We don't usually post articles on motorcycles but this time we are obliged to make an exception. The 'naked' Yamaha concept bike you see in the picture above was developed in cooperation with Fiat's sport division, Abarth as part of the celebrations to mark the 100th birthday of the Italian firm's founder Karl Abarth (born on November 15. 1908). The prototype model is based on the FZ1 which is powered by a 1,0-liter engine derived from the Yamaha's R1 supersport bike. The 4-cylinder unit produces an output of 150HP at 11,000 rpm.
The FZ1 Abarth Assetto Corso is distinguished by the classic Abarth livery which combines Abarth's Scorpion and Yamaha's three tuning-fork logo. Mechanical improvements on the concept bike include a new Akrapovic exhaust as well as suspension and brake upgrades.
Along with the FZ1 Abarth Assetto Corso, Fiat's sport division marked Karl Abarth's centenary with the release of a limited edition version of the 500 Abarth (click here for details and photos) and a snazzy high performance desktop powered by the new Intel Core i7 Extreme processor (click here to check it out).
If gasoline runs in your veins then you're certainly going to get a kick out of this Abarth branded desktop that was revealed by the firm's parent company Fiat. The "Abarth Powerplay Extreme" is the first fruit of a new collaboration between Fiat's sporty subsidiary and Intel that was begun with the aim of developing state-of-the-art products and electronic devices. The particular high performance desktop with its eye-catching design was produced by Italy's Brain Technology Spa and is powered by the new Intel Core i7 Extreme processor which is supposed to be the most powerful microchip ever produced by Intel.
"The decision to create a product designed for videogamers 'emerged from the realization that this market segment is a rigorous test bench for personal computers. Videogamers are some of the most demanding users, able to assess a computer's real performance and to push it to its highest limits," said Fiat's Abarth division in a statement released to the press.
Abarth and Intel intend to present the high-end desktop all over Europe through the "Intel Friday Night Game", a videogame championship recognized by the Electronic Sports League, in which the best videogamers and teams from over 30 countries compete.
The Italian firm has not announced pricing for the Abarth Powerplay Extreme PC or any details concerning its availability.
If there's one thing that there's no shortage of in Turin, that's special edition versions of the 500. Fiat's latest creation is based on the sporty 500 Abarth and it has been built to mark Karl Abarth's centenary. Called the 500 Abarth "DA 0 A 100", this particular version is equipped with a modified 1.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 160HP and a peak torque of 230 Nm. The commemorative model also features different gear ratios helping it to reach 100 km/h (60mph) from a standing start in 7.3 sec. The "DA 0 A 100's" top speed is 211 km/h or 131mph.
Furthermore, Abarth's engineers improved the 500s stopping power by adding perforated disc brakes front and rear and high performance front brake pads. Other modifications include a new air filter "powered by BMC", special low springs and new 17" alloy wheels – with chrome-plated hub covers and Scorpion logo in relief – complete with Pirelli PZero Nero 205/40 R16 ZR 17 tires.
On the outside, the special edition 500 Abarth stands out for its Nuvolari Grey bodywork complemented by the side stripe with a tone-on-tone effect, the chrome-plated identification badges and wing mirror cases as well as the four (...) exhaust tailpipes.
The interior gets the same kind of treatment with special leather seats in 'hide' color featuring silver stitching. The thumb-rests on the steering wheel (the centre is decorated with the Italian flag) are also covered with hide colored leather, while the gear lever knob, the kick plate branded "da 0 a 100" and the special "da 0 a 100" plate with the number of the car are all aluminum. The same "da 0 a 100" branding can be found on the fuel tank cover, the ignition key fob and the car cover.
Fiat hasn't announced pricing yet but the Italians did reveal that only a total of 101 units will be manufactured.
