01.03.2005 TODAY SEES THE UNVEILING OF ONE OF GENEVA 2005'S HIGHLIGHTS - THE FENOMENON STRATOS

The design brief concluded ‘…the design should create a link between the potential buyer, traditionally of more conservative nature, and the automotive design community, traditionally open-minded and always reaching for the new.'

Hrabalek explains, “On a retro scale, if we place the Ford GT on one end, and the radical Ford GT90 on the other, we wanted the Stratos to lie somewhere in-between.”

Product clinics were held on no fewer than six occasions, with potential customers, racing drivers and qualified journalists to help confirm that the project was heading in the right direction. At each of these occasions, the design direction was presented alongside real-life examples of competitors models.

Neither Fiat nor Lancia had involvement in the project, which was backed by investors and enthusiasts and owners of the Stratos legend.

The final styling is a perfect symbiosis of recognisable Stratos form and cutting-edge design solutions. At a glance, it is more than apparent as to which bloodline the car derives from, but the extensive detailing and certain features render the 2005 Stratos as a totally modern rethink to the original concept, rather than a mere styling ‘update'.

From the front, the car is epitomised by a huge carbon fibre splitter, providing the car with a purposeful all-terrain high-performance look. The pop-up headlights of the original have been replaced with flush-fitting alternatives, whilst the generous wheel arches that cut well into the bonnet remain as on the original.

The main focus for the design, and quite literally the best part of the Stratos, is the wraparound helmet-visor style windscreen, now split in the middle to make part of a surprisingly fresh and logical gullwing door system. This is a strong design statement, not only in terms of substance, but also in terms of logic. The design enables easier access to the interior for older drivers without making them feel old, which has been such an overlooked yet obvious requirement in the supercar field. It would be a shame if this feature was not able to reach production feasibility.

The rear end of the car is characterised by an ingenious solution to the taillight units, which combine the original's character along with the original's horizontal emphasis introduced by the aerodynamic spoiler and separate reverse light units.

In order to realise the Stratos, Fenomenon carefully outsourced engineering work to outside suppliers, each selected for their capability, cost effectiveness and quality standards.

For the Stratos project, an independent engineering team was created and briefed, not only to translate the concept's style technically, but also to provide full functionality and feasibility for production. The modern on- and off-road capabilities formed the main focus for the technical specification.
 

10 leading automotive stylists aided the styling of the Stratos concept, overseen by Christian Hrabalek and Serge Porcher.


French based Société D3, member of the Pininfarina Group, were responsable for realising the fully working prototype that will be unveiled today at the Geneva Salon.


The technical briefing called for:

•  A short wheelbase of 2.275 mm (only 95 mm longer than the original)
•  Less than 950 kg weight
•  More than 350 bhp

Initially, it was considered for a four-wheel-drive layout, but in terms of simplicity, weight advantages and driving pleasure, rear-wheel-drive was ultimately decided upon.

True to the spirit of the original Stratos production car, which used the 2.418 cc Ferrari Dino V6, Fenomenon eventually decided to use the modern-day equivalent – the characterful 40-valve V8 sourced from the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, pumping out 425 bhp at 8.500 rpm. Maximum torque is 373 Nm at 4.750 rpm, whilst the rear-wheel-drive is fitted with a six-speed sequential gearbox and a limited slip differential along with electronic traction control. The car's handling was developed together with the invaluable aide of former Stratos rally driver and four times Monte Carlo rally winner Sandro Munari.

Performance is expected to provide a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds, and a top-speed in excess of 310 km/h.

The stunning unstressed bodywork is formed in carbon-fibre, with the purpose-built chassis is made from carbon-fibre and aluminium composite. Suspension is by double wishbones, coil springs and anti-roll bars all-round. The white-painted starfish wheels, 18” and 19” respectively, are also formed from carbon fibre. Shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 ZR Supercar tyres (235/45 front, 315/40 rear), the generous rims effectively show-off the carbon ceramic brakes.

The final concept car was created by leading Paris-based firm Société D3, a member of the Pininfarina Group, and previously responsible for concept versions of the Renault Avantime, Renault Laguna, Renualt Fiftie, Renault Modus, BMW Z08, BMW Z9, the new Mini, the Citroën Pluriel and the Citroën C-Airlounge.

Hrabalek states, “So far the response for the car during development has been overwhelming, with many original Stratos owners interested in purchasing an example.”

The Fenomenon Stratos has been designed to conform to European road legislation. Hrabalek explains, “Longer overhangs had to be introduced for crash-safety reasons.”

The car will be presented in an eye-catching apple green within a stunning and well-positioned stand alongside the original Bertone Stratos concept, painted in the fluorescent red that it was first presented in at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show. Alongside the 1:1 concept car will be two 1:4 scale WRC Rally versions (one in Marlboro livery, the other in Pirelli livery) with spoilers and full 'Rally Trim'.

By James Granger

FENOMENON HOLISTIC DESIGN: WEBSITE

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