Back then, the Italian company was reportedly negotiating with Lotus, as it was considering building the future vehicle on the Elise’s platform.
It seems that things have changed, with Abarth ditching the Lotus collaboration plan and turning to KTM for its future model, as autoexpress reports.
“Senior sources” inside the company have told the aforementioned publication that the upcoming vehicle will be based on the KTM X-Bow. The insiders added that the model, which will be a mid-engined two-seater, will be marketed as a limited edition. The vehicle is scheduled to make its market debut in 2013.
The Austrian motorbike maker, which entered the automotive market two years ago with the X-Bow, will provide the chassis for the new project. However, Abarth won’t need the X-Bow’s Audi 2.0 liter TFSI engine developing 240 hp. This is because the Italian automotive producer will use Fiat’s 1.8 liter MultiAir turbocharged engine, offering the future model a power output of over 200 hp.
Abarth will also develop a special bodyshell and a custom interior for the vehicle, with the design language following that of the Fiat Group. The more conventional body (compared to the X-Bow's one) will probably add some weight, but considering the fact that the KTM X-Bow tips the scales at only 790 kg, this shouldn’t be a big issue.
The Abarth sports car, which should only be offered to around 2,000 customers, is expected to retail for a price of up to $79,700 (EUR 60,350).
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