Archive for the ‘Abarth’ Category
August 24th, 2010 | 
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When Abarth unveiled the 695 Tributo Ferrari Edition earlier this month, it came with a price tag of 35,500 euro (that’s around $45,000 at the current rates). We thought that was a crazy price for an Abarth model, but, apparently, that’s nothing compared to what the Spaniards have to pay. Spain’s prices for the little hatchback were announced at a costly sum of €46,339, or about US$58,900 at the current exchange rates. Come on, really now!
With that money, in Spain, you can choose between a Nissan 370Z 331HP V6, a VW Scirocco R 265HP, an Alfa Romeo Brera 260HP 3.2 JTS V6, a BMW 135i Coupe 306HP, or a Subaru Impreza WRX STI 300HP! Looking at the choices in this price range, why would anyone go for the Abarth?
As a reminder, the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is powered by a 1.4L turbocharged engine mated to a 5-speed C510 gearbox. This combination leaves the Abarth with 180hp and a top speed of 140mph. The 0-62mph sprint gets accomplished in under seven seconds. A sport button is placed in the dashboard to give the gearbox, engine control unit, and steering a racier feeling complete with more response from the car. of course, these numbers and features still don’t add up to the competition with a price tag like the one it is exhibiting.
An Abarth 695 for $60,000! In what world? originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 24 August 2010 20:00 EST.
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In the auto industry, the phrase ‘never say never’ rings true like Sunday morning gospel. Even if the whole situation seems unlikely, it still doesn’t mean that slim chances won’t ever happen.
Take this reported new partnership for example. Whispers are getting louder in the auto circles of a potential project that would involve two brands joining forces: Fiat’s in-house tuning firm, Abarth and the Austrian brand KTM.
From what we’ve heard, the reported tie-up between the two companies will center on a particular car that will be released in 2013. No details were mentioned on what kind of car it actually is, but it was mentioned that it could be something along the likes of an Audi-powered mid-engined two-seater that uses a rolling chassis, similar to what is found in the current X-Bow. Abarth is reportedly also working on putting in a new 1.8-liter version of Fiat’s MultiAir turbocharged petrol engine that’s capable of producing power in excess of 200 horsepower. The Italian tuning house is likewise expected to add some new features, including a unique bodyshell that will be built around the X-Bow’s current carbon fiber monocoque platform. This would make it, at the very least, a little more user-friendly and usable as a standard road car.
The expected price tag on the car is somewhere around £42,000 – £50,000 ($67,000 – $75,000) and it could hit the streets as soon as 2013.
Abarth in talks with KTM to produce special edition X-Bow originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 4 August 2010 17:00 EST.
After a very successful history of selling customized Fiat models (22,000 since 2008), Abarth has decided it was time to take its chances with the Alfa Romeo models: "The brand is doing so well that we plan to start producing more performance kits for Fiats, and even some Alfa Romeo models. We won’t be working with the Mito since Alfa already has the Cloverleaf, but there are lots of other possibilities," Antonino Labate,the firm’s sales and marketing boss told Autocar.
This, though, will not happen in the near future. Until then Abarth plans to introduce Esseesse versions for the new Punto Evo Abarth and 500C models. The Esseesse package will include engine upgrades, stiffer suspension, and uprated brakes.
But, wait, there’s more. Abarth will also be introducing the company’s first stand-alone sports car model within the next two years. Also in the next two years, Abarth will be bringing a dual-clutch gearbox for the Punto and Multiair engines for the 500.
Stay tuned for more details!
Abarth will also tune Alfa Romeo models originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 29 June 2010 15:00 EST.
The first rumors appeared in 2008, but today Abarth officially confirmed that their first stand alone sports car will be unveiled in the next two years. This will be a first in more than 30 years of Abarth history.
In an interview with AutoCar, Antonino Labate, head of sales and marketing at Abarth, said: "The brand is doing so well we will definitely bring our own standalone Abarth coupe model to market within the next two years." He also confirmed that Lotus will not be involved in the car’s development or supply Elise underpinnings.
Previous reports suggested that the future model will be powered by a 135 hp 1.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Abarth 500. However it is now believed that it will feature a 204 HP engine and will weigh around 900 kilos. The car, a two-seater model, will also feature a removable roof panel, the traditional white and red color scheme, and, of course, plenty of the Abarth scorpion logos.
Abarth confirms its first stand-alone sports car originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 24 June 2010 09:00 EST.
After the 500 Essesses models were tuned up with Abarth’s "essesse" treatment, Abarth has announced that the same treatment will be applied to both the 500C and the Punto Evo. The official debut for both models is expected to be made in November.
In the standard version, the Abarth Punto Evo develops a total of 165 Hp, but now the Essesses version’s output will be raised to over 180 HP. It will also get stiffer suspension and uprated brakes.
For the 500C, Abarth will apply the same treatment as for the 500 Essesses, meaning a 157 HP 1.4 turbocharged engine, a faster-shifting version of the five-speed MTA automatic gearbox, electric power steering with "sport mode", a specifically lowered ride height, and high performance brakes.
The exterior will be distinguished by a red and white checkered flag, yellow, and red shield with the black scorpion and a beautiful polished white floor.
When the Punto Evo Essesse goes on sale, it will be priced at $28,000 with the 500C Essesse priced at $29,000.
Abarth prepares new Essesses models originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 17 June 2010 21:00 EST.
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