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ABARTH PUNTO EVO: The EVOlution of power The EVOlution of race-inspired technology

The new 165 HP Multiair 1.4 turbo petrol engine is the result of a winning partnership between Fiat Powertrain Technology and Abarth race-derived know-how.

Since the Fiat Powertrain engine was first presented at last year’s Geneva motor show, Abarth engineers have been working hard to squeeze every last drop of power out of it and to improve its sporting performance in typical Abarth style.

Multiair engine technology has revolutionised the world of petrol engines. Compared to a conventional petrol engine of equivalent size, a MultiAir engine develops more power (up to 10%) and more torque (up to 15%), while consuming significantly less (up to 10%) and emitting less CO2 (up to 10%), fewer particulates (up to 40%) and less NOx (up to 60%).

The genius of the Multiair engine is embodied in its electro-hydraulic valve control system. Both fuel consumption and pollutant emissions have been slashed by using the engine’s intake valves to control the air flow directly, without a butterfly valve in the intake. Using this already advanced technology as a starting point, Abarth’s development department has made a series of modifications to arrive at the innovative new 165 HP Multiair 1.4 16 V. Power output, for example, has been optimised by the intelligent application of a new, larger turbocharger from Garrett. The result is superb performance with peak torque of 250 Nm (25.5 kgm) at 2250 rpm, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.9 seconds.

The sporty new Abarth Punto Evo also features a new performance mode selection system that modulates engine, braking and steering action to offer a choice of two different driving styles – Sport and Normal – to suit road conditions and driver preference.

The mode selector is conveniently located on the central tunnel in front of the gear lever and lets you switch between the two modes quickly and easily, simply by moving a lever. The currently selected mode is displayed on the dashboard. If you are looking for a safe, relaxing drive, all you have to do is select Normal mode, while if you feel the need to enjoy the full performance of your Abarth Punto Evo, flip the switch to Sport position and thrill to the power! Sport mode makes the car more responsive, using electrical servo systems to modify handling and deliver the ultimate sporting feel. Due attention has also been paid to safety of course, so Sport mode also engages the TTC system automatically.

As in rally cars, the driver is assisted by GSI (Gear Shift Indicator). On the Abarth Punto Evo, GSI acts like an intelligent “co-driver” and provides a signal on the instrument panel to tell you when the right moment has arrived to shift up reducing fuel consumption.

The Abarth Punto Evo’s 1.4 Multiair petrol engine also features Fiat’s innovative Start&Stop system. This switches the engine off automatically when the vehicle comes to a halt and the engine is left to idle, and restarts it again as soon as you are ready to move off. The system finds its ideal application in situations like city traffic and sequences of traffic lights. Whenever the control logic permits, Start&Stop automatically switches off the engine, saving up to 10% of fuel consumption and emissions in the urban cycle and up to 3.5% in the NEDC test cycle.

As soon as you take your foot off the brake or engage first gear, the system immediately restarts the engine to give you instant power and responsiveness. On top of this, if you accidentally stall the engine while moving off, all you have to do is press down on the clutch to re-start it automatically.

Start&Stop offers additional benefits in terms of comfort since it eliminates noise and vibrations from the passenger compartment while the car is stationary.

The system is full interactive, and tells you whether the function is engaged or not via clear indications on the instrument panel. Start&Stop can be disengaged quickly and easily by a switch on the dashboard near the steering column.

The innovative Multiair engine guarantees sports performance plus low emissions and reduced fuel consumption. Tests carried out by Abarth engineers have demonstrated that fuel consumption has been reduced despite the fact that power output has been increased. In particular, consumption is only 8.1 l/100 km in the urban cycle; only 6.0 l/100 km in the combined cycle, and 4.8 l/100 km in the extra-urban cycle. The Multiair engine is also impressively clean and already conforms to Euro 5 standards thanks to emissions of only 142g/km.

The EVOlution of active and passive safety

The Abarth philosophy combines both performance and safety. The Abarth Punto Evo is therefore equipped with a series of highly effective systems to guarantee safe handling on all surfaces.

