Autoblog

Romeo Ferraris 500 Abarth packs 360 tarmac-munching Italian stallions

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat, Specialty

Romeo Ferraris 500 Abarth endurance racer - Click above to view in high resolution

Think you've seen the most hardcore 500 already? Sure, Abarth has churned out some pretty wicked versions of the retro-hatch, but even the 695 Tributo Ferrari and R3T rally machine can't hold a candle to the beast above.

Given the name, you might think this latest Cinquecento was the result of another collaboration between Abarth and its big sister companies. But this 500 is actually a product of independent racing garage Romeo Ferraris, which has rebodied the 500 in carbon fiber and fitted it with a wing that looks big enough to sustain a jumbo jet's flight path. If that's not bonkers enough, Ferraris has squeezed out an insane output of 360 horsepower from the Abarth's 1.4-liter turbo four. That's more than 257 horsepower per liter, and rivals even the similarly insane 427 Cinquecento from SEMA for pure lunacy.

Drivers Aldo Cerruti, Michela Cerruti and Mario Ferraris will be taking turns behind the wheel at the upcoming 6 Hours of Vallelunga endurance race on November 22. We'd suggest everyone else get the hell out of the way.

[Source: CarScoop]

Romeo Ferraris 500 Abarth packs 360 tarmac-munching Italian stallions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Très Exclusif: French Abarth importer creates special edition Cinquecento

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat 500 Abarth SpeedGrey par Neubauer - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Fiat 500 Abarth is a pretty sweet little retro rocket all on its own, but the Italian automaker's performance division hasn't stopped churning out a seemingly endless stream of special editions, from the Opening Edition to the 695 Tributo Ferrari. We can now add to that list the 500 Abarth SpeedGrey by Neubauer.

Unlike the Competizione edition made specially for the Dutch market, the SpeedGrey is actually an undertaking of Neubauer, the official Abarth distributor for France. Starting with the up-rated EsseEsse spec, the Neubauer edition gets a special Monza exhaust system for an extra five horses (boosting output up to 165), a pair of Sabelt bucket seats, tinted windows, Blue&Me navigation system and special Maserati gray paint job. Looks pretty sweet, but Neubauer will only be making 10 examples exclusively for the French market, so we'll just have to bide our time until the stock hot hatch arrives Stateside.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth SpeedGrey par Neubauer

[Source: Neubauer]

Très Exclusif: French Abarth importer creates special edition Cinquecento originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Fiat 500 to launch in the U.S. with Abarth performance model

Noah Joseph — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat 500 Abarth EsseEsse - Click above for high-res image gallery

With every passing week comes another report of how Fiat and Chrysler will be sharing products. If it's not Chrysler-badged Lancias then it's Lancia-badged Chryslers or an Alfa-badged Jeep. As for the Fiat division itself, the emerging strategy appears to be to bring the 500 retro-mini over and set it up as something of a brand of its own, with sights set squarely on BMW's Mini and forgoing the rest of the Fiat line-up.

Earlier reports indicated that we'd be getting four versions of the 500 Stateside, including basic hatch, cabrio and upcoming wagon in addition to the Abarth performance model. But rather than start with the basics and work its way up, or launch the entire range simultaneously, the latest news suggests that Fiat is preparing to hit U.S. soil running by starting off with the 500 Abarth. According to WardsAuto, the Fiat 500 Abarth - complete with 133-horsepower turbocharged four, upgraded suspension and all the sporty touches that make an Abarth an Abarth - will arrive at Chrysler dealers in 2011 with an $18,000-$19,000 price tag. Fiat reportedly targets selling 20,000-25,000 units of the 500 Abarth in the first year.

