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27/09/2005: "Hot Punto revs up"

Say hello to the fastest-ever Fiat! It's a performance version of the new Fiat Grande Punto, developed by the Italian car maker's in-house tuning division, Abarth. Ignore the motorsport decals - a roadgoing version will hit the showrooms in 2007.

The car debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and is officially called the Rally Super 2000. It will compete in various national and international championships in the future. Powered by a 2.0-litre powerplant, the four-wheel-drive machine develops around 280bhp.

Its racing livery, large alloys and rear spoiler are unlikely to appear on customer cars, but a Fiat spokesman at the German exhibition told Auto Express: "Something similar to the rally car will go on sale in 2007. The Abarth will probably be powered by a 210bhp engine, as opposed to the 120 and 130bhp motors initially available when the Grande Punto is launched next year."

Abarth models will have a £2,000 premium over the £13,000 1.9-litre Multijet version. Until it arrives, buyers will have to make do with two slightly less powerful versions. Next year will see the introduction of a 150bhp diesel and a 180bhp turbocharged petrol, both offering 0-60mph times of less than nine seconds. The leather interior and 17-inch alloy wheels from the 1.9-litre Multijet - driven in issue 875 - are likely to feature on both models.

Also on the Italian firm's stand was a Croma estate powered by a 200bhp 2.4-litre, five-cylinder petrol engine. It's on sale now, with the first deliveries expected by the end of the year.

(this article was taken from autoexpress.co.uk)