Abarth 500 Review 2008

A little over a year has passed since the announcement and, as envisaged in the plan to revive the brand, Abarth & CSpA has kept its promise to return and update all the activities that made his name in history.

To emphasize the authenticity of the project, the activities of the brand immediately focused on the retrieval and update of all activities in the past by Abarth & C., from the direct participation of Italian and international races, the organization of single-brand trophy and preparing cars for customers - moving across the road cars and conversion kits for accessories and clothes that reflect the style Abarth. A new world was reborn around the Abarth brand, the articulation of fundamental values ​​that have purchased this as good fortune in the past: innovation in the design, use of advanced materials and attention to detail. All based on real passion for driving, let alone humans and engineering heritage.
 
Abarth 500 2008
The Abarth engineers immediately focused on a specific detail that has distinguished itself in a world of Abarth from the beginning: to transfer the experience of motorsport in the world of road vehicles. Abarth has always been synonymous with cars moving, challenges, passion and emotion - and now he is back with the intention to appeal to the dreams of all motor sport fans: in September last year saw the reinterpretation created Abarth Grande Punto and now comes the turn of the new 500 Abarth brand to add a notch to this ambitious project of Fiat Group Automobiles.

This approach is clear and strong, Karl Abarth was the first to create his own re-emerged in the design and production of new models and development of all activities of the brand. Abarth achieved this by using the help of business leaders in the field of motorsport component: Brembo, BMC, Sabelt, FPT-Fiat Powertrain Technologies and Magneti Marelli, among others. Disse important partners for international influence to ensure the highest level of performance and safety through their products exactly in line with the Abarth philosophy.

The new Abarth is primarily a full-fledged business with a diverse organization (led by CEO Luca De Meo), with its headquarters and production facilities in four levels, with a range of products and a dedicated distribution network: flagship store retailers, specialty stores and preparation service shops.

The organization of this trade network encapsulates three key values ​​of the brand of sportiness, authenticity and customer relations. To ensure an authentic shopping experience, the conversion is done with the utmost attention to every detail, in accordance with a unique style, a distillate of references in the real world of Abarth: history, sports cars, tuning, accessories, merchandising and the racing world.

Initial figures indicate that the products are selling as fast as the Abarth: more than 80 dealerships are already operating in Europe, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands and Greece. By the end of the year, the network should be completed as well as Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Poland: this confirms the goal of 100 dealers in Europe, the same number of officers and about 200 preparatory workshops. Expansion is also affected by non-European markets, starting in Japan in early 2009.

Distribution and preparation of the network, which is unique and has certainly contributed to the enormous success of 155 bhp Grande Punto Abarth 1.4 Turbo T-Jet: more than 2000 cars have been sold for at least nine months since they started selling.

Not to mention that in May last year, two tuning kits for the 155 hp Abarth Grande Punto 1.4 Turbo T-Jet is for sale, one entitled 'Assetto' and other 'esseesse "(the latter also includes an engine modification that increases the vehicle's power to 180 hp) more than 500 kits have been sold in just two months.

The age of the customer is another significant factor: more than 60% are under 30 but over 30% of customers buy the Fiat Group Automobiles Abarth product for the first time. These data confirm the validity of the project, and the second to maintain the historical value of Abarth: allows drivers to enter the world of motor sport in complete safety available in the price.

Now comes the turn of the brand new 500 Abarth to continue on this path, since the absolute respect for one unforgettable past and pursue a world of victories, style and symbols Abarth scorpion logo made into a legend that still stir the blood of car lovers.
 
Abarth 500 2008
Since the driving experience: technology, performance and safety.

Presented at the Geneva Motor Show 78th and should be marketed from July 19 in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, France and the Netherlands, the new 500 Abarth has been developed by the Abarth engineers in spirit of the legendary 500 Abarth of the 1960s.