By the time the 500 Abarth arrives, we'll likely be looking at an updated version with even more oomph. With the standard hatch, the open-top 500C and the upcoming Gardiniera wagon expected to follow, there's no telling if the initial model will be the only Abarth on offer, or whether Fiat will follow up with the even hotter EsseEsse version (pictured above), racing models like the Assetto Corse or R3T, an Abarth convertible or specials like the 695 Tributo Ferrari or an Opening Edition of our own.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth

[Source: WardsAuto.com]

REPORT: Fiat 500 to launch in the U.S. with Abarth performance model originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat unveils rally-spec Abarth 500 R3T in San Remo

Noah Joseph — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat, Specialty

Abarth 500 R3T - Click above for high-res image gallery

The little brand that could, Abarth, secures whatever few items from the growing Fiat empire it can get its hands on and takes them to the extreme. The performance division was designated to handle Fiat's rally activities, and took the IRC title in its formative year with the Punto Abarth S2000. Then they turned around and put their hot Punto on the road with the 155 horsepowerPunto Abarth and 180 hp Punto Abarth EsseEsse.

But since the scorpion brand got its hands on the Fiat 500, they've been churning out more performance variants than Porsche. The 500 Abarth debuted with 133 hp, launched with the special Opening Edition. Then the 500 got an EsseEsse version of its own with 160 ponies. The track-bound 500 Abarth Assetto Corse followed with 200 horsepower, and at the recently concluded Frankfurt show they unveiled the 695 Tributo Ferrari. More versions were interspersed, and even more are said to be on the way - but not before the rally team has had a chance to debut the new Abarth 500 R3T.

Built to Group R3T specifications, a rally formula for turbocharged cars up to 1.6-liters in engine displacement, the rally-prepped 500 packs a 1.4-liter four with a Garret GT 1446 fixed-geometry turbocharger, good for 180 horsepower and driving through a six-speed sequential transmission with twin-plate clutch and a locking differential. 17-inch OZ alloys are mounted to an adjustable suspension and pack Brembo discs all around supplemented by a hydraulic handbrake. Inside, the 500 R3T has been fitted with a full roll cage and FIA-spec racing buckets with six-point harnesses, while dry weight comes in at 1080kg (2380 lbs), the minimum for the category.

The vehicle was introduced this past weekend at the Sanremo rally, where Abarth has won two of the past three years running, and it will be used in special promotional events as part of the Assetto Corse program. Check out the details in the press release after the jump and the pair of high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Abarth 500 R3T

[Source: Abarth]

Continue reading Fiat unveils rally-spec Abarth 500 R3T in San Remo

Fiat unveils rally-spec Abarth 500 R3T in San Remo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari punches above its weight

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Hatchback, Ferrari, Fiat

Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari - Click above for high-res image gallery

The battle has been raging since time immemorial. From Point A to Point B, which is faster: a big exotic supercar or a nimble li;' hatch? Fiat's two performance divisions, Abarth and Ferrari, ask why you can't have the best of both worlds with the new Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari.

The special-edition 500 packs a 180+hp 1.4-liter 16-valve turbo four, a retuned suspension, paddle-shift transmission, 17-inch rims, Brembo brakes and unique touches in every nook and cranny of the diminutive retro hatchback, from the Sabelt seats and Jaeger instruments to the 430 Scuderia paintjob and carbon fiber everything. It's a package that punches far above its weight, but we're waiting for our invitation to flog it around Fiorano against the new 458 Italia. In the meantime, why not check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

Frankfurt 2009: Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari punches above its weight originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankurt Preview: More images of Fiat Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" arrive

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Fiat

Fiat 500 "695 Tributo Ferrari" - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our colleagues at Autoblog Spanish have managed to dig up some more photos of Fiat's new super 500, the 695 Tributo Ferrari. The 180+hp 500 gets a very Ferrari-esque interior treatment to accompany the scarlet paint and Brembo brakes on the outside. Just like most other contemporary performance cars, the bottom edge of the steering wheel has been flattened out, which helps ease ingress and egress over the heavily bolstered seats. The predominantly black interior is trimmed out with some red accents and plenty of carbon fiber.

Another sign of its performance intentions is the stripe at the top center of the steering wheel rim giving the driver a quick visual indicator of straight ahead. The back side of the wheel is also fitted with a pair paddle shifters, although the exact nature of the transmission is unknown at this point. Stay tuned as we bring you all the official details after the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is officially revealed early tomorrow at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Gallery: Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Frankurt Preview: More images of Fiat Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" arrive originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Fiat confirms Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" for Frankfurt debut

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Hatchback, Ferrari, Fiat

Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari - Click above for high-res image gallery

Still waiting for that baby Ferrari to come along? This may be as close as you'll get. Confirming earlier reports, Fiat's Abarth and Ferrari subsidiaries have gotten together to collaborate on a special 500 to honor Maranello. We first heard about a special Ferrari edition 500 last year when we were in Italy test driving the new Alfa MiTo. But while the previous 500 created for Ferrari was used solely as a courtesy car for Ferrari owners bringing in their cars for service, this new Frankfurt-bound special edition will actually be available for purchase by the general public.

