a photo from the New Stratos site.
I think the Smart Fortwo would be a great basis / donor car for a new Stratos. The Smart Fortwo has a dual clutch (with newer Smarts having a full manual transmission) and is a rear wheel drive rear engine configuration. This is similar to what the Stratos has. One could use a different engine - perhaps a compact one like from Liquid Piston that has horsepower with a smaller size - since Smart seems to going all electric (since it is made in France and will only sell electric vehicles there by 2040).
Here is an outline of the Fortwo. There is a vent behind the door that scoops air to the engine in back. It is also where the transmission is. The radiator is in front.
Here is the rotary engine by Liquid Piston. It seems to be a more successful rotary engine. If one can no longer get the three cylinder engine from Smart, this could - in my opinion even though I know only what I have read about it - an alternative to power it.
Here is a photo that shows the engine being in back.
Perhaps if one could use the engine and transmission from the Smart ED, perhaps one could create an electric Stratos? The Smart ED has a range of 120 miles per charge (from the Smart ED web site). If the new Stratos is lighter in weight than the Smart ED, the range could be longer.
As the Michalak C7 was based on a Smart Fortwo - not just the engine but also other parts like the frame, perhaps the new Stratos could also. They would not have to worry about Ferrari not approving it and it might be lower in price since there are more Smart cars.
Even though the end result could be a car that I could not afford, I hope someone - preferably with means - sees this blog and considers doing so. It could bring back a really cool little car.
This is just me thinking out loud.
my much improved site
not perfect but still better than before
still needs work but has some nice items that has my artwork on
that one can order/buy.