TTC (Torque Transfer Control) is the key to the car’s active safety. TTC improves the transfer of torque from the engine to the wheels and guarantees excellent handling on bends, making fast driving safer and more fun than ever. TTC is a differential locking system that uses the mechanical differential as a reactive element in the transmission to control torque via the braking system and ESP sensors (wheel speed, steering angle, yaw, etc.).

TTC is activated automatically in Sport mode. When engaged, the system automatically adjusts the degree of diff locking applied in accordance with dynamic factors like speed.

In the area of safety, the Abarth Punto Evo sets new standards thanks to 7 airbags, including a driver knee airbag. The Punto Evo is one of very few cars in its segment with a driver knee airbag fitted as standard on all versions.

The Abarth Punto Evo also boasts a powerful and effective braking system. Disc brakes are fitted to all wheels, with ventilated discs and Brembo double piston, fixed calipers at the front. The suspension system is derived from a tried and tested Abarth configuration. Front suspension is provided by independent McPherson struts, while rear suspension is semi-independent with a torsion bar. Abarth has also fitted a larger anti-roll bar together with front springs that are 20% harder than those of a standard suspension system. The result is impeccable road holding plus a high level of passenger comfort.

The EVOlution of race-inspired aerodynamics

Also on a style level, the changes that Abarth have made to the Punto Evo concentrate on improving the car’s performance and aerodynamics.

Compared to the Fiat version of the car, the front bumper has been extended in width to incorporate the side flaps. The black intake cowl on the front has also been made deeper to match the lateral air outlets. This corrects and controls air flow and significantly improves aerodynamic efficiency around the sides of the car, just as on the full rally version.

The rear of the Abarth features a completely redesigned bumper incorporating side air outlets. The diffuser, designed to optimise air flow, is a major feature of the bumper. The diffuser is the same as on the previous version, but has been given a new surround to enhance its looks and align its styling with the front splitter.

The exhaust features larger diameter twin tail pipes, an obvious tribute to Abarth’s glorious history. The new pipes, however have been given a different satin finish.

The reversing lights and rear fog lights have been moved to the centre of the diffuser, forming a focal point as on formula racing cars, while new side reflectors outline and accentuate the profile of the aerodynamic deflector, simulating the effect created by the LED light cowl on the rear window.

The spoiler has been completely redesigned, not only in terms of colour (it is now the same colour as the rest of the body, giving the car a longer, more dynamic look), but in terms of size too. Its longer, tapered shape has improved the car’s CX and CZ values and made the new Abarth Punto EVO more stable than its predecessor.

The logo trim has also been redesigned and combined with a new grille with a more sporty appearance. In the same way the badge is no longer round as on the previous version but has returned to the original shape, as used on the 500.

The side flaps and skirts are finished in the same colour as the body, emphasising the car’s aggressive nature and its “stuck to the road” handling. The side graphics have also been restyled to match the front bumper and given new dimensions. The result is more in proportion with the side of the car and gives the body colour areas a sleeker appearance. Another new feature is the completely redesigned 17’’ spoked wheels, with the Abarth scorpion logo in the centre.

The car’s interior has been completely updated too. The new materials have an appearance and finish inspired by the surface of motor racing circuits, bringing all the excitement of the track into the car.

The new central control console is divided into two sections. The audio section is characterised by a black surface and a central LCD display. Underneath, a separate section houses the air conditioning controls. The top of the console houses the air vents and a storage compartment.

The purpose-designed Jaeger instrumentation features larger dials for the speedometer and rev counter, new race-inspired graphics, and a new anti-glare cowling covered in leather with open red and yellow stitching.

The visual link with the new textured seats is obvious. The seats and seat backs are upholstered in soft black leather while the seat sides are finished in high-tech fabric to give the ideal balance between comfort, breathability and wear resistance.

Customers can still choose the optional “Abarth Corse” seats by Sabelt. These seats offer a perfect blend of racing characteristics including light weight and the ability hold the body steady against lateral and longitudinal forces.

