Future models - Abarth - 500 - Assetto CorseFirst look: Fiat's race-ready 500 AbarthRace-ready: Fiat 500 racer churns out 147kW and 300Nm. Fiat confirms a racetrack return, via the piping-hot 147kW 500 Abarth Assetto Corse16 May 2008 FIAT has revealed the first details of the hottest new-generation 500 hatch to date, the 147kW Assetto Corse version that will be campaigned on European racetracks in 2009. An initial production run of just 49 left-hand drive versions of the 500 race car will be produced, meaning the high-performance micro-Fiat is unlikely to ever grace Australian circuits. It does, however, signal the Italian brand’s return to the racetrack with the all-new 500, first deliveries of which arrived in Australia just over a month ago priced from $22,990. ![]() The 500 range will be further expanded later next year when the 500 convertible arrives, followed a year later by the 500 wagon. Much like its 595-badged forebear that racked up a number of giant-killing victories throughout Europe from 1963, the 500 Abarth Assetto Corse will be used by Fiat as the basis of a one-make racing series to be held in various European countries, starting in Italy, in 2009. Designed by the Fiat Group Automobiles Style Centre and produced by a team of Abarth engineers and designers, the piping-hot 500 comes with wider-track 17-inch ultra-light racing wheels, a lower ride height, race mirrors and side number plates. Available only in pastel grey with red Abarth side stripes, it features an Abarth front badge, a more aggressive bumper, specific grille, bonnet clips, a pair of carbon bonnet air-intakes featuring the Abarth scorpion logo, twin exhaust outlets and a white rear roof spoiler with Abarth logo. Completing the 500 racer’s look is a side thunderbolt logo and a red band with four white chequers on the roof - just as on the winning Abarth 850TC version of the 1960s. A serious weight-reduction program sees the 500 track special shed 180kg from its road-going donor car, despite the fitment of a race-ready rollcage, thanks in part to carbon door panels, a centrally-mounted single racing seat with harness and a racing steering wheel. Buyers will receive an Abarth-branded leather bag, complete with Assetto Corse-badged racing overalls, helmet, gloves and boots. Vital statistics of the hottest 500 Abarth’s 1.4-litre 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder, which is boosted via a Garrett GT 1446 fixed-geometry turbocharger, include 147kW at 6500rpm and 300Nm of torque at 3000rpm – instead of the regular 500’s 51kW 1.2-litre four or 99kW 1.4-litre turbo four engine choices. It is mated to an M32 six-speed manual gearbox, while suspension upgrades include race shock absorbers and ride height adjustment at both ends. The 500’s electric power-steering system is race-tuned, while an upgraded braking system comprises Brembo four-piston front callipers with vented and perforated 305x28mm discs, and 264x11mm rear discs – all hidden behind 17x7.0-inch painted forged aluminium wheels wrapped in 205/50-section racing tyres. Read more:First look: Hot Fiat 500 Abarth for GenevaFirst look: Fiat Punto gets SS treatment Fiat 500 from $22,990 All future models![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Motor industry news |
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