GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Abarth returns to rally with Spider

Abarth has debuted a competition version of its new 124 Spider at Geneva Motor Show. The Abarth 124 Rally, complete with hardtop, roll-cage and howitzer-style auxillary lighting, was one of the crowd favourites at the Swiss show overnight.

Unlike the 1.4-litre turbo Abarth 124 road car, the new rally car is powered by a version of the same 1.8-litre turbocharged engine featured in the Alfa Romeo 4C.

Abarth has sought and received R-GT homologation from the FIA. The car will be eligible for the 2017 running of the class, which is to be contested over tarmac rounds from the World and European rally championships.

It has been 40 years since the original factory 124 Rally's last official race, the 1976 Monte Carlo Rally. In a nod to history, the project's internal code SE139, refers back directly to brand founder, Karl Abarth.

"The SE stands for "Sports" and "Esperimental", a direct link to the Abarth values of craftsmanship and technical upgrades. While the number 139 celebrates that, in its 67-year history, Abarth has managed to develop an average of two racing projects per year," the company says.

The new car has more than double the power of the original atmo 124 Rally at a claimed 300hp. Compared to the latest Abarth 124 road car, the competition car holds a similar margin: 224 versus 126kW.

The 124 Rally retains its donor car's rear-drive layout, but gets a six-speed sequential gearbox with shift paddles and mechanical limited slip differential. Suspension has been upgraded and other changes centre on safety and weight reduction.

The Geneva show car also champions a number of Abarth's partners and suppliers: Petronas Selenia (lubricants); Adler Pelzer Group (composites); Michelin (tyres); Sabelt (safety gear) and sportswear company, Kappa.