Fenomenon Holistic Design are presenting their stunning Stratos development project at the Frankfurt IAA, representing the second time it has been shown at a major international motor show since its debut at the Geneva Salon in March.

The apple green 1:1 scale mock-up, created by French prototyping studio Société D3 (which is an arm of the Pininfarina Group), has been reworked, and is this time resplendent in the pearl white livery of Alitalia. Not only is Alitalia supporting the project, the use of the Italian national airline’s bold livery creates a modern-day interpretation of Lancia’s original factory rally colour scheme.

Looking imposing on the welcoming black 'designer lounge' stand, complete with live DJ, the contrasting white Alitalia Stratos beckons passersby onto the stand. Quite simply put: if you are not interested, then you are not interesting. Fenomenon’s stylish image is flawless and resolute, a very difficult issue to achieve in such a short period of time in the automotive industry. Despite its Alitalia rally livery, the 1:1 mock-up is a 'Stradale' version. A 'Competizione' alternative is also being presented as a 1:5 scale model inside a Plexiglas case on the stand. The Competizione version differs externally with its 'rally style' quad auxiliary headlights, black trims and more aggressive spoilers.

Austrian-born Christian Hrabalek, the Stratos project manager, had important news to reveal at the Frankfurt IAA. The news is that the Stratos will now be engineered for road use, and that over the next three to four months Prodrive will be carrying out a feasibility study on how to best achieve this next step forward. Indeed, the Prodrive name was prominently positioned on the stand design with the following quotes printed out:  upon approaching Prodrive, Christian said, “…it would be great if Prodrive could help make it a reality – the ultimate rally company making the ultimate rally icon.” Dave Richards - the Prodrive boss - replied, “This is just the kind of project where Prodrive can bring all its skills and resources to bear.”
 

Banbury-based Prodrive, responsible for developing the hugely successful Subaru Impreza rally car line, as well as the GT1 category Aston Martin DBR9 and Ferrari 550 Maranello sportscars, also has an excellent record of involvement in developing road cars. Their portfolio includes projects as diverse as engine calibration for the Aston Martin Vanquish V12, and armour plating the new Range Rover.

After initial consideration to present their new 'Barchetta' open-top version of the Stratos at the IAA, Fenomenon decided against it. For the moment, they will focus solely on getting the Stradale version on the road. A road-going prototype is the aim for next year, Christian hoping to get a prototype finished in time for the Geneva International Motor Show next March. Despite initial doubts, the production version will try and continue the centrally split windscreen theme with gull wing doors. Christian comments, “…we need a strong theme like that, and it is feasible when considering the production numbers we are anticipating.” Annual production is expected to kick in at around 50 units, with a total target of 300 cars envisioned.

Christian says, “After engineering the car, we then need to find a company to build it. Of course, it would be wonderful if we could convince Bertone to produce it, as they built the original Stratos bodies in the ‘70s. It would also be great if we could market this car as a Lancia.” So far, public and media reaction has been exceptional. Christian says, “Just after the Geneva Motor Show my email was jammed. It took at least eight weeks for me to reply to everyone!”

At the Frankfurt IAA, the Fenomenon Stratos concept was certainly shrouded in an upbeat air of excitement, and many are positive that this project is one that is set to succeed.

by James Granger