From racing to our everyday roads, but always with a sporty approach. This is the goal behind the debut of the long-awaited Abarth 500, announced for the coming Geneva International Motor Show. The new car was developed by the Fiat Group Automobiles Style Centre in the spirit of the legendary Fiat 500 Abarth of the 1960s, and will be marketed from July through the exclusive Abarth network.

With a strong sporty personality, the new car will be powered by a Fire 1.4 16v petrol Turbo engine, which delivers a maximum of 135 bhp (99 kW) at 5500 rpm and peak torque of 206 Nm at 3000 rpm in Sport mode (in Normal mode, torque is reduced to 180 Nm at 2500 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 even with a sporty driving style. In other words, it is faithful to the phrase coined for the Abarths of the 1960s ‘small but wicked’.

Continue reading: Abarth 500 unveiled

Monday, january 18th, we’ll be in Turin for the unveiling of the new Abarth headquarters. A funny coincidence: the Abarth newsletter sent out friday evening promises that “Monday 18th and tuesday 19th Abarth owns. And you’ll be there”. Attached to the newsletter was the sketch you find above. Enough to hope in the long awaited debut of the 500 Abarth ?

Stay tuned: we’ll be there!

Continue reading: January 18: The Abarth event in Turin