Abarth – Page 3 – Automobiles Review

Abarth at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

Abarth brand at the Geneva Motor Show is going to have spectacular presence! There will be presented some of the highly anticipated models by the brand. The all new Abarth 695 Assetto Corse is a small super-sports car designed for racing on the track, which will make its world debut at the show. In addition, the new model Abarth Punto Scorpione will also make a debut. This is a Limited Edition and is dedicated to all those who love high speed and performance. Another milestone on the “road to performance” is the new Abarth 595 which actually is a remake of the popular 595 model that Karl Abarth presented in 1963. It now carries enhanced performance features of a “basic” car, offering a power upgrade to 160 HP (118 kW) as standard. The new Abarth 595 is going to be offered in two variations: “Competizione” and “Turismo”.

First of all Abarth 695 Assetto Corse is designed for track racing and depicts the continuity of the historic 695 brand that came into being in 2009 with the 695 Tributo Ferrari. The car also appears to be a continuation of the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse. Furthermore the 695 Assetto Corse is characterised by an aggressive front decorated with a badge bearing the Abarth logo and, underneath, a broader bumper complete with aerodynamic spoiler and screen-printed grilles instead of the plastic masks of the standard version. Under the bonnet there is a 1368 cm3 turbocharged engine that delivers 205 HP (151 kW). The rear of the car features a winged spoiler, a badge bearing the Abarth logo and a twin exhaust pipe. The 695 model sits on 17″ light forged racing wheels, enriched with new floating, perforated and self-ventilated front disc brakes and perforated rear disc brakes. More importantly, there is included the Sadev sequential gearbox with a specific ratio that when combined with a metal-ceramic twin plate clutch reaches absolutely top performance in its category.The interior of the car contains all of the safety equipment required by FIA regulations, including a roll-bar welded to the body that has been further optimised to improve its torsional stiffness.

Abarth 695 Assetto Corsa — Abarth 695 Assetto Corse

The next Abarth which will be on display in Geneva is the new Punto Scorpione, which expresses the Abarth Punto’s sporting characteristics. The Limited Edition Scorpione is intended for a more mature audience that wishes to express their sporting spirit more discreetly and elegantly, but with no intention to settle for less. Only 199 examples of the model are producesed. The exterior is distinguished by a ton-sur-ton livery where the Scorpione Black of the body becomes matt on the bonnet and roof. The glossy black “passband” element stands out on the latter, with a hand-polishing treatment carried out at Abarth&C. itself, with a view to ensuring customisation with genuine craftsmanship. Moreover, it is equipped with a 1.4 MultiAir engine boosted to 180 HP (132 kW) at 5750 rpm and with a maximum torque of 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) at 2500 rpm, the Abarth Punto Scorpione reaches a top speed of more than 216 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. The car has glossy black 18″ alloy wheels and front and rear Koni shock absorbers with FSD (Frequency Selective Dumping) valve and specially lowered springs. The exhaust pipe, oversized in the central section, is taken from the now famous “Esseesse” kit. The interior of the special Abarth Punto Scorpione features “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” black technical fabric seats, with red and yellow stitching and matt black backrest, type-approved and lightened in keeping with the car’s sporting spirit.

Next the attention will be put on the two new models featured in the Abarth 500 Range: “Turismo” and “Competizione”. In both customisation options, the car is fitted with a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet engine whose power has been increased to a good 160 HP (118 kW) thanks to the standard engine tuning kit. The car has 4-cylinder 16-valve 1,368 cm3 engine (with fixed geometry IHI turbocharger), which delivers thrilling torque of 230 Nm (170 kW) at 3000 rpm in Sport mode, top speed of 211 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds. These results are due to the overboost function, activated using the “Sport” button, which modulates control unit mapping and turbo pressure, in addition to load on the steering wheel. Yet this trademark Abarth performance accompanies fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km in the combined cycle. Furthermore, in the both models is included the TTC (Torque Transfer Control) device as standard, which by enhancing the transfer of drive torque to the wheels, improves the car’s road holding without compromising fun at the wheel. The vehicled is equipped as standard with Xenon headlights with dipped and driving light functions for improved light emission and excellent performance in all weather conditions. These devices deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen-lamp headlights. The “Turismo” model sits on magnesium-coloured 17″ alloy wheels with GranTurismo-inspired design, which contributes to the car’s elegance. It also comes with electrically operated manual Abarth Competizione gearbox with controls on the steering wheel as standard. The second model “Competizione”, is dedicated to more extreme sports enthusiasts, to the true “racing purists”, and for this reason it has 5-speed manual gearbox which improves personal driving style through a more direct relationship with the car. This version sits on 17″ titanium-coloured alloy wheels, with yellow Brembo brake calipers. As for the “Turismo” version, side and tailgate respectively are enhanced by the 595 and 595 “Competizione” logo, both in aluminium, just as the front bumper grille and extractor are titanium grey. How about the interior: they also have sporty and aggressive personality, thanks to the “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” leather and leather-coloured Alcantara seats, bearing the 595 logo embroidered on the integrated headrest. At last, the gear lever knob, sill plate, pedal unit and aluminium kick plate are all decorated with the Abarth motifs. The complete style of the cars is finished with matt titanium side stripes, which also feature on the mirror covers.

