Is the New Lancia Stratos for Real? C&D Thinks So

"Confirmed info". That's with the man in your head doing the finger quote thing. "Confirmed info" is what we've got so far regarding the potential revival of a modern monster (the Lancia Stratos, that is). The best part? It's a claim coming from one of the big dogs in the magazine industry, the kind with insiders, contacts, and all that.

Here are the facts: there are spy shots, lots of rumors, and just a few legitimate hopes that a Stratos revival is legit. Hell, maybe just a few secret phone calls are being made (like, right now as you read this) in order to put a down payment on a model that could marl the return one of the greatest names in rallying history. If it's real, good luck to the owners, and if it's not, then oh well.

Unregardless* here's an idea: let's just leave it as something that, for the time being, is fun to speculate about. However, short of Fiat saying it somehow has the cash to justify bringing back both Chrysler and a halo car for the currently-sports-less Lancia brand, let's go with one group's theory: it could be a coach-built one-off (or five-off) for some well-to-do individuals.

By Phil Alex

Via: Caranddriver , Photos: Fiatblog

Reborn Lancia Stratos HF Spy Photos the Real Deal?

A pair of spy photos showing what appears to be a reworked or a similar version of the 2005 Fenomenon Stratos Concept testing out at Fiat's Balocco circuit near Milan have been making the internet rounds today. According to the unnamed person who took the pictures, the prototype was spotted on June 21. It goes without saying that we can't vouch for their authenticity nor for the date and place the shots were taken.

If you're asking our opinion, there are three possible explanations. The first one being it's some sort of photoshop prank. The second one, that a private individual has commissioned the creation of a one-off special inspired by the iconic Stratos HF of the 1970s. Finally, the third - and less probable explanation, that Lancia is working on a new 'halo' sports car (either production or concept).

Introduced in 1972, the original Lancia Stratos HF was the first "homologation special" and one of the most successful motorsports cars ever winning three World Rally Championship titles. Designed by the great Marcello Gandini of Bertone fame and powered by a mid-mounted V6 engine from the Ferrari Dino, Lancia produced a total of 492 examples of the Stratos HF making it one of the rarest sports cars today.

Photos source: Italiaspeed

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Original Lancia Stratos HF

Ford Fiesta RS and Lancia Delta HF Integrale Design Studies Rev Our Imagination

Our next story comes from the magical world of concept studies -courtesy of AutoBlog.com.es- where harsh reality takes a hike and imaginations steps in to take its place. We've always been fans of the great Delta HF Integrale and we'd like nothing more than for Lancia to revive the legendary nameplate instead of wasting time and resources on cars such as the Thesis but chances are, especially after the Fiat Group's tie-up with Chrysler, that this artist's impression is the closest we'll get to a new HF for now.

The Fiesta RS that's also pictured here, however, is another story. While Ford hasn't confirmed any plans for a high-performance Fiesta, it also has not ruled out such an option. If the company were to develop a Fiesta RS, the firm's recently announced 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged engines with direct-injection would be prime candidates to power the vehicle.

But until we hear something official, both the Lancia Delta HF Integrale and the Ford Fiesta RS will remain in the realm of imagination.

Photo Source: Autoblog.com.es , Via: Autoblog.nl