Abarth 500 earns its rally stripes

By Luke Madden

28th September 2009

It might be small, but the Fiat 500 has some very big ambitions! Following the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari at Frankfurt, the Italian supermini is now looking to take on the rally circuit with this, the Abarth 500 R3T.

The new, rally-prepped car is slated to be used in a promotional race series that shares its name with this specialised Fiat 500. The R3T name attached to the car denotes it to a rally class for turbocharged engines with a maximum of 1.6-litre capacity. There is also a minimum unladen weight restriction of 1080kg.

Powered by the 1.4-litre engine from the standard Abarth 500 coupled with a 'Garrett' turbocharger the updated engine delivers 180bhp. Mated to this is a six-speed sequential gearbox with a twin plate clutch and self-locking differential.

Elsewhere, a set of white 17-inch OZ alloy wheels has been fitted, while behind the spokes, new Brembo brakes will help the specialised car shed its speed quickly. Rally-compliant safety features have also been installed, including six-point safety harnesses and a welded roll bar.

A schedule for the Abarth 500 R3T rally will be released in the next few weeks.

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