GT5 Transcripts/Lancia STRATOS '73

At the 1970 Torino Motor Show, Bertone exhibited one design study. This prototype (designed by Marcello Gandini) grabbed the attention of Lancia who were looking for a successor to the Fulvia rally machine. In 1972 it finally debuted in the world as a rally special. This car was the Lancia Stratos.
The wheelbase and tread tells everything about the Stratos's race-bred lineage. At 85.8 inches the wheelbase was considerably shorter than the lightweight Japanese K-cars of today. Nevertheless it had a rear tread of 57.3 inches, close to that of the Skyline GT-R. In other words, the Stratos was a car that combined the pinnacle of steering sharpness with an unforgiving chassis.
The body is a strong, steel plate welded monocoque frame to which are affixed FRP exterior panels. In order to facilitate easy maintenance at the scene of a rally, the front and rear body cowls can be completely removed.
The engine is mounted behind the seats and is the same 2.4L DOHC V6 engine as in the Ferrari Dino 246GT. Its maximum power output of 185 BHP and maximum torque of 23.0 kgf.m were capable of propelling the roughly 980kg vehicle to 140 mph.
It won its first official competition debut in the 1974 San Remo WRC. Thereafter, it proved to be a very competitive car and the Stratos brought about three consecutive constructor's championships for Lancia from 1974 to 1976.
For the purpose of homologation, 500 Stratos were produced through 1978, and an original Stratos is still a valuable car for collectors.
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