Called the 695 Tributo Ferrari, the special Cinquecento packs a 1.4-liter 16-valve turbo four tuned by Abarth and Ferrari engineers to produce over 180 horsepower, snorting through a variable exhaust system and mated to a paddle-shift automated manual transmission. 17-inch rims crowd the little wheel wells, mounted to a sport-tuned suspension and packing 284mm Brembo brake discs.

The most attention-getting detail, of course, is the paint scheme, decked out in Scuderia Red with Racing Grey stripes to mimick the outgoing 430 Scuderia. All we've got on the interior so far is that Jaeger has been commissioned to make the special instruments and Sabelt provides the bucket seats (probably similar to the ones we reported on recently).

This isn't the first time the Prancing Horse and the Scorpion marques have come together, Fiat pointing to the 1953 Ferrari 166/250 MM Abarth for reference. And whether this proves to be more of a marketing ploy or a serious set of wheels remains to be seen, but it's got to be better than the Michael Schumacher edition Fiat Stilo from a few years ago. For our part, we wouldn't mind pitting this against the upcoming Toyota iQ-based Aston Martin Cygnet to determine who'll be king of the exotic-branded superminis. Check it out in the press release after the jump and images in the hi-res gallery below.

Gallery: Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

Continue reading Officially Official: Fiat confirms Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" for Frankfurt debut

Officially Official: Fiat confirms Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" for Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt leakage: Fiat tweaking 500 to create the 695 Tributo Ferrari

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Fiat

If the 500 Abarth isn't a hot enough hatch for your tastes, Fiat is about to add some Ferrari-flavored habenero to the mix. AutoExpress released (then retracted) pics and details of the 695 Tributo Ferrari ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and according to the Brit pub, the crew at Abarth have cranked the 1.4-liter turbo from the usual 135 horsepower to over 180 ponies and added paddle shifters to the six-speed gearbox to give drivers a bit more of that Ferrari feeling.

Just like its Maranello inspiration, the body shell is finished in Scuderia Red and a set of Brembo brake calipers squeeze cross-drilled rotors beneath a gorgeous set of spidery alloys. Additionally, Ferrari was reportedly tapped to re-tune the suspension to help keep things under control. No word on how many of these beasties will get built, but they should be a hoot if they make it to dealers.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Frankfurt leakage: Fiat tweaking 500 to create the 695 Tributo Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Karl Schnorr upgrades the Fiat 500 Abarth

Noah Joseph — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat 500 Abarth by Karl Schnorr - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the Fiat 500 set to come Stateside under the Italian automaker's partnership with Chrysler, our interest already is piqued by any opportunity to further enhance the retro mini's performance. Echoing founder Karl Abarth's Germanic roots, German tuning house Karl Schnorr has answered the call with a two-stage performance upgrade catalog to give the scorpion some added sting.

Fiat itself already offers the 500 in several states of tune. Above the standard engines, the company's Abarth in-house tuning arm offers the 133 horsepower 500 Abarth and the 158-hp 500 Abarth EsseEsse. Schnorr takes things two steps further with the 185-hp, 950-euro (around $1,350) Stage 1 kit and the 197-hp, 5,050-euro (nearly $7,250) Stage 2, complete with upgraded turbocharger and custom sports exhaust. Fresh coilover shocks drop the ride height by a few millimeters, mounted to 17-inch OZ alloys and complemented by even more stripes than the scorpion brand offers from the factory. Check it out in the gallery below and in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Karl Schnorr Fiat 500 Abarth

[Source: Karl Schnorr Kraftfahrzeuge]

Continue reading Karl Schnorr upgrades the Fiat 500 Abarth

Karl Schnorr upgrades the Fiat 500 Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat launches pricy new special-edition 500 Abarth Competizione

Noah Joseph — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Fiat, Specialty

Fiat 500 Abarth Competizione - Click above for high-res image gallery

Cars may be getting smaller, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily getting cheaper. As if to prove that point, Fiat has thumbed its nose at the Tata Nano with a special 500 that packs a big price tag in a small package.

