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The return of a legend: The New Stratos by M.A.T.

The automotive world is filled with legends, but few capture the imagination quite like the New Stratos. A project born from passion and brought to life by the skilled hands of Manifattura Automobili Torino (MIT), this iconic vehicle stands as a testament to innovation, craftsmanship, and the enduring allure of classic design.

From Concept to Reality

The journey of the New Stratos traces back to a chance encounter between Michael Stoschek, a German collector and entrepreneur, and Paolo Garella, the visionary founder of MIT, at Pininfarina. What began as a conversation soon evolved into a collaborative effort to create something truly exceptional – the New Stratos one-off project.

For years, the project remained under the radar. However, in 2018, MIT made the bold decision to bring the New Stratos to a wider audience. With Michael Stoschek’s blessing, they embarked on the ambitious task of recreating his one-off masterpiece as a limited series, consisting of 25 meticulously crafted vehicles, each one unique in its own right.

Yet, the road to realizing this vision was not without its challenges. Despite facing reluctance from industry giants like Ferrari and Pininfarina, MIT remained steadfast in their commitment to the project. The debut of the New Stratos at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show marked a triumphant moment, signaling the culmination of years of dedication and innovation.

But what truly sets the New Stratos apart is not just its impeccable craftsmanship or cutting-edge technology – it’s the personalized touch that each owner brings to their vehicle. From selecting the perfect exterior color to refining the interior trim, every detail is a reflection of the owner’s unique taste and style.

Personalization and Passion

One such owner, hailing from Australia, epitomizes this dedication to customization. Their passion for the New Stratos knew no bounds, as they traveled halfway across the globe to oversee the creation of their dream car. The result? A masterpiece of automotive design, meticulously tailored to their specifications.

Of course, the true test of any sports car lies in its performance, and the New Stratos does not disappoint. With its lightweight construction, 540 horsepower engine, and rear-wheel drive configuration, it offers an exhilarating driving experience unlike any other. The short wheelbase enhances agility and handling, while the acceleration is nothing short of breathtaking.

new stratos

Timeless Elegance, Modern Performance

Yet, amidst the thrill of the drive, the timeless elegance of the New Stratos’ design shines through. Drawing inspiration from the classic Lancia Stratos, every curve and contour has been reimagined for the modern era. The result is a vehicle that seamlessly blends heritage with innovation, tradition with cutting-edge technology.

As we reflect on the legacy of the New Stratos, it’s clear that this is more than just a car – it’s a symbol of passion, craftsmanship, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. For MIT, it represents the culmination of their dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and engineering.

In a world where innovation often takes precedence over tradition, the New Stratos serves as a reminder of the timeless appeal of classic design. And as each new chapter unfolds, it’s clear that its legacy will endure for generations to come.

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Aspark SP600

In a landmark achievement, the Aspark SP600, a production intent prototype hypercar, has become the world’s fastest electric hypercar, clocking a remarkable top speed of 438.7kph. This record-breaking feat was realized through the dedicated efforts of Manifattura Automobili Torino (M.A.T.) in collaboration with tire specialist Bridgestone and driven by professional racer Marc Basseng.

A Vision Realized

The Aspark SP600’s journey to this historic moment began with the vision of Aspark CEO Masanori Yoshida, whose company had previously set benchmarks with the Aspark Owl, renowned as the fastest accelerating electric hypercar. For this new project, Aspark once again partnered with M.A.T., entrusting them with the development and manufacturing of a hypercar capable of shattering the world top speed record for electric vehicles.

Collaboration and Innovation

To achieve this extraordinary speed, M.A.T. sought the expertise of Bridgestone to develop a custom-engineered tire. Bridgestone rose to the challenge with bespoke Potenza Race tires designed specifically for the SP600, ensuring they could handle speeds exceeding 420kph while managing the vehicle’s weight and driving dynamics.

The SP600 underwent rigorous testing at M.A.T.’s headquarters in Torino, Italy. This included extensive virtual and physical evaluations, wind tunnel validation, and numerous track testing sessions. M.A.T. meticulously handled the vehicle’s complete development, from powertrain and software integration to suspension and chassis design, as well as software calibration and the bespoke battery’s design and production.

Record-Breaking Achievement

On June 8th, during the second attempt of the day at Automotive Testing Papenburg, Marc Basseng flawlessly piloted the Aspark SP600 to its record-breaking speed of 438.7kph. This achievement was precisely measured using the certified Racelogic V-Box, a high-precision GPS-based device provided by the ATP proving ground.

The event was attended and supported by numerous marketing and premium partners, including the Supercar Owner Circle, who backed the attempt from its inception. Key executives from Aspark, M.A.T., and Bridgestone were present to witness this monumental accomplishment.

Statements from Key Figures

Masanori Yoshida, Aspark CEO: “It has been about 10 years since we started making the OWL Hypercar. We aimed for the world’s Fastest Acceleration car, and then attempted and achieved the top speed world record today. This technical capability inspires all involved to personal excellence and to challenge and grow in leaps and bounds into the future.”

Steven De Bock, Bridgestone VP EMEA Sales and Original Equipment:
“It was a big excitement on this first attempt for the record, which we immediately saw the potential of the cooperation between the car and tires. The whole team at Bridgestone worked extremely hard to deliver this project in such a short period, another testimonial of our technical capabilities and how we cooperate with our partners.”

Paolo Garella, M.A.T. CEO and Founder:
“This record represents a milestone in the continued growth of M.A.T., a company that today represents the best of the Italian tradition in the automotive industry. In 10 years, we have developed more than 11 full vehicle projects and we have demonstrated that with the right resources we are second to none. I am very proud of my team and also extremely happy to reach this milestone in the anniversary of the 10 years of foundation of M.A.T. A special thank you to Aspark’s CEO Mr. Masanori Yoshida for his vision, support, and trust in M.A.T., and to the Bridgestone team for taking on the challenge and supporting with their most advanced technology this record attempt.”

Exclusive Interview with Riccardo Garella

In an exclusive interview, Riccardo Garella, Sales and Marketing Manager at M.A.T., provided insights into the development process of the Aspark Owl. Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel here.

This historic achievement not only sets a new benchmark in the electric hypercar segment but also underscores the capabilities and potential of electric vehicles in pushing the boundaries of speed and performance.