The new car was created to strengthen the position of the sports brand. On the outside, it looks like a pocket fast, compact car, while the interior offers the best currently available in the field of engineering, safety and technology, remains faithful to the word coined for Abarth cars of the decade of 1960 (small but deadly): real scorpion, that is, able to arouse the passion of thousands of drivers with a taste for challenge, speed, and Italian style. The new 500 Abarth is no exception. This is a heady mix of technology, performance and safety is based on the experience and passion to the world of racing.

Sporty and functional style perfect balance between past and future.

The style of the 500 Abarth, created by the Fiat Style Centre Auto Group is fully in the tradition of the scorpion and is a facade, but also contributes significantly to the car's performance. The best example of this approach to style is the attention devoted to the aerodynamics and the role of certain elements.

For example, the back of the 500 Abarth characterized by the presence of a special bumper, aerodynamic hood, dual exhaust terminal and tailgate spoiler, giving it a sporty look but also an excellent aerodynamics. A scorpion logo is printed above the silent, as the historical Abarth exhaust.

The front is a special statement that the Abarth 500 is a GT on-and-out: the tripartite model formed by the entry consists of a central intake that is greater than the base model, and a top slot (above the plate) there are also wider. The two symmetrical "nostrils" on each side of the bumper correspond exactly to the position of two corresponding intercoolers that can be seen through the openings and are there to make sure air is able to flow in and out.

The front end of the frieze was moved forward to create space for the turbocharger. This makes the side profile of the 500 Abarth more pronounced and significant in the Abarth tradition pitch-perfect on the 1000 TC 850 and TC models, no-nonsense external manifolds are recognizable features of the fire. "Fleet" The Abarth logo on a finned surface that serves as an additional air intake. Abarth badges are positioned on the sides, crossed by a lightning strike in three colors, like on the Abarth 595 and 695 Abarth of the 1960s, to symbolize the brand racing vocation.

Wheels, available in 16 and 17 sizes in inches, are available in different styles: from multispoked wheels and rims bordered by holes (refer to themes forged wheel 1970 is clear).

Run for the inner satisfaction of a sporty driving.

One hundred percent of indoor racing in the 500 Abarth instruments specific function and an analogue gauge to measure turbo pressure. The pressure gauge contains a "GSI (Gear Shift Indicator) LED that lights up to prompt the driver to shift gears.

The most important indicator, sport-graphics-lips on offer continues to glare protection, while three-spoke steering wheel includes a contoured grip for your thumbs, and stabilized at the base to ensure volumes of passengers more space and control of space.

Aluminum pedals with rubber is also more clearly reveals the calling of race, as well as the gear knob (leather is cut with a more ergonomic grip for sports), and handbrake lever grip (leather).

Seats with integrated headrests back to reveal a particular design Abarth around the group to keep the body firmly in position even when cornering. They can be cut into the skin, two blacks or reds, or two different specifications for the fabric.
 
Abarth 500 2008 interior
High level of driving safety and satisfaction.

Created to satisfy the most demanding needs, the 500 Abarth is one of the safest cars in its entire segment. Stable, effective braking is ensured as well as a good pick-up 135 hp power unit and treatment always gives the new car expected to sail through the calm in critical situations. The Abarth 500 is standard with seven airbags (two front, two window bags, dual airbags and knee protection in the second): Record the automotive category. The new model is also technically advanced products are an effective tool to manage the driver (active): such as ABS with EBD (electronic brake force distributor), a sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) equipment Hill Holder to assist the driver during hill starts and HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) to assist in emergency stops.

For the first time in this segment, including the new 500 Abarth has two features that appeal to all standards, "TTC '(Torque Transfer Control) and' GSI '(Gear Shift Indicator) systems. The first device improves the transfer of torque to the wheels, in particular, guarantees excellent cornering thus making the car safer and more entertaining during a sporty drive. The 'GSI' (Gear Shift Indicator) encourages the driver to shift gears by turning on a specific indicator on the control panel (LED flashes five times in a row). In detail, if the normal mode is selected, the system informs the driver that the fuel savings could be achieved by switching to a different speed. If the driver continues in sport mode, gear changes proposal aims to achieve the best possible performance.

