The Abarth 500 has already appeared on the track in a on-make racing series, but now the Abarth 500 R3T will be going off-road in new rally trophy that starts in 2010.
The new 500 R3T uses a tuned version of the turbocharged 1.4 found in the 500 Abarth that pushes out 180bhp. The 500 R3T also gains adjustable suspension, six-speed sequential transmission, a limited slip diff, upgraded Brembo brakes and a strengthened twin-plate clutch to cope with that extra power and torque.
The calendar for the 2010 500 R3T championship will be announced later in the year.
Abarth 500 R3T technical specifications:
| Engine | Turbocharged Otto-cycle, 4 cylinders in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368 cm3 |
| Power: approx. 180 HP (132 kW) at 5500 rpm | |
| Peak torque: 300 Nm at 3000 rpm | |
| Garrett GT1446a fixed geometry turbocharger, 29 mm diameter intake restrictor | |
| Special reinforced water and air sleeves | |
| Transmission | 6-speed gearbox, front meshing with sequential control |
| Multiplate self-locking differential plate clutch | |
| Special half-axles | |
| Suspension | Front: MacPherson, special adjustable racing shock absorbers, coaxial spring with wheel |
| for adjusting car height. Camber adjustable by means of shims | |
| Rear: multilink, special adjustable racing shock absorbers, spring with wheel | |
| for adjusting car height. Camber adjustable by means of shim | |
| Steering system | Electric power steering with racing setting |
| Brakes | Brembo radial front calliper with four M4X40 pistons |
| Ventilated Brembo front brake disc, 295 mm diameter x 28 mm | |
| Rear calliper with 36 mm piston | |
| Solid rear brake disc, 240 mm diameter x 11 mm | |
| Racing brake pads | |
| Hydraulic handbrake | |
| Brakeforce distributor and rear load proportioning valve to optimise car behaviour | |
| Body | Car dimensions: length 3657 mm, width 1627 mm, wheelbase 2300mm |
| Chassis | Special welded roll-bar, integral with body |
| Stripped interior, safety outfit. | |
| FIA type-approved seats with 6 seat belt anchorage points | |
| Wheels | OZ 7“x17“ asphalt rim |
| 19/62-17 asphalt tyre | |
| Weight | 1080 kg minimum regulation weight plus equipment |