New Stratos on hold

The New Stratos project (covered by Wheels in its Feb 2011 issue) has struck a snag in its bid to produce a limited production run of its modern interpretation of Lancia’s Ferrari powered classic.

According to the driving force behind the project, Michael Stoschek, “Over 40 prospective buyers from Europe and abroad have notified us of their interest in acquiring the New Stratos. These additional vehicles could be produced using a Ferrari F360 or F430 as a basis, in a similar production process to that used with our one-off vehicle.”

But he adds, “Pininfarina, however, has advised us that they will only carry out construction of a limited run with the express permission of Ferrari. Despite Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo’s excellent assessment of the New Stratos after his test drive at Fiorano, Ferrari does not consent to construction of the planned limited run by either Pininfarina or any other Ferrari-dependent suppliers.

Given this situation, creation of additional vehicles seems possible only via companies that are not dependent on Ferrari, and appropriate contacts are being made at this time.”