Just released are the first official pictures of the new 500 Abarth – a high performance version of the Fiat 500 city car which went on sale in the UK last month. The 500 Abarth will make its international public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

New 500 Abarth

The new car was developed by Fiat Group Automobiles Style Centre in the spirit of the legendary Fiat 500 Abarth of the 1960s, and is powered by a Fire 1.4 16v petrol Turbo engine, which delivers a maximum of 135 bhp at 5,500 rpm, and peak torque of 206 Nm (152 lb.ft) at 3,000 rpm in ‘Sport’ mode, while in ‘Normal’ mode, torque is reduced to 180 Nm (132 lb.ft) at 2,500 rpm. This smooth and responsive new engine is also environmentally compatible. Like the Fiat 500 from which it is derived, the new 500 Abarth meets future Euro 5 emissions legislation.

New 500 Abarth

The dramatic styling is not a mere exercise in interpretation, as the 500 Abarth optimises aerodynamic behaviour, reducing drag and increasing high speed stability, while the sideskirts also improve the Cd figure. Inside, the 500 features special instrumentation, with the addition of an analogue gauge to measure turbo pressure. An LED telltale that optimises gear changes by lighting up at the appropriate moment, is also incorporated.

New 500 Abarth

500 ABARTH – BRIEF SPECIFICATION

Engine

• 4 cylinders in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368 cc
• Power output: 135 bhp at 5,500 rpm
• Peak torque in SPORT mode: 206 Nm (152 lb.ft) at 3,000 rpm
• ‘Drive-by-wire’ accelerator control, without mechanical connection
• Turboboost by IHI variable geometry turbo

Transmission

• 5-speed gearbox
• Dual cable external gearbox control

Suspension and steering

• MacPherson layout at front with anti-roll bar
• Torsion beam axle with anti-roll bar
• Ground-hugging sporty stance
• Dualdrive electric power steering, with SPORT mode

Brakes

• Floating ZPH 4.1.2 front calliper, piston diameter 54 mm
• Ventilated front brake discs, diameter 284 x 22 mm
• Floating CII 34 rear calliper, piston diameter 34 mm
• Solid rear brake discs, diameter 240 x 11 mm

Wheels

• Standard: Aluminium alloy rim 6.5″ x 16″ – Tyres: 195/45 R16
• Optional: Aluminium alloy rim 7″ x 17″ – Tyres: 205/40 R17

For the first time at the Bologna Motor Show, the reborn Fiat Abarth marque makes a comeback with its own dedicated stand of powerful visual impact which, in line with its relaunch philosophy, was designed to highlight innovation using a fresh, up-to-date language, with leading-edge technology and refinement in the smallest details.

Abarth at the 32nd Italian Motor Show in Bologna

The galvanized steel floor and the ‘naked’ technology of the monitors provide an effective contrast to the luxurious shiny white environment, the mirrorlike effect of the large illuminated sign and the special chromed guardrails, evocative technical details delimiting the area of the boutique and the boundary of the stand.

The new traits of Abarth communication are there in all their powerful clarity: the “original” logo, extrapolated from the Abarth shield of the same size and identical top curve in large polished aluminium stands proud on the rear wall. A linear decoration picks up the white and red chequered motif, forever the finish line symbol in endurance competitions where Abarth has achieved outstanding success.

Abarth at the 32nd Italian Motor Show in Bologna

Abarth values and tradition are recaptured with discretion and a touch of hi-tech: the luxurious materials and coatings such as aluminium, carbon fibre, enamels and laquers enhance the exhibition area adding to the value of the exhibits: the Grande Punto Abarth S2000 and in world preview the Grande Punto Abarth with Kit “essesse”, which is the real novelty of the stand, placed on an inlaid pedestal reproducing a great polished stainless steel scorpion emphasizing power, technology and full pedigree.

With the official presentation of Kit “esseesse” on the Grande Punto Abarth – to be marketed with the formula of the historic ‘conversion box’ – the marque forcefully recalls the concept with which it achieved success back in ‘50s and ‘60s: creating small exclusive sports cars.

At the stand, elements of clear historic connotation intermingle endlessly with modern traits, thus inducing visual and perceptive stimuli of a technical and stylistic nature. Thanks to a unique photo-quality multimedia configurator, visitors are able to appreciate and almost touch the defining characteristics of the world of Abarth engineering. Moreover, 23 small LCD monitors show a number of short “viral videos” illustrating the distinctive features of the Scorpion in fresh, straightforward language.

In line with one of the leading concepts of the marque, namely authentic excitement and hands-on experience, the external test track of the Bologna Motor Show will host the Team Abarth with the Grande Punto S2000, winner of the Italian Rally Championship 2007. In the on-line competition also appearing in the official Abarth blog, 24 lucky winners will be selected to experience what it is like to be the \”navigator\” sitting beside the official drivers of the Abarth Competition Team. One of these will be superchampion Giandomenico Basso who, together with Mitia Dotta, has recently won the ItalianRally Championship 2007 – on the heels of the triumphant 2006 season in which he won both the European Championship and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge – again driving the Grande Punto Abarth S2000.

This event emphasizes the aim of the marque to be close to the fans all over the world who continually follow the Team Abarth competitions, and to make public opinion and the younger generations in particular, aware of the strategic importance of driving safety, accident prevention and road education in every developed society. Because sport driving pleasure always includes a “tankful” of safety in terms of vehicle control and knowledge of one’s own limits.

Without forgetting that standard production Abarth cars incorporate all active and passive safety electronic devices currently available, including the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) system which cuts in limit driving conditions when vehicle stability is at risk, helping the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. Besides, on Abarth cars it is not disconnectable: a further example of the extra care of the marque where safety is concerned.