Jason Cammisa is back — not only driving the MAT New Stratos, but explaining what made the original Lancia Stratos a legend. Learn what makes this carbonfiber supercar even better than the Ferrari F430 it's based upon — from its Pininfarina design to its extensive windtunnel testing and development.

The Stratos story begins in 2002 when Chris Hrabalek, Lancia enthusiast, created an homage car for his senior project in automotive design at the Royal College of the Arts. One of the backers of that project, German billionaire Michael Stoschek, wanted one.

Hrabalek and Stoschek teamed up with Pininfarina Special Projects, spending untold millions to develop the New Stratos. Based on a Ferrari F430 but shortened by 8 inches in the wheelbase, the new car wears carbonfiber body panels and no fluff. It weighs 110 pounds less than the 430 Scuderia — the lightweight version of the F430.

This New Stratos has a 6speed gated manual transmission. Modifications to the 4.3liter Ferrari V8 bump output to 540 horsepower. No carpets or sound deadening make for a visceral experience, and the car's incredible looks and insane proportions complete the experience.

Up to 25 examples of the New Stratos will be produced by Manifattura Automobili Torino. MAT, as it's abbreviated, was founded by Paolo Garella, who served as Special Projects Manager at Pininfarina during the New Stratos project.

Credits:
Jason Cammisa: Writer / Host / Producer
Anthony Esposito: Director / Producer / DP / Camera / Drone / Editor
Simon Beckman: Key Grip / Gaffer
Mike Oroszi: Production Assistant

Special thanks to ISSIMI.
And to you, if you've read this far. You need to get a life. Kisses.