The Lancia Stratos Zero concept car, unveiled in 1970, was powered by a mid-mounted 1,592 cc, 60° V6 petrol engine sourced directly from the Ferrari Dino 246 GT. This engine featured a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design per bank and was naturally aspirated, producing approximately 195 PS. Its compact, high-revving character was chosen to match the Stratos Zero's radical wedge design and showcase potential performance.
Fitted exclusively to the one-off Stratos Zero show car, this Ferrari-sourced engine was not intended for production in a Lancia. It demonstrated the feasibility of a mid-engine layout for a future rally weapon, prioritizing power-to-weight and a distinctive exhaust note over emissions or economy. As a prototype component, it predated formal emissions regulations for such applications.
One documented characteristic is its origin as a Ferrari Dino unit, noted in period Lancia and Pininfarina documentation. This engine was never modified by Lancia for the Zero and served purely as a running chassis component. The production Stratos HF that followed used a completely different, Lancia-developed V4 engine.

This engine, as installed in the 1970 Stratos Zero prototype, predates standardized Euro emissions regulations and was not type-approved for road use (VCA UK Type Approval historical records).
The engine in the Lancia Stratos Zero is a 1,592 cc 60° V6 petrol engine, sourced from the Ferrari Dino 246 GT and installed for demonstration purposes (1970). It combines dual overhead camshafts per bank with a high-compression design to deliver a peaky, high-RPM power band. Designed for performance in its era, it predates formal EU emissions standards for prototypes.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,592 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 60° V6, DOHC per bank, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 77.0 mm | |
| Power output | 195 PS (143 kW) @ 7,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 172 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Three twin-choke Weber 40 DCN carburetors | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (Prototype) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 (Mineral) | |
| Dry weight | Not Available |
The DOHC V6 layout provides a thrilling, high-revving character but demands meticulous maintenance typical of 1970s Ferrari engines, including precise valve clearances and carburetor synchronization. Using the specified SAE 20W-50 mineral oil is critical. As a non-production installation in the Stratos Zero, there are no Lancia-specific service procedures; maintenance would follow Ferrari Dino protocols. The engine's value and rarity make preservation paramount.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil specification (Ferrari Owner's Manual). Modern synthetic oils may not be suitable without expert consultation.
Emissions: Prototype installation; not subject to road vehicle emissions regulations (VCA Historical Records).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards for the Ferrari Dino 246 GT engine (Ferrari Performance Data 1970).
Ferrari Dino 246 GT Workshop Manual
Ferrari Technical Specification Sheet (1970)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standards
The engine installed in the Lancia Stratos Zero was a unique, one-off installation. It was not a Lancia engine but a Ferrari Dino 246 GT unit used solely for the 1970 prototype. This engine was never adapted or modified by Lancia for production and has no interchangeability with any production Lancia Stratos HF models, which used a completely different V4 engine. All documentation refers to its origin as a Ferrari component.
The engine in the Stratos Zero is unequivocally a Ferrari Dino 246 GT engine. Identification is based on its origin, not a Lancia part number. Key identifiers include the Ferrari engine number stamped on the block (typically starting with '000'), the distinctive 60° V6 layout with twin cam covers per bank, and the trio of Weber 40 DCN carburetors. It is fundamentally different from the Lancia V4 used in the production Stratos HF. Any service or parts must reference Ferrari Dino 246 GT documentation.
As a 1970 Ferrari Dino engine installed in a non-production prototype, the primary consideration is its age and the typical maintenance needs of high-performance engines from that era. Ferrari service documentation from the period highlights the need for regular valve adjustments and carburetor maintenance. Owner club data for the Dino 246 GT suggests these are the most common areas requiring attention for preservation.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (1970) and Ferrari Dino Owner's Club maintenance statistics (compiled 2000-2023). Repair procedures should follow Ferrari manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LANCIA STRATOS-ZERO.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with LANCIA or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
LANCIA Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialLANCIA documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.