Rally-Spec Abarth 124 Showcased at Geneva Motor Show

Abarth has showcased a rally-spec version of its parent company’s recently launched roadster, the 124. The car is based on the standard Fiat 124 that was showcased in its Abarth guise yesterday at the same event. The Abarth 124 has 170 bhp under its bonnet, that comes out of the well known 1.4-litre motor. This one, though, raises the bar to an astounding 300 bhp from a 1.8-litre turbo petrol motor. Mated to a 6-speed sequential shift transmission, the car will be an absolute hoot to drive. Sadly, it is not meant to be driven on normal roads, but compete in the high octane rally world.

The manufacturer hasn’t released much info about the car, but as the road going 124 weighs a mere 1060 kgs, this car could weigh a little under the same figure. Simply because race cars are supposed to be as light as possible.

Unlike the roadster soft-top, the rally-spec 124 gets a fixed composite rooftop, certainly for added safety in hostile rallying conditions. To improve the ride dynamics even further, the front end gets stiffer double-wishbone suspensions along with the rear that has a multi-link setup.

Aesthetically, the car is essentially the same in terms of the body shell, however, the matt yellow-red paint job lends it a very classic and sporty appeal. There are these extra set of lamps in the front, while the sides are bestowed with massive OZ-wheel. The roof flaunts a scoop to allow air inside the cabin, which is deprived of amenities like an air-conditioner. The cabin is stripped off for the sake of weight saving and is strengthened using a roll cage.

Strangely enough, unlike most of the rally cars, this one features a rear wheel drive configuration. It is expected to join next year’s racing season and might cost about an eye-watering 150,000 euros (INR 1 Crore)

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