Autoblog

Abarth pays homage to Maserati with Geneva-bound 695 cabrio special

Noah Joseph — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Maserati, Fiat

The Fiat group has a knack for (or a habit of) dressing up its most affordable hatchbacks in tribute to its most expensive exotics. Alfa Romeo did a special MiTo and Giulietta for Maserati dealers, and Abarth did a special 500 to honor Ferrari. But since the latter has run its production run, the Scorpion marque is celebrating Maserati with this latest version.

Destined for unveiling at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, the new Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati features the same 180 horsepower 1.4-liter turbo four as the aforementioned Tributo Ferrari, but with different 17-inch alloys. The Maserati version also adopts the 500C's retracting roof panel and a more elegant design approach than the previous Ferrari edition, topped by a three-layer burgundy paint job and sand beige Pontrona Frau leather.

Only 499 examples will be offered, and probably spoken for in quick order. But whether you think this gussied-up Cinquecento is any more worthwhile than the Mini Goodwood edition or the Aston Martin Cygnet will probably depend mostly on whether you've ever tried to drive a GranTurismo or Quattroporte through Europe's notoriously crowded city streets. Check it out in the trio of high-res images below and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Abarth pays homage to Maserati with Geneva-bound 695 cabrio special

Abarth pays homage to Maserati with Geneva-bound 695 cabrio special originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Romeo Ferraris goes Stradale with latest Abarth 500 mod

Noah Joseph — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

We see lots of tuner cars cross our digital desks here at Autoblog, but of all the turbocharged and aero-kitted monstrosities we see on a regular basis, few impress like what Romeo Ferraris can manage. The Italian tuning house has taken on everything from Land Rovers to Corvettes, but their specialty is the Fiat 500.

RF first came to our attention when it unleashed a 360-horsepower Abarth 500 that boggled our minds and stretched what we thought was possible with the humble little Fiat. Unfortunately that was a pure racing machine and therefore precluded from street use, but now the tuner is preparing to unveil a street version bearing the Stradale name.

If that word rings any bells, it should: the Italian word for "street", it's been applied to some of the most extreme of Italian supercars - road cars that were transformed into race cars and then back into road cars - like the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale and most recently the Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale.

We don't have all the details yet on what Romeo Ferraris has done to this 500 to put it in the same league, but what we can tell you so far is that it packs 300 horsepower from a tiny 1.4-liter turbo four, a body kit that would make Darth Vader blush and a stripped out cabin fitted with roll cage, bucket seats, racing harnesses, leather, alcantara and carbon fiber. Yeah, Stradale is about right, because thing beast looks mad street. Check it out in the gallery for a closer look.

Romeo Ferraris goes Stradale with latest Abarth 500 mod originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Abarth brings out trio of special scorpions

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

The thing about scorpions is that they pack a mean wallop in a small package. And the same can be said of the auto marque that hoists the scorpion as its emblem. As promised, Abarth rolled into the Frankfurt Motor Show three cars deep. Or three new versions of their existing lineup, which is essentially centered around two cars, anyway.

Replacing the sold-out 695 Tributo Ferrari is the new 695 Competizione. Based on the 500 hatchback, it's essentially the same as the Maranello homage, only it replaces the former's striped bright paint and Prancing Horse emblems with a slick matte finish. The 500 Cabrio Italia, meanwhile, celebrates 150 years of Italian unification with a special package that encompasses Abu Dhabi blue paint (huh?), tan leather, folding roof panel and 160-horsepower turbo four. Finally, the new SuperSport is based on the Punto decked out in pale gray with matte black stripes, 18-inch alloys, 180-horsepower engine and Koni suspension.

Each one is a little bit of awesome in its own right, so check 'em out in our high-res image galleries live from the show floor. Just watch your step... lest you get stung.

Abarth brings out trio of special scorpions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Abarth 500 Motore Centrale R230 burns through its shoes

Noah Joseph — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Fiat

Lucarelli Monza Motore Centrale R230 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

What's the point in moving an engine to the back to drive the rear wheels if you can't light up those rear tires? That's what the folks behind the Motore Centrale R230 have evidently figured, taking the mid-engined Fiat Abarth 500 for a spin or two around the back lot at a racing circuit.

