MALAYSIAN MOTOR TRADER NEWS - FIRST LOOKS

This clear, strong approach that Karl Abarth was first to make his own has now reappeared in the design and production of new models and in the development of all brand activities. Abarth achieves this goal by calling on the aid of leading companies in the sportscar component field - Brembo, BMC, Sabelt, FPT–Fiat Powertrain Technologies and Magneti Marelli amongst others. These partners with international scope guarantee the highest levels of performance and safety through their products: exactly in accordance with the Abarth philosophy.

To go on sale from this weekend in most western European markets, the new 500 Abarth was developed by the Abarth engineers in the spirit of the legendary 500 Abarth cars of the 1960s. The new car was created with the intention of reinforcing the brand’s sporting position.

Like the standard Fiat 500, it looks like a nimble and compact pocket car while inside it is claimed to offer the very best that is currently available in the field of engineering, safety and technology, remaining faithful to the saying coined for the Abarth cars of the 1960s (small but deadly): veritable scorpions, in other words, able to ‘sting the passion’ of thousands of motorists with a taste for challenge, speed and Italian style. The new 500 Abarth is a heady mix of technology, performance and safety that finds its roots in the experience and passion of the world of racing.

The style of the 500 Abarth, created by the Fiat Group Automobiles style centre, complements the Scorpion tradition and is not just for looks; it significantly contributes to the car’s performance. The best example of this lies in the particular attention devoted to the aerodynamics and function of certain elements.

For example, the rear view of the 500 Abarth is typified by the presence of a special bumper, aerodynamic extractor, twin exhaust terminal and tailgate spoiler that give it a sporting look but also excellent aerodynamic performance. A scorpion logo is printed above the silencer, just as on the historical Abarth exhausts.

The front end makes a specific statement that the 500 Abarth is an out-and-out GT: the three-part pattern formed by the air intakes comprises a central intake that is larger than on the basic model, and an upper slot (above the numberplates) 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 and are there to ensure air is able to flow in and out.

The front end with the frieze has been shifted forward to create the space needed for the turbocharger. This makes the side profile of the 500 Abarth more pronounced and striking in pitch-perfect Abarth tradition: on the 850 TC and 1000 TC models, no-nonsense external manifolds were a recognisable feature of the brand.

The Abarth logo ‘floats’ on a finned surface that acts as an additional air intake. Abarth badges are positioned on the sides, crossed by a 3-coloured thunderbolt, exactly as on the Abarth 595 and 695 Abarth of the 1960s, to symbolise the brand’s racing vocation.

The wheels (available in 16 and 17 inch sizes) come in different styles: from multispoked rims to rims bordered by holes (the reference to the forged wheel motifs of the 1970s is clear).

The exciting racing interiors on the 500 Abarth feature specific instruments and an analogue turbo boost pressure gauge. The pressure gauge contains a ‘GSI’ (Gear Shift Indicator) that turns on an LED to encourage the driver to shift gear.

The main gauge, with sporting graphics, is lipped on top to offer further protection against glare while the 3-spoke steering wheel incorporates moulded grips for the thumbs and is levelled off at the base to ensure increased passenger room and space for adjustment.

The 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 seats with head restraints built into the back rest also reveal a special Abarth design with a wraparound configuration in order to hold the body tightly in position even when cornering. They can be trimmed in leather, in two black or red specifications, or in two types of different cloth.

Created to meet the toughest standards, the 500 Abarth is claimed to be one of the safest cars in its entire segment. Stable, effective braking plus good pick-up ensured by the 135 bhp engine and predictable handling at all times allow the new car to sail confidently through critical situations.

The 500 Abarth is also fitted as standard with 7 airbags (two front, two window bags, two sidebags and one for knee protection): a record for this car category. The new model also features technically sophisticated products to ensure effective car control by the driver including ABS with EBD, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), Hill Holder devices to help the driver during hill starts and HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) to help in emergency stops.

For the very first time in this segment, the new 500 Abarth also offers two features that are appealing by any standards: the ‘TTC’ (Torque Transfer Control) and ‘GSI’ (Gear Shift Indicator) systems. The first device improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels and, in particular, guarantees excellent cornering behaviour thus making the car safer and more entertaining during a sporty drive.

The ‘GSI’ (Gear Shift Indicator) encourages the driver to shift gear by turning on a special indicator on the control panel (an LED flashes 5 consecutive times). If normal mode has been selected, the system tells the driver that fuel savings could be made by shifting to another gear. If the driver continues in sport mode, the gearshift suggestion aims to achieve the best possible performance.

The 500 Abarth also offers all the properties of dynamism and comfort that allow its users to tackle longer, more demanding routes in comfort. This is also due to the suspension configuration: the front system is a MacPherson strut configuration while the rear suspension features interconnected wheels (i.e. semi-independent) with a torsion beam. Created from a Magneti Marelli design, both selected configurations have been appropriately revised and developed for the new vehicle to ensure great handling and top level driving comfort.

Abarth cars are known and appreciated as sporty cars that are able to offer the challenge of a great tradition of races and victories through outstanding motor engineering. Enthusiasts will describe them as cars that enhance everyday driving experiences with a true racing feel and authentic driving satisfaction.

The new 500 Abarth upholds these characteristics but if necessary can also offer something more: more performance, more handling, better braking capacity. The credit goes mainly to the exuberant engine concealed beneath the bonnet: a Fire 1.4 16v petrol Turbo engine that delivers a maximum power of 135 bhp (99 kW) at 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 206 Nm at 3000 rpm in ‘Sport’ mode (in ‘Normal’ mode, the torque remains 180 Nm at 2500 rpm).

Since the relaunch of the Abarth brand, business has been brisk and more than 80 dealerships are already operating in Europe with 20 more to be opened by the end of the year. Japan will be the first market outside Europe to have an official Abarth dealership.