Due to be produced in a limited run of 49 cars, the ‘500 Abarth Assetto Corse’ is the spiritual successor to the 595 Abarth that notched up several victories in European race tracks from 1963. The new vehicle, developed and produced by a team of Abarth Engineers and Designers, will take part at the 26th edition of the ‘Mille Miglia 2008’ (May 15 to 18). Equipped with a modified version of the road-going Abarth 500’s 135Hp 1.4-liter turbo engine that develops 200Hp and 300 Nm of torque, the “Asseto Corse” gets a full racing outfit that includes wider tracks, white 17-inch ultralight alloys, lowered suspension, wider bumpers, front and rear spoilers, sports racing mirrors and a place for a number on the sides. In addition to the classic bonnet clips, the bonnet houses two carbon air intakes bearing the Abarth scorpion logo. -Continued
Inside, the ‘500 Abarth Assetto Corse’ has been stripped of any amenities helping lower the car’s overall weight by 180 kg or 397 lbs. The cabin now features a roll-bar type-approved for racing, anatomical seats, carbon door panels and a special racing-type steering wheel.
The 49 lucky owners will be provided with a clothing set for the driver that includes helmets, gloves and shoes, all branded with the ultra-new ‘Assetto Corse’ logo produced for the limited edition of the car.
If you find the 135 Hp version of the all-new 500 Abarth a tad underpowered, there’s no need to worry as Fiat is preparing a more powerful edition of its mini GTi that follows in the footsteps of the Grande Punto Abarth “esseese” (see here). As you can see in the picture that was taken during the media presentation of the 500 Abarth in Turin, the sport kit will include a number of visual and mechanical enchantments, the most important being the upgraded 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that will deliver 160 Hp. As with the Grande Punto Abarth SS, the “esseesse” kit will be available either as an option at the time of sale, or it can be retrofitted up to 1 year after purchase, or up to 20,000 km on the road.
Via: Autoblog.it
Fiat has unleashed the first promotional video of its… white-hot 500 Abarth that is set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. As you’d expect, the promo film also pays a tribute to the 500 Abarth’s racing forefather that stared in the world of motorsports back in the sixties. Back to the 21st century, the new 500 Abarth is powered by a small but punchy 135 HP 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that delivers 135 HP to the front wheels through a five speed manual gearbox. –Check out the video after the jump
Exactly one year after the rebirth of the brand and the company, Abarth returns to the Geneva Motor Show for the public launch of the long-awaited 500 Abarth. In this more detailed press kit, Fiat’s sporty subsidiary has also included five high-res images of the 500 Abarth which you can check out right after the jump.Before we get into the mechanical details, let’s see how Abarth’s design team managed to turn the cute-looking 500 into “mighty-mouse”. The Italians added a full bodykit that consists of a new front and rear bumper, side skirts, a roof spoiler, a rear diffuser, red caps on the exterior mirrors, twin exhaust pipes, a restyled bonnet and larger, 16’’ or optionally, 17’’ alloy wheels. Furthermore, Fiat claims that the 500 Abarth’s beefy bodikt is fully functional as it helps to reduce drag and increase grip at high speed.
Inside, according to Fiat as there are no official pics out yet, the 500 Abarth features special instrumentation with sports graphics, a three-spoke steering wheel with shaped thumb rests and a ‘flattened’ bottom, aluminum pedals and ‘one-piece’ type bucket seats.
The 500 Abarth is powered by Fiat’s 1.4-liter Turbo petrol engine that generates 135 bhp at 5,000 rpm and a peak torque of 206 Nm at 3.000 rpm in ‘Sport’ mode (180 Nm at 2,500 rpm in ‘
PRESS RELEASE:
All the strong points of the new car
Faithful to the saying coined for Abarth cars in the 1960s (‘small but wicked’), the 500 Abarth promises to be a ‘small’ car with generous performance qualities. The car on display at the
Another interesting feature of the 500 Abarth is the fact that it adopts the new TTC (Torque Transfer Control) system, which improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels, but, above all, ensures that the car behaves impeccably on bends, making it safer and more entertaining to drive when you put your foot down.
World premiere of the 500 Abarth
And for people with an assertive character, who love a challenge, as Carlo Abarth did, in addition to the road version prepared with the conversion kit, the small Abarth will also be offered with a racing outfit, the 500 Abarth SS Assetto Corsa, designed for customers who want to try their hand at circuit racing.
