Which is the Cooler Rally-Car Homage: MAT New Stratos or Kimera Automobili EVO37?
A Legend Reborn: Modern Tributes to Lancia’s Rally Icons
Italian automaker Lancia has a rich history of producing some of the most iconic rally cars in motorsport history. In the 1970s and 1980s, the brand introduced two legendary models that defined the Group B era: the Stratos and the 037. These vehicles were not only powerful but also incredibly agile, with the Stratos known for its short wheelbase, potent engine, and dynamic handling, while the 037 was celebrated for its precise steering, responsive performance, and predictable behavior. Both cars became symbols of the pinnacle of rear-wheel drive rally engineering, even as the industry began shifting toward all-wheel drive systems.
The passion for these classic machines has inspired modern tributes that honor their legacy while incorporating contemporary technology and design. Two such creations are the MAT New Stratos and the Kimera Automobili EVO 37. Each reinterprets the original Lancia models in unique ways, offering distinct driving experiences and stunning aesthetics, albeit at supercar price tags. The question remains: which one is the cooler tribute to the past?
Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT)
The dream of bringing back the Lancia Stratos to the roads was realized by Paolo Garella, a former Pininfarina executive who founded Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT) in 2014. This boutique Italian coachbuilder specializes in luxury and limited-production vehicles. The New Stratos was initially conceived by German entrepreneur Michael Stoschek, who commissioned Pininfarina to create a custom homage to the original Stratos. The first prototype, built in 2010, used the chassis of a mid-engine Ferrari F430 Scuderia, modified with a shortened wheelbase and a carbon fiber body. Although Ferrari did not pursue production, Garella took over the project and brought it to MAT, where it was eventually produced in limited numbers.
The New Stratos made its debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. It features a heavily modified version of the Ferrari F430 or F430 Scuderia, with a naturally aspirated 4.3-liter V8 engine tuned to deliver 540 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The car is paired with a six-speed sequential transmission, though manual options are available. Weighing just 2,750 pounds, it can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of around 195 mph. Its design emphasizes agility, with a 44/56 front-to-rear weight distribution and a short wheelbase that enhances its responsiveness.
Kimera Automobili
Kimera Automobili, founded by former World Rally Championship driver Luca Betti in 2008, started as a motorsport team before expanding into restomods. The company’s EVO37, launched in 2021, pays tribute to the Lancia 037, blending vintage rally style with modern engineering. Kimera worked closely with engineers who had been involved in the original 037 project, ensuring that the new model remained faithful to its predecessor while adding roadgoing capabilities.
The EVO37 is based on the Lancia Montecarlo chassis, which underpinned the original 037. The body is constructed from carbon fiber composites, and the engine is a new 2.15-liter twin-turbo inline-four that delivers 505 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the car weighs 2,425 pounds and can reach 62 mph in about 3 seconds, with a top speed of 193 mph. The suspension features forged double wishbones, dual Öhlins dampers at the rear, and a compact coilover setup at the front. Braking is handled by Brembo components for authoritative stopping power.
Rally-Cred & Driving Character
The MAT New Stratos is designed as a purist's tribute to the original Stratos HF, emphasizing raw, analog driving sensations. With no electronic aids like power steering, ABS, or traction control, it offers a communicative driving experience that connects the driver to the road. The manual transmission, short wheelbase, and razor-sharp handling make it ideal for twisty roads rather than high-speed tracks. Despite its high-tech modifications, the interior remains purpose-driven, with minimal color and an abundance of Alcantara, aluminum, and carbon fiber. While it lacks the retro styling of the original, its aggressive look and Ferrari-inspired elements make it a standout.
In contrast, the Kimera EVO37 focuses on rally-car accuracy, both in engineering and design. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, manual gearbox, and throttle-steer control mirror the original 037, while the twin-turbocharged engine provides low-end torque and high-rev power. The cabin is more driver-centric, featuring period-correct gauges, richly-hued Alcantara, and a minimalist yet functional layout. The EVO37’s interior feels more like a high-style retro rally car than a modern supercar, with attention to detail that reflects its heritage.
Verdict: Which is Cooler?
If your idea of cool is rooted in raw analog sensation, unmistakable looks, and the howl of a naturally aspirated V8 in a short-wheelbase roadster, the MAT New Stratos is the dream car. Its visual flair and exclusivity are unmatched, and it channels the spirit of the original Stratos with excellence. However, if you're looking for a tribute that captures the essence of the original 037—both in engineering and design—the Kimera EVO37 is the superior choice. It delivers a more authentic rally-car experience, with a focus on agility, connection to the road, and a cabin that feels like a true modern interpretation of a classic.
Final Thoughts
Both the MAT New Stratos and the Kimera EVO37 are remarkable vehicles that blend nostalgia with modern engineering. However, the EVO37 stands out with its deeper heritage connections, exceptional interior, and overall road presence. It manages to be both a tribute and a masterpiece, capturing everything wonderful about the Lancia 037 while remaining uniquely its own. For those seeking a true modern rally car, the EVO37 is the one to choose.