Abarth 500 Assetto Corse

Abarth returns to track racing with its new 'Abarth 500 Assetto Corse', the baby supersports car from Abarth.

The new vehicle, designed by the Fiat Group Automobiles Style Centre and produced by a team of Abarth Engineers and Designers will be the star of track races from 2009 and its creation confirms Abarth's racing vocation.

The Assetto Corse version of the petite 500 Abarth takes up the baton from its forerunner, the '595', that notched up numerous successes and great victories from 1963 and led to the coining of the phrase 'small but wicked'.

The cars sports a full racing outfit: wide track, white 17" special ultralight racing wheels, low ride, sports racing mirrors and a place for a number on the sides. Available in pastel grey with red Abarth side stripes, the 'Abarth 500 Assetto Corse' reveals an assertive front end that houses a badge bearing the Abarth logo and, below this, wide bumpers complete with an aerodynamic spoiler and screen-printed grilles to replace the plastic louvres on the standard production version. In addition to the classic bonnet clips, the bonnet houses two carbon air intakes bearing the Abarth scorpion logo.

The rear part of the car features a white winged spoiler, a badge bearing the Abarth logo and a twin exhaust pipe.

The Abarth identity is expressed to the full with a thunderbolt logo on the side representing the brand's racing image and a red band and four white chequers on the roof, just as on the winning Abarth 850TC version of the 1960s.

Inside, the 'Abarth 500 Assetto Corse' is equipped with a roll-bar type-approved for racing that is completely hollow to make the car lighter and faster. The car weighs approximately 180 kg less than the road version. The anatomical seats, the racing steering wheel and the carbon door panels make the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse a real baby sports car with a indomitable character all of its own.

Abarth has also thoughtfully provided a clothing set for the driver, that will be delivered in an original Abarth-branded leather bag. Owners of the 'Abarth 500 Assetto Corse' will therefore be resplendent in overalls, helmets, gloves and shoes, all meticulously branded with the ultra-new 'Assetto Corse' logo produced for the limited edition of the car.

The Abarth 500 Assetto Corse is priced at €32,800 + VAT, while the entry fee for the Abarth 500 Trophy is €12,000 + VAT.

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Technical Specifications

Engine

4 cylinders in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368 cc
Power output: 200 bhp at 6500 rpm
Peak torque: 300 Nm at 3000 rpm
Garrett GT 1446 fixed geometry turbocharger.
Special reinforced water and air sleeves

Transmission

M32 6-speed gearbox

Suspension and Steering

Front: MacPherson strut with special racing shock absorbers, coaxial spring with nut for adjusting height of car
Rear: inter-connected arms, special racing shock absorbers, springs with nut for adjusting height of car
Electric power steering with racing tuning