All the strong points of the new car
Faithful to the saying coined for Abarth cars in the 1960s (‘small but wicked’), the 500 Abarth promises to be a ‘small’ car with generous performance qualities. The car on display at the Geneva show is equipped with a Fire 1.4 16v Turbo petrol engine which delivers a maximum of 135 bhp (99 kW) at 5,000 rpm and peak torque of 206 Nm at 3.000 rpm in ‘Sport’ mode (in ‘Normal’ mode torque is reduced to 180 Nm at 2,500 rpm). This brilliant, smooth new engine is also a friend of the environment: like the regular Fiat model it is derived from, the new Abarth will respect future Euro 5 legislation.
Another interesting feature of the 500 Abarth is the fact that it adopts the new TTC (Torque Transfer Control) system, which improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels, but, above all, ensures that the car behaves impeccably on bends, making it safer and more entertaining to drive when you put your foot down.
Aggressive, functional styling
Respecting Abarth tradition in full, the styling of the 500 Abarth is not a mere exercise in interpretation, because it significantly improves the car’s performance. The best proof of this stylistic approach can be found in the attention paid to the aerodynamics and functionality of certain elements. For example, compared to the basic body, the 500 Abarth optimises aerodynamic behaviour both with the roof extension and a large winged spoiler, and with a ‘slide’ that links up to the underbody, optimising the airflow output, and involving much of the rear bumper.
We should underline that these two elements – the spoiler and the slide – help to reduce drag and increase grip at high speed. What is more, the front slits on the bumper heighten the sporty styling but also perform a useful function, cooling the two intercoolers positioned at the sides. That is not all. On either side of the ‘slide’, there is an exhaust pipe that corresponds to the symmetrical exits of a single silencer positioned transversely (branded with the scorpion logo, like those in the 1960s).
On the side, sideskirts envelop the curves of the car creating a more vertical profile, which improves the Cd. But it is the front that really announces that the 500 Abarth has the equipment of a true GT: the ‘triptych’ of air intakes consists of a central inlet, which is larger than on the basic model, with a much broader upper slit (above the number plate); the two ‘nostrils’, positioned symmetrically at the sides of the bumper, correspond exactly to the position of the two identical intercoolers, which are just visible through the ‘nostrils’, guaranteeing airflow in and out.
The nose with its trim has been ‘pushed forward’ to create the space necessary for the turboblower; this makes the side view of the 500 Abarth more pronounced and obvious, in perfect harmony with Abarth tradition, recalling the 850 TC and 1000 TC, on which the externally applied manifolds were immediately visible and recognisable as a characteristic feature of the brand. The trim itself differs from the one on the Fiat 500 because it is in a single piece: the Abarth logo, which appears for the first time without a chrome surround, ‘floats’ on a finned surface that serves as an additional air intake. The Abarth shields positioned on the sides are shot through by a tri-colour arrow, like the ones on the Abarth 595 and 695 in the 1960s, a symbol of the brand’s racing image.
And finally, the 16” and 17” wheel rims come in different styles: from multiple spokes to beading of the bore holes (a clear reference to styles adopted for forged wheels in the 1970s).
‘Racing’ interiors for extremely enjoyable driving
Inside, the ‘cockpit’ of the 500 Abarth features special instrumentation which is derived from the outfit on the Fiat model, with the addition of an analogue pressure gauge to measure turbo pressure. It incorporates a LED telltale that optimises gear changes by lighting up at the appropriate moment. The main instrumental panel, with its sports graphics, is protected from glare by an upper lip, while the three-spoke steering wheel has shaped thumb rests, is ‘flattened’ at the bottom to increase roominess, and is adjustable. The aluminium pedals with their rubber trim have a decidedly ‘racing’ look, like the gear lever knob (covered with leather with a more anatomical grip for sporty driving). The same approach is evident in the seats – of the ‘one-piece’ type, incorporating the head-restraint into the squab – which are upholstered with a choice of materials: fabrics in different combinations of colours and textures, and two versions of leather (black or red). The headlining and the side trims are black, giving the interior a more technical, sporty look.
