Abarth is looking to make a real impression at this year’s 64th Frankfurt International Motor Show, scheduling three world debuts at their booth. We’re teased with photos of the three models that will be at the show, the Abarth 500 Cabrio Italia, Abarth Punto SuperSport and the Abarth 695 Competizione. These three specialty models, in Abarth’s eyes, embody the sportiness, heritage and undisputed racing spirit essence of Abarth.

With Abarth 500 Cabrio Italia will have a limited production of just 150 units, featuring a 1.4L Turbo T-Jet engine with 160-hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. It will also be offered in a five-speed manual transmission – the first time it has been combined with the 160-hp powerplant. Inside, the special model has been outfitted with Abarth Corsa by Sabelt natural leather seats with a carbon fiber backrest. On the outside, the car features a unique Blu Abu Dhabi paint scheme, a tribute to the 150th anniversary of Italian unity.

Next up is the Abarth Punto SuperSport, that features a two-tone paint scheme accented by its matte black hood and roof. 18-inch wheels adorn the special edition which is powered by a 1.4L Multiair engine with 180-hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Suspension is also enhanced on this sporty model, with parts from the Esseesse Abarth Koni kit with the front featuring oversized four-piston red brake calipers. The inside also features Abarth Corsa by Sabelt seats in black leather with red and yellow stitchings.

Lastly, the 695 Competizione is Abarth’s first “street legal” Scorpion racing car. Inspired by the Abarth 500 Assetto Corsa, the exterior features an exclusive Grigio Competizione Opaco livery with 17-inch wheels and Brembo brake calipers. Under the hood is a 1.4L Turbo T-Jet 16v engine with 180-hp combined with the Abarth Competizione gearbox. A Record Monza dual mode exhaust system gives the vehicle a sporty tone while improving performance. The inside seats are also Abarth Corsa by Sabelt, this time in black leather with Alcantara red inserts.

All three models are dressed to impressed and we can’t wait to see them in person.

GALLERY: Abarth Frankfurt World Debuts

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After a 27 year absence, Fiat has had a very successful launch in North America. Currently, the 500 is available in three trim levels, but the model range is set to expand next year with the introduction of the sporty Abarth version and an all-electric 500. Fiat will also launch a fifth vehicle in 2013, a four-door, five-seat, taller subcompact. This vehicle will be built on a larger platform but will still use the 500 in its nameplate. It will be marketed as a more family-oriented car within the Fiat lineup.

The 500 Abarth will use an imported version of the 1.4-liter engine equipped with a turbocharger producing 160-hp. The Abarth will also have a stiffer suspension, wider tires and a tweaked exterior and interior design. Fiat feels this vehicle will be a serious competitor to the Mini Cooper S.

[Source: Autoweek]

For any car guy worth his mettle, the one Fiat to look forward to hasn’t been the cabriolet, the electric one, or even the Gucci edition—it’s been the fire-breathing Abarth, the one we thought would only be sequestered in the Italian boot.

But we Yanks are indeed getting the Abarth, and we’ll get a glimpse of our version at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

The American Abarth will get a 1.4-liter Multiair engine that will give it more power than its MINI Cooper rival—175 horsepower, to be exact. Fiat made the official announcement via its Twitter account, and just like on the elementary school playground, there’s no takesies-backsies after this.

Fiat is hoping to build a strong U.S-market demand for the 500 by expanding its line-up with a successor to the Bravo compact hatchback.

Concerns have be raised about relaunching Fiat in the United States, however early sales figures of the 500 have exceeded expectations. A cabriolet version of the hatchback is now appearing in showrooms, with the Abarth and EV versions to follow soon after.

Fiat does not want to interfere with Chrysler’s traditional markets in the U.S, so Fiat won’t sell any vehicle larger than a Focus.

US brand boss, Laura Soaves said “Fiat will be the small car brand,”. “It will never have anything larger than a C [segment].”

Alfa Romeo’s planned ‘halo car’ will offer a modest amount of vehicles when first released. However Alfa Romeo hopes to sell 150 8C cars before the 4C is deemed effective for launch in North America.

