To countless rally enthusiasts and WRC (World Rally Car) lovers, the Group B-series of races, from 1983 to 1987, was the peak of Rally Cross. Who could really blame them for such an assertion? After all, many of the Group B cars are priceless antiques today; revered for their victories and engineering prowess. In that collection of cars sits a well-known and beloved racer: The Lancia Stratos.

The new Stratos, however, wouldn't carry over the Lancia name. Although not commissioned by Lancia, the new Stratos is still a powerful and striking successor to the once victorious Lancia Stratos. There is a problem, though; since they're one-off models, only a few will be made and cost an exuberant amount of cash for one. Opinions have been mixed on the Stratos, but here's what we here at HotCars think about the new Stratos and whether it's worth your hard-earned money or not...

Engineers Used A Ferrari 430 Scuderia Engine

Via: motor1.com

You may be shocked to find this out, but the engine in the new Stratos isn't an original creation. In fact, the designers and engineers sourced a Ferrari 430 Scuderia engine for the job. As the name would suggest, it's a 4.3-liter, naturally-aspirated, Ferrari V8. The big difference between the normal one and the Stratos', however, is that the Stratos can make almost 100 horsepower more than the base Ferrari V8 (460 compared to 540+).

Another characteristic the new Stratos shares with the 430 Scuderia is the wheelbase. Once again, though, there are still minor differences. For the new Stratos to be small and maneuverable, the wheelbase was shortened by a few inches; providing better grip and turn-in capability.

The new Stratos had been a mystery to the general car community for a while. No official performance figures had been released, until recently (past few months). According to their website, the Stratos will be able to hit 60 mph in just 3.3-seconds, have a power-to-weight ratio of 2.3 Hp per Kg, and a top speed of 170, or so, mph. The top-end isn't that great, yet, the original Lancia Stratos was never meant to be a dragster, rather, a precise racing monster!

Brand New, But Still Retro

Via: thedrive.com

Speaking of the original Stratos, the new Stratos derives many of its design cues and aesthetics from the O.G. model. If you put the two of them together, it's obvious that they're brothers (in a sense). Each have the same sharp style and raised rear-end with a mid-engine layout.

There are, yet again, differences from the original, though. Because of the new Stratos' relationship with the 430 Scuderia and Ferrari more broadly, some of the parts/components are from Ferrari, too. For example, the tail-lights, interior pieces, wheelbase, engine, and so on. Not everything is the same as the old one, but the New Stratos isn't a Lancia; it's a M.A.T. car (Manifattura Automobili Torino). Lancia and M.A.T. are both Italian, though, one's more prominent and better-stocked than the other.

A Fight For Attention

Via: carbuzz.com

The New Stratos is certainly impressive, yet, they still have a serious problem to contend with: Competitors. The New Stratos is in a weird position when it comes to the automotive market. While most companies allow you to just buy the car from them, M.A.T. requires that you, first, buy a Ferrari 430 Scuderia (Around $160,000) that can then be turned into the Stratos.

It's a lot of steps and a hefty bit of cash, too ($560,000+ for the conversion). Nevertheless, if you opt for this choice, you'll have the latest, and probably last, iteration of the championship-winning Lancia Stratos. Honestly, what more could a WRC and rally enthusiast ask for?

All in all, the New Stratos appears to be an outstanding homage to the late-and-great Lancia Stratos. Although the price is pretty high and the production number is limited, M.A.T. did the best they could with the resources and fanbase that they had. "Is it worth the money?" Well, if you've got a ton of cash just waiting to be spent and a burning love for Group-B, then our answer is a resounding "Yes!"

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