving steering control in extreme braking conditions and/or on slippery surfaces.

Electronic stability control (ESC)
The system increases the drivers control of the vehicle to allow him to maintain a stable direction in all driving conditions. It is useful in critical situations, when cornering and when driving on mixed surfaces in the presence of snow, ice or gravel for example. If a difference between the drivers action on the steering wheel and the vehicle path is detected, the ESC applies selective braking and then restores the accelerators action, returning the vehicle to the speed the driver wants.

Multistage front airbags and side bags
The front airbags of Lancia Flavia are fitted with an advanced latest generation multistage system which supplies an opening adequate for the severity of a crash, which is detected by the ECU that manages the restraint systems and the sensors located at the front of the vehicle. The inflation device for the first stage engages immediately during an impact which requires the activation of the airbag. The timing device for the second stage determines whether the supply force required is low, medium or high. If a low supply is sufficient to meet the needs of the situation, the second stage release is delayed in order to eliminate, in the case of a crash, pyrotechnic material activated by the system. To protect the passengers pelvis and chest when the side of the car is struck, Lancia Flavia is equipped with side bags which are located inside the backrests, ensuring better protection of occupants, regardless of their stature, the position that they assume and the adjustment of the seat.

Active headrests
The Lancia Flavias headrests are designed to reduce the risk of injury by limiting the heads movement in the case of shunt. The restraint system ECU (ORC - Occupant Restraint Controller) determines whether the severity or type of rear impact requires the activation of the front headrests. If their activation is required, the front half of both active headrests extends forward to reduce its distance to the occupants neck.

2.4 litre engine and 6-speed automatic transmission
The new Lancia Flavia is equipped with a "WGE" family 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine. Built entirely of aluminium and equipped with dual variable valve timing 16-valve cylinder (intake and exhaust side), the engine generates power of up to 170 HP (125 kW) at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 220 Nm at 4,500 rpm, values able to ensure the new Lancia Flavia a lively temperament and at the same time great driving flexibility.

Another distinctive trait of this 2.4-litre engine is represented by two balancing counter-shafts that turn at twice the speed of the crankshaft to balance the second order alternating forces, ensuring an excellent acoustic and vibrational behaviour. Finally, the chain distribution is maintenance-free, ensuring maximum reliability.

To achieve maximum driving comfort, the engine is combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential Autostick® function that also allows manual gear selection. The engine and transmission are transversely mounted and the traction is on the front wheels. The top speed of the new Lancia Flavia is 195 km/h and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds; fuel consumption in the homologation combined cycle is 9.4 litres/100 km with CO2 emissions equal to 221 g/km.

Technical specifications
    DIMENSIONS
        Seats: 4
        Length: 4947 mm
        Width: 1843 mm
        Height: 1479 mm
        Track
            Front: 1570 mm
            Rear: 1570 mm
        Luggage compartment capacity
            with open soft top: 377dm3
            with closed soft top: 198 dm3

    ENGINE
        No. of cylinders, layout: 4, in line
        Bore × stroke: 88 x 97 mm
        Displacement: 2360 cm3
        Compression ratio: 10.5:1
        Max power: 170 HP (125 kW) @ 6000 rpm
        Max. torque: 220 Nm @ 4500 rpm
        Fuel supply: Multipoint electronic injection
        Timing system: 2 overhead camshafts (chain), variable valve timing (intake and exhaust side), balancing counter-shafts

    TRANSMISSION
        Drive system: Front
        Transmission: Automatic 6-speed with electronic control and hydraulic torque converter
    TYRES
        Size: 215/55 R18

    STEERING
        Steering box: Rack and pinion with hydraulic servo control
        Turning circle: 11.6 m

    SUSPENSION
        Front: Independent wheel with McPherson layout and stabiliser bar
        Rear: Independent wheel with Multilink layout and stabiliser bar

    BRAKES
        Front: Self-ventilating disc brakes: 340 x 28 mm
        Rear: Solid disc brakes: 302 x 10 mm

    CAPACITIES - WEIGHTS
        Fuel tank: 64 litres
        Kerb weight: 1856 kg

    PERFORMANCE
        Top speed: 195 km/h
        Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 10.8 s

    FUEL CONSUMPTION - EMISSIONS
        Urban: 13.6 l/100km
        Extra-urban: 7.0 l/100km
        Combined: 9.4 l/100km
        CO2: 221 g/km
        Environmental classification: Euro 5+