Commemorating the first anniversary of Abarth's return to the Dutch market, Fiat's performance division has launched this special-edition 500 Abarth Competizione. It costs nearly $35k and only ten will be made available for exclusive consumption in Holland. The €3,000 premium (nearly $4,200 USD) over the stock 500 Abarth gets enthusiastic buyers a special little hot hatch with a black roof, black 17-inch alloys and matching black graphics, along with special bucket seats inside. The 500 Abarth Competizione also comes equipped with sat-nav, air-con and a premium audio system. Although the Competizione edition packs the 135hp turbo four, buyers can always upgrade with the 160hp EsseEsse kit. For a premium, of course.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth Competizione

[Source: Fiat]

Fiat launches pricy new special-edition 500 Abarth Competizione originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Four versions of Fiat 500 in the U.S. by 2011, including Abarth

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Fiat

2010 Fiat 500 Abarth - Click above for high-res image gallery

Four 500s by 2011. That is the latest word out of Italy concerning the adorable Fiat 500. While the Chrysler/Fiat merger chugs along, the tiny 500 is the only model that has been officially greenlighted for American consumption under the Fiat banner. To make up for that dearth of models, Fiat will apparently offer the 500 in four different flavors when it reaches these shores: hatchback, convertible, station wagon and sporty hatchback. There's also an outside chance of a micro-CUV according to this Automotive News piece.

The "sporty hatchback" will be the Abarth, Europe's 2008 Car of the Year. Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne calls it "our iPod." Wonder if it's too late for some co-branding. While it might seem that a sporty wagon and sporty drop-top would be fairly easy to slot into the mix (Abarth Giardiniera SS Corsa, FTW!), we'll have to make due with those four iterations for the time being. The 500 family should be in U.S. dealerships by the first half of 2011. The American-market cars will likely be produced at a Chrysler plant in the United States or in Toluca, Mexico, but there's no official word on U.S. pricing yet.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Four versions of Fiat 500 in the U.S. by 2011, including Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Seat of Power: Abarth Corse by Sabelt

Noah Joseph — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Fiat

Abarth Corse seats by Sabelt - Click above for high-res image gallery

We sure hope that when Fiat makes it to North America, they bring the Abarth performance brand along. With their Scorpion sub-brand, Fiat has created an intriguing formula that bridges the gap between factory performance models and aftermarket components. Buy a Grande Punto Abarth or 500 Abarth, for example, and you can always upgrade later to the even faster "esse-esse" spec later on with dealer-installable kits available from the factory.

As if we needed another reason to love the Italian hot hatches, Fiat has now inked a deal with their kindred spirits at Sabelt to offer a set of special sport seats. The buckets are crafted on lightweight frames and are available in either a grippy technical fabric or sumptuous Frau leather with Alcantara inserts. Both feature glossy white shells and come in black with red top-stitching, the Abarth name embroidered on the headrest, the Scorpion logo on the tilt knob and slots to accommodate a racing harness. Sure, by themselves a pair of seats are nothing to get all riled up over, but installed in an Abarth hot hatch, they make for a compelling package...and one more reason to anticipate Fiat's return to these shores. Details in the press release after the jump and images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Abarth Corse by Sabelt

[Source: Abarth]

Continue reading The Seat of Power: Abarth Corse by Sabelt

The Seat of Power: Abarth Corse by Sabelt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Rinspeed's Abarth-based E2 concept

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:50:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Hatchback, Fiat

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Rinspeed E2

Usually one concept is enough to put Rinspeed on the map here at its home-turf Geneva Motor Show, but this year the quirky Swiss coachbuilder doubled down with a modified Fiat 500 that hugs the road and the planet at the same time. Joining the innovative iChange on its show stand, the Rinspeed E2 starts with the hot Abarth version instead of the standard Cinquecento, tuned it to squeeze out both extra power and extra economy thanks to a dual-mode engine management system. Painted the same shade of metallic orange as the iChange concepet, the E2 may not be quite as attention-grabbing, but extra power without the penalty is a trend we could get used to all too easily. Check it out in the galleries below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Rinspeed E2

