The New Lancia Stratos HF concept represents a striking fusion of automotive history and futuristic design, drawing inspiration from the iconic Batmobile to create a vehicle that pays homage to the classic Lancia Stratos HF. This concept car showcases the dynamic essence of the legendary wedge-shaped body and unique design language that characterized its predecessor.

The Project Stratos (PS) series started as a personal study of a US-based designer, aiming to bring back the legendary rally race car - Lancia Stratos HF. The main objective is to modernize the car by blending its iconic wedge-shaped body and distinctive Stratos design into a current mid-engine sports car while preserving the timeless essence of the original design. 

The Design of PS03

The design journey of PS03 begins by paying tribute to the Stratos' unique shoulder line – a dynamic, single line that elegantly runs along the entire length of the vehicle. It played a pivotal role in defining the visual identity of the classic Stratos. The uninterrupted flow of this dynamic line through the front and rear wheel arches imparts a sense of continuity and cohesion, creating a visual harmony that resonates throughout the vehicle. The front of the PS03 emerges as a focal point, characterized by The large wheel arches, emphasising the car's performance-oriented design. 

Departing from the pointed nose of its predecessor, the PS03 introduces a hexagon-shaped grill, injecting a modern and distinctive element into the vehicle's facade. This departure from the traditional pointed nose adds a touch of contemporary flair while maintaining a cohesive design language that pays tribute to the Lancia Stratos HF.

Xiyao, the creative mind behind PS03, uses Grasshopper as a powerful design tool to create a gradient effect on the hexagonal perforation of the front grill, giving it a contemporary look. Xiyao introduces two compelling choices. Pattern A, inspired by the clean geometry of the original Stratos Prototype emphasises clean lines and a sense of simplicity. This design choice pays homage to the timeless elegance of the Stratos lineage while incorporating a modern twist through the gradient effect, creating a visually striking yet refined front grill.

On the other hand, Pattern B takes a bold leap towards high-performance aesthetics. This version introduces aggressive aero elements, including a front splitter that enhances aerodynamic efficiency, a prominent air channel positioned behind the front wheel for optimal airflow, and a semi-transparent ducktail spoiler that adds a touch of sportiness.

The difference between Pattern A and Pattern B reflects the versatility and adaptability of the PS03 design, allowing enthusiasts to choose between a sleek and sophisticated look or a more aggressive and dynamic appearance. This choice empowers individuals to personalize their driving experience, aligning the vehicle with their specific preferences and style.

PS04: A Batmobile-Inspired Masterpiece

Drawing inspiration from the 2022 Batman movie, PS04 envisions the Batmobile born from an Italian mid-engine sports car, namely the Lancia Stratos or the "PS03." Tailored for Gotham's tight city grid, this rally car embraces heavy customization for off-roading pursuits on construction sites.

One standout modification involves the removal of the front grill, revealing a set of robust tube structures behind it. This alteration facilitates improved airflow with a visually striking transformation. The parallel lines that characterized the previous grill are reimagined as reinforced structures, resembling the distinctive fangs of a bat. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these bat-like structures serve a dual purpose, functioning as both a visual feature and sturdy ramming elements, perfectly suited for Gotham's unpredictable challenges.

A closer look at the roof of the PS04 reveals a departure from the traditional Stratos top spoiler. In its place, the design incorporates air intakes inspired by bat ears, paying homage to Batman's iconic style. This thoughtful integration not only adds a touch of thematic continuity but also serves a functional role, contributing to the car's aerodynamics and performance.

The rear of the PS04 continues the Batmobile transformation with an abstract bat-wing-shaped rear diffuser. This distinctive element not only enhances the overall Batmobile appeal but also contributes to the car's aerodynamic efficiency, ensuring optimal performance during high-speed pursuits through Gotham's cityscape.

Conclusion

Project Stratos, through its PS03 and PS04 versions, effectively connects automotive history with futuristic design. It pays tribute to the timeless Lancia Stratos HF while capturing the dynamic spirit of the Batmobile. This showcases the limitless possibilities when automotive design converges with cinematic inspiration, resulting in a truly unique and captivating vehicle. These achievements highlight Xiyao's creative talent, bringing a mix of classic elegance and superhero-inspired innovation to the automotive world.

About Designer

Xiyao Wang is a multi-disciplinary designer & licensed architect currently based in New York City. He studied urban design at Harvard University, where he developed his interest in how future mobility will impact cities and the built environment. As an architect, he has designed several award-winning skyscrapers that reshape city skylines across the globe. He co-founded Extended Play Lab & Free Form Lab to extend his passion and creativity into other disciplines, like transportation design and product design. Xiyao’s work is characterized by his ability to seamlessly blend form and function, creating designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.

You can follow him on Instagram