This analysis dives into two extraordinary modern automotive creations, the MAT New Stratos and the Kimera Automobili EVO37. Both vehicles serve as contemporary interpretations of celebrated Italian rally champions from the 1970s and 1980s, the Lancia Stratos and Lancia 037 respectively. Each car represents a unique philosophy in reimagining these historical icons for the modern era, focusing on distinct aspects of their predecessors' legacy. The article highlights their engineering prowess, design aesthetics, and the visceral driving experiences they provide, underscoring their appeal to collectors and enthusiasts seeking a blend of nostalgic spirit and state-of-the-art performance. Ultimately, the piece aims to determine which of these magnificent machines more effectively captures the essence and thrill of its rally heritage.

Unveiling the Modern Rally Recreations

In the vibrant realm of Italian automotive design and engineering, two exceptional vehicles have recently emerged, paying tribute to the golden age of rally racing. These are the MAT New Stratos and the Kimera Automobili EVO37, both meticulously crafted to honor their iconic Lancia ancestors: the Stratos and the 037. These original Group B rally cars, renowned for their triumphs in the 1970s and 1980s, were paragons of rear-wheel-drive performance, defying the trend towards all-wheel drive with their remarkable agility and precision. The Stratos captivated with its compact form and potent engine, while the 037 was celebrated for its razor-sharp handling and predictable dynamics.

The contemporary homages, the MAT New Stratos and the Kimera EVO37, aim to rekindle this legendary spirit with modern sensibilities and engineering advancements. Each model, a marvel of bespoke craftsmanship, offers a unique interpretation of its heritage, delivering exhilarating performance and breathtaking design, albeit with super-car level pricing. The question then arises: which of these modern marvels most effectively embodies the soul of its rally forebear?

Manifattura Automobili Torino's Vision of the New Stratos

The automotive world had long awaited a modern iteration of the Stratos. This aspiration was realized by Paolo Garella, a distinguished veteran from Pininfarina, who established Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT) in October 2014, in the historic city of Rivalta di Torino. MAT, a specialized Italian firm, focuses on creating luxurious and limited-edition bespoke vehicles. The genesis of the New Stratos traces back to German entrepreneur Michael Stoschek, who initially commissioned Pininfarina for this ambitious project.

The 2010 prototype of the New Stratos was a singular, custom-built homage, utilizing the chassis of a 2007 Ferrari F430 Scuderia, notably shortened, and powered by the F430 Scuderia's V8 engine. After Ferrari chose not to proceed with mass production, Garella secured the rights to the project, bringing it to MAT for limited series production. The MAT New Stratos made its official debut to widespread acclaim at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

Kimera Automobili's Dedication to the EVO37

Kimera Automobili, rooted in motorsport, was founded by Luca Betti, a former World Rally Championship driver, in Piedmont, Italy, in 2008. By 2013, Betti's deep passion for automotive history, especially 1980s WRC icons, led the company to specialize in restomods. In 2018, Kimera embarked on the development of the EVO37, a direct tribute to the formidable Lancia 037.

This high-performance restomod was designed to propel the Lancia 037 into the modern era, harmonizing contemporary engineering with the authentic rally aesthetic and genetic makeup. Kimera even engaged engineers from the original Lancia 037 project to ensure the EVO37's fidelity. The Kimera Automobili EVO37 was unveiled in 2021, with a highly exclusive production run of just 37 units.

A Head-to-Head Comparison: Performance and Engineering

The New Stratos, a rally homage, is constructed upon a significantly modified Ferrari F430 or F430 Scuderia chassis, featuring a reduced wheelbase and a lightweight carbon fiber body. It offers enhanced agility and reduced weight compared to its Ferrari donor car. Power comes from the Ferrari's naturally aspirated 4.3-liter V8, which MAT has upgraded from 503 to 540 horsepower at 8,200 rpm, delivering over 383 lb-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm. This potent engine is coupled with a six-speed sequential gearbox, with a manual option available upon request. Thanks to its extensive carbon fiber construction, the vehicle weighs a mere 2,750 pounds, boasting a 44/56 front-to-rear weight distribution. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in a blistering 3.3 seconds and can reach a top speed of approximately 195 mph.

The EVO37 is built upon the chassis of the Lancia Montecarlo, which famously underpinned the original Lancia 037. Kimera acquired numerous Montecarlo chassis to maintain historical accuracy, though the exact number remains undisclosed. The objective was to closely align the EVO37 with its predecessor while incorporating modern enhancements for improved road usability. The car's structure is significantly more rigid than the original, and its body is crafted from carbon fiber composite. Powering the EVO37 is a revolutionary 2.15-liter twin-turbo inline-four engine, combining a supercharger for low-end torque and a turbocharger for higher revs. This setup delivers 505 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, channeled through a six-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels. The EVO37 also features rev-matching technology and a mechanical limited-slip differential. Weighing just 2,425 pounds, it achieves 0-62 mph in approximately 3 seconds, with a top speed of 193 mph.