Gallery: Rinspeed E2

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Rinspeed's Abarth-based E2 concept

Geneva 2009: Rinspeed's Abarth-based E2 concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Rinspeed's E2 delivers a Fiat 500 with a split personality

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Hatchback, Fiat

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Rinspeed E2

The mad Wissenschaftlers at Rinspeed have come up with a dual-mode Fiat 500 Abarth that gets you more power and better gas mileage - just not at the same time. Rinspeed started with the 500 Abarth that has a standard 135 horsepower, and they've given it a new engine management system that has one mode for the city and one for the highway.

In "Commuting" mode the has use of up to 60 hp, which is forty fewer horses than the bog standard petrol 500, but you'll be rewarded with almost 59 miles-per-gallon. Press a button on the console to go to "Highway" mode and you get 160 hp, which is the same hp number for the 500 Abarth SS, but it costs you a tad of frugality at 33 mpg. There aren't many ways we could think of to make the 500 better, but this trick could be one of them. You can read the press release after the jump, and check out the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Rinspeed E2

[Source: Rinspeed]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Rinspeed's E2 delivers a Fiat 500 with a split personality

Geneva Preview: Rinspeed's E2 delivers a Fiat 500 with a split personality originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New details on Audi S1 emerge

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Audi, Rendered Speculation

Image removed at owner's request.

Auto Express got the inside dope on the upcoming Audi S1, and the the compact hatch has its sights set on the MINI Cooper JCW, Fiat 500 Abarth SS, Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA and Volvo C30. Based on the new Audi A1, the S1 will feature a cranked up version of VW/Audi's Twincharger 1.4L TSI four tweaked to produce 200 hp and 221 ft-lb of torque. Power might be down compared to the S1's competitors, but expect the three-door to hold its own with a rear-biased quattro setup, a seven-speed S-Tronic twin-clutch gearbox and a lowered and stiffened suspension that might feature Audi's magnetic dampers. AE is projecting a 0-60 time of around six seconds, an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph and a combined fuel economy of 35 mpg.

The car should look as good as it moves, with styling that apes the metroproject quattro we saw in Tokyo last year. Expect an aggressive bodykit, 19-inch alloys, roof spoiler, and chrome accents. Inside, you'll find a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sport seats and aluminum pedals, along with a version of Audi's mobile electronic device. The dash-mounted Audi iPhone-alternative can actually control some of the car's systems remotely, but we wouldn't be surprised if the system doesn't make it to production for at least another two years. The baby S3 won't be is cheap, so expect the S1 to start at almost double the A1's £13,000 starting price when sales begin abroad next year.

Gallery: 2010 Audi S1 rendering

[Source: Auto Express]

New details on Audi S1 emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Karl Abarth tribute: Fiat 500 Abarth "DA O A 100"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:43:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

Click above for high-res shots of the Fiat 500 Abarth "DA O A 100"

Another day, another Fiat 500 variant that we Americans can drool over knowing we can't get it here in the States. This one is special, though, as it was designed to commemorate Karl Abarth's 100th (born on November 15, 1908) birthday. Not just a styling exercise, the 500 Abarth "DA O A 100" tribute comes with an upgraded 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Acceleration to sixty takes just 7.3 seconds, helped along by shortened gear ratios while its top speed is now 131 miles per hour. Suspension bits are revised as well, with lowered springs and new 17-inch alloys fitted with low-profile Pirelli PZero Neros.

We're loving the looks of the '100, which is blessed with Nuvolari Grey paint along with special silver side stripes and chrome-plated badges and side mirrors. Inside, that color scheme is repeated in leather with contrasting stitching - proving once again that the Italians will always have that innate sense of style. If you want one, better get your name on the list now, as Fiat's only planning to build 101 of the unique 500s.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth "DA O A 100"

[Source: Carscoop]

Karl Abarth tribute: Fiat 500 Abarth "DA O A 100" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse

Noah Joseph — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Fiat

Click above for high-res gallery of the Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse

With the revival of the Abarth tuning division, Fiat is serious about motorsports. They've been racking up victories in the Intercontinental Rally Championship with the Punto, and have even been sponsoring Valentino Rossi's MotoGP Yamaha. And to drive the point home, while the "esseesse" (read: SS) version of the Cinquecento Abarth was the division's new reveal, it was this racing version, called the Assetto Corse, that took center stage.