The R230, for a quick refresher, is the first product of Lucarelli Monza, with an interior done up by Aznom. The comprehensive re-engineering of the car involved moving the engine - with some serious modifications - to the back of the car for entirely different dynamics from the Cinquecento on which it's based.

We brought you initial details of the car's development last month, followed by its unveiling at Top Marques Monaco. Now the same snap-happy videographers at Marchettino have given us footage of the R230 pulling donuts in a parking lot. And while the driver may not exactly be Tanner Foust, it's worth a watch, so check it out after the jump.

Abarth 500 Motore Centrale R230 burns through its shoes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 May 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Awesome mid-engine, RWD Abarth 500 Motore Centrale revealed at Top Marques [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Racing, Fiat

Lucarelli Monza 500 Motore Centrale R230 - Click above for image gallery

There's a grand tradition to mid-engined hatchbacks that blend exotic layout with utilitarian bodystyle, and as promised, that tradition has now embodied itself in the Fiat 500.

Developed by Lucarelli Monza - a new tuning house eager to make its mark - the Abarth 500 Motore Centrale is a substantial re-engineering of the Italian retro hatch. The engine has been moved - apparently to a glass display case - in the rear, and extensively modified in the process. With a new turbocharger and intercooler, new catalytic converter and pistons, the 1.4-liter turbo four now drives 230 metric horsepower to the rear wheels, aided by an electronic limited-slip differential.

While the front MacPherson struts have been left intact, a new wishbone suspension has been crafted for the rear, joined by upgraded brakes with four-pot calipers all around and some revised bodywork with ducting fitted to help keep the engine cool in its new orientation. Aznom, meanwhile, has been brought on board strictly to outfit the interior with Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara.

The road-going R230 is quoted for a 4.7-second sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) and a 240 km/h (150 mph) top end. An R280 Pista version is also available with an extra 50 horses and 220 fewer pounds, plus a mechanical diff, full roll cage, adjustable suspension and data recorder, dropping its sprint down to 3.9 seconds and raising its top end up to 260 km/h (160 mph). No word on pricing, but you can bet that getting a budget hatchback to reach those kinds of numbers isn't a cheap proposition.

Have a closer look in the gallery below, and follow the jump to see and hear the pocket rocket zipping around the streets of Monte Carlo thanks to Marco at Marchettino. Thanks to all for the tips!

Gallery: Lucarelli Monza 500 Motore Centrale R230

[Source: MotoreCentrale.com via Italiaspeed]

Continue reading Awesome mid-engine, RWD Abarth 500 Motore Centrale revealed at Top Marques [w/video]

Awesome mid-engine, RWD Abarth 500 Motore Centrale revealed at Top Marques [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aznom to unveil mid-engined Abarth 500 at Top Marques Monaco

Noah Joseph — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Fiat

If you thought that Italian coachbuilt Corvettes like the Spada Codatronca Monza and the Soleil Anadi would be the only enticing debuts at the upcoming Top Marques Monaco show, think again. Tuning house and carrozzeria Aznom is reportedly preparing to unveil a radical mid-engined Abarth 500 called the Motore Centrale R230.

Teased in the image above, the project (as you might have garnered) moves the engine from in front of the passenger compartment to behind it, mounting the 1.4-liter turbo four - tuned to 230 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque - behind the front seats for a mid-engine, rear-drive configuration closer to the original 500's and better balanced for rip-roarin' performance dynamics.

A new suspension with Bilstein dampers and upgraded brakes are also part of the package, as are semi-slick Kumho tires. A Pista track version is also reportedly in the works, with an extra 50 horses, a full roll-cage, adjustable suspension and a curb weight trimmed down below the 2,000-pound mark. The conversion is undoubtedly a complex one, but if Aznom and partner Lucarelli-Monza can keep the price somewhere near reasonable it should have no trouble offloading the 30 examples targeted for production each year.

