Fiat to go rallying with Abarth 500 R3T

Based on the Fiat 500, the Abarth 500 R3T will be used in a promotional rally starting from next year. The car will race in Group R3T, which is the class for touring car racing with vehicles using turbocharged engines under 1.6 litres. Minimum unladen weight for the category is 1080kg, and the car is unlikely to have a road-legal version.

The Abarth 500 R3T uses a "Garret GT 1446 fixed geometry turbocharger" that is attached to a 1.4 litre engine. This gives a total power output of 180bhp. The engine is mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox with a twin plate clutch and self-locking differential. The suspension can also be adjusted to fit "each driver's individual driving style."

The Abarth 500 R3T gets 17-inch multi-spoke OZ rims, along with Brembo disc brakes with ventilated discs up front. Safety is also taken care of with six-point safety belts for both driver and navigator, and a welded roll-bar.