CompleteCar

Abarth unleashes first ever van

Abarth has been let loose on the Ducato van with interesting results.

For the first time in its history, Abarth has applied its tuning expertise to a Fiat van. The Abarth Ducato Maxi comes with a 220hp 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine and sits on unique 20-inch alloy wheels finished in Anthracite Abarth. Aside from these performance upgrades, the Abarth Ducato Maxi has unchanged brakes as Abarth believes these are unlikely to be used.

As well as the Abarth interior upgrades, the Ducato Maxi comes with new performance technology. This includes Fast-Lane Assist, which warns the driver if the van begins to wander out of the overtaking lane. Radar-Controlled Cruise Control also ensures the Abarth Ducato Maxi maintains a safe 8cm distance from the car in front at all times.

Other new tech for the Abarth Ducato Maxi covers the Red Light Assist to apply maximum acceleration if the system senses the traffic lights are about to turn red in front of the vehicle. Also, Blind Spot Enhancement turns the side windows of the Abarth Ducato Maxi opaque, which helps the driver ignore their surroundings.

Abarth Professional Product Manager, Uri Netaker, said: "We wanted to make a splash with the launch of the Abarth Professional range and we figured the Ducato would make the biggest splash of all."

Written by
Published on April 1, 2011