Earlier this year, the first example of the MAT New Stratos Coupe, the modern-day remake of the Lancia Stratos, went under the hammer for €690,000 ($747,328 at the current exchange rate). Only 25 units of this reincarnation will be built (more on this below), but what if somebody wanted to repeat this piece of history one or more decades from now?
To answer the question above, digital artist Carlos "colorsponge" has come up with a set of amazing renderings. Having developed a 3D model of the rally-inspired, road-going supercar concept, the gear head can now easily play with texture, lighting and various environments, as you can see in the Instagram posts at the bottom of the page.
The British designer might just be on to something here - if people are falling in love with the reinterpretation that is the 2009/2019 MAT New Stratos Coupe and this comes in such limited numbers, why wouldn't this need show up again in the future?
As is the case with the real-world revival, which is based on the tech side of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, the future development could easily incorporate the kind of technology Maranello is working on these days. After all, the original Lancia Stratos held a Ferrari Dino-borrowed 2.4-liter V6 in its middle (for one, the rumors about a Dino revival still haven't disappeared).
Back in 1990 when Lancia allowed the Stratos name to leave the mothership, this was purchased by an aficionado called Chris Hrabalek. Thanks to German billionaire Michael Stoschek, along with other investors, the concept for a new-age Stratos was introduced at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show.
And while Pininfarina entered the project, Ferrari's opposition, along with other issues, led to an eight-year delay. Fortunately, former Pininfarina special projects manager, Paolo Garela's Manufattura Automobili Torino (MAT) managed to bring the project back to life using Ferrari donor cars coming from customers.
And now that the first example of the carbon-bodied toy is out there, putting a huge smile on its owner's face, we can't wait to see the rest of them coming to life.
The British designer might just be on to something here - if people are falling in love with the reinterpretation that is the 2009/2019 MAT New Stratos Coupe and this comes in such limited numbers, why wouldn't this need show up again in the future?
As is the case with the real-world revival, which is based on the tech side of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, the future development could easily incorporate the kind of technology Maranello is working on these days. After all, the original Lancia Stratos held a Ferrari Dino-borrowed 2.4-liter V6 in its middle (for one, the rumors about a Dino revival still haven't disappeared).
A bit of history
As rallying fans will tell you, Lancia was the first big name in the car industry that came up with a purpose-built rally car. Among other trophies, the racing machine grabbed the 1974, 1975 and 1976 World Rally Championships, while the homologation special people could drive on the road could've easily won their hearts thanks to its Bertone wedge styling alone.Back in 1990 when Lancia allowed the Stratos name to leave the mothership, this was purchased by an aficionado called Chris Hrabalek. Thanks to German billionaire Michael Stoschek, along with other investors, the concept for a new-age Stratos was introduced at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show.
And while Pininfarina entered the project, Ferrari's opposition, along with other issues, led to an eight-year delay. Fortunately, former Pininfarina special projects manager, Paolo Garela's Manufattura Automobili Torino (MAT) managed to bring the project back to life using Ferrari donor cars coming from customers.
And now that the first example of the carbon-bodied toy is out there, putting a huge smile on its owner's face, we can't wait to see the rest of them coming to life.