[Source: CarScoop]

Aznom to unveil mid-engined Abarth 500 at Top Marques Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gulf and Fiat team up in Luxembourg for a special edition 500 Abarth

Noah Joseph — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

There have been some iconic racing liveries over the course of motorsport history. Martini, Marlboro, JPS... we could go on, but none carry the enthusiasm of the classic Gulf color combo. Maybe it's because of Steve McQueen's cult classic Le Mans. Maybe it's the irony of the pastel colors on brutal racing machines. Whatever it is, it's an all-time favorite. But would you want your daily driver painted in the baby-blue and orange scheme, complete with sponsor logos?

For most it's not a tough decision to make, unless they're driving an Aston Martin at Le Mans or buying a custom Hummer. But customers in Luxembourg now have the rare opportunity to get their hands on an officially sanctioned Gulf-liveried hot hatch.

The special edition Fiat 500 Abarth EsseEsse was initially planned as a one-off contest giveaway, created in celebration of Gulf oil's 10th anniversary in the principality. In the end they set on making a limited run of ten examples, which are available from Fiat's importer for BeNeLux for 25,000 euros (about $35k). It features the Gulf livery both inside and out - even the Sabelt racing buckets have their seatbacks painted in the classic scheme.

Those 10 examples are likely to sell out fast, even in a country as small as Luxembourg. The question for the rest of us is, if you had the option, would you buy one?

[Source: Autofans.be - translated]

Gulf and Fiat team up in Luxembourg for a special edition 500 Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Too much? Chinese customer orders $670k gilded Fiat 500

Noah Joseph — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, China, Luxury, Fiat

Fiat 500C "La Dolce Vita" - Click above for high-res image gallery, follow the jump for video

The beauty of the Fiat 500 is that it's loaded with Italian style, but comes cheaper than anything this side of a Vespa. So if you were in the market, how much would you consider spending on a Cinquecento? $20K? Maybe $30k for a fully-loaded Abarth? How about €500,000? That's equivalent to about $670,000, and stands as the absurd price some anonymous Chinese businessman has apparently paid for a particularly ~~opulent~~ tacky example of the retro minicar.

The order came to Fenice Milano, the Italian studio whose Liberace-grade work we've reported on previously. They started with a 500C Abarth convertible, slathered it in paint infused with real 24k gold flakes, decked the interior out in teak, replaced the brightwork with more 24k gold and gave it a diamond-studded iPad docking into the dashboard. And just for good measure, they let Romeo Ferraris have at it. Their tuning jacked the stock 140-horsepower engine up to 200 hp, and they added Brembo brakes and a custom suspension for good measure.

The end result is about as nauseating an example of nouveau-riche excess as you're likely to find. If the owner thinks that by tying in his investment to a solid commodity like gold to stave off the negative effects of depreciation, he may be in for a rude awakening come resale time. Check out the video footage after the jump and the updated high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Fiat 500C "La Dolce Vita" by Fenice Milano

[Source: Fenice Milano via CarScoop]

Continue reading Too much? Chinese customer orders $670k gilded Fiat 500

Too much? Chinese customer orders $670k gilded Fiat 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Jan 2011 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Romeo Ferraris and Fenice Milano pay tribute to Monza with limited edition Abarth 500

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

Abarth 500 Monza by Fenice Milano & Romeo Ferraris - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like weddings in the Deep South, everything with cars is relative. For instance, we'd strain to call most cars with racing stripes running every which way "subtle." But when the treatment comes from Fenice Milano, anything short of gold chrome is understated. See? Relative.

The Milanese design house is the same that has gilded everything from the Fiat 500C to the Rolls-Royce Ghost. But for this special edition, they've teamed up with Romeo Ferraris, the Italian tuning house that's given us custom Corvettes, Land Rovers and of course... Fiat 500s. Okay, so between them there's no lack of love for the retro hatchback, and this is the embodiment of their shared passion: the Abarth 500 Monza.