The EVOlution of power – the “SS” kit

As was to be expected from Abarth, a high performance kit will be made available to coincide with the launch of the Abarth Punto Evo to boost engine power even further. In keeping with Abarth tradition, the tuning kit will give the new car more power than the basic model, enabling the Multiair 1.4 16v Turbo engine to develop a maximum power of 180 HP.

Following Abarth’s performance tuning philosophy, the “SS” kit also includes modifications to chassis components, including perforated, ventilated discs, high performance brake pads, lower springs, and 18” Abarth “SS” alloy wheels painted in white or titanium, and fitted with performance tyres. The performance delivered by the Abarth Punto Evo “SS” kit is further enhanced by a special “powered by BMC” air filter.

As for the Grande Punto and the 500, the Abarth Punto Evo’s “SS” kit comes in a classic wooden performance case. To guarantee the highest standards of quality and safety, the kit can only be installed by Abarth’s official performance tuning network.

From the friendly bubble car to the wild beast: the HAMANN performance kits for the Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth esseesse At first glance, the Fiat 500 does not really seem to fit into the HAMANN-Motorsport programme. But the company based in Laupheim is not only one of the most renowned refiners for BMW-models and exclusive luxury cars, but also popular cars – and without any question the retro scooter surely belongs into that category. Since the model has been introduced in 2007, HAMANN hasoffered dynamic modification kits for the Cinquecento which meet large approval with the fans.

Now the next strike of genius follows: HAMANN provides the Fiat 500 with more power. The Abarth version is the centre of attention – Fiat´s sports model. Yet, the factory-made 135 hp sound rather modest. But HAMANN now changes that with five performance enhancements. Already the smallest upgrade “HS I“ boots the little scooter up to 160 hp by applying some well-directed changes in the engine electronics. The torque rises from 206 to strong 285 Nm. But this is not yet the end for the 1.4 litre petrol car. The next upgrade “HS II” pushes the Abarth to 180 hp and 295 Nm torque. Software setting, modified exhaust turbo charger, optimised air filter case with sports air filter as well as a two-pipe end muffler – they all make this impressive result possible.

But the HAMANN technicians even go one step further with the performance kit “HS III” which renders 210 hp and 310 Nm. This can be attributed to a turbo charger with smaller geometry, a new fuel supply and an optimised engine electronic.

The vehicle transforms from the friendly bubble car in the back mirror into the wild beast with the help of the two race-qualified modification kits which contain an entire engine modification. For the power setting “HS RACE” for example, HAMANN uses forged pistons, enhanced connection rods, a modified turbo charger with charge air cooler, a race clutch with weight-optimised one-mass flywheel and a new control electronic – altogether this renders 240 hp and a torque of 330 Nm. For optimum deceleration, there are sport brakes with a four-piston calliper and 264 mm or 305 mm large brake discs. The Abarth turns into a real missile with the modification kit “HS CINQUECENTO 575“. Compared to the “HS RACE”, it also contains a reengineered cylinder head with adjusted camshaft, two charge air coolers as well as a self-locking differential. This leads to an impressive power of 275 hp while the torque is catapulted to 380 Nm.

Furthermore, HAMANN-Motorsport offers an alteration for the manual transmission. By applying a long fifth gear, the engine rev is decreased by 500 r.p.m. which allows a higher end speed. Moreover, customers can order a self-locking differential which allows a locking capacity of up to 50 percent and therefore significantly increases the traction. Both components and the power settings can be also combined with the Fiat 500 Abarth performance kit “esseesse“ by the manufacturer.

HAMANN presents the remarkable broad built LARGO as a perfect match for the sporty power makeover. New aerodynamics components made of light composite materials are produced for the modified design language of the trendy Italian.

