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 s…

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 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.
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.
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As a 1970 Ferrari Dino engine, its long-term reliability depends entirely on meticulous, expert maintenance following Ferrari protocols. It requires regular valve adjustments, carburetor servicing, and use of the correct oil. Neglect will lead to expensive repairs. Its status as a priceless prototype component means preservation, not daily driving, is the priority.
The most frequent issues for this Ferrari Dino engine are carburetor problems (synchronization, wear, leaks), the need for periodic valve clearance adjustments, ignition distributor faults, and oil leaks from aged gaskets. These are typical of high-performance engines from the early 1970s.
No production Lancia model uses this engine. It was installed only in the one-off 1970 Lancia Stratos Zero concept car. The subsequent, legendary Lancia Stratos HF rally car used a completely different, Lancia-developed 2.4L V4 engine.
Yes, the Ferrari Dino V6 is tunable, with period and modern upgrades available. However, as the engine from the irreplaceable Stratos Zero prototype, any modification would be considered highly inadvisable and detrimental to its historical value and authenticity.
Fuel economy is very poor by modern standards, typical of a high-compression, carbureted sports car engine from 1970. Expect figures well over 15 L/100km (under 18 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Economy was not a design priority for this prototype installation.
Yes. Like most DOHC engines of its era, the Ferrari Dino V6 is an interference design. If the timing chain fails, the pistons will collide with the valves, causing catastrophic engine damage. Regular inspection of the timing system is critical.
Ferrari specified SAE 20W-50 mineral oil for the Dino 246 GT engine. While modern high-quality 20W-50 semi-synthetics are often used successfully, it's best to avoid thin, fully synthetic oils unless specifically recommended for vintage Ferrari engines, as they may not provide adequate protection for the older components.
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