[Source: AutoCar]

Discuss this story at Fiat500Owners.com

Aznom’s Abarth 500 seems unsuspecting from the outside, with a fancy set of wheels and upgraded brakes being most noticeable. But closer inspection reveals this Abarth 500 packs 230-hp thanks to a powerplant no longer housed under the hood, but rather a transparent box in the middle of the vehicle. Yes, Aznom’s Abarth 500 is called Motore Centrale R230 for a reason: it packs 230-hp and is a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

Perhaps it’s a tribute to the classic original 500, but Aznom rearranged the entire setup of this Abarth 500 while tuning the 1.4L turbocharged powerplant to 230-hp and 243 ft-lbs of torque. In addition to the entire drivetrain and powertrain modifications, Aznom also outfits the Abarth 500 with Bilstein dampers, upgraded brakes, wheels and Kumho tires. It’ll be interesting to see if Aznom offers this conversion to the general public down the road.

GALLERY: Aznom Motore Centrale R230 Abarth 500

[Source: Topspeed]

Alfa Romeo’s new 4C flagship ‘affordable’ sports car, which debuted at the Geneva Auto Show last week is likely headed to the U.S. according to brand CEO Harald Wester.

With that news, Wester also revealed that rather than have Alfa models sold alongside Maseratis, the automaker is looking to share showroom space with the Fiat brand – likely in an effort to draw traffic to new volume models like the 500.

The 4C won’t be inexpensive, but will be more attainable than the 8C, which topped out at over $100,000. Made of carbon fiber and aluminum, the 4C is powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter making 265-hp.

Along with the 4C Coupe, Alfa will look to add a Spyder (convertible) model, with rumors of a special higher-performance version build by Abarth.

GALLERY: Alfa Romeo 4C GTA Concept

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]

With all the flashiness and gaudiness of Fenice Milano’s recent entries to the aftermarket world, it’s refreshing to see that Romeo Ferraris was able to tame the tuner down a built to introduce a nice Abarth 500 to the world. Paying tribute to the legendary race circuit, the Monza edition adds a bit more sport to the Abarth 500 while keeping it mild and clean on the outside.

At quick glance, the aesthetics of the Abarth 500 has most noticeably changed thanks to red and blue racing stripes uniquely placed on the body. The white interior also receives the same-styled stripe treatment. Giving it a little bit more race appeal is a set of 17-inch mesh wheels wrapped with 205/40/17 Yokohama rubber.

Romeo Ferraris’ contribution takes the stock horsepower from 135-hp to a fun-filled 260-hp. Combine that with larger 11-inch Brembo brakes and a full body kit and you’ve got yourself a real winner. But in true Fenice Milano style, each of the 10 Abarth 500 Monzas will receive a brass plaque with the owner’s name, while the interior features an edition number on the shifter and Monza logos throughout.

GALLERY: Abarth 500 Monza

[Source: TopSpeed]

With Fiat’s 500 about to hit dealers in North America, we’re about to see an influx of aftermarket tuners producing products for the Italian car and all its many variants.

Novitec, a famed Ferrari tuner, has taken the Italian hatch and added its own twist. Starting with Abarth’s high-performance version, Novitec is offering several different tuning packages that offer horsepower upgrades from 164-hp to 212-hp.

The packages are available for the 1.4L T-Jet 4-cylinder powerplant with their NT4-Corse taking center stage. Priced at close to $4,000 the kit comes complete with a new turbo, air filter and air intake box on the intake side. On the exhaust side, Novitec provides a new exhaust system. For fuel, bigger injectors and a fuel pressure regulator are included. And of course the ECU is upgraded with Novitec’s Powerjet 2 unit. The exhaust system is offered separately for those wanting just that for their Abarth 500.

Suspension upgrades are also available from Novitec from sport springs (that lowers the Abarth 500 approximately 1.37-inches) or full coilovers that come with stiffer shocks. For wheels, Novitec offers 17-inch or 18-inch N10 wheels in either silver polished or matte black finishes. The wheels start at $1,460. Those wanting an extra-aggressive setup, Novitec will accompany an 18×8-inch package for Abarth’s 500.

On the outside, Novitec has also developed a new front lip spoiler made of carbon fiber and the turn signals are tinted in black.

