The Motor Report wites:
THE WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP could be set for a massive boost after it was revealed Fiat and Volkswagen are poised to enter the series next season.

WRC has struggled in the wake of the global financial crisis, with Suzuki and Subaru withdrawing from the championship at the end of last season, leaving the series with only two manufacturers, Ford and Citroen.

However, if the arrival of Fiat and Volkswagen eventuates, the two companies can be expected to give the series a massive boost thanks to their resources and huge global supporter base.

News of the potential new entries into the world of WRC was confirmed by Neil Duncanson, Chief Executive Officer of series owner North One, a British television production company.

“I’ve got one or two (manufacturers) who I think will come in. I don’t want more than four (manufacturers competing in total) because any more than that and they can’t win,” he said to the Financial Times.

Although the reduced cost of competing in WRC compared to Formula 1 is an attraction to manufacturers, Duncanson believes the reason for the arrival of up to two new manufacturers lies in the close resemblance between rally cars and their on-road counterparts.

As a result, Duncanson said the marketing potential of rallying for surpasses that provided by most alternative racing categories.

“The manufacturers find themselves in a much better position because we are selling the real cars,” he said.

The arrival of Fiat in WRC may also have real ramifications for Formula 1 as rumours surrounding the future of Kimi Raikkonen refuse to subside.

Ferrari is believed to have secured the services of Fernando Alonso and sponsor Santander next season, but is unable to announce any deal until a buy-out agreement is arranged with Raikkonen.

However, with the prospect of a factory WRC seat with Fiat a real possibility, Raikkonen may be persuaded to accelerate his move to rallying, while remaining under the company’s corporate banner.

Interestingly, Raikkonen competed at the recent Rally Finland at the wheel of a Fiat Grande Punto S2000.

via WRC Poised For Arrival Of Fiat And Volkswagen | The Motor Report: Auto News And Reviews.

With these modifications the Abarth Opening Edition will go from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 7.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 131mph (211km/h) through a 5 speed gearbox. This is an improvement of 0.5 seconds in the 0 to 62mph and an extra 3mph at the top end over the standard Fiat 500 Abarth.

Externally the Fiat Abarth Opening Edition has few notable distinguishing features; red brake callipers (which are optional on even base spec 500’s) and tinted windows.  There are two colours available, Pearlised White and Campovolo Grey and special decals. Inside it is a different story with distinctive two tone read and black leather seats, sporty aluminium and leather gear knob with red detailing and a limited edition plaque.

No official word on a release date or price but expect to pay and least £1000 more than the standard Abarth.  Only 100 will be released in Italy and no mention as yet on numbers available to other markets.  There was an “Essesse-Essesse” performance kit mentioned a while back that was to be released in November 2008, this may or may not be it but it may give an indication of the Fiat Abarth Opening Editions intended release date.

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