Fiat 500 Abarth: a story of records and successes
The roots of the new 500 Abarth go deep into the history of motorsport in the Sixties. A brief history follows of the forefather of the car displayed today in
It all began in July 1957 with the launch of the ‘Nuova 500’, the car created by Dante Giacosa and powered by a twin-cylinder engine (capacity of 479 cc) that delivered a maximum of 13 bhp, for a top speed of 85 km/h. Carlo Abarth fell in love with this small Fiat, and immediately recognised a challenge: he was soon convinced that, with suitable tuning, it could become a very fast little car. He maintained the original cylinder capacity, but increased the compression ratio (from 6.55:1 to 8.7:1), and fitted a Weber 26 IMB carburettor and a special Abarth exhaust: this generated an extra 7 bhp compared to the basic model, bringing it up to 20 bhp which, with successive tuning stages, eventually reached 23 bhp.
On October 15, 1957 a number of similarly tuned cars, but all with standard bodywork, were sent to the Monza racing circuit for a speed test, to show that the ‘Abarth treatment’ could produce extraordinary results.
The injection of horsepower and the special Abarth edition of the ‘Nuova 500’ made a significant contribution to the success of the standard model. That same year two more versions of the new Fiat also appeared: the ‘500 Coupe’ Zagato and the ‘500 Coupe’ Pininfarina. The first won for Abarth in the Italian Class 500 Championship of 1958, driven by Ovidio Capelli. That same year, Carlo Abarth wanted to show that the ‘Nuova Fiat 500’, suitably transformed and with even more power, could produce brilliant performance (compression ratio of 10.5:1, optimised intake and exhaust, power delivery of 26 bhp and top speed of 118 km/h), and as a result for a whole week the small Fiat – sporting a Scorpion on its front – performed a ‘marathon’ that went down in history: in seven days and seven nights it covered a distance of 18,186 kilometres at an average speed of 108 km/h, breaking 6 international records, by travelling:
• in 4 days, 10,457 km at an average of 108.9 km/h;
• in 5 days, 12,933 km at an average of 108.2 km/h;
• 15,000 km in 139 hr 16’ 33” at an average of 107.6 km/h;
• in 6 days, 15,530 km at an average of 107.8 km/h;
• 10,000 miles in 149 hr 09’ 29” at an average of 107.8 km/h;
• in 7 days, 18,186 km at an average of 108.2 km/h.
With this umpteenth success, Carlo Abarth proved that it was possible to build racing cars derived from small runabouts, and the motto ‘small but wicked’ was coined.
And so the Sixties started; they have since been described as the heyday of the Scorpion, thanks to its huge success in racing and on the market. This decade also represented the period of the greatest generational rebirth in the Twentieth century. The age of technology began: in the space industry, preparations were underway to put a man on the moon, eight out of ten Italian homes now had a television, people travelled by car listening to the radio, all types of periodicals and publications were born, habits were changing, and so were the Italians.
It was no coincidence that the most important developments to the ‘500’ Abarth were introduced in this revolutionary period. In 1963, Carlo Abarth, who was a natural technologist and innovator, decided that he wanted to make the new ‘500’ even faster; so he increased the cylinder capacity from 499.5 cc to 595 cc, obtaining a power delivery of 27 bhp. The extensive work carried out on the engine and changes to the fuel feed system, with the adoption of a Solex C28 PBJ carburettor instead of a Weber unit, enabled the Fiat 500 Abarth to pass the 120 km/h mark.
The Scorpion’s small sports car was immediately recognisable by the Abarth grille on the nose, accompanied by the distinctive metal logos of the model and the Abarth shield on the sides, with the claim ‘Campione del Mondo’ (World Champion).
A few months after the market launch of the ‘595’, the plant in Corso Marche launched the ‘conversion box’ containing all the parts necessary to make a Fiat Nuova 500 identical to an Abarth 595, in terms of engineering but also of styling: pistons, camshaft, engine, cylinder head gasket, exhaust, oil sump, chrome-plated grille with lateral trims, enamel shield and chrome wording.
This showed that Carlo Abarth’s engineering genius was attune to the aspirations of the young, managing to meet the demand for brilliant performance even on cars used for everyday driving and not only to race.
