MILAN -- The Lancia Stratos rally car is being revived by Italy's Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT) as a 500,000 euros ($617,000) sports car offering a performance of up to 600 hp.
MAT will build a limited series of up to 25 units of the New Stratos. The car will be unveiled at the Geneva auto show on March 6.
The New Stratos' design follows the lines of its predecessor, one of the most successful rally cars. The Lancia Stratos, designed by Bertone, was launched in 1972 and won the World Rally Championship in 1974, 1975 and 1976.
MAT CEO Paolo Garella said the Stratos models will be modified Ferrari 430 Scuderia cars, which customers will have to buy on the used-car market. MAT will carry out modifications including shortening the 2600mm wheelbase by 200mm. The car will also have a shorter front-end and a different positioning of the radiator.
The short wheelbase makes the New Stratos extremely agile in tight turns and on twisty roads, Garella said.