GALLERY: Novitec Abarth 500

Get more Fiat 500 News and Info at Fiat500Owners.com

Like a matte-black paint job, dress any old car up like a police cruiser and its instantly cool. But what if the car is already a fine machine? Well then, that’s something special.

Debuting at the Eibach Springs booth at the Essen Motor Show this year will be a Fiat 500 Abarth model sporting Polizia livery and a nice adjustable Eibach suspension kit. For those who don’t know, Fiat’s in-house Abarth tuning arm builds hopped-up versions of cars like the Fiat 500 (which just debuted in U.S. Spec as the LA Auto Show), including everything from new wheels and tires to a turbo under the hood.

The car will be on display at the Essen Motor Show (essentially Germany’s SEMA), from November 27 to December 5, alongside several other modified cars including a Golf R and Audi R8 – both sporting Eibach kits.

Abarth’s rumored mid-engine sports car will apparently use the KTM X-Bow as a starting point, replacing the X-Bow’s Volkswagen mill with a Fiat Multi-Air engine good for 180 horsepower.

The terms of the deal would see Abarth purchase the rolling chassis from KTM and install their own engines. It’s not yet known if the Abarth would retain the radical styling of the X-Bow or if it will retain actual bodywork. Naturally, the car will be extremely limited production, and have a sticker price of roughly $80,000 when it debuts in 2013.

[Source: Road and Track]

Abarth, Fiat’s in-house tuner, launched two new vehicles at the 2010 Paris Auto Show, both which feature the optional “esseesse” kits that give the cars a modest power boost.

The Abarth 500C Esseesse is the most powerful version of Fiat’s 500 hatchback, and Abarth introduced a convertible version based on the 500C as a companion to the fixed roof model. Specs remain the same, with 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque from its 1.4L turbo engine. 0-60 time is 7.6 seconds, with a top speed of 129 mph.

The larger Punto Evo esseessse gets 180 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, but most move a bit more metal, giving it nearly identical performance figures. The Punto hits 60 in 7.5 seconds and tops out at 134 mph.

The esseesse kits feature some neat enhancements, beyond the tuned air filter and muffler systems. Seatbelts are now made by renowned racing equipment manufacturer Sabelt, and the GPS system has a built in telemetry system by Magnetti Marelli, the same company that makes data loggers and electronic equipment for Ferrari.

Gallery: Abarth Punto Evo

Gallery: Abarth 500C

With the Fiat 500 on the horizon for a North American release, Fiat’s tuning house, Abarth, has released an additional pair of models to showcase what is possible with the hot hatch. The 500C Essesse and Punto Evo Essesse will both be on display at the Paris Auto Show on September 30th, 2010.

While the actual upgrades aren’t detailed in the press release, the 500C Essesse will put out 160-hp with 170 ft-lbs of torque. The modifications also include the Record Monza dual-model exhaust and Abarth’s Blue&Me in car electronics package. We’re digging the two-tone finish on the exterior of the 500C, sporting Campovolo grey and Pista grey, contrasted with white chromatic trim pieces.

The Punto Evo Essesse throws down 180-hp and 199 ft-lbs of torque, making it the more powerful of the two. It’s also finished in Campovolo grey but in a single tone. The Punto Evo Essesse’s exterior styling also looks much more aggressive than the 500C. This makes sense given that the Punto Evo has more power and is probably geared towards more hardcore enthusiasts.

AutoGuide will be on hand at the Paris Auto Show and will be sure to check out Abarth’s newest offerings.

GALLERY: Abarth 500C Essesse and Punto Evo Essesse

Official release after the break.

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The rumored Abarth sports car, based on KTM’s X-Bow trackday car could end up taking a very different form by reviving the legendary Lancia Stratos nameplate.

On the same day that rumors of a KTM-based Abarth surfaced, spy photos of a new car that looks nearly identical to the Stratos appeared on various blogs, showing the car testing at a Fiat facility in Europe.