Source: Abarth

February 24, 2012

2012 FIAT 500 Abarth – Price $22 000

Great news for all who love the brand FIAT! Today the company announced U.S. pricing for its new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), however without included destination in it, is starting form $22 000. Fiat 500 Abarth will now bring to the US years of traditions and success made on the European roadways and racetracks: world-class performance and precision, purposeful and aggressive styling, high power-to-weight ratio and limited production volume.
This race-inspired Fiat 500 Abarth comes standard with many performance features. First of all, there is included the all-new 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine, which delivers 160 horsepower (119 kW) and 170 lb.-ft. (230 N•m) of torque. Moreover Abarth comes with tuned suspension, brake systems and dual exhaust, turbo-boost gauge with integrated LED shift light and 16-inch aluminum wheels! In addition driver and passenger performance seats include one-piece design with large side bolsters, racing-harness pass-through and accent stitching. The Fiat 500 Abarth also comes standard with BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication, Bose premium audio system and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

Included in the price of each 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is the opportunity for new owners to attend a segment-exclusive driving experience. At no additional charge, they can visit the Abarth Driving Experience, which is an entire day of full-throttle training, guided by professional instructors from the Richard Petty Driving Experience. All this is made in order to ensure fun and top-level instruction in a safe and structured setting.

Source: Fiat

January 13, 2012

Cars Under 30 000$ You Can Buy Today

So you have 30 000$ laying around and you want to buy a car? Well great! Always willing to give reasonable consumer advice, we at automobilesreview.com have compiled a list of the best cars out there that go effortlessly under that limit.

Mazda RX-8 – Starting at $26,795

It’s nice to have something exclusive just to tackle the mundane day-to-day life. So why not try the Mazda RX-8? Yes, it has been around for over 7 years now and soon it will be gone but it still is capable to put a smile on your face and also to punch you in the chest. While retaining a typical sloping profile of a two-door coupé it actually has four doors if we count the clever rear-hinged “freestyle” ones at the back. That gives you a certain degree of practicality and also something to brag about The power comes from a 1.3 but it is a rotary Wankel engine so it develops the staggering 232 units of horsepower. However, despite it’s size, this engine is quite thirsty (because of working in a completely different manner from conventional engines) for both fuel and oil. So running costs might be a problem for some.

MINI Cooper S – $23,800

This is the closest thing to a BMW you can get for that kind of money. It has a 1.6 twin scroll turbocharged engine with fully variable valve timing. So in essence you get 181 hp in a car that weighs no more than a double cheeseburger. It has perfect road manners, plenty of efficiency and a classy image deriving from an old British icon. It’s not very big though, is it?

VW Golf GTI – Starting at $23,700

This was an easy pick. Ever since the magnificent Mk.1, GTIs have always been dominant on the hot hatch market. Blistering performance, superb handling and a solid image are just a few superlatives that can describe what the capable hand German engineers has done here. Ever evolving, the Golf now makes use of a powerful 2.0 l. TSI engine coupled with either a 6-speed DSG gearbox or a 6-speed manual for diehard motoring enthusiasts. It’s hard to find anything here not to like. Focus ST fans may argue that it is a bit dreary and plain but that is as far as they would go.

Mazda MX-5 – Starting at $23,190

Another Mazda here however, unlike the RX-8, the MX does not take itself very seriously. It has a refined 2.0 l, 136 hp engine and not a million horsepower rocket thruster under the hood. Nor does it get any cunningly disguised compartments. All it does is to stay true to itself – front mid engine, rear-wheel drive, two seats and a soft top. It was originally conceived to honer the memory of the emblematic small British roadster class. Yes, most probably not the technological miracle that other cars try to be, but you’ll notice heads turning while driving around in town and that will make you happy.

Fiat 500 Abarth – Starting at $23,000

We wouldn’t miss a chance to add some Italian pesto on our petrol salad. It is another iconic supermini which changed the world of consumerism when it got out in 1957. Today, more than half a century later it is still as good to the taste as Italian wine. Abarth is a subsidiary company for Fiat that produces hardcore, lunatic, rubber burning demons. With their help this 2012 imp now has a 16-valve 1.4-liter engine that brings 160 hp. The design has managed to preserve its simplistic spirit coming from the 500’s ancestors and yet it is absolutely stunning to look at. Is it better than the MINI? We will let you decide.

