Abarth Rumored to Develop Lotus Elise Based Sports Car

Ever since Fiat re-launched its Abarth brand, we’ve been hearing rumors about a stand-alone sports car that will act as a “halo” car for the Italian brand. Now, British magazine Autocar is reporting that it has learned from credible sources that Fiat has struck a deal with Lotus to use the next generation Elise that’s expected in 2010 as a base for a lightweight sports car with a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. -Continued

The two-seater that is slatted to enter production in 2011 will get its own unique styling along with a range of Fiat sourced engines that could include the 1.4-liter Turbo unit from the Grande Punto Abarth and the 1.8-liter direct-injection Turbo from the new Lancia Delta. (Picture: CarScoop)

Via: Autocar

Video: Fiat 500 Abarth Race Track Driving & Beauty Shots

The new 500 Abarth, which was first introduced at the 78th Geneva Motor show earlier this year, is due to go on sale from July 19 in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, France and the Netherlands. Aside from the base 135Hp version, Fiat has also introduced a limited production variant called “Opening Edition” that squeezes 160Hp from the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine (click here for details and 42 high res images). Follow the jump to see the video that includes driving footage on the race track as well as exterior and interior shots. -Continued

Exclusive: Fiat 500 Abarth Opening Edition with 160Hp plus 42 High-Res Images

If the standard Fiat 500 Abarth with its 135Hp strong 1.4-liter turbocharged engine doesn’t do the trick then you ought to take a look at the “500 Abarth Opening Edition” that will be produced in a limited number of units with the Italian market receiving just 100 cars.

First of all, the 500 Abarth Opening Edition is fitted with a revised version of the stock 1.4-liter turbo engine that produces 160Hp at 5750 rpm and a maximum torque of 230 Nm at 3000 rpm. Combined with a 5-speed gearbox the Opening Edition can go from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in just 7.4 sec and on to a top speed of 211 km/h (131mph). That’s compared to the standard 500 Abarth’s 7.9 sec & 205 km/h.

Other mechanical upgrades include the adoption of front and rear perforated disc brakes, high performance front brake pads, a special ‘powered by BMC’ air filter, special low springs and 17" alloys painted white or titanium complete with 205/40 R16 ZR 17 Pirelli Pzero Nero tires. -Continued

On the outside, the 500 Abarth Opening Edition is distinguished by the red brake callipers and privacy windows. Inside, distinctive features include leather upholstery, a plate with the car serial number on the central tunnel, two aluminium badges bearing the wording ‘500 Abarth Opening Edition’ positioned on the faring while the gear knob is in glossy anodised aluminium with red engraved gears. Other features unique to the 500 Abarth Opening Edition include a grey or white fuel cap and key cover.

Buyers can choose between two colours (Campovolo grey or pearlised White) while there’s also the option of special stickers including a red chequered flag on the roof (exclusive to the Campovolo Grey shade) that pays homage to the numerous sporting victories of the Abarth brand. Finally, just to make it a tad more special, Fiat delivers the car with a cover bearing a period Abarth 595 design.

Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse 200Hp: Limited Edition Race Version

Due to be produced in a limited run of 49 cars, the ‘500 Abarth Assetto Corse’ is the spiritual successor to the 595 Abarth that notched up several victories in European race tracks from 1963. The new vehicle, developed and produced by a team of Abarth Engineers and Designers, will take part at the 26th edition of the ‘Mille Miglia 2008’ (May 15 to 18).

Equipped with a modified version of the road-going Abarth 500’s 135Hp 1.4-liter turbo engine that develops 200Hp and 300 Nm of torque, the “Asseto Corse” gets a full racing outfit that includes wider tracks, white 17-inch ultralight alloys, lowered suspension, wider bumpers, front and rear spoilers, sports racing mirrors and a place for a number on the sides. In addition to the classic bonnet clips, the bonnet houses two carbon air intakes bearing the Abarth scorpion logo. -Continued

Inside, the ‘500 Abarth Assetto Corse’ has been stripped of any amenities helping lower the car’s overall weight by 180 kg or 397 lbs. The cabin now features a roll-bar type-approved for racing, anatomical seats, carbon door panels and a special racing-type steering wheel.

The 49 lucky owners will be provided with a clothing set for the driver that includes helmets, gloves and shoes, all branded with the ultra-new ‘Assetto Corse’ logo produced for the limited edition of the car.