Perfectly processed extensions seamlessly fit into the design and render a masculine appearance. The re-engineered front skirt with integrated LED daytime running lights is the striking eye-catcher. Special wing extensions are fitted at the front and the back. These make the car body wider by impressive 30 millimetres at the front axle and 35 millimetres at the rear axle. The perfectly designed side skirts act as a visual connection between the two. And also the new rear has much to offer: sports exhaust systems with two- or four end pipes and a Ferrari-like diffuser impressively enhance the back section. All HAMANN components do not only convince with their look, but also with their aerodynamics. They enable an optimised airflow over the vehicle silhouette and render additional downthrust.

Different HAMANN sports suspensions ensure a better handling and so does the newly developed design wheel LARGO FORGED ANODIZED which perfectly matches the new, sporty look. The black matt anodised, one-part rim is offered in the size 8.0 x 18 (front axle) and 9.0 x 18 (rear axle). HAMANN recommends tyres in the dimension 215/35 R18 or 225/35 R18. A favourable alternative is the cast rim HM EVO. The hallmark of the modern style shown in this 18-inch rim is the glossy black varnish with the diamond-polished rim star and the classy well. Five elongated and vaulted triple spokes confirm the visual and technical finesse. The rim is offered in the size 7.5 x 18. HAMANN recommends tyres in the dimension 215/35 R18 at the front- and 225/35 R18 at the rear axle.

But it is not only the dynamic design of the rims that convinces its drivers, it is also the low weight that reduces the unsprung masses of the car.

As an alternative to the broad-build programme LARGO, the tuning specialist also offers the “sportivo-line” for the Fiat 500. Front skirt, side wings and rear skirt emphasise the trendy look of the retro scooter and so does the design wheel HM sportive I. The black matt varnished, one-part rim has a diamond-polished outer edge and is offered in 7.0 x 17. Here, HAMANN recommends tyres in the dimension 195/40 ZR17 or 215/35 ZR 17.

An aluminium pedal set including foot rest and a floor mat set with embroidered HAMANN logo accentuate the dynamic interior focus. The Fiat 500 Abarth programme is stylishly perfected with a flag decoration.

A new colour and the second-generation 1.3 Multijet engine make their debut on the Fiat 500 by Diesel

The Fiat 500 by Diesel has chosen “Bread & Butter”, the show dedicated to youth fashion in Berlin, to preview of two important new features: “Midnight indigo” blue, a special body colour, and the 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP (Euro 5) with Start&Stop system fitted as standard, the new second-generation turbodiesel, now even more environmentally-friendly and suitable for city driving.

The result of close collaboration between Fiat and Diesel, the famous clothing brand by Renzo Rosso, the model will be limited edition and marketed worldwide. Its success is boundless and from Italy to Japan, to France, almost 6 thousand cars have already been ordered out of the 10 thousand available in total.

In Berlin, within “Bread & Butter”, the Diesel stand and the exclusive Fiat 500 will no doubt attract the attention of the visitors, just as they did at the recent Mumbai Motor Show, India. Spanning a surface area of 700 square metres in the Denim Base section, the Italian label will present its 2010 autumn/winter collections and the new “shop-in-shop/corner” concept, conceived as a genuine stage to present and convey the values of the brand and all its creativity even within multi-brand stores. Features which can also be found in the new Fiat 500 by Diesel.

As regards the new colour, the Centro Stile Fiat (Fiat Style Centre) worked once more with the creative team at Diesel to create a dark blue which recalls the denim used to make jeans. The use of a micaceous rather than a metallic shade offers at first glance the feeling of iridescent colour which varies according to the light, very similar to stone washed fabrics. And this thanks to a finer texture of paint and its ability to create an almost 3-D effect. This new blue also, like the black and green already in the range, perfectly matches the matt paint chosen for the finishes which characterise this model.

The 500 by Diesel is distinguished by some bold aesthetic features, starting with the exterior. Everything is exclusive for this version, the result of the creativity of two teams of designers: the aggressive 16″ alloy wheels, the rear trim with imitation air intake where one of the most famous logos of Italian fashion is set, the yellow brake calipers (only on the 1.4 100 HP version) and the satin chrome painted features, including the mouldings which, with their bosses, revoke the atmosphere of the Diesel fashion world.