Dodge Challenger R/T – Starting at $29,995

“It’s a muscle car and it is awesome!” That is at least what the kid in all of us says. In reality it is impractical, thirsty, barely a technological landmark and it handles like a rowing boat. But bare with us on that one. Imagine – you on the open road, the sun blazing down on you, haze rising from the black tarmac. What do we need to complete the picture? You guessed it, it’s a Dodge Challenger. But it’s not the power, nor are the emblematic looks you want the most. All you want to hear is the sound of a 375 hp, V8 HEMI thundering down that road with you behind the wheel. That sort of practice should actually be classified as therapy for it might be the most smile-inducing thing out there. But it is even more than that: with it you are fighting for a cause to save this dying breed of vehicles which used to be so cherished in the past.

Honda Clarity FCX – Around $22 000

So Cameron Diaz drives a hybrid and so does Leonardo DiCaprio. The list goes on for miles and it makes you think: “what is it about those cars?” Well, nowadays it has become a trend to think about the environment. 30 years ago it might have been “cool” to own the above mentioned Dodge Challenger but now Prius is the new swagger. But are you willing to play along and subdue to the the newly established norms? No, you are better than that. Go full on environmentally friendly with the Honda Clarity FCX – the car that according to Jay Leno will save the supercar just like the the car saved the horse. Put simply, the FCX will be the future of motoring when petrol starts running low. It is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle which you just top up with compressed hydrogen and then use the oxygen from the atmosphere to create a reaction with an end result – H2O (water). The energy expelled from the reaction however powers up a 136 horsepower electric motor. This mode of energy producing eliminates the need of the dreadful battery packs used in various hybrids which are unreliable and dependent on power sockets and the weather. The Honda is efficient, clean and quite normal actually. The only problem of driving around in it is that you might flood the Earth eventually (joking really). While it is amazingly cheap to buy, obtaining one is as tricky as obtaining hydrogen itself. About 200 vehicles will be leased over the next three years, primarily in Southern California. But if you do manage to get one, you wont get more exclusive than that.

December 21, 2011

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth US

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth US is being currently exhibited at the LA Motor Show.

“Bringing the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth to the U.S. enables us to reach out to driving enthusiasts who want Italian performance at an attainable price,” commented Olivier Francois, Head of FIAT Brand and Chief Marketing Officer – Chrysler Group LLC.

“With its lightweight, track-tuned handling and purpose-built design, the Fiat 500 Abarth brings to life the legendary racing heritage of the brand and becomes the Italian high-performance car for everyday driving.”, he added.

The small city car will be powered by an all-new 1.4 liter MultiAir Turbo engine. There are no exact numbers, but probably the US 500 Abarth will be slightly more powerful than the EU model. The European model boasts 140PS (103 kW) and 206Nm (152 lb-ft) of torque.

Other goodies include Abarth-tuned suspension and brake systems, race-inspired design, and technology features not traditionally included on a small car. The new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth unleashes the brand’s legendary performance heritage to American streets.

The exterior boasts complete aerodynamics body kit and 16” alloy wheels as standard and possibility for 17” as an option.

The interior comes with Abarth-designed steering wheel with perforated leather and flat bottom. There are also cruise, audio and BLUE&ME^TM Handsfree Communication technology controls on the steering wheel. The instrument cluster has 160-mph speedometer, tachometer and trip computer. For a touch of sophistication, the instrument-panel cluster brow is wrapped in Nero leather with Rosso accent stitching. There are Unique Abarth-styled front performance seats feature a one-piece design with large side bolsters, racing-harness pass through, accent stitching around the perimeter and integrated side-thorax air bags.

For a contemporary and technical look, the Fiat 500 Abarth features the center stack, radio and climate control system, as well as the headliner and pillars finished in Nero, while the four-passenger seating is available in Nero (cloth or leather) or Rosso/Nero (leather) color combinations.

Source: Fiat

November 17, 2011

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

The new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth will hit the American market with the racing traditions that have made it a success on European roadways and racetracks – world-class performance and precision, purposeful and aggressive styling, high power-to-weight ratio and limited-production volume.

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth US is powered by an all-new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine. The European version has 140PS (103 kW) and 206Nm (152 lb-ft) of torque, but we will wait to see, whether the US model will be overpowered.

The small sporty car also comes with Abarth-tuned suspension and brake systems, race-inspired design and technologies.

The new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth will unleash the brand’s legendary performance heritage on American streets.