Rally Authenticity and Driving Characteristics

The MAT New Stratos, conceived as a homage to the 1970s Stratos HF, prioritizes a raw, analog driving experience. Its heart is a naturally aspirated V8, delivering power to the rear wheels. Automotive critics often describe it as a car better suited for winding mountain roads than for competitive track driving, owing to its visceral and unfiltered feedback. The combination of a manual transmission, short wheelbase, and precise steering creates an exceptionally communicative driving sensation. Devoid of electronic aids like power steering, ABS, or traction control, it strongly echoes the unadulterated nature of the original Stratos. With only 25 units planned for production, each priced north of $600,000, it stands as an exclusive collector's item for those yearning for a return to pure, unadulterated driving thrills, far removed from the overly digitalized modern supercar landscape.

The Kimera EVO37, in contrast, meticulously replicates the Group B Lancia 037's spirit through its engineering philosophy, featuring a rear-wheel-drive layout, rally-inspired manual shifts, a chassis designed for controlled oversteer, and precise throttle-steer capabilities. Its innovative twin-turbo engine provides both strong low-end torque and high-rev power, reminiscent of the legendary Delta S4. The suspension system comprises forged double wishbones, with dual Öhlins dampers at the rear and a more compact coilover arrangement upfront. Stopping power is confidently managed by Brembo brakes. Also priced at around $600,000, the EVO37 embodies a holistic approach to recreating its rally heritage.

The Ultimate Showdown: Which is the Cooler Rally Icon?

If your automotive passion gravitates towards raw, unadulterated analog sensations, striking aesthetics, and the exhilarating roar of a naturally aspirated Ferrari V8 within a nimble, short-wheelbase machine, then the MAT New Stratos is undeniably your automotive fantasy materialized. It exudes high drama, sophisticated design, and an unmistakable vintage charm. From a distance, one might easily mistake it for the original. Even before this modern revival by MAT, the Stratos was widely celebrated as one of the most aesthetically pleasing rally cars ever created, a true showstopper amidst a field of more utilitarian designs. This contemporary version arguably surpasses its predecessor in sheer allure. Its interior, while bespoke and purpose-driven, adopts a more brutalist, straightforward approach, offering no stylistic resemblance to the 1970s aesthetics of the original. Dominated by Alcantara, aluminum, and carbon fiber, it subtly reveals its Ferrari roots, yet the ingeniously integrated helmet storage compartments in the doors stand out as its most unique and captivating interior feature.

However, if your desire leans towards uncompromising rally-car authenticity—from chassis architecture to cabin design—the Kimera EVO37 delivers a truly immersive experience. Every element of this vehicle is meticulously engineered for speed, agility, and an intimate connection with the road. The cockpit is supremely driver-focused, with period-correct analog gauges and minimal sound dampening, echoing the spartan yet functional nature of a true rally machine. Rearward visibility, much like the original Lancia 037, is intentionally limited, serving as a constant reminder that this car is built for relentless forward momentum. Its innovative twin-turbocharged engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration, manual gearbox, and the invaluable input from the original 037 engineers combine to create the closest street-legal approximation of a Group B rally car. The fact that it transcends the visual appeal of the original, appearing even more menacing and purpose-built, is a testament to Betti's unwavering commitment to transforming a legend into a definitive modern rally machine. The EVO37's interior is a masterpiece in itself, featuring rich Alcantara upholstery inspired by the Lancia Delta S4 on the seats, dashboard, center console, and door panels. Carbon fiber abounds, adorning the center console, steering column stalks, and the tall shifter. Every switch and button is exquisitely crafted, contributing to an overall ambiance that feels more bespoke than the New Stratos. It successfully blends high-style retro aesthetics with a modern supercar cabin, yet at its core, it remains a rally car through and through. In our assessment, the EVO37 triumphs, not only by honoring its heritage but by achieving a remarkably original and thrilling reinterpretation.

Ultimately, both the MAT New Stratos and the Kimera Automobili EVO37 are undeniably captivating, offering a blend of stunning design and exhilarating performance that is a joy to experience. However, the EVO37 distinguishes itself through its profound connection to its historical roots, its deep integration of Lancia's engineering DNA, its exquisitely crafted interior, and its commanding presence on the road. While no one would confuse it with the original, the lineage is unmistakably evident. Luca Betti has masterfully distilled the very essence of the Lancia 037, transforming it into a modern automotive masterpiece. Given the choice, the EVO37 would be our preferred addition to any enthusiast's garage, standing proudly among the most desirable vehicles available today.