Fiat 500 Abarth Video and New Pictures

More on Fiatâ€™s new hot hatch

By Gustavo Henrique Ruffo
February 20, 2008 12:21 PM
Filed Under: European, Fiat, Geneva Motor Show

Ok, we know we have already shown you the leaked photos of the Fiat 500 Abarth and the somehow disappointing official power figures of the car, mere 135 hp at 5,500 rpm, but we had to show you this nice video of the classic 500 Abarth mixed with sketches and the official images of Fiatâ€™s new hot hatch, as well as the rest of the official pictures.

Fiatâ€™s intention was to present the development of the car, but it is a true pity none of the recent videos that have been released, both on the 500 Abarth, the A4 Avant and the Ford Fiesta show only static footage. We would really like to see these new comers move, but nevermind. They will, eventually.

Thought the power of the car is not exactly what we expected (Fiat could have given us at least 150 hp, come onâ€¦), the fact that the engine is a 1.4-litre turbo will make it easy for tuners to enhance it as they want (peak torque for the engine is 206 Nm at 3,000 rpm). The 500 Abarth uses a TTC (Torque Transfer Control) system that may be the clue why the company has chosen to give the little car an inferior amount of horsepower, but it may also be due to the upcoming 500 Abarth SS, which can reach at least 180 hp. But letâ€™s not be optimisticâ€¦

The 500 Abarth uses 16-inch alloy wheels, dressed with 195/45 R16 tyres, but there are optional 17-inch rims mated with 205/40 R17 tyres. Pretty impressive for a car that size, but they should bear more energyâ€¦

Source: AutoBlog.it

Press Release (Click to expand)

NEW 500 ABARTH DEBUTS AT GENEVA

Just released are the first official pictures of the new 500 Abarth – a high performance version of the Fiat 500 city car which went on sale in the UK last month. The 500 Abarth will make its international public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The new car was developed by Fiat Group Automobiles Style Centre in the spirit of the legendary Fiat 500 Abarth of the 1960s, and is powered by a Fire 1.4 16v petrol Turbo engine, which delivers a maximum of 135 bhp at 5,500 rpm, and peak torque of 206 Nm (152 lb.ft) at 3,000 rpm in ‘Sport’ mode, while in ‘Normal’ mode, torque is reduced to 180 Nm (132 lb.ft) at 2,500 rpm. This smooth and responsive new engine is also environmentally compatible. Like the Fiat 500 from which it is derived, the new 500 Abarth meets future Euro 5 emissions legislation.

The dramatic styling is not a mere exercise in interpretation, as the 500 Abarth optimises aerodynamic behaviour, reducing drag and increasing high speed stability, while the sideskirts also improve the Cd figure. Inside, the 500 features special instrumentation, with the addition of an analogue gauge to measure turbo pressure. An LED telltale that optimises gear changes by lighting up at the appropriate moment, is also incorporated.

500 ABARTH – BRIEF SPECIFICATION

Engine
4 cylinders in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368 cc;
Power output: 135 bhp at 5,500 rpm;
Peak torque in SPORT mode: 206 Nm (152 lb.ft) at 3,000 rpm;
‘Drive-by-wire’ accelerator control, without mechanical connection;
Turboboost by IHI variable geometry turbo.

Transmission
5-speed gearbox;
Dual cable external gearbox control;

Suspension and steering
MacPherson layout at front with anti-roll bar;
Torsion beam axle with anti-roll bar;
Ground-hugging sporty stance;
Dualdrive electric power steering, with SPORT mode.

Brakes
Floating ZPH 4.1.2 front calliper, piston diameter 54 mm;
Ventilated front brake discs, diameter 284 x 22 mm;
Floating CII 34 rear calliper, piston diameter 34 mm;
Solid rear brake discs, diameter 240 x 11 mm.

Wheels
Standard: Aluminium alloy rim 6.5” x 16” – Tyres: 195/45 R16;
Optional: Aluminium alloy rim 7” x 17” – Tyres: 205/40 R17.