Autoblog

Abarth's Race Against Time: BRM V12-T-44 Chronograph

Noah Joseph — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:38:00 EST

BRM V12-T-44-Abarth - Click above to view high-res image

The French timekeeper BRM is well known to the car world - and not because it happens to share its name with the 1962 F1 championship team - but because of its motorsport-inspired mechanical timepieces. For Abarth, BRM has tweaked its titanium-cased V12-T-44 chronograph with some unique Scorpion-brand touches, from the logo on the watch face and the chrome hands to the Nomex strap with red stitching. They'll only be making 49 examples, each individually numbered and selling exclusively through the BRM website for a handsome €4,900 (about $7,300). Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Abarth]

Continue reading Abarth's Race Against Time: BRM V12-T-44 Chronograph

Abarth's Race Against Time: BRM V12-T-44 Chronograph originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Abarth hatching plans for new hot hatches

Noah Joseph — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:07:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat's Abarth performance division only has two basic product lines, so how many revisions can it possibly have on the burner? Well, two, as reports emerging from Europe suggest.

Following hot on the heels of the 695 Tributo Ferrari unveiled in Frankfurt and the rally-spec R3T presented in Sanremo, come spy photos of an Abarth version of the ragtop Fiat 500C. Reports first emerged of an Abarth 500C a couple of months back, but what looks to be a working example has been spied at Abarth's Officine 83 Mirafiori facility. Sources expect a possible debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show.

Meanwhile, there are also more reports of an updated Punto Abarth. The hot hatch is expected to wear cosmetic modifications concurrent with the new Fiat Punto Evo, and the 170hp 1.4-liter MultiAir four from the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadifoglio Verde is tipped to replaced the existing 155hp engine. Reports also suggest that the Abarth could be one of the first Fiat group products to showcase the company's new six-speed dual-dry-clutch transmission.

While the new Punto isn't expected to make it Stateside, there's a strong chance the Abarth 500 will. However there's no word yet as to if and when the 500 range might get the MultiAir engine and DSG.

[Sources: eurocarblog and jokeforblog]

Spy Shots: Abarth hatching plans for new hot hatches originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Raikkonen to leave Ferrari for new Fiat rally team, VW to follow?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Fiat, Rumormill

Raikkonen drives Rally Finland in a Fiat Punto Abarth

The World Rally Championship is targeting the participation of four major manufacturers within the next two seasons, and according to the latest scuttlebutt, they just might get what they are wishing for. At the turn of the millennium, the premier rally series had seven manufacturers, but series organizers and promoters reportedly feel that four would make for a more competitive environment.

Suzuki and Subaru recently withdrew their works teams from the championship, leaving Ford and Citroën as the only manufacturers in the sport together with the independent customer teams. Both Volkswagen and Fiat are expected to launch WRC efforts in the near future, but it's Fiat's initiative that's garnering the most interest in the motorsport press, as it's rumored to include one very big name.

According to rumors, Kimi Raikkonen will leave Formula One and Scuderia Ferrari to lead the Fiat rally team, expected to compete under the Abarth name. Raikkonen recently contested a series of rallies in his spare time behind the wheel of his own S2000-spec Fiat Punto Abarth (pictured above), adding fuel to the speculation suggesting that Raikkonen could have his existing contract with Ferrari simply transferred over to the Abarth outfit, as it falls under the same Fiat group umbrella as Ferrari. The move would make room for Fernando Alonso to take Kimi's place in the culmination of a long anticipated move for the Spanish champion.

[Source: Autosport and Pitpass | Image: OLIVIER MORIN/AFP/Getty]

Rumormill: Raikkonen to leave Ferrari for new Fiat rally team, VW to follow? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Surf & Turf: Abarth makes a powerboat with triple 350hp Yamaha V8s

Noah Joseph — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Fiat

SACS Powershore Abarth SP - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Fiat relaunched its Abarth performance division, it had a fairly straightforward objective: to turn its ordinary hatchbacks into fire-breathing performance models. But as it turns out, Abarth's mandate extends beyond transforming Fiats. The scorpion sub-brand has also turned out the special-edition Yamaha FZ1 Abarth Assetto Corse to celebrate the 100th birthday of its namesake founder Karl Abarth and has teamed up again with the Japanese company - whose MotoGP team it also sponsors, headlined by multiple champion Valentino Rossi - for an offshore inflatable speedboat.