The interiors are also highly customised, thanks to the dark denim style fabric with yellow stitching, the fifth pocket with the unmistakable Diesel brand, the head of the famous Mohican on the gear lever knob and the specific satin chrome coloured dashboard.

The range of engines, in addition to the 1.3 Multijet 95 HP mentioned above, includes three Euro 5 power units (the 1.2 69 HP engine, the 1.3 Multijet 75 HP engine with DPF and the 1.4 16v 100 HP engine), each with their own different qualities, all exploited to the full in combination with 5- or 6-speed manual gearboxes (petrol engines can be combined with a 5-speed Dualogic robotised sequential gear box).

Fiat 500 Pink

It’s the limited edition Fiat 500 that customers have been asking for ever since the popular city car was launched in 2008 – the 500 Pink has arrived.

Just 500 examples of the super-stylish supermini will be available when it goes on sale from today (19 January) – and customers will only be able to order one online.

Appealing mainly to young women, the 500 Pink looks set to become 2010’s ‘must-have’ motoring fashion item, and is the first of several exciting Fiat 500 limited editions that will be introduced during this year.

Based on the 1.2 Lounge specification, the Fiat 500 Pink features:

•Start&Stop
•Sunroof
•Leather gear knob
•Black interior
•Side rubbing strip with 500 badge
•Special pink key cover
•Special carpet mats

The new car costs £11,700 OTR – just £1,000 more than the 1.2 Lounge but with £1,500 worth of extra equipment.

Start&Stop – which stops the engine automatically whenever traffic conditions bring the car to a complete halt, and restarts it immediately when the driver wants to move off again – is fitted as standard, in line with all new 500s. Its inclusion means the car is not just a fashion item, but presents a serious case for the environment too.

“I am delighted that we are now able to offer the 500 Pink – just like many of our customers who have been asking us for this limited edition,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. “It will appeal to free thinking drivers who have a distinctive personality and, with all the benefits of Fiat 500 already there, we have no doubt that it will prove a fantastic purchase for its new owners.”

2010 Fiat Punto Evo

Pricing for the forthcoming Fiat Punto Evo has just been announced by Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

With a starting price of £10,995 OTR the new car, which goes on sale in the UK in January, represents outstanding value for money. At the top end of the Punto Evo range, the highly specified Sporting 1.4 MultiAir version costs £15,295 – an OTR price that includes sports seats, cruise control, side skirts, air conditioning, sports suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Available with a choice of five low emissions, Euro 5 engines, all fitted with Start&Stop as standard, the new Punto Evo comes in five different trim levels – Active, Dynamic, GP, Eleganza and Sporting.

Among the advanced engine line-up are two power units featuring Fiat’s new MultiAir technology. The full list includes: 1.4 8-valve petrol, 1.4 16-valve MultiAir petrol (105bhp and 135bhp) and 1.3 16-valve MultiJet diesel (75bhp and 95bhp).

Standard equipment in the entry-level Active model includes ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD, driver, passenger and knee airbags, radio/CD/MP3 player, power steering, electric mirrors and Blue&Me infotainment.

Dynamic trim level adds such equipment as side and window airbags, leather steering wheel and air conditioning, while Eleganza models get alloy wheels, cruise control and rear parking sensors as standard. The GP specification includes rear spoiler, dark tinted headlights and foglights.

“There has been much speculation about the price of the new Punto Evo since we first announced the car earlier this year, and we’re delighted now to be able to reveal details,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

“Punto Evo is in an important and highly competitive sector of the market but we are confident that we have a beautifully-equipped car at value-for-money prices that will keep it competitive and desirable.”

The Punto Evo goes on sale through Fiat’s 170-strong UK dealer network in January 2010.

Based on a 500 Abarth, the refined 500 Monza celebrates the 50th anniversary of Romeo Ferraris. The 500 Monza by Romeo Ferraris excels with its incredible power of 260 bhp, new aerodynamics and specially made leather-Alcantara interior in the colors of the famous italian racing circuit „Monza”, hence the name.