The Abarth 500 also offers all the features, dynamics and comfort that allows users to respond more demanding routes in comfort. This is also due to the configuration of the suspension system front is a MacPherson configuration while the rear suspension interconnected (ie semi-independent) with a torsion beam. Creating a design of Magneti Marelli, both configurations were chosen properly screened and developed for the new vehicle to ensure good handling and high ride comfort.

Powerful, smooth energy sources.

Abarth are known and appreciated around the world of sports cars that are able to offer the challenge of a great tradition of races and victories, thanks to the genius of an exceptional engine. Cars that enhance everyday driving experience with a touch of true and authentic racing driving pleasure.

The new 500 Abarth promotes these qualities, but if necessary can also offer something more: more performance, handling, increased braking capacity. All the dynamic performance of the car on the track, in other words. Especially useful lively engine hiding under the bonnet Fire 1.4 16v petrol Turbo engine that produces a maximum power of 135 hp (99 kW) at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 206 Nm at 3000 rpm in 'Sport' (in normal mode, the torque is 180 Nm at 2500 rpm). Power source, providing an emotional performance at the same time to make 500 Abarth extremely pleasant to drive, even everyday use.

In detail, the engine 1368 cm3 four-cylinder 16-valve (with turbo IHI fixed geometry turbocharger RHF3-P), which produces a dazzling spectacle. The maximum speed is 205 km / h, but the acceleration of 0-100 km / h takes only 7.9 seconds. This is partly achieved overboost function that activates the "sports button, which is regulated by the control unit and the mapping of the boost pressure at the wheel, in addition to the load but this generally brings with it the Abarth sporting a very low fuel consumption:. 5.4 l/100 km in combined cycle.

The new drive unit, the soft power that also proves to be gentle on the environment: the new Abarth is already designed to meet the more stringent restrictions imposed by the future European standards (Euro 5), and comply with the limits emission is due to take effect in 2009.

It is also worth remembering that the 135 hp 1.4 16V Turbo T-Jet is a new T-Jet family, which applies the philosophy of reduction: the adoption of a new-generation turbocharger, combined with a smaller capacity engine, allows you to achieve performance levels comparable or even better than the higher capacity of energy sources, but the fuel consumption and emissions. Again, the presence of the turbo significantly increases the maximum torque, so it's available in the lower RPMs, but the results are more flexible and unprecedented response compared to conventional aspirated engines. This should be a fundamental simplicity of the benefits of strength and reliability.

Role of telemetry.

Blue & Me ™ MAP telemetry 500 Abarth will make its debut. This adds a very innovative service was developed by Magneti Marelli, the result of know-how built the world race, and to help combine sport performance advantages of the Blue & Me ™ MAP.

The control function shows the most important profession in the vehicle parameters (engine speed, vehicle speed, speed) that is transferred from the Blue & Me ™ at the PND (Portable Navigation Device) Bluetooth.

TRACK function available if the driver is one of the circuits on the SD card, looks set for more information, such as the car's position on the track (using GPS) and travel time.

The setup function allows you to store telemetry data for a route and assign it to an individual session (identified by the name of the driver, circuit, date). The recorded data can be retrieved easily and also analyzed at a later, thanks to the analysis function.

The Blue & Me ™ MAP 500 represents a new frontier in the market for portable navigation system: the system is safe and easy to use because of the high level of integration on board in terms of electrical / mechanical (obtained through support specific in the dashboard) and also in terms of connectivity ensured by a Bluetooth connection to the platform Blue & Me ™.

The advantages of this structure is considerable: the device uses the data from the vehicle CAN network to improve navigation, voice messages are played through the integrated sound system, navigation pictograms are shown on the dashboard and the destination can be specified using the buttons on the steering wheel or via voice commands.