Dallara might carry clout in most race paddocks in the world. But there’s a good chance no one’s heard of them at the pub.
The chassis specialist is heavily involved in all forms of open-wheel racing and builds the monocoque for high-end hypercars like, oh, the Bugatti Chiron.
So it knows what it’s doing when it comes to speed. And now, it’s breaking into the road cars game.
Cleverly, though, it’s keeping things simple and chosen to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Ariel and Lotus by revealing its new Stradale, an open-top roadster that’ll rip tracks to shreds but transport you home.
At its core is the firm’s specialty, a carbon-fibre tub. So it weighs 855kg dry. While on the outside it has, as you might notice, no doors. Less to homologate, maybe.
It’s leaned on Ford for means of combustion, with a Mustang 2.3-litre turbocharged four nestling behind the driver. It thrums with 298kW at 6200rpm and 500Nm from 3000rpm to 5000rpm.
That's mated to a six-speed manual with the option of a paddle-shift ’box. Performance is said to be a 3.25sec sprint to 100km/h from rest.
Electronics giant Bosch is behind the engine and chassis electronics. The suspension is designed in-house. And the tyres come from Pirelli.
Much like McLaren does with its carbon-fibre tub, the bodywork around the Stradale’s can be changed to suit different tastes.
The Stradale will be offered as a single-seat racer, while the ability to add a windshield, roof, doors separately means the range comprises a roadster, coupe, and targa variant.
The car’s flowing form is backed by impressive aero statistics. Downforce is quoted at 820kg, at its 278km/h top speed, which helps it produce up to 2g in lateral acceleration.
Other options for drivers will be lower performance suspension and a higher downforce wing.
How much will it cost? The street Stradale is only approved for USA, Europe, Britain, and Japan for now. Let’s hope that last mention bears fruit for Aussies.
Pictures: Dallara via Motorsport.com
