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Super Supermini
The second car to receive Abarth’s exceptional engineering work is the iconic 500. Faithful to the ‘small but wicked’ phrase coined for Abarth cars in the 1950s, the new 500 Abarth is a small car with stunning performance. Powered by a similar 1.4-litre 16-valve Turbo petrol engine, it delivers a maximum 135 bhp at 5500 rpm and peak torque of 206 Nm (152 lb ft) at
3000 rpm in ‘Sport’ mode. In ‘Normal’ mode the maximum torque becomes 180 Nm (132 lb ft) at 2500 rpm.
The new 500 Abarth is rapid but also environmentally aware: just like the regular Fiat 500, it is built to Euro 5 standards well in advance of forthcoming legislation. The Abarth version also features the new TTC (Torque Transfer Control) feature which improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels but, above all, ensures that the car behaves impeccably while cornering, making it even safer and more entertaining to drive when travelling at speed.
Like its Grande Punto stablemate, the 500 Abarth is no mere styling exercise. The assertive yet practical design is driven by the need to improve the 500 Abarth’s performance. Perhaps the best demonstration of this set-up is the particular care and attention that went into the aerodynamics and functionality of certain elements of the car. Compared with the basic car’s body, for example, the 500 Abarth has improved dynamic performance thanks to the extension of the roof with a large fin spoiler, and a ‘slide’ from the underbody to the air intakes, taking in a large section of the rear bumper. Two tailpipes are fitted on either side of this ‘slide’, placed symmetrically at the outlets to a single silencer positioned transversely. (They also have the Scorpion logo, just like they did in the 1960s.)
The front of the car also clearly demonstrates the 500 Abarth’s sporting credentials. There’s a triple air intake – the central one being larger than on the series model – and a much broader opening above the number plate. Additionally, two symmetrical ‘nostrils’ on each side of the bumper correspond exactly to the position of the two identical intercoolers, which can be seen through these apertures, guaranteeing optimum intake and airflow.
The nose, with its Abarth logo, has also been extended forwards to make space for the turbocharger, which gives the 500 Abarth a more pronounced, dramatic side profile, in keeping with the best Abarth tradition. On the old 850 TC and 1000 TC models, the external elements that made them so collectable were highly visible and recognisable as characteristics of the brand.
As with Grande Punto Abarth, the Abarth coat of arms appears on the flanks, pierced by a tricolour lightning bolt, just like on the Abarth 595 and 695 from the 1960s, symbolising the brand’s racing heritage. Sideskirts envelop the curves of the car, creating a more vertical profile and improving the CD. Lastly, the 16-inch or 17- inch wheels come in a variety of different styles, including a multi-spoke and a holed version (a clear reference to certain stylistic features of forged wheels in the 1970s). Inside, the 500 Abarth has a decidedly sporting feel, with special instrumentation and an analogue turbo pressure gauge. The main instrument panel has sporty graphics and includes a boost gauge/gearshift indicator, while the three-spoke steering wheel features special thumb-grips and is ‘flat’ at the base to make it easier to adjust. The distinctly ‘racing’ feel is also in evidence in the pedals, which are aluminium with rubber inserts, in the gear lever knob (upholstered in leather with a sporty, more ergonomic grip) and in the ‘unified’ seats with head restraints built into the seat backs. Lastly, the roof lining and side trims are black, giving the cabin an appropriately sporty look.
Technical Information
500 ABARTH 1.4 16V TURBO T-JET (135 BHP)
Engine
• 4 cylinders in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368 cm3
• Power output: 135 bhp at 5500 rpm
• Peak torque: 206 Nm at 3000 rpm in Sport Boost mode
• Fixed geometry IHI RHF3-P turbocharger
Transmission
• 5-speed gearbox C510
Suspension
• Front: MacPherson strut and anti-roll bar
• Rear: Torsion beam with anti-roll bar
• Lowered sports suspension
Steering
• Dualdrive Electric power steering with SPORT mode
Brakes
• ZPH 4.1.2 floating front calliper, ø 54mm piston
• Ventilated front brake discs, ø 284 x 22 mm
• CII 34 floating rear calliper, ø 34 mm piston
• Rear brake discs, ø 240 mm x 11 mm
Wheels & Tyres
• Standard: 6.5”x16” aluminium wheels. Tyres: 195/45 R16”
• Option: 7”x17” aluminium wheels. Tyres: 205/40 R17”
Ecology level
• Compliance with the Euro 5 CEE-F5 standard
CO2 emissions
• 155 g/km
Fuel consumption
• Urban consumption: 33.2 mpg
• Extra-urban consumption: 52.3 mpg
• Combined consumption: 43.4 mpg
Performance
• Top speed: 127 mph
• 0-62 mph: 7.9 secs
Safety
Passive Safety – as for Fiat 500
Active Safety – ABS, ASR, ESP etc
For further information please call
Sean Cosgrove on
01782 599600. |
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