The Assetto Corse is, of course, based on the same Fiat 500 that's been selling like adorable little hotcakes in every market it's hit so far. But the cute factor is gone, replaced by big air scoops, giant wings, roll cages and little scorpion badges everywhere. (And we do mean everywhere.) The little racing car that could is packed with a 1.4-liter 16-valve turbocharged four driving 190 hp through a six-speed shifter to the front set of 17" powder-coated white alloys hiding 4-piston Brembo calipers. The interior has a full roll cage and racing bucket, and an aggressive aero package sets the exterior apart from its street-bound progenitors. Check out the hotness for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2008 Paris: Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse LIVE

Paris 2008: Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse

Noah Joseph — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Fiat

Click above for high-res gallery of the Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse

Abarth, the high-performance wing of Fiat, got to finally unveil its hotted up version of the 500 hatch at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The 500 Abarth esseesse (that's "SS" in Italian) takes Fiat's throwback three-door and adds a road-hugging ground effects kit with a new lower front fascia, Abarth-spec 17-inch white wheels, a lowered sport suspension and, most importantly, a turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder producing 160 hp and a peak torque rating of 170 lb-ft in "sport mode". We thought Abarth would fit the 500 esseesse with a six-speed transmission, but the specs reveal that it will be one cog short with a five-speed manual. Still, Abarth claims it will claw its way to 62 mph in 7.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 131 mph. Performance specs aside, we bet drag racing and runs to the rev limiter aren't half as much fun in the 500 esseesse as simply dashing down a twisty mountain pass.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse LIVE

Continue reading Paris 2008: Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse

Paris 2008: Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Fiat 500 Abarth SS

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback

Fiat is set to debut the high performance version of its fashionable 500 -- possibly in October at the Paris Motor Show -- and spy shots have revealed that development is well underway. If fans of the retro-mobile were let down by the Abarth model's relatively puny 133-horsepower and sub-eight-second run to 60, the SS model will improve those numbers considerably. For its range-topping city car, Fiat is likely to fit a revised turbocharged engine offering an estimated 160 horses along with the Q2 Torsen C limited slip differential from Alfa Romeo.

The latest round of spy shots for the expected SS prove that the Italians are masters of restraint. Despite looking very similar to the plain-jane 500, unique cues like dual exhausts and special wheels stand to differentiate the high-performance model. We also spotted some vents in the hood of the SS which are not present on the more pedestrian Abarth. This model should be able to hold its own with the other retro hot-hatch, the MINI Cooper S JCW. Speaking of which, has Fiat noticed how well the MINI brand has been selling in the States these days?

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Fiat 500 Abarth SS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Abarth releases limited-edition 500 "Opening Edition"

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Fiat, Specialty

Click for hi-res gallery of Fiat 500 Abarth Opening Edition

At its unveiling at this past March's Geneva show, it was immediately apparent that Abarth had carried off a transformation of the Fiat 500 from a demure retro-hatch into a veritable pocket rocket. But for those for whom the 135 hp turbo four is just not enough, the performance division has unveiled a new limited edition "500 Abarth Opening Edition".

Although the name might suggest a convertible, the 500 Opening Edition is a fixed-roof hot-hatch distinguished by a 160hp engine, dropping a half-second off the conventional 500 Abarth's 0-60 time, now down to a sprightly 7.4 seconds. The Opening Edition also gets red brake calipers behind special 17" alloys in white or titanium finish, tinted glass and a revised interior with red leather and special badging with a serial number plate. Available in either pearl white or Campovolo gray (the latter available with a red-and-white checkered roof), only 100 examples of the 500 Abarth Opening Edition will be offered, complete with a special car cover to keep the exclusive vehicle protected from the elements.

Check out the big gallery of high-resolution images by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth Opening Edition

[Source: CarScoop]

Abarth releases limited-edition 500 "Opening Edition" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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