For the Corso Marche plant, 1964 began with the presentation of the Fiat Abarth ‘595 SS’, an even more evolved, more powerful version of the ‘595’. This small bombshell developed as much as 32 bhp for a top speed of over 130 km/h, causing quite a stir in the racing world. It differed from the previous model for the black rubber hooks on the bonnet, the ‘SS’ logo on the front and rear lids, and ‘esse esse’ written on the dashboard.
They were stylistic details that underlined the sporty personality of this small car. And it was by then customary for Abarth to market not only the car but also a conversion kit that allowed the owner of a Fiat 500 to transform it into a ‘595’ SS, and to put himself behind the wheel of a real Abarth sports car.
The last version of the ‘595’ was the ‘595 SS Competizione’: wider track, wider tyres, wheelarches with protruding red shanks, a power delivery of 34 bhp and a top speed of 130 km/h. In other words, Carlo Abarth had created a new car for new victories. The roll of honour of this runabout with the Scorpion treatment included a long, long list of triumphs, from its debut at the
The sport version of Fiat’s hugely popular minicar has been fitted with an aggressive bodykit that included new bumpers, side skirts, a rear diffuser, wider fenders that house larger alloy rims, a roof spoiler, red mirror caps and Abarth decals. Add the twin exhaust outlets in the rear and this is one 500 that you won’t call cute. There are no images of the interior, but it apparent from the ghost sketches that Abarth has equipped the sporty 500 with a pair of red bucket seats.
Sorry to say, we don’t have any technical details in our hands yet, but we’re guessing that the 500 Abarth will be equipped with Fiat’s 1.4-liter turbocharged engine developing between 120 and 150 HP. –More images after the jump
Thanks for the pics CC!
Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/search/label/Abarth
Today, Fiat sent out an e-mail to all the members of the “500 Wants You” website alerting them to note these two dates: February 18 and 19 2008. While the Italian carmaker states in the e-mail that they can’t tell us any more at the moment, they do advise us to check out the two new boxes on the home page. One box leads to the Abarth page that contains black and white sketches of the forthcoming 500 Abarth that will apparently make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. There is no info on any mechanical details, but we’ll know more in the beginning of next week.
Thanks for the tip
Fiat’s marketing team thought of an innovative (and refreshing) way to greet visitors at their Abarth stand at this year’s Bologna Motor Show. On the other hand, with all those super-sexy babes at Fiat’s stand, we’re not so sure if an energizing drink is something that we’d recommend… Just so you know, the “Abarth Horse-Powered Energy Drink” won’t be available at any supermarkets as it was a one-off product made solely for the motor show. Via: Autoblog.it
Links: Exterior & Interior Video , Press Release & Images , 180 Hp “Esseesse” Version
The Grande Punto Abarth “esseesse” kit or SS for short, was officially revealed at the IAA 2007 last week. Available exclusively from authorized Abarth dealers in early 2008, the sport kit includes a number of visual and mechanical enchantments. With the “esseesse” kit, the Abarth’s 1.4-litre turbocharged engine delivers 180 hp @ 5,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 272 Nm (201-lbs/ft) compared to the standard model’s 155 Hp and 206 Nm (152-lbs/ft) of torque. Combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the enhanced engine raises the Abarth’s top speed from 208 km/h (129 mph) 215 km/h (134 mph) while acceleration from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) drops from 8.2 sec to 7.7 sec. -Click “Read More…” belowOther mechanical modifications include the special suspension set up (both the front and rear suspension has been lowered by a further 20 mm compared to the Grande Punto Abarth), and the enhanced braking system (the front discs are perforated and fitted with high-performance pads).
Since being faster isn’t enough for most people, the “esseesse” pack also includes a very aggressive bodykit that adds new bumpers, side sills, large twin-exhaust pipes, a roof spoiler, plenty of stickers and 18-inch alloy wheels. For the moment at least, Abarth hasn't announced any accesories for the interior so we added the photos of the standard Grande Punto Abarth's cabin.
According to Fiat, the “esseesse” kit is reserved especially for the Grande Punto Abarth, and can only be installed at official Abarth dealers. The car can be converted at the time of sale, up to 1 year after purchase, or after 20,000 km on the road. Once the work has been done, the tuner will deal with the administration required to have the vehicle approved.
