The 2003 Stola GTS is a striking concept car that showcases the rich heritage of Italian coachbuilding, specifically by Stola S.p.A., a company with a long history dating back to 1919. This prototype was unveiled at the 73rd Geneva Motor Show and is built on the chassis of the Porsche Boxster, significantly modified to enhance performance and aesthetics.
Design Philosophy
Stola's motto, "No design!" reflects its approach to coachbuilding: the company focuses on bringing designers' visions to life without imposing its own stylistic choices. The GTS is no exception, featuring a completely reworked exterior that emphasizes aerodynamics while paying homage to classic racing aesthetics through its blue and orange color scheme reminiscent of endurance racing cars.
Specifications
The Stola GTS is notable for several technical enhancements:
Chassis: The car retains the Porsche Boxster chassis but has been lowered by 4 cm to 1250 mm and extended in length from 4.32 to 4.47 meters for better aerodynamics.
Engine: It is powered by a modified 3.6-liter flat-six engine, equipped with twin turbochargers, producing 480 hp (357.9 kW) and generating a peak torque of 600 N·m. This setup allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of around 300 km/h (186.4 mph).
Weight: The GTS has a curb weight of 1260 kg (2778 lbs), providing an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 380.95 bhp per tonne.
Braking and Suspension: The vehicle features upgraded brakes with water cooling for enhanced performance, along with a revised suspension system to better handle the increased power and agility.
Dimensions
Length: 4320 mm (170.1 in)
Width: 1780 mm (70.1 in)
Height: 1220 mm (48.0 in)
Wheelbase: 2415 mm (95.1 in)
Front Track: 1455 mm (57.3 in)
Rear Track: 1508 mm (59.4 in)
Production and Availability
Stola has planned to produce only three units of the GTS, making it a limited edition tailored for select customers. This exclusivity highlights the custom nature of Stola's offerings, catering to those looking for unique, high-performance vehicles with a rich racing heritage.
Overall, the 2003 Stola GTS serves as a testament to the art of coachbuilding, combining modern engineering with classic racing inspiration, showcasing Stola's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation in the automotive industry.