Abarth 500 Trofeo Series to Debut in April

The Fiat 500 Abarth has conquered automotive enthusiasts ever since it was introduced and we can only be happy when the pocket rocket, albeit in its racing incarnation, conquers new territories: the car’s dedicated UK racing series, the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB, has announced its 2010 schedule.

The series is the British incarnation of the International Trofeo Cup which was already received very well in Europe. The latter’s 2009 season included races held at iconic tracks such as Valencia, Brno and Imola. The British version of the cup will see the mad Abarths compete on UK’s top circuits starting from April, when the first race is scheduled to take place.

The racing 500 Abarth, dubbed Assetto Corse, is powered by a 1.4 liter engine that develops 190 HP at 6,500 revs and 300 Nm of torque at 3,000 revs. The horses only have to push 970 Kg and that is what makes the Assetto Corse a fast little devil. The racecar wears a bespoke body kit and rides on 17 inch rims wrapped in Michelin tires. The latter bring a serious contribution to the car’s overall dynamics.

“The Assetto Corse has shown on the track what we believed right from the start – that it would make a fabulous race car,” says Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth UK. “And now we have the mouth-watering prospect of seeing these cars battling it out in the UK. Race fans are going to love this series I am sure, and we are very much looking forward to an exciting first season here.” Gibson added.