Bringing boatmaker SACS Marine and naval architect Christian Grande into the fold, the Powershore Abarth SP is a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) with not one, not two, but three Yamaha Marine 5.3-liter DOHC 32-valve fuel-injected V8 outboard motors. Each of the three engines produces a tidy 350 horsepower, measured right at the prop-shaft. Based on the SACS Strider 12S, the Abarth SP measures over 40 feet long, weighs 5.7 metric tons and packs a 960-liter fuel tank. Don't forget the double bed, bathroom and galley (that's a kitchen for you land-lubbers). The Powershore Abarth SP is set to debut at the 49th Salone Nautico Internazionale di Genova 2009 in October.

Gallery: SACS Powershore Abarth SP

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Surf & Turf: Abarth makes a powerboat with triple 350hp Yamaha V8s originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Renault to relaunch Gordini performance brand in 2010

Chris Paukert — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, Specialty

While it may seem like an inopportune time to exhume a performance marque, that's just what Renault is up to, says Car. According to the U.K. glossy, Renault will relaunch the Gordini brand in Europe next year with a new Twingo variant. You may recall that it was recently revealed that the French automaker's plans to bring back its storied Alpine product line has been axed, but the decades-dormant Gordini is apparently a different matter altogether.

The new lineup of hot hatches will slot in above current Renaultsport offerings, with the aforementioned Twingo reportedly being followed by Clio and Megane Coupe models. Like the Gordini-tuned cars of yore, the new models are tipped to wear blue paint and white stripes along with various performance upgrades that will make them a likely foil to Fiat's reborn Abarth lineup.

[Source: Car]

REPORT: Renault to relaunch Gordini performance brand in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rendered Speculation: Abarth Roadster stings again

Noah Joseph — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Fiat, Rendered Speculation

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

Fiat and Yamaha team up on new AbarthFZ1

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Fiat, Motorcycle

Click above for more images of the Yamaha FZ1 Abarth Assetto Corse

Before Karl Abarth was putting his sporting touches on Fiats for competition, he was a successful motorcycle racer, winning five European Championships. When Fiat realized how successful Abarth was with its cars, the Italian automaker purchased the tuning division and made it an integral part of its operations. The relationship has continued to this day and the tuning company is now an official division. The motorcycling connection finally comes full circle, as Fiat is the main sponsor for Yamaha's MotoGP race team and star rider (not to mention current MotoGP champion) Valentino Rossi. To celebrate Abarth's centenary, Fiat and Yamaha have teamed up on a tuned version of the 150 horsepower FZ1, a naked version of the previous-gen R1 literbike. The FZ1 Abarth Assetto Corse gets extra-special goodies like a complete Öhlins suspension, Marchesini wheels, Brembo monobloc front brake calipers, and an Akrapovic exhaust system. We're smitten with the red and white paint job, which looks resplendent against its attendant Abarth scorpion logos.

Gallery: Yamaha FZ1 Abarth Assetto Corse

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Fiat and Yamaha team up on new AbarthFZ1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Intel and Abarth hook up on Powerplay Extreme gaming desktop

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:37:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Technology, Fiat, Toys/Games, Lifestyle

Click above for more shots of the Abarth Intel Powerplay Extreme gaming rig

As Fiat's in-house tuning arm, Abarth stands for high performance and unique design. The firm hopes to have hit on both of these qualities with its latest adventure in the art of co-branding, the new Powerplay Extreme gaming desktop. The crew definitely got the unique design part down, with a soaring, bridge-like truss holding a giant fan at the very top of the inner workings of the computer, which is powered by Intel's latest and most powerful chip ever, the Core i7 Extreme.

This new pint-sized desktop machine will be launched to kick off Intel's new "Friday Night Game", which is an Electronic Sports League sanctioned event that pits elite gamers from 30 different countries against each other. As far as the actual hardware goes, we see the expected firewire and USB ports along with an external serial port for terabytes of fun. The exposed motherboard sports a slew of heatsinks and LED-colored fans to keep things cool. Plus, it controls a Blue-ray/HD DVD player and, of course, a couple of CD\DVD burners. We're sure it all runs on an Intel chipset, but there aren't any details yet on the RAM or hard disk space. The best part? How 'bout that big red Start Engine power button?

Gallery: Abarth Intel Powerplay Extreme

[Source: Carscoop]

Intel and Abarth hook up on Powerplay Extreme gaming desktop originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments