Dallara Stradale, the achievement of a lifetime

If I tell you Dallara, what does it remind you of? You will probably think of racing cars!

Dallara Automobili is a car manufacturer based in Parma, Italy and was founded in 1972 by Gian Paolo Dallara.

In its 50 years of existence, Dallara has become a world leader in the world of racing. They have designed and continue to design single-seaters and prototypes (F3, F3000 and F1 and even FE).

A manufacturer that has been able to show and develop its talents in the field, which has allowed it to rise to the top and become the exclusive supplier of several championships (F2, IndyCar Series, World Series by Renault, etc.); but also to collaborate with major brands.

And yes Dallara is a great name, for the small parenthesis, its creator worked at Ferrari, Maserati and even Lamborghini! He participated in the design of the mythical Miura and the Espada chassis. For the anecdote, deeply disappointed that the Miura is not engaged in competition he joined the ranks of De Tomaso before launching 100% in 1972 on his side.

This same name is now on the chassis of more than one prestigious car, and has also contributed to the aerodynamic design of these cars: from the Bugatti Veyron to the 918 Spyder, including the 8C, the Aventador and even the Chiron! For those who did not know this name, you will have understood that we are dealing with a big name in motorsport!

But now, on November 16, 2017 on the occasion of the birthday of Mr. Gian Paolo Dallara, the manufacturer realizes its dream and presents its serial jewel named the Stradale (a prototype had been presented in 2016 for the 80th birthday of the founder of the brand).

A car as beautiful as it is powerful! The only element not developed by Dallara is the engine, it comes from the latest Ford Focus RS (4 cylinder turbo 2.3L) but has been reworked to develop 400 hp at 6200 rpm and 500 Nm of torque (3000-5000 rpm). But the ultimate weapon of this Stradale is its weight! It is a real featherweight, it weighs only 855 kg on the scale: enough to pulverize the 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2s and a top speed of 280 km/h! The aerodynamic support goes up to 820 kg and 2G of acceleration in curve for the version berlinette. These figures are scary in the field, it is a real war machine.

The particularity of this car is, as we said, its mass. The key word during its conception was "save weight". Different versions have seen the light of day, but the details that have made it possible to get to this stage: removable windshield in polycarbonate glass and a carbon fiber chassis. The body is also made of carbon fiber with a lateral structure made of fibers to channel the air towards the rear of the car. Aluminum substructures are used to secure the monocoque. For the record, the chassis weighs only 80 kg!

There are two transmission options: 6-speed manual (also from the Focus RS) or 6-speed sequential automated transmission with steering wheel paddles. Adjustable hydraulic suspensions (optional) also offer optimal comfort.

Externally, this car is sublime, it breathes racing. This optional spoiler is not for nothing in the support that the car manages to generate! As you can see, it's a 2-seater without doors on the pictures, but there is a Targa version with a windscreen and a T-Frame structure as well as a version with a roof including "butterfly" doors.

The manufacturer produced only 600 examples of this sublime Stradale, with a purchase price (new) in the 160,000 euros without options. Today you can find it for more than 400,000 euros on the second hand market, you'll have to save up to afford it and be able to drive it on the track!

The car that illustrates this article was seen by chance at the Monza circuit during the 2022 Endurance Championship (@andrealevy_777). Great car with a very original configuration!

Hugo Cortes