Fiat has announced the rebirth of the prestigious Abarth brand, which returns to South Africa early in 2012 with a new range that will appeal to all lovers of motorsports.
Abarth will return with four cars currently on display at the Johannesburg International Motor Show, namely the Abarth 500, Abarth 500 Esseesse, Abarth 500C Esseesse and the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari.
The 500 Abarth was developed by the Abarth engineers in the spirit of the legendary 500 Abarth cars of yore. It is a heady mix of technology, performance and safety that finds its roots in the experience and passion of the world of racing, while remaining faithful to the saying coined for Abarths of the ‘60s – “small but deadly”.
The styling hints at the proverbial sting in the 500 Abarth’s tail, with the three-part grille comprising of a central intake that is larger than on the normal 500, and an upper slot (above the number plates) that is also wider. The two symmetrical ‘nostrils’ on either side of the bumpers correspond exactly to the position of two corresponding intercoolers that can be seen through the openings – in place to ensure air is able to flow in and out. 16-inch alloys round off the exterior racing attire with 17-inch units available as an option. The rear features a special bumper, diffuser, twin exhausts and roof spoiler, which give the car a sporting look as well as improved aerodynamic performance. A scorpion logo is printed above the silencer, just as on the historical Abarth exhausts.
Inside, the 500 Abarth features unique instrumentation and an analogue pressure gauge used to measure the turbo pressure. The pressure gauge contains a ‘GSI’ (Gear Shift Indicator) that turns on an LED to encourage the driver to shift gear. The three-spoke steering wheel incorporates moulded grips to ensure better control, while aluminium pedals with rubber inserts also reveal a clear racing vocation, as does the gear knob (leather trimmed with a more ergonomic grip for sporty use) and handbrake lever grip (also in leather). The body-hugging seats are also unique to the Abarth models and can be trimmed in leather, in two black or red specifications, or in two types of cloth.
The fun bit lies under the bonnet, however, where a 1.4-litre 16-valve turbocharged engine delivers maximum power 99 kW and maximum torque of 206 Nm at 3000 rpm in ‘Sport’ mode (in ‘Normal’ mode, the torque remains at 180 Nm). Top speed is 205 km/h, while acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h takes place in just 7.9 seconds. This is partly achieved by the overboost function, activated by the ‘Sport’ button that modulates control unit mapping and turbo pressure in addition to load on the steering wheel.
The new Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is distinguished by a number of stylistic changes, but more importantly by substantial mechanical modifications developed by Abarth and Ferrari engineers. The engine, for a start, is a 1.4-litre T-Jet 16-valve unit, tuned to develop over 132 kW. This is combined with an MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) electromechanical gearbox with race-inspired paddle gearshift that makes full use of the engine’s performance by reducing gearshift times. The Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari clocks a 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time of under 7 seconds and will reach a top speed of 225 km/h.
The Tributo Ferrari is fitted with performance tyres on 17-inch alloy wheels featuring a design inspired by Ferrari. The suspension and braking systems have also been strengthened to cope with the extra power: 284 mm multi-section discs with fixed four-piston calipers, both by Brembo, and special shock absorbers let you enjoy performance in total safety. There is also a “Record Monza” variable back-pressure exhaust, designed to improve engine performance and deliver an inspiring sound over 3 000 r/min.
Certainly not that you need it, but for those who demand a little something extra from their Abarth 500 or 500C, the master tuners at Abarth have come up with a ‘go-faster’ kit that promises to deliver in no uncertain terms. Called the “esseesse” kit (pronounced ‘SS’), the mods give the cars an injection of power, significantly improving performance and acceleration yet without affecting the CO2 levels.
The kit tunes the 1.4-litre T-Jet power unit to achieve a maximum power of 117 kW and torque of 230 Nm. Top speed is 209 km/h with acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds. Safety is always the focus with Abarth tuning, as evidenced by the upgrading of the braking system and adjusted ride: the “esseesse” kit for the 500C fits perforated, ventilated front disc brakes (diameter 284 mm x 22 mm), perforated rear disc brakes (diameter 240 mm x 11 mm), high-performance front brake pads, front and rear Koni shock absorbers with FSD valve, specific, red, springs set lower than those on the original car, Abarth “esseesse” alloy wheels painted white or titanium, combined with 205/40 ZR17 tyres.
The conversion kit also includes four sensors to record correct tyre pressure, a special “powered by BMC” air cleaner and “esseesse” badges for the engine cover and tailgate. As is traditional with Abarth, for the “esseesse” kit is delivered to customers in a unique wooden case and is fitted exclusively by official Abarth tuning centres to ensure the highest standards of monitoring and safety.
The first Abarth dealership will open in Johannesburg in January 2012
