Fiat 500 (Nuova) Abarth

[Ferrer]

18/02/2008

Abarth

From racing to our everyday roads, but always with a sporty approach. This is the goal behind the debut of the long-awaited ‘500 Abarth’, announced for the coming Geneva International Motor Show. The new car was developed by the Fiat Group Automobiles Style Centre in the spirit of the legendary Fiat 500 Abarth of the 1960s, and will be marketed from July through the exclusive Abarth network.

With a strong sporty personality, the new car will be powered by a Fire 1.4 16v petrol Turbo engine, which delivers a maximum of 135 bhp (99 kW) at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 206 Nm at 3,000 rpm in ‘Sport’ mode (in ‘Normal’ mode, torque is reduced to 180 Nm at 2,500 rpm). This brilliant, smooth new engine is also a friend of the environment: like the regular Fiat model it is derived from, the new Abarth will respect future Euro 5 legislation.

Another interesting feature of the 500 Abarth is the fact that it adopts the new TTC (Torque Transfer Control) system, which improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels, but, above all, ensures that the car behaves impeccably on bends, making it safer and more entertaining even with a sporty driving style. In other words, it is faithful to the phrase coined for the Abarths of the 1960s ‘small but wicked’.

(Part of a bigger press release)

Abarth - Press Files - Fiat Group Automobiles Press

[jorismo]

I want one. Now.

[Street_Dreamer]

I absolutely love this (and you Ferrer, i was havin to make do with low-res pics ).
Not a chance of getting insured on this, though Ah well, guess i'll just have to do well in exams and get the standard one

[faksta]

Is it an official picture or one more Photoshop chop?

[NSXType-R]

That's real cool. What's the relationship between the Scorpion and Fiat though?

[Street_Dreamer]

Originally Posted by faksta

Is it an official picture or one more Photoshop chop?

It's an official rendering, similar to the GP-Abarth renderings which were around before the final thing.

[Street_Dreamer]

Originally Posted by NSXType-R

That's real cool. What's the relationship between the Scorpion and Fiat though?

Abarth have been tuning Fiat for years and they eventually became integrated within Fiat (much like AMG to Mercedes) and Fiat decided they'd make some serious Abarths this time as opposed to bodykitted all-show-no-go Stilo Abarth etc.

[faksta]

Originally Posted by Street_Dreamer

It's an official rendering, similar to the GP-Abarth renderings which were around before the final thing.

Well, then it's a serious lighter... pretty coll tiny performer.

[NicFromLA]

To be honest I was hoping for a little more hutzpah; 170hp territory. Hopefully there's an SS (esseesse) version coming.

Oh, and here's to hoping this car makes an appearance state-side. In ANY form.

[Street_Dreamer]

Originally Posted by NicFromLA

To be honest I was hoping for a little more hutzpah; 170hp territory. Hopefully there's an SS (esseesse) version coming.

Oh, and here's to hoping this car makes an appearance state-side. In ANY form.

This is released in July in 135bhp form.
The Esse-Esse is coming in November with 160bhp - Mini territory, but remember, this is considerably lighter than the Cooper S.

EDIT: forgot to reply to the 2nd part, the Fiat boss hinted that they might take the Abarth version to NA, so it's not too unlikely.

[ScionDriver]

Now that is a Pocket Rocket! I wish these things were stateside.

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by faksta

Is it an official picture or one more Photoshop chop?

As has been said it's official. It comes from the Abarth press site.

By the way, does anyone think the wheels are vile?

[Street_Dreamer]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

By the way, does anyone think the wheels are vile?

I did, until i saw these following pics... In real life, they seem quite a lot nicer

[fisetdavid26]

I absolutely love the standard 500... and the Abarth is just more awesome. Bring them to NA please!

[pimento]

Massive want. Bring them to Australia too!