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Boutique Carmaker Fenomenon Chops Stratos Roof for Frankfurt Show

Ultimate On- and Off-Road Performance Car Loses Its Top

Though Lancia may no longer own the rights to the legendary Stratos name, its wedgy shape, lightning-quick performance and rugged rally car reputation continue to live on through British design group Fenomenon.

Lead by Austrian-born designer and Stratos enthusiast Chris Hrablek, Fenomenon brought the Stratos back to life in a modern, highly advanced concept, which became the unexpected star of this years Geneva Motor Show. Hrableks Stratos will make another appearance at this years all-important Frankfurt Motor Show, but this time without a roof.

Fenomenon brought the Stratos back to life in a modern, highly advanced concept, which became the unexpected star of this years Geneva Motor Show. (Photo: Fenomenon)

Hrableks vision of the Stratos was much like Lancias original objective - to create an all-terrain, all-weather supercar that can run with the best on or off the road. On top of delivering world-class performance, the latest version of the Stratos adds a strong dose of fresh air. Unlike the original, which suffered from a cramped, stuffy interior prone to overheating,

Like the original green machine which was shown at Frankfurt, the new Stratos roadster has a profile that will be impossible to miss. (Photo: Fenomenon)

the Stratos Roadster offers unobstructed open skies, curing its otherwise claustrophobic cabin.

Like the original green machine which was shown at Frankfurt, the new Stratos has a profile that will be impossible to miss. Its not so much streamlined as it is wedge-like, similar in overall shape to Paganis Mercedes-powered Zonda C-12S, or Lamborghinis Murcielago and Gallardo. Key retro details remain unchanged: exaggerated fenders, parabolic cabin and round tail lamps are all primary design cues of the iconic 70s sports car, but they are intertwined with

Technically and mechanically the Stratos Roadster is identical to its hardtop sibling. (Photo: Fenomenon)

unique center-hinged doors for easy cabin access, while its rump incorporates a diffuser, rather than a spoiler, to keep the tail pinned to the ground. All said, the wedgy profile is more likely to attract Stratos enthusiasts rather than typical sports car fans, although it actually works quite well in the convertible conversion. The beveled edge and steeply rising beltline capture the original Stratos styling DNA, but also help to keep the driver and passenger shielded from the wind. To provide structural rigidity, rollover protection and keep the center-split doors working, the Stratos Roadster incorporates a vertical spar that divides the cabin down the middle. Though its thin shape is similar to that of a T-Top, no panel attachments are included.

Austrian-born designer and Stratos enthusiast Chris Hrablek, at left. (Photo: Fenomenon)

Technically and mechanically the Stratos Roadster is identical to its hardtop sibling. Carbon fiber and aluminum are still the choice materials for the ultra-rigid chassis, which is still no larger than that of a VW Golf hatchback. While the design may be British, the engine and drivetrain are Italian. Like the original, the Stratos draws on entry-model Ferrari power. But this time, instead of being a V6 its a 425-horsepower V8, plucked from the engine bay of the F360 Challenge Stradale. It drives the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential manual gearbox.

The Fenomenon Stratos Roadster concept will be presented at the IAA during the second week of September amongst a host of other "Stratii" at the Fenomenon display. These will include the original lime-green colored concept, and Hrableks personal Lancia Stratos collection. More information concerning the Stratos Roadsters details will come at the cars launch.

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