Abarth cars

2010 Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari UK Edition

What’s better than a Ferrari? Well, how about...Okay, we can’t even finish that. We know this Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari UK Edition is not anywhere near as good as a Ferrari, but it’s definitely a nice little tribute to Italy’s finest. The Abarth 695 will go on sale in the UK as a Right Hand Drive version and will be limited to only 152 units each priced at 35,500 EUROS.

What’s a tribute to Ferrari without a Scuderia-inspired paint job and some carbon accessories? Well, for starters, it wouldn’t be a good tribute, which is why this Abarth models sports the classic red paint finish and carbon touches. The exterior is finished with 17" alloy wheels.

Under the hood, the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari will feature 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.

Hit the jump for a complete list of specs for the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari UK Edition.

Abarth prepares Fiat 500 Speedster

After unveiling their customized versions for the 500 and 500C, Abarth have announced plans to build their own coupe version of the Fiat 500. Their model will pay tribute to the 1959 Zagato Abarth 750 T and will be offered in both open and closed versions.

The car will feature a new enlarged tail spoiler, big wheels, and multiple detail changes compared to the 750 T. It will be the first modern Abarth with body styles exclusive to the marque. On the interior the rear seats will be removed, in the style of the Italian coupes of the 1950s and 1960s.

The next Abarth coupe will be powered by a 1.4 liter T-Jet engine that develops a total of 178 HP (same from the limited-edition Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari). The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be made in 7.4 seconds and top speed will be higher than in any other Abarth model.

Abarth will also tune Alfa Romeo models

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 confirms its first stand-alone sports car

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 prepares new Essesses models

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.

2010 Abarth Punto Evo

The second model in Abarth’s line-up at the Geneva Motor Show is Punto Evo, a model powered by a 165 HP Multiair 1.4 turbo petrol engine with a maximum torque of 250 NM. And if you want more than that Abarth is also offering a "SS" kit that will raise the maximum power to 180 hp.

The new Abarth Punto Evo features a new performance mode selection system that modulates engine, braking and steering action to offer a choice of two different driving styles - Sport and Normal. The SS kit gets modifications to chassis components, including perforated, ventilated discs, high performance brake pads, lower springs, and 18" Abarth "SS" alloy wheels painted in white or titanium, and fitted with performance tires.

Updated 06/15/2010: Abarth unveiled today new images and video of the Punto Evo. Check the gallery!

Press release after the jump.

2010 Abarth 500C

Abarth will launch the 500C - the company’s first ever convertible - next week at the Geneva Motor Show. This elegant and dynamic car is packed with Abarth racing spirit and the latest performance technology. Sales will begin in the next few months.

The Abarth 500C is powered by a four cylinders inline engine with a total output of 140 HP at 5000 rpm and a peak torque of 206 Nm at 2000 rpm in Sport mode. The engine is mated to a "Abarth Competizione" 5-speed gearbox and sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, while top speed is 127 mph.

Updated 06/15/2010: Abarth unveiled today new details, images and video of the 500C, the company first ever tuned convertible. Check the picture gallery!

Press release and technical specifications after the jump.

Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth esseesse by Hamann

Abarth has already tuned up the Fiat 500, but car tuner Hamann isn’t exactly one to settle for something when they know that they could do something more more. So at the Geneva Motor Show, they will unveil a new tuning package for both the 500 Abarth and Abarth esseesse.

Hamann is offering three different engine-stage upgrades for the Abarth 500. In stage one, HS I, the output is raised to 160 hp (up from 135 hp). In stage two, HS, the output bumps up to 180 hp and 295 Nm torque; and finally, stage three, HS III, takes the output even further and brings it up to an impressive 210 hp and 310 NM.

And if this is not enough for you, Hamann’s HS Race program also adds forged pistons, enhanced connection rods, a modified turbo charger with charge air cooler, a race clutch with weight-optimized one-mass flywheel and a new control electronic. The result is an impressive 240 hp and 330NM.

And finally, there is the modification kit "HS CINQUECENTO 575". Thanks to a re-engineered cylinder head with an adjusted camshaft, two charge air coolers, as well as a self-locking differential, you can get an impressive 275 hp while the torque is catapulted to 380 Nm.

Press release after the jump.

BRM releases limited edition Abarth V12-T-44 timepiece

If you’re an avid car enthusiast, the brand BRM might ring a bell to you. The French timekeeper, known for its deep-rooted history in the world of motorsport, has released a special edition version of its titanium-cased V12-T-44 chronograph that features car manufacturer Abarth. The limited edition watch comes with Abarth-inspired elements including the brand’s logo on the watch face to the Nomex strap that has red stitching on it. Each watch is individually numbered – there are only 49 pieces made – making it a sought-after collector’s piece. If you happen to fancy one, the price tag for each watch goes for an astronomical $7,300, and can be purchased through the BRM website.

We’ve always been believers of practicality over lavishness but we have to admit it, this is one of those times where if you’re going to splurge on one item, buying the BRM Abarth V12-T-44 for $7,300 is as good an investment as you’re going to make.

Press release after the jump.

Abarth 500 Limited Edition by Neubauer

In Europe the Abarth 500 is powered by a Fire 1.4 16v Turbo petrol engine that delivers a maximum of 135 bhp. But in France there will be 10 lucky owners that will get more than that from their littles 500.

The Paris based dealer Neubauer announced a limited edition Abarth 500 that will be painted in Maserati’s official gray, and will get a esseesse kit that grows power to 160hp, and with an extra exhaust Abarth Record Monza valve system that adds an extra 5 hp, the total output delivered by the car will be 165 hp.

The special edition also gets a pair of Sabelt Abarth Corsa sport buckets, tinted windows and a Blue & MEMAP Abarth GPS.