Motore Centrale R230: the Mid-Engined RWD Abarth 500

Imagine for a second you have a collection of supercars at your disposal but they are all a bit too grown-up and serious (dare we say it: too German). What you need is something a little smaller, a bit less grown-up to brighten up your day.

That’s what Italian aftermarket specialists Aznom have created for the avid petrol-head! We are talking about a the Motore Centrale R230 - a very special little Abarth 500.

Those of you who know a bit of Italian and have a good sense for how cars are name could easily deduce by now that we are talking about a mid-engined sportscar with 230 horsepower. the R230 even sends all its power to the back wheels for that extra tail-happy feeling that is missing from the regular Abarth 500.

Just like the now venerable Clio Sport V6, the engine sits behind the driver and passenger seats for optimal weight distribution. To this end, even the humble little battery has been moved back to improve traction. Of course, this means that the rear seats are gone, but it’s not like they offered much room for adults anyway.

Rather then stick a big heavy V6 lump in the back of the little Fiat, the aftermarket specialists at Aznom opted to tune the standard 1.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged units to the sound of 230 horsepower and 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) of torque. But wait! There will also be a version offering a monstrous 280 hp, called the Pista, which will weigh 900 kilograms (1,984 lbs).

No price figures have yet been announced, and this is the only picture available at the moment, but Aznom hopes to build at least 30 units each year of the Motore Centrale R230.