On the occasion of the “51st Sanremo Rally”, Abarth has unveiled the car which adds a jewel to its crown.
The Abarth 500 R3T will give life to a promotional trophy in rallying in 2010, which will come in addition to the European and Italian Trophies with the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse for circuit racing.
For the Scorpion's brand, it's a return to a discipline it has been present in for more than 30 years, starting in 1977 with the first edition of the Autobianchi A112 Abarth Championship, followed by the Fiat Uno, Uno Turbo, Cinquecento, Seicento, Punto Kit and Super 1600, Stilo, Panda Kit Trophies.
The Abarth 500 for rallying will be homologated in group R3T, a category reserved for supercharged cars with a maximum cylinder capacity of 1600cc. This class is intended to be the future of rallying, since it represents a good cost/performance ratio. It's ideal for privateers and for young drivers who wish to showcase their talent at the wheel of a real high-performance racing car.
The engine of the Abarth 500 has a cylinder capacity of 1368cc and is fitted with a Garrett GT 1446 fixed geometry turbocharger, delivering 180bhp (132kW) at 5500rpm.
It is equipped with a 6-speed dog engagement sequential gearbox, with self locking blade differential, twin disk clutch and special half shafts.
Much attention has been paid to the possibility to adjust the suspension in order to adapt the setup to any driver's driving style. The racing type dampers are adjustable, with a coaxial spring and a ring nut to allow for the adjustment of the ride height, as well as special plates which provide for the modification of the angle of incidence and camber.
The 7” x 17” asphalt rims are from OZ and host 19/62-17 tyres.
The four disk brakes are from Brembo, with ventilated disks at the front coupled with 4 piston callipers and solid disks at rear with split system and brake regulation; it also features a hydraulic hand brake.
The Abarth 500 is fitted with a specific welded-in roll-cage integrated to the body shell, the necessary safety devices and FIA homologated seats with 6-point harnesses.
With an empty weight of 1080kg, the car complies with the minimum required by the regulations in this category.
Much attention has also been paid to details, from the livery, in line with tradition, to the interior and instrumentation.
The regulations and the calendar of the Abarth promotional trophies will be published in the next weeks.
Turin, 25 September 2009.
International
