Four new Abarths debut

Abarth to bring three hot 500s and a special Punto to the Bologna Motor Show.

Abarth, the Italian carmaker (or Fiat tuning division depending on your point of view), has just announced its line up for the upcoming Bologna Motor Show. In total four models - the Punto Scorpione, the 695 Assetto Corse, the 595 Turismo and the 595 Competizione - will take their bow when the Bologna Motor Show opens its doors on December 1.

The Punto Scorpione is a limited edition model that was built in collaboration with snowboard manufacturers Nitro. Featuring a matte- and gloss-black paint finish and black leather Sabelt seats the Scorpione is powered by a 180hp 1.4-litre turbocharged MultiAir engine that sees the Punto accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 216km/h. Each one of the 99 models built will feature a special exhaust system, uprated Koni dampers and high-performance brakes.  An optional "Abarth Nitro" winter kit will also be available that adds 17-inch alloy wheels with winter tyres and a "Nitro powered by Abarth" snowboard.

Also on display will be two version of the newly-unveiled Abarth 595. Based on the Abarth 500 both cars feature the esseesse performance kit giving the Turismo and Competizione models 160hp, 230Nm, a 0 to 100km/h time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 211km/h. The 595 Turismo also boasts two-tone paint, 17-inch alloys wheels and the Competizione paddle-shift transmission as standard. The 595 Competizione is fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, 17-inch titanium-coloured wheels, Brembo brakes, Grigio Record paint and leather and Alcantara Sabelt seats.

<br>Rounding off the Abarth display will be the race-derived 695 Assetto Corse. Powered by a 205hp 1.4-litre turbocharged engine the street-legal racer wears a unique body-kit, 17-inch racing wheels and high-performance brake and exhaust systems. With a Sadev sequential gearbox, a FIA-approved roll cage, Lexan windows, racing seat and steering wheel and digital motorsport instruments the 695 Assetto Corse is the most hardcore Fiat/Abarth 500 to date.

As yet there are no Abarth outlets in Ireland, but it's hoped that one will be created in Dublin within the next two years.

Published on: November 23, 2011