While there is some doubt as to the authenticity of the photos, a revised Stratos is not too much of a stretch. Body panels can easily be fitted around an X-Bow chassis, and news that Fiat will jettison the X-Bow’s Volkswagen TSFI powerplant in favour of a Multiair 1.8L four cylinder lend credence to the idea. If Fiat were truly interested in an authentic Stratos, the engine would have to be a V6, but if the vehicle were badged as an Abarth, this oversight could be justified.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Along with a new stand-alone coupe and convertible, Fiat sub-brand Abarth will look to expand its lineup of original models with a Lotus Elise rival based on the KTM X-Bow (above). If you’re not familiar with KTM or the X-Bow, the company is best known for building motorcycles and the X-Bow was a limited project to build a track car along the lines of the Ariel Atom or Lotus 2-Eleven.

A report by AutoExpress says sources inside the Italian automaker have confirmed the model and have already begun work on a prototype using an X-Bow carbon fiber chassis. The VW-sourced 2.0 TFSI engine would, however, be tossed in favor of a Fiat 1.8-liter four cylinder featuring a turbocharger and the Italian automaker’s MultiAir technology. It’s also expected to get Abarth/Fiat styling and weigh a good chunk more than the 1,750 lbs that the stripped-down K-Bow does.

Interestingly, Abarth reportedly looked at sourcing the Elise chassis from Lotus for the project, but the platform was deemed to be too old and too expensive.

Only a small number (around 2,000) versions of this new Abarth model will be built, retailing for £42,000 to £50,000, ($65,000 to $78,000). Yikes!

If in fact the Abarth X-Bow does make it to market, look for a 2013 launch date.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Fiat frenzy is on the horizon and we’re excited for the Fiat 500 to finally come over to America. We imagine it won’t be too long before Abarth renditions are released, regardless, it’s time to shine the spotlight on Fiat/Abarth tuners worldwide.

G-Tech has taken the already hopped-up Abarth 500 and converted it to a 207-hp, 229 ft-lbs of torque street machine. The 1.4L has been beefed up with a Garrett turbo, larger injectors, new spark plugs and cat-back exhaust system. Considering the stock powerplant puts out a meager 135-hp and 152 ft-lbs of torque, we imagine G-Tech’s RS-S Kitted Abarth 500 is a blast to drive.

In addition to the engine mods, G-Tech outfitted their model with some green accents (not our cup of tea, red would definitely be more fitting), 17-inch wheels from OZ Racing and coilovers to adjust the suspension. The only pricing we caught whim of is $37,745 for the complete car as shown here, but we reckon you can order the parts individually.

Check out the video of G-Tech’s Abarth 500 after the break.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

GALLERY: G-Tech Abarth 500 With RS-S Kit

Continue Reading…

While there’s a lot of excitement building surrounding the return of Fiat to the U.S. and the launch of the Fiat 500, enthusiasts, auto journalists and car snobs alike have been patiently awaiting word that the Italian automaker will also roll out a line of Abarth branded models. Finally, we can confirm that we won’t have to suffer disappointment and can instead rejoice behind the wheel of the Abarth 500.

While the Fiat 500 is slated to get roughly 100-hp, the Abarth tuned model will get a turbocharged version of the 1.4-liter making roughly 135-hp. And when it arrives here in North America, the new Abarth 500 may get Fiat’s MultiAir technology using electronically controlled intake valves. This model should deliver a 0-60 mph time of roughly 7.6 seconds – but with larger wheels and tires, not to mention suspension upgrades, the Abarth model is more about the apex than the straightaway.

In addition, Abarth is reportedly working on its first-ever ground-up vehicle: a coupe, based on the 500, but inspired by the 1959 Zagato Abarth 750.

Better still Abarth models will likely come with the higher-performance Essesse tuning packages which boast either 163-hp and 194 ft-lbs of torque, or 178-hp and 199 ft-lbs of torque. John Cooper who?

[Source: InsideLine]

Get more Fiat 500 news and info at Fiat500Owners.com

A Fiat dealer along Paris’ famed Champs-Elysees will play host to the first side-by-side Jeep and Fiat dealer as the brands seek to integrate themselves in anticipation for anticipation for Chrysler’s European rollout.