Just as the Grande Punto Abarth went on sale in 
Press Release
The legendary Abarth ‘Scorpion’ returns
After the official presentation in March this year, Abarth now makes its return at the Frankfurt Motor Show. One of the most prestigious brands in world motorsports. Abarth has always been synonymous with aggressive cars, competitiveness, passion and excitement, and it now returns with a new range that will appeal to all lovers of motor racing.
The stand will focus on two important concepts linked to the brand’s revival, which represent the most characteristic aspects of its identity: on one hand, the racing world, and on the other, conversions and boosted performance achieved by the application of highly technological solutions in a simple, intuitive package.
The first concept is presented very effectively with the display of a Grande Punto Abarth S2000, positioned on a large steel platform in the shape of a scorpion, to underline both the power and the unique nature of the technical features of this car.
The second concept is expressed on the stand in two different ways. First of all, there is a large photo-quality configurator, that allows visitors to appreciate and examine hands-on the elements that are important in the conversion world. But the real novelty at the show is the Grande Punto Abarth “essesse” (Super Sport) prototype, exhibited on a large glass platform, under which are a number of 3D monitors. These sophisticated screens project the components of the conversion kit which have made the basic version of the Grande Punto Abarth even more powerful and aggressive, in the best tradition of the Scorpion.
The Grande Punto Abarth went on the market this month, equipped with the 1.4 petrol Turbo engine that delivers 150 bhp at 5500 rpm (boosted to 155 bhp if 98 RON petrol is used) combined with a mechanical 6-speed gearbox that takes it to a top speed of 208 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds. This is the Abarth’s first interpretation of the Grande Punto, but the initiative will soon be extended to other models.
Grande Punto Abarth “essesse” prototype (Super Sport)
The absolute star of the stand is the Grande Punto Abarth “essesse” (Super Sport) prototype. A jewel of assertiveness and elegance, the car is offered with a booster kit that almost doubles its power output with relation to the basic model (up to almost 180 bhp). The ‘“essesse”’ kit also envisages a number of specific elements that accentuate both the sporty look of the Abarth model (for example adhesives with the ‘essesse’ logo or a chequered flag) and its dynamic behaviour, with a particular low stance or a more powerful braking system. This is a feature that maintains a brand tradition: for example, the Fiat 500 of 1958 delivered 13 bhp at 4000 rpm and a top speed of 85 km/h, while the Fiat 500 Abarth of the same year, produced 26 bhp at 5000 rpm and a top speed of 118 km/h.
The Grande Punto Abarth and the Grande Punto Abarth with the ‘essesse’ kit aim to revive the thrill of those cars, offering an opportunity, addressed to the young in particular, of entering the racing world in total safety and at an accessible price.
Grande Punto Abarth S2000
The public in
Powered by a 2000 cc aspirated engine that delivers 270 bhp, with 4-wheel drive, the new Grande Punto Abarth S2000 is the heir to the version that won the 2006 European title and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge with Giandomenico Basso and Mitia Dotta, and took the 2006 Italian Rally Championship winning 7 races.
We must underline that the approximately 25 cars built so far have been ordered by several racing stables in
The head of Racing Operations for Abarth & C. Spa is Claudio Berro, who can draw on a staff with a great deal of experience in the racing sector as well as a team of outstanding drivers.
Even though Fiat hasn’t considered reviving the Autobianchi brand and its legendary A112, it seems like the new Fiat 500 has awakened memories from the past in Considered by many as the Italian “MINI”, the Autobianchi A112 was a sleek supermini based on the Fiat 127 that remained in production for a whopping 17 years from 1969 to 1986 selling around 1.3 million units. The A112 was subsequently replaced by the Autobianchi Y10 (predecessor of the Lancia Ypsilon). In 1989 the Autobianchi badge was dropped in favor of Lancia's except in
The original A112 Abarth was introduced in 1971 and it became an instant success among young drivers. At first the A112 Abarth came out with a 59Hp 965 cc engine which was replaced by a 70Hp 1,049 cc unit coupled to a five-speed gearbox in 1975. Weighing in at just 700 kg (1,540 lb) the A112 Abarth was a nimble little hatch that rightly found many admirers in
Via: Autoblog.it
