1978 Fiat 131 Abarth Gr. 4

131 Abarth Gr. 4 image

The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.

The Fiat 131 Abarth Gr. 4 1978 is a highly specialized racing machine, built with performance and precision in mind. This car is the product of the joint efforts of two legendary Italian car companies, Fiat and Abarth, and was designed to compete in rally racing competitions in the late 1970s.

At its core, this car is powered by a 2.0-liter twin-cam engine that produces 215 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. The engine features a four-cylinder inline configuration with a 16-valve head, forged pistons, and a lightweight crankshaft. It is also fitted with a Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system and dry-sump lubrication, which helps ensure consistent power delivery and reliability in the heat of competition.

The car's transmission is equally impressive, featuring a five-speed manual gearbox with a limited-slip differential and a racing clutch. This setup allows the driver to quickly shift through the gears and maintain momentum even on rough terrain.

Suspension and braking are critical aspects of any rally car, and the 131 Abarth is no exception. It features a double A-arm front suspension with adjustable coil-over shocks, while the rear suspension employs a solid axle with trailing links and coil springs. The car is also equipped with four-wheel disc brakes that provide excellent stopping power even at high speeds.

Other notable features of the 131 Abarth Gr. 4 include lightweight fiberglass body panels, a reinforced chassis, and a roll cage for added safety. The car rides on lightweight alloy wheels and sports aerodynamic enhancements such as a front air dam and a rear spoiler.

All of these technical specifications come together to create a car that is truly a work of art. The Fiat 131 Abarth Gr. 4 1978 is a testament to the incredible engineering and design capabilities of Fiat and Abarth, and it remains a highly sought-after and admired machine among car enthusiasts and collectors to this day.

Milestones

- 1976: First production of the Fiat 131 Abarth - 1977: Debut of the Fiat 131 Abarth in the World Rally Championship (WRC) at the RAC Rally in Great Britain. - 1978: Development of the Fiat 131 Abarth Gr. 4 for the WRC - 1978: First win with the Fiat 131 Abarth Gr. 4 in the WRC at the Rally Portugal - 1980: Sebastien Loeb's father, Guy, wins the French Rally Championship with a Fiat 131 Abarth Gr. 4 - 1981: Fiat 131 Abarth wins its third and final WRC title with driver Walter Rohrl - 1982: Production of the Fiat 131 Abarth ends - 2016: Fiat reintroduces the 131 nameplate with the unveiling of the 131 Abarth Rally Concept car at the Geneva Motor Show.


Technical

• Engine: 2.0 liter 4-cylinder DOHC

• Power: 215 horsepower

• Torque: 200 Nm

• Transmission: 5-speed manual

• Suspension: Independent front and rear, coil spring with telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers

• Brakes: Disc brakes on all four wheels

• Wheels: 14-inch magnesium alloy wheels

• Tires: Pirelli P7 195/55 R14

• Weight: 890 kg

• Top speed: 223 km/h

• 0-100 km/h acceleration: 6.2 seconds

• Fuel consumption: 10.6 L/100km

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