The Motor Village megastore as the dealership is known, also displays vehicles from Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Maserati. Several other automakers have flagship showrooms on the famous street, where an estimated 180 million visitors pass by each year. Auto makers also enjoy the proximity to such luxury brands as Louis Vuitton and Cartier.

[Source: Automotive News]

Fiat’s Abarth brand has been tuning economical pint-sized Italian runabouts for decades, but under a corporate restructuring the high-performance division is set to expand its expertise. The company’s marketing boss, Antonino Labate has confirmed that select Alfa Romeo products will get Abarth tuning packages. It’s not clear what models will be included, but Alfa does have significant plans to grow its brand, even in North America.

According to Fiat’s 5-year plan, Alfa will soon add two Crossovers/SUVs to its lineup, as well as a convertible sports car, not to mention the new MiTo, Guiletta and the upcoming Guilia. All of these will be offered in North America.

Currently Abarth builds special Fiat-based products based on the Fiat 500 and Punto Evo, with tuning packages that up horsepower, while improving handling and braking. Abarth is also expected to expand its product range to more Fiat models.

In other exciting Abarth news, Abarth is poised to deliver its first stand-alone model that is touted to be a rival for the Mazda MX-5 Miata and upcoming MINI Coupe. That new sports car should arrive within the next two years.

[Source: AutoCar]

Fiat is taking dead aim at the MINI brand and is set to introduce two new versions, a three-door estate (a long wheelbase 500 modeled after the Clubman) and a proper five-door hatchback with more interior room. Not surprisingly, these versions will be offered in North America, where the increased space and practicality should broaden the appeal of Fiat’s hot hatch.

Fiat is set to introduce 34 models across all its model ranges by 2014, but the AutoGuide staff still have their hearts set on the Abarth model (above), complete with 5-point racing harnesses and a 170-horsepower turbocharged engine. No word on whether a five-door Abarth will be offered, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed.

The standard Fiat 500 3-door is set to go on sale in North America by the end of the year.

[Source: TopSpeed]

Hanging out near Ferrari and Maserati we found Fiat’s performance brand – Abarth. With several standard Fiat models set to arrive in North America in the next few months, we can only hope they will be followed shortly thereafter by their modified Abarth cousins.

Up first is the Abarth tuned version of the Fiat 500C (convertible). The car isn’t technically a convertible, however, but rather features a retractable cloth top and retains the roof rails. Power comes from Fiat’s turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder with 140-hp, allowing for a 0-62 mph time of 7.9 seconds. Also included are upgraded wheels, brakes, a new suspension setup, aero kit and stylish two-tone paint scheme. There’s no official word, but we’re likely to see this model join Fiat’s lineup in North America in the next several years – after the standard 500 and 500C are introduced.

Next up, Abarth is also displaying its version of the Fiat Punto Evo. Looking like a hot-hatch we’d love to have in our garage, this model gets the same 1.4-liter turbocharged Multiair engine but tuned to 165-hp. (A 178-hp Esse-Esse model will also be available). It gets the usual list of wheel, brake and suspension upgrades as well as a typically-sporty aero kit and paint scheme.

We still can’t find our way to liking the style of the Fiat 500, but we’d be likely to overlook it in an Abarth version. Better yet, give us the Punto Evo (Esse-Esse) please. And in fact we may just get what we’re asking for… sort of, as rumors suggest a Dodge branded version of a future Punto Evo model is in the works for our shores. Design-wise, we like the Punto Evo just the way it is and hope to get a similar looking vehicle in North America soon.

GALLERY: Abarth 500C

GALLERY: Abarth Punto Evo

Fiat’s performance-minded Abarth brand will unveil two new models, based off of Fiat products that were introduced last year. Up first is the Abarth 500C, an upgraded version of the Fiat 500C (the C, standing for convertible). The car isn’t technically a convertible, but rather features a retractable cloth top and retains the roof rails. Power comes from Fiat’s turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder with 140-hp, allowing for a 0-62 mph time of 7.9 seconds. Also included are upgraded wheels, brakes, a new suspension setup, aero kit and stylish two-tone paint scheme. There’s no official word, but we’re likely to see this model join Fiat’s lineup in North America in the next several years – after the standard 500 and 500C are introduced.

