Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Abarth Roadster stings again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/rendered-speculation-abarth-roadster-stings-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/rendered-speculation-abarth-roadster-stings-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/rendered-speculation-abarth-roadster-stings-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The prospect of a stand-alone model from Abarth has been an on-again, off-again proposition. Currently, the revived label is backed by two models, Punto and 500, essentially upgraded performance versions of existing Fiat models. Interests were piqued, however, when the Fiat performance sub-division opened the doors on its new factory that incorporated space for a small assembly line, said to be earmarked for a standalone model. But then Abarth spokespeople said that wouldn't have been enough to build even a small run of road cars. Rumors then surfaced that the Scorpion marque was to collaborate with Lotus to come out with an Elise-based roadster. Now the rumor-millers at Auto Express have rendered their own idea of what form a dedicated Abarth sportscar could - or in their view, should - look like.

Rather than outsourcing to Lotus, AE thinks producing a unique two-seater based on the existing 500 would be more on the money. That'd mean a front-engine/front-wheel-drive setup, with the 1.4-liter turbo four carrying over in both standard (135hp) and "esse-esse" (158hp) spec. A lower center of gravity, lower curb weight and even more compact body, complete with removable roof panel, would keep the standalone Abarth nimble, while Ferrari-esque gizmos like the Fiat group's Torque Transfer Control (TTC) e-diff and shift-lights on the flat-bottomed steering wheel would help the fortunate driver keep the power under control. Of course this is all speculation and a bit of wishful thinking, but that doesn't remove it from the realm of possibility.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Abarth Roadster stings again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abarthabarth roadsterAbarthRoadsterfiatfiat abarthfiat roadsterFiatAbarthFiatRoadsterWed, 07 Jan 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Abarth Coupe ala <i>Autocar</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/16/rendered-speculation-abarth-coupe-ala-i-autocar-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/16/rendered-speculation-abarth-coupe-ala-i-autocar-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/16/rendered-speculation-abarth-coupe-ala-i-autocar-i/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Autocar has cooked up the latest rendering of the forthcoming Abarth Roadster, and while it keeps the basic shape of previous images, it adds a more distinct Fiat flavor to the front.

The Roadster will form one prong of Abarth's three-model lineup, joining the Punto and 500 variants, but will be based off a new platform, complete with an engine mated amidships, shared by a new Fiat Group vehicle, likely the Lancia Fulvietta.

Power is expected to come courtesy of the 500 Abarth's turbocharged 1.4-liter, putting 135-150 hp to the rear wheels. Sales are likely to begin sometime in 2013 and the Abarth Roadster is expected to carry a sticker price of £12,000.

[Source: Autocar]

Rendered Speculation: Abarth Coupe ala Autocar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500abarthabarth roadsterAbarthRoadsterfiatroadsterThu, 16 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: What's next from Alfa Romeo and Abarth]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/exclusive-whats-next-from-alfa-romeo-and-abarth/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/exclusive-whats-next-from-alfa-romeo-and-abarth/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/exclusive-whats-next-from-alfa-romeo-and-abarth/#commentsFiled under: ,

Several high-ranking executives from Alfa Romeo were keen to see how the launch of the new MiTo materialized. While they were there, we had the chance to talk with one of Alfa's top marketing officers over dinner and discuss the latest news churned out of the rumormill concerning upcoming products from Alfa and its sister-brand Abarth.

Read on to find out what's coming.

Continue reading Exclusive: What's next from Alfa Romeo and Abarth

Exclusive: What's next from Alfa Romeo and Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8c competizione8c gta8c successor8cCompetizione8cGta8cSuccessorabarthabarth lotusabarth roadsterabarth sportscarAbarthLotusAbarthRoadsterAbarthSportscaralfa 149alfa 169alfa 8calfa convertiblealfa crossoveralfa duettoalfa kamalalfa roadsteralfa romeoalfa romeo convertiblealfa romeo crossoveralfa romeo duettoalfa romeo kamalalfa romeo roadsterAlfa149Alfa169Alfa8cAlfaConvertibleAlfaCrossoverAlfaDuettoAlfaKamalAlfaRoadsterAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoConvertibleAlfaRomeoCrossoverAlfaRomeoDuettoAlfaRomeoKamalAlfaRomeoRoadsternew abarthNewAbarthTue, 29 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Abarth Roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/rendered-speculation-abarth-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/rendered-speculation-abarth-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/rendered-speculation-abarth-roadster/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've always been fond of the Smart roadster, which never officially made it to U.S. shores and proved to be a flop across the pond. But this rendering, courtesy of WorldCarFans, has us thinking that a second attempt might be worthwhile.

If the Abarth roadster ever comes to fruition, it would be an exercise in balancing a lightweight structure with a small price tag. Cost prohibitive carbon fiber couldn't be used, so some other form of composite would have to be employed for the chassis and body panels. Abarth could source the 135 hp, 1.4-liter mill from its own version of the Fiat 500 for power, mount it amidships and call it done.

WCF dons its speculative cap and figures that if Abarth gives the roadster the green light, Europe could see the minimalist two-door by 2013 sporting a £12,000 sticker.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Rendered Speculation: Abarth Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500abarthabarth roadsterAbarthRoadsterfiatroadsterWed, 16 Jul 2008 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiat group preparing new sports cars for Abarth, Lancia, Alfa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/fiat-group-preparing-new-sports-cars-for-abarth-lancia-alfa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/fiat-group-preparing-new-sports-cars-for-abarth-lancia-alfa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/fiat-group-preparing-new-sports-cars-for-abarth-lancia-alfa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Any day in which we bring you news of a new Italian sports car is a good day by any account. Today we bring you news of three new sports cars under development under the Fiat group umbrella, which we needn't point out controls most of the Italian automotive industry, including Fiat, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati and Ferrari.

First up to bat is the unique sports car which, as we reported back in March, Fiat is developing for its recently revived Abarth performance brand. Reports now suggest that the Abarth roadster would take an Elise-style approach, and could even borrow underpinnings from Lotus. Power could come from the turbo four in the Punto and 500 Abarth, mounted amidships, but unburdened by a lightweight two-seater chassis.

While we wait for more news on that front, there are parallel reports of a new Lancia coupe-cabrio on the horizon. (This in addition to the rumored Aurelia flagship, anticipated for unveiling in Geneva next March.) Previewed by the Fulvia concept from Frankfurt 2003 (pictured above), the Lancia convertible could also spawn an Alfa Romeo variant. The stage is set, and we'll be keeping a sharp eye out for more news as it emerges.

[Source: 4Car]

Fiat group preparing new sports cars for Abarth, Lancia, Alfa originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abarth modelabarth roadsterabarth sportscarAbarthModelAbarthRoadsterAbarthSportscarfiat groupfiat sportscarsFiatGroupFiatSportscarslancia aurelialancia fulviaLanciaAureliaLanciaFulviaMon, 23 Jun 2008 19:02:00 EST