A limited-edition tribute to the legendary grand prix circuit, the Monza edition is limited to just ten examples. So what makes it so special? Well it's got red and blue racing stripes - the track's official colors - that do a wicked Herby the Love Bug impression, sans Lindsay Lohan (for better or worse). But while the stripes continue into the white leather interior, this isn't just a trim package.

Romeo Ferraris stepped in to nearly double the engine's output, upping the horsepower figure from 135 to 260. They also threw in 280mm Brembo disc brakes, 205/40-R17 Yokohama tires and a full aero kit. And in case that wasn't enough with the special treatment, each example gets a brass plaque with the owner's name, an edition number on the shifter and a whole mess of Monza logos all over the place. Which may seem a little over the top, but again: think relative. And while you're mulling that over, check out the high-resolution images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Abarth 500 Monza by Fenice Milano & Romeo Ferraris

[Source: TopSpeed, autoblog.nl]

Romeo Ferraris and Fenice Milano pay tribute to Monza with limited edition Abarth 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Going sideways, on two wheels, Abarth-style

Noah Joseph — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Fiat, UK, Racing

Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse - Click above to view the video after the jump

If you carry too much speed into the corner in most racing cars, you're liable to spin out. But then most racing cars have a low center of gravity and a suitably long wheelbase. Suppose, then, that you're driving something a little stouter, like a race-tuned Fiat 500 in the Trofeo Abarth.

One driver found out the hard way while racing at England's Oulton Park. More impressive, though, is that he didn't wipe out, but managed to recover control from one of the closest calls we've seen in a long time. Follow the jump to see what we're rambling about.

Gallery: 2008 Paris: Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse LIVE

[Source: YouTube via DriverSide]

Continue reading Video: Going sideways, on two wheels, Abarth-style

Video: Going sideways, on two wheels, Abarth-style originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All-electric Atomik 500 sends us to the moon

Domenick Yoney — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:25:00 EST

Atomik 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

While there's still no word on whether Fiat/Chrysler will bring an electric version of the retro-metro 500 to market, it appears that someone else will. Atomik Cars has taken the 500 Abarth and made it meaner and cleaner. The new company's aim is to deliver a zero-emission vehicle that blends supercar performance with city car packaging. Atomik's motto is "Anticipating the future." It may well have succeeded.

With output from its AC brushless synchronous motors reportedly equivalent to that of a 300 horsepower engine, the Atomik 500 slingshots to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. It has lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries in unknown quantity, a ceramic heating system to warm its passengers and a "Peltier A/C module w/o gas" to cool them. More details will forthcoming as its April debut at Top Marques Monaco draws near, but we can tell you that its rarity is all but guaranteed: only around 50 copies will be available for purchase. Check out the gallery below for more images of Atomik's far-out performer.

Gallery: Atomik 500

[Source: Atomik Cars]

All-electric Atomik 500 sends us to the moon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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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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Topless Hotness: Fiat reportedly planning 500C Abarth cabrio

Noah Joseph — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Fiat

Fiat 500C - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the Fiat 500 still selling like hotcakes, the Italian automaker's performance division is reportedly working on a new combination to further bolster interest in the retro hatch. Melding the best elements of the 500 Abarth and the new 500C convertible, Fiat is said to be preparing a 500C Abarth for launch overseas in time for the next sunny season.

Porting over the engines from the fixed-roof 500 Abarth, the cabrio would be offered with the 133hp 1.4-liter turbo four, upgradable to 157hp with the optional Esse-esse kit. But while most convertibles loose their rigidity and gain weight when the top is lopped off, the 500C's unique roof rail structure keeps torsional twist at bay - to say nothing of the Cinquecento's iconic profile. Pricing would be competitive with the new Mini Cooper Cabrio, and with both the Abarth and convertible variants expected to appear Stateside by 2011, there's a good chance Fiat will throw this one into the mix, too.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Fiat 500C

[Source: Autocar]

Topless Hotness: Fiat reportedly planning 500C Abarth cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:29:00 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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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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