Abarth’s invitation to the Rimini MySpecialCar 2008 is pleasing as the show can only underline the spirit and hard work of this re-born Italian brand, and the debut of the Grande Punto EsseEsse. With details finally revealed to the public, the SS has been displayed and has undergone test drives by Abarth drivers on an external windy track.

The Punto SS is the height of expression of the little Fiat from which it derives, and represents a full-bodied evolutionary step compared to the Punto Abarth 155 hp. The kit, delivered in a fantastic wooden dismountable box (the lid with badge is perfect to hang in the garage), includes a number of changes: injections, turbines, tubing, base and brake kits, and accessories.

Once assembled by official installers it is then trialled to comply with road rules, has 180 hp and official guarantee. The 20,000km placed as a limit on kit assembly results from a Fiat study, which indicates that within this mileage, even an engine exploited at 100% capacity can still guarantee the trustworthiness to include the modifications. Even if you wanted to buy a new SS it is necessary to purchase and register an Abarth 155 hp, to then convert it with the kit and proceed with updating the documentation.

A taste of the Punto SS on a small stretch helped us discover other aspects: the testing manager, Zampieri, who we know from his driving of the 500 Abarth, certainly didn’t hold back and you can hear all 180 hp. In the first two gears handling wasn’t perfect on the wet testing track, but wheel-base and tyres reacted well even with a differential blocking system that is under trial and not currently commercially available. Balance control is always active but is adequate for the SS, resulting in more permissive and fluid driving even between obstacles where the rear allows for some oversteering without being continually checked by the electronic big brother.

Regarding commercial aspects, Abarth is happy about Punto sales. The 18% female segment is surprising, an interesting statistic given the brand’s target. More than 75% of the Punto’s sold have been white and soon we’ll see a grey version for both the Punto and the 500 Abarth. The 18-inch alloys of the SS will be made in white and silver, the latter particularly for who wants a black car.

The Abarth 500 is the great absence in the Abarth scene, given it’s launch in the Italian market will occur only after the summer holidays. We’ve discovered that the base version of 135 hp will have the same engine as the Punto 155 hp in an underpowered version, while nothing is yet known about the SS and its future developments. In compensation, in addition to the glorious 131 Abarth, showing off is an unassembled Punto Abarth, demonstrating to fans how extensive the technical intervention has been. To more intriguing questions such as a future Bravo Abarth or a bike running off diesel, there has a been a clear “no”, but lips are sealed in regards to the next projects after the Punto and 500.

Abarth hasn’t finished to stupify though, with the biggest surprise being a ride in the official rally Punto S2000 together with the Ligurian driver Pisi: helmet on, well strapped-in and the seat so low the track is hard to see. The driver uses the first two gears with sequential shift and uses the hydraulic handbrake to keep the car turning on itself. For the rest, think of the all-wheel drive and the engine, suffering at low revs and needing an extra push on exiting. The power, handling, fast gear change and agility of the S2000 have always been a benchmark for road cars, but the most impressive thing is the ease with which the drive makes the Punto dance around obstacles: the moves are well-balanced and in cohesion with performance. It’s a shame that it’s put into third for only a moment, without feeling the excitement of a faster speed, and in the blink of an eye it’s time to get out of the seat.

We will be posting the video made while in the front seat of the Punto S2000 and the SS, to share with you this great emotion. The S2000 video gives full vent to the four cylinders, while the “quieter” EsseEsse allows a chat with Zampieri to gain some information on the two-door from Turin.

(1 votes | Average: 5 / 5)

0 comments