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2011 Abarth Punto Evo Esseesse
 
Not only will Abarth be showcasing the 500C Esseesse at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, but they will also be sporting the Punto Evo Esseesse. Based on the Abarth Punto Evo, the Esseesse kit will go on sale in December. The kit includes perforated, ventilated front disc brakes (diameter 305 mm x 28 mm), perforated rear disc brakes (diameter 264 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 7" x 18" ET39 alloy wheels painted white or titanium, combined with 215/40 ZR18 tires. Under the hood Abarth placed a 1.4 16v Turbo MultiAir engine that delivers a total of 180 HP at 5750 rpm and in Sport mode, a maximum torque of 270 Nm at 3000 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is made in 7.5 seconds, while top speed goes up to 134 mph. UPDATE 07/07/11: Abarth has finally released the pricing for the Punto Evo Essesse where it’s being sold in the UK for around £20,000, which is about $31,000 based on current exchange rates. Press release after the jump. Full story 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. Full story 2010 Fiat Grande Punto
The fiat Grande Punto debuted in 2005 and received a first facelift in 2008. It comes with a number of significant changes, Fiat’s Blue&Me hands-free entertainment and communications system as standard equipment across the range, the introduction of a new ‘GP’ version, and the addition of Fiat’s acclaimed 1.4 8v engine to Active and Dynamic specification cars. The new Grande Punto features a unique sporty interior trim, sports instruments, new ‘dark’ headlights, foglights, rear spoiler and new, larger 16-inch alloy wheels. The car also gets three new exterior color: Rap Yellow, HillBilly Azure and Ska Red and all-new sporty interior trim. Under the hood there is a choice of 1.4 16v, 1.3 and 1.9 MultiJet turbo diesel engines, but also a new 1.4 8v engine that develops 77bhp. Press release after the jump. Full story
2010 Fiat Punto Evo
Fiat Grande Punto has just changed its name into Punto Evo, a name that symbolize a new level of technology, design, driving pleasure and environment respect. The new Punto Evo will make its official debut in two weeks at the Frankfurt Motor Show.  The new Fiat Punto Evo comes with a wide choice of Euro 5 engines, including a 1.3 second generation Multijet diesel and a 1.4 petrol engine with the revolutionary MultiAir technology. Compared to a conventional petrol engine of the same size, a MultiAir engine develops more power (up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%), while consuming significantly less (up to 10%) and emitting less CO2 (up to 10%), less particulates (up to 40%) and less NOx (up to 60%).  In the area of safety, the Punto Evo sets new standards thanks to 7 airbags, including a driver knee airbag. The Punto Evo is one of very few cars in its segment with a driver knee airbag fitted as standard on all versions. Other innovative safety systems are also available, including Hill-Holder to help with hill starts, adaptive ’cornering’ front fog lights that switch on automatically with dipped headlights according to the angle of steering, and Fiat’s tried and tested ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) systems. Press release after the jump. Full story Fiat Grande Punto facelift on fire while testing
 We always comment about how hot Italian cars are, but this is not what we had in mind. Looks like this Grande Punto didn’t like the facelift Fiat was giving it (this 2010 update was out testing). No one was hurt, so we get to make fun.
2009 Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SuperSport
Fiat likes to add extra spice to their cars, even after their in-house tuner Abarth gets its hands on them. A good example is the 500 "essesse" shown in Paris last year. Now for the Geneva Motor Show, Fiat will come with another hotter Abarth: the Grande Punto Abarth "SuperSport". The 16-valve 1.4-liter turbocharged engine now delivers 180 hp (up 25 hp from the standard Grande Punto Abarth). With this amount of power the Grande Punto Abarth SuperSport’s top speed is raised 4 mph to 133 mph and makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 7.5 seconds (shaving about half a second off Grande Punto Abarth’s time). Performance also benefits from a number of changes that the “esseesse” kit makes in ride height and trim attitude, giving the car a more solid stance with firmer, shorter springs, 215/40 R18 tires and specially designed 7.5 J X 18 alloy wheels. The kit puts the car into a real sprinter’s crouch, dropping its roll center by 20 mm. Just as important, the brake system features cross-drilled discs all round, together with high-performance front brake pads. Press release after the jump. Full story 2008 Fiat Grande Punto Natural Power
Fiat launched today the Grande Punto Natural Power, a model powered by new dual fuel (gas/methane). Same methane-petrol dual fuel system will be offered for the following models: Multipla Natural Power, Punto Natural Power, Panda Panda Natural Power, Panda Panda Climbing Natural Power and Doblò Natural Power.  When running on methane the car is able to cover 310 km with the tank filled to its full capacity of 84 liters. This record-breaking figure is increased by the 45 liter fuel tank capacity: this means that the Grande Punto Natural Power can be driven for more than 1000 kilometres without refueling. The new model also offers a 1.4 8v Fire unit that is already compliant with the EURO5 emissions directive and offers low CO2 emissions (115 g/km) that allow customers access to the maximum state incentives. This car will likely stay Euro-only because although the Fiat Group has announced Alfa Romeo’s return to the U.S., it has not yet announced any Fiat cars are coming. A low-volume natural gas powered car would probably not be a wise first entry compared to the 500. Press release after the jump. Full story
2008 Fiat Grande Punto
On 14 and 15 June, a Fiat dealer network open door event will be held in Italy devoted to the Grande Punto Model Year 2008. The model has consistently played a leading role in all international markets (sales of over 850,000 since the launch, of which half outside Italy) and has now been revamped to offer customers significant new exterior features, a new range designed to appeal even more to the young, higher value due to the addition of major features as standard such as the sophisticated latest-generation ESP system with built in Hill Holder and, last but not least, new product packages based on the innovative Blue&MeTM entertainment and communications system.  To make it easier for customers to choose their version, the Grande Punto 08 range is made up of two families: the first known as “ConfortLife”, includes the Dynamic and Emotion versions and is designed for customers who are seeking comfort, style and practicality.  Those who seek a car with an out-and-out sporty temperament will be more attracted by the second family “SportLife” – that includes the versions Sport and the brand new Fun. Last but not least, the Active completes the new Grande Punto MY 2008 range. All specifications are available in 3 or 5 door configurations, apart from the Emotion that comes in a 5 door version more consistent with its mission of a car offering top motoring comfort. Full story 2008 Fiat Punto Turbo
The South American division of Fiat, called Fiat Automoevis unveiled its latest creation: the Fiat Punto Turbo. What you see is in fact the Punto Abarth, but under another name.  Powered by a 155 hp T-jet engine from Abarth, the car comes with a new suspension kit, upgraded brakes, new body kit containing new front lip spoiler, side skirts, re-designed rear bumper and rear roof spoiler, but also a set of 17” alloy wheels. The car is set to enter production by the end of the year and will be available exclusively on the Brazilian automarket.
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