Next up, Abarth will also debut a larger and more powerful model, based on the Fiat Punto Evo. Looking like a hot-hatch we’d love to have in our garage, this model gets the same 1.4-liter turbocharged Multiair engine but tuned to 165-hp. (A 178-hp Esse-Esse model will also be available). It gets the usual list of wheel, brake and suspension upgrades as well as a typically-sporty aero kit and paint scheme.

We can’t say we’ve been overly excited about Fiat’s return to North America, but if it includes these Abarth models, we’re stoked!

Click here for AutoGuide’s live Geneva Auto Show coverage starting Monday, March 1st.

GALLERY: Abarth Puno Evo

GALLERY: Abarth 500C

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

With the Chicago Auto Show just the day before, there’s not a lot of point in covering the Toronto Auto Show, except for the fact that it often allows a much closer look at new and upcoming models. Chicago is already low-key but the media day at the Canadian International Auto Show is sparsely attended at best and so we got the best access we’ve had yet to Fiat’s high-powered Abarth version of the 500.

We’re not overly fond of the Fiat 500′s European econo looks, but add on some aerodynamic treatments, a lowered suspension and some 17-inch wheels and we’re starting to see the appeal. Plus, in the Abarth mode, the 500′s standard 1.4-liter 4-cylinder gets a turbocharger (one of the smallest we’ve ever seen), to create 170-hp and 170 ft-lbs of torque.

While no production date is set, the 500 is scheduled to U.S. and Canadian shores and that’s likely to mean the Abarth 500 will also follow. We were surprised at how high-grade the car’s interior is, looking like a slightly lower-grade Audi, with some well-bolstered seats and a nice meaty steering wheel. If Fiat is to make a success of a car like this it will have to sell it as a premium vehicle, competing with the MINI Cooper. With slightly less power but also less weight, a model like this Abarth is sure to be a hit amongst enthusiasts.

GALLERY: Abarth 500

Standing out in stark contrast to all the Japanese cars, and even the other European models at the Tokyo Auto Salon, were two little toys from Fiat tuner/sub-brand Abarth, a 500 and Grande Punto. The hard-core Abarth 500 is a hoped-up version of the Fiat 500 and this particular Abarth is even more extreme thanks to an Esseesse kit.

What makes this car so special is that it has roughly double the output of the stock Fiat 500. The Abarth model already makes impressive power from its 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, but the Esseesse kit takes output from 170-hp all the way to 197-hp. As for torque, it’s rated at 170 ft-lbs, which is more than enough to make this pint-sized Fiat a pocket rocket.

Additional Esseesse package modifications include larger brakes, a lowered suspension and 17-inch wheels.

The perfect mix of style and performance, the Abarth 500 seems like the perfect car for Japan and we’re excited about yet-unconfirmed reports that it will be offed in North America soon. Make our Abarth 500 an Esseesse, please!

GALLERY: Abarth 500 Esseesse

Starkly contrasted with the rest of the Chrysler corporate display at the Detroit Auto Show are the booths of Ferrari, Maserati and Fiat. The small Fiat dislay showcased two models set to arrive in North American in the near future: the much talked about Fiat 500 and the relatively unknown Abarth 500.

The Abarth model won’t be unknown for long, however, as it is hard-core version of the 500 from Fiat’s performance-oriented Abarth division. While the 500 features Fiat’s 1.4-liter Multiair engine with 100-hp at 6500 rpm and 95 ft-lbs of torque at 4250 rpm, the Abarth model sports a turbocharged version of the same powerplant and boasts 170-hp at 6750 rpm and 170 ft-lbs of torque at 3000 rpm. On top of all this, it features highly bolstered seats (with racing harnesses on the display car), light-weight wheels and a tiny set of Brembos.

In many ways, if the 500 is supposed to compete with the MINI Cooper, then the Abarth 500 is equivalent to a John Cooper Works. Sure it doesn’t make near the power, but it also looks significantly lighter.

Fiat is set to launch the 500 in North America in the near future, with the Abarth model expected to follow. Other Chrysler models (likely rebadged Fiat models) are expected to feature these engines as well.

GALLERY: Fiat 500 and Abarth 500