News that a modern interpretation of the Lancia Stratos has been spotted on Alfa Romeo's Balocco test circuit set the internet rumour mill ablaze. But now we can reveal more details on what looks set to be one of the most in-demand collector's cars of 2011.
We know that the project has been initiated and funded by Michael Stoschek, a German billionaire businessman. A keen driver, Stoschek won the Carrera Panamericana in 1999, 2001 and 2004, and the 2006 FIA European Rallye Championship, driving a 1971 Porsche 911 in both races.
The Lancia Stratos Group 4 has a special place amongst the historic 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 organised in Alta Badia by Stoschek. This was also the impetus behind Stoschek's involvement in the Fenomenon Stratos project, presented at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, as well as his acquisition of the Stratos trademark rights.
In September 2008, Michael and his son Maximilian Stoschek commissioned Pininfarina to build a one-off vehicle the technical concept and design of which were largely determined by the two car enthusiasts.
At the end of 2008, work on the New Stratos began at Pininfarina under the eye of designer Jason Castriota, until Castriota moved to Bertone. Over the next year and a half, Luca Borgogno took on the project. It was Borgogno who - in close coordination with Michael Stoschek - brought the design of the New Stratos' body and interior to completion.
The new car uses the Ferrari 430 Scuderia chassis and has a body made entirely from carbon fibre. We already know that it will have a weight-to-power ratio of 2.25kg per horsepower. If this new car does go ahead just 25 examples are expected to be made and you can be sure there'll be a pretty hefty price tag for these very special cars. More details and technical specifications will be revealed in the coming weeks.