Source: Chrysler

October 31, 2011

Abarth 695 Competizione in Frankfurt

The Abarth 695 Competizione is born to be the first “street legal” Scorpion racing car. It is showcased at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Like a real racing car, this is a two seater in which the rear seats are replaced by a roll bar the same Grigio Competizione Opaco shade as the bodywork. In this way the car acquires additional sporting character because the roll bar decreases its weight, making it even better performing.

It also boasts special sport suspension, 17” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires and Brembo brake system including 305 mm discs with 4-piston calipers behind the rims.

The interior comes with Sabelt racing seats, some carbon fiber elements and each 695 Competizione is numbered. There are no rear seats, but Abarth fitted a roll bar for further stiffness and safety.

Abarth 695 Competizione is powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol engine with 180PS (132 kW) and 270Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed sequential gearbox, which delivers the torque to the front wheels. 0 to 100 km/h in under 7 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).

Besides all that power, the small car averages 6.5 litres per 100 km and just 151 g/km of CO2.

Last, but not least there is a “Record Monza” variable back-pressure “dual mode” exhaust, designed to improve engine performance and sound over 3 000 RPM.

Source: Fiat

September 16, 2011

2013 Fiat 500 Abarth US

Fiat will hit the US market with 500 Abarth in the second half of 2012. The 2013 500 Abarth US will boast the same extras like the European version.

The small city car will be powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol engine with a hefty 135PS (99 kW) and 180Nm (130 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.9 seconds and the top speed is 205 km/h (127 mph). The small engine emits just 155 g/km of CO2.

Abarth SS will be also available with 160PS (125 kW) and 206Nm (152 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and top speed of 211 km/h (131 mph).

However, the manufacturer didn’t announce any official price and configuration lists, but 500 Abarth US is expected to be priced at $19 000.

Source: Fiat USA via Twitter

July 26, 2011

Aznom Abarth 500 – Drifting and Burnout

Aznom Fiat 500 Abarth features a mid-mounted 1.4 liter turbocharged engine with 230PS (169 kW) and 330Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque. The car is rear-wheel drive, which means awesome handling and extraordinary fun. The performance characteristics are great, too. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h.

Here is a video from Marchettino, where the R230 makes some donuts and drifts. Note that, it is extremely hard to control a RWD car with such small wheelbase and so much power. R230 is very nervous and unstable, especially, when it is driven to the limit.

The curb weight of the car is just 1050kg, but thanks to the position of the engine, the small car has a perfect balance and it will be a great to drive at the race track.
Last, but not least, the R230 also gets Tar-Ox brakes system, Bilstein B14 race suspensions, new Turbo and some more modifications.

Check out the video, below!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGhL3pra9OQ

aznom-fiat-500

Source: Marchettino via Youtube

May 26, 2011

Romeo Ferraris Fiat 500C Abarth

The Italian tuning company Romeo Ferraris has released a tuning program for Fiat 500C Abarth.

The small city car features a chrome plaited two-tone exterior paint job, with chromed side mirrors.

Inside, it boasts a black leather seats with diamond stitching and a lot of chrome accents.

The performance package boosts the engine with 63PS. The result is achieved thanks to a reprogrammed ECU, new air filters, a bigger turbocharger and a performance exhaust system. (more…)

February 17, 2011

NOVITEC Abarth 500 – small, stylish and speedy

NOVITEC has released an extraordinary enhancement program for the staggering urban mini Abarth 500, boosting its performance, driving properties and styling to amazing, new heights. (more…)

November 29, 2010

H&R Hamann Fiat 500 Abarth – a 275PS complete madness

H&R Hamann Fiat 500 Abarth is prepared for the Essen motor show. The tuning specialists provided a performance and style packages for the small car.

The engine is boosted from the standard 135PS to the whopping 275PS, which is crazy for such small car. However, the tuning specialists provided a whole new suspension system consisting of coilovers and H&R TRAK+ wheel spacers.

The aerodynamics package features new front and rear bumpers, side skirts and wheel arc extensions. (more…)

November 23, 2010

BILSTEIN to demonstrate exceptional athleticism at Essen 2010

At the Essen Motor Show 2010, which will open its doors from 27 November to 5 December, BILSTEIN, the specialist for sport and threaded ride height adjustable kits is about to showcase on its booth wide variety of exclusive products as well as three special exhibition vehicles: the Fiat 500 Abarth in Polizia outfit packed with the BILSTEIN B14 threaded kit, the staggering VW Golf 6 R20 from Rothe Motorsport with BILSTEIN B16 PSS10 threaded kit and the extraordinary powerful – 530 horsepower VLN Audi R8 in BILSTEIN outfit. (more…)

November 23, 2010

Tag: Abarth