Italians readying secret new Lotus rival based on chassis of lightweight KTM.
Abarths sports car line-up is growing! On top of the planned speedster and roadster version of the 500 exclusively revealed by Auto Express back in June (Issue 1,120), the Fiat-owned tuner has now confirmed it will build a Lotus Exige rival based on the radical KTM X-Bow.
In a move that will delight fans of fast and focused Italian cars everywhere, senior sources within the company told us that the resulting model would be a
limited-edition, mid-engined two-seater due in 2013.
Theyve revealed that Abarth is buying a rolling chassis from the renowned Austrian motorbike maker, which ventured into the four-wheeler market for the first time two years ago. However, where the X-Bow had an Audi-sourced TFSI powerplant fitted behind the driver, Abarth will install a new 1.8-litre version of Fiats award-winning MultiAir turbocharged petrol engine, which will produce more than 200bhp.
A unique bodyshell and interior will then be constructed around the X-Bows carbon fibre monocoque platform, swapping KTMs chopped-up track car exterior for a more stylish appearance that references Abarths links with Fiat.
As our illustration shows, the front end is likely to feature a bold grille and prominent badge in between oval lamps, similar to those on the 500. And even though the reskin will probably add more kilos to the X-Bows 790kg weight, it will make the car a much more practical proposition for owners.
The likelihood is either a one-off production run of up to 2,000, or a limited-edition model with sales spread over two or three years. Prices are expected to range from around 42,000 to 50,000, giving the manufacturer a top-of-the-range model to sit above the more affordable hot hatches.
Our insiders also confirmed Abarth had been in discussion with UK firm Lotus about using the Elise chassis and running gear for the car. But because it was relatively old technology it dates back to the mid-Nineties and comparatively expensive, bosses looked elsewhere. In addition, Abarth is planning to offer tuning services to other Fiat Group brands, although our source told us that this division could be under a new name.
Having Abarth and Cloverleaf makes no sense, but Alfa could resurrect the Autodelta badge, he explained, referring to Alfas competition arm from 1961.
[autoexpress]
In a move that will delight fans of fast and focused Italian cars everywhere, senior sources within the company told us that the resulting model would be a
limited-edition, mid-engined two-seater due in 2013.
Theyve revealed that Abarth is buying a rolling chassis from the renowned Austrian motorbike maker, which ventured into the four-wheeler market for the first time two years ago. However, where the X-Bow had an Audi-sourced TFSI powerplant fitted behind the driver, Abarth will install a new 1.8-litre version of Fiats award-winning MultiAir turbocharged petrol engine, which will produce more than 200bhp.
A unique bodyshell and interior will then be constructed around the X-Bows carbon fibre monocoque platform, swapping KTMs chopped-up track car exterior for a more stylish appearance that references Abarths links with Fiat.
As our illustration shows, the front end is likely to feature a bold grille and prominent badge in between oval lamps, similar to those on the 500. And even though the reskin will probably add more kilos to the X-Bows 790kg weight, it will make the car a much more practical proposition for owners.
The likelihood is either a one-off production run of up to 2,000, or a limited-edition model with sales spread over two or three years. Prices are expected to range from around 42,000 to 50,000, giving the manufacturer a top-of-the-range model to sit above the more affordable hot hatches.
Our insiders also confirmed Abarth had been in discussion with UK firm Lotus about using the Elise chassis and running gear for the car. But because it was relatively old technology it dates back to the mid-Nineties and comparatively expensive, bosses looked elsewhere. In addition, Abarth is planning to offer tuning services to other Fiat Group brands, although our source told us that this division could be under a new name.
Having Abarth and Cloverleaf makes no sense, but Alfa could resurrect the Autodelta badge, he explained, referring to Alfas competition arm from 1961.
[autoexpress]
