The Dallara Stradale 2.3, producing 400 horsepower, represents a unique offering in the high-performance sports car segment. Introduced in 2017, it marked Dallara’s first foray into producing a road-legal vehicle for the public, diverging from their established role as a renowned motorsport chassis manufacturer. The Stradale is built around a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, prioritizing lightweight construction and exceptional handling. This particular 2.3-liter variant sits at the top of the Stradale range, offering the highest level of performance available. Production numbers were limited, further enhancing its exclusivity and collectibility.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Dallara |
| Model | Stradale |
| Generation | Stradale |
| Type (Engine) | 2.3 (400 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Roadster |
| Seats | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 3.25 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 3.25 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 280 km/h (173.98 mph) |
| 100 km/h – 0 | 31 m |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 2.1 kg/Hp, 467.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 1.7 kg/Nm, 584.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 400 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 176.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 3000-5000 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 3000-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EcoBoost |
| Engine displacement | 2261 cm3 (137.97 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 87.5 mm (3.44 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 94 mm (3.7 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 855 kg (1884.95 lbs.) |
| Length | 4185 mm (164.76 in.) |
| Width | 1875 mm (73.82 in.) |
| Height | 1041 mm (40.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2475 mm (97.44 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Stradale 2.3 is a 2.3-liter, turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine, sourced from Ford’s EcoBoost family. While Dallara modified the engine extensively for its application, the core architecture remains recognizable. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger with an intercooler to deliver 400 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque between 3000 and 5000 rpm. The engine’s redline is set at approximately 7000 rpm. The engine is transversely mounted behind the driver and passenger, contributing to a favorable weight distribution. The sole transmission option is a six-speed manual gearbox, chosen for its driver engagement and lightweight design. Dallara specifically tuned the gearbox ratios to complement the engine’s power delivery and optimize acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The Stradale 2.3 delivers a raw and engaging driving experience. Its lightweight construction (855 kg / 1884.95 lbs) combined with the 400 hp engine results in a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 2.1 kg/hp. This translates to blistering acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (173.98 mph). The rear-wheel-drive configuration and the precise manual gearbox encourage driver involvement. Compared to a hypothetical Stradale with a less powerful engine, the 2.3 offers significantly more urgency and responsiveness. The manual transmission, while requiring more skill than an automatic, provides a more direct connection to the powertrain and allows for precise control during spirited driving. The relatively short wheelbase and responsive steering contribute to the car’s agility and cornering prowess.
Equipment & Trim Levels
Given its limited production run and focus on performance, the Stradale 2.3 was not offered with extensive trim levels or options. The interior is spartan yet functional, prioritizing weight savings. Standard features include racing-style bucket seats, a minimalist dashboard with digital instrumentation, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Air conditioning and a basic audio system were typically included. Optional extras were limited to items such as different wheel designs, bespoke paint colors, and personalized interior trim. The emphasis was on creating a pure driving machine, rather than a luxury grand tourer.
Chassis & Braking
The Stradale’s chassis is its defining feature – a carbon fiber monocoque designed and manufactured by Dallara. This construction provides exceptional rigidity and contributes significantly to the car’s low weight. The suspension utilizes a double wishbone setup at both the front and rear, optimized for track performance. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. An ABS (Anti-lock braking system) is standard. The steering is a rack and pinion system with electric power assistance, offering precise and responsive control. The car’s suspension is firm, reflecting its performance-oriented nature, and is not designed for maximum comfort on rough road surfaces.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Dallara Stradale 2.3 was generally well-received by automotive journalists and enthusiasts. Critics praised its exceptional handling, powerful engine, and engaging driving experience. Its limited production run and unique pedigree contributed to its desirability. Compared to other sports cars in its price range, such as the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, the Stradale offered a more raw and visceral driving experience, albeit with a less refined interior and fewer creature comforts. Its fuel economy, while not a primary concern for buyers in this segment, was reasonable for a high-performance sports car. Reliability reports are still emerging due to the limited number of vehicles on the road, but the use of proven Ford EcoBoost technology suggests a reasonable level of dependability.
Legacy
The Dallara Stradale 2.3 represents a significant milestone for the company, demonstrating their ability to translate their motorsport expertise into a road-legal vehicle. It has established Dallara as a credible manufacturer in the high-performance sports car market. On the used car market, the Stradale 2.3 commands a premium price due to its rarity and performance potential. The EcoBoost engine, while not without its potential maintenance needs, is generally considered a robust and reliable unit. The carbon fiber chassis is expected to provide long-term durability, provided the car is properly maintained. The Stradale 2.3 is likely to become a sought-after collector’s item in the years to come, representing a unique and exciting chapter in automotive history.
