Dallara reveals Lotus-beating Stradale

Legendary Italian automotive engineering firm Dallara has announced its first road car -- the all-new Stradale roadster.

It was only a matter of time before the successful race engineering company added another string to its bow and the Stradale has already been seen testing at the Nurburgring.

Better known for manufacturing race car chassis for IndyCars and Formula E, Dallara is one of the most respected names in motorsport.

Recently the carbon-fibre expert also teamed up with car-makers to develop structures for the Bugatti Veyron, KTM X-Bow and the Alfa Romeo 4C.

Hence, it's no surprise the Stradale benefits from a monocoque and body made from the ultra-light, supremely strong material.

Weighing in at just 855kg (dry), the roadster is set to be seriously quick as it comes powered by the Ford Focus RS' turbocharged 2.3-litre Ecoboost engine generating a healthy 300kW.

To help cope with the high g-forces through high-speed race circuit sweepers, Dallara has adapted the Ford engine to accommodate an oil-pressure accumulator.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, but a paddle-shift automated manual is being developed.

Lacking conventional doors, access to the roadster involves negotiating the body to step in before lowering yourself into the narrow cabin.

Dallara says the lack of doors provides a stiffer structure and enables engineers to incorporate air channels which direct airflow from the nose to feed the engine and cool the turbocharger intercooler.

Underneath is a completely flat floor which leads air to a huge underbody diffuser.

Suspension has been lifted from motorsport, bolted directly to the tub with separate-reservoir adjustable dampers.

Steering is unassisted, but the Stradale does come with ABS, stability control and a traction control system.

Created to pay tribute to company founder, Gian Palo Dallara, who recently turned 81 and once developed cars for Ferrari and Lamborghini -- including the legendary 1966 Miura -- the Stradale will be built at Dallara's factory near Parma, Italy.

Initial plans cover just 600 Stradales over the next five years, but the small roadster's exclusivity will come at a high price.

Each car costs €155,000 ($A240,000) with a long list of optional extras including a carbon-fibre frame glass windscreen ($A26,000), a targa-style roof €7700 (A$12,000) and door tops for €7300 ($A11,500).