Outside, the 500 Monza main color is Icy White with two red and blue stripes on the hood and on the back side of the car. A Naca type intake on the hood provides the fine tuned engine with fresh air. Under the front bumper Romeo Ferraris mounted a carbon fiber blade, while on the rear we can find a unique rear diffuser which encloses the central exhaust system.

Inside, a first quality leather and white Alcantara envelops every single part of the cabin, from the brand new sportseats to the interior roof. The blue and red stripes show up also on the interior on the backrest of the seats, with the Monza logo embroidered on them. The special edition vehicle will be manufactured in limited number of just 10 and the uniqueness of every examplary will be emphasized by a brass plate with the name of the owner on it.

Under the hood, Romeo Ferraris has achieved the amazing 260 hp thanks to a new turbocharger, a complete exhaust system, a new gearbox with 6 sequential gears and a new limited slip differential. The Romeo Ferraris 500 Monza is further equipped with a 280mm discs and 4 piston calipers Brembo brakes, a new racing suspension set and a 205/40 r17 Yokohama Parada tyres mounted on the specifical Romeo Ferraris wheels.

For the demanding customers. Romeo Ferraris developed, together with Aznom a special luggage set in leather and a driving suit.

Abarth introduced its latest racing gem at the 51st Sanremo Rally. The new Abarth 500 R3T will lend its name to a promotional rally trophy in 2010, due to join the two track events (European and Italian) planned for the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse.

For Abarth, this marks a return to promotional trophy events, a niche it has made its own for more than thirty years. Since 1977, to be precise, when the first ever Autobianchi A112 Abarth Championship was held, followed by trophies for the Fiat Uno, Uno Turbo, Cinquecento, Seicento, Punto Kit and Super 1600, Stilo, Panda Kit.

The Abarth 500 rally version will be type approved for Group R3T, the category for turbocharged cars up to 1600 cm3 in capacity. This class will be the future of the specialism because it represents a good compromise between car cost and performance. Ideal for private drivers and young people who want to show their worth in a true racing car, capable of outstanding performance by any standard.

The Abarth 500 power unit is 1368 cm3 with a Garret GT 1446 fixed geometry turbocharger capable of delivering a power of 180 hp (132 kw) at 5500 rpm.

The gearbox is sequential, front meshing with 6 speeds and includes a multiplate self-locking differential, twin plate clutch and special half-axles.

Great care has been taken to ensure the suspension can be adjusted to obtain a ride suited to each driver’s individual driving style. The racing shock-absorbers are adjustable, with coaxial spring and wheel to alter the ground clearance plus special shims to adjust the caster and camber angles.

The 7″ x 17″ OZ asphalt rims are designed for 19/62-17 tyres.

The Brembo brakes are all disc, ventilated at the front with 4 callipers, solid disc at the rear with brake distributor and governor. The handbrake is hydraulic.

The Abarth 500 is equipped with a special welded roll-bar integral with the body, the required safety devices and FIA type-approved seats with 6 seat belt anchorage points.

The weight is the lowest set by the regulations for this category: 1080 kg unladen.

Great care has also been taken over the details, beginning with a livery that is most decidedly in keeping with tradition, complemented by a lovingly crafted interior and instruments.

The Abarth promotional trophy regulation and timetable will be circulated in the coming weeks.

Last year, the tuning specialist HAMANN-Motorsport confirmed that it is not only one of the best addresses for refining BMW models and exclusive luxury automobiles. With the sportive accessory program for the Fiat 500, the Laupheim-based technicians left their long-established grounds and joyfully and blissfully indulged in refining the trendy retro scooter. Their efforts paid out, the refining line for the Italian compact car met the approval of the Fiat 500 enthusiasts.

Therefore, HAMANN now adds the impressive broad modification HAMANN LARGO to its portfolio.

HAMANN-Motorsport did not have to venture uncharted grounds, as the company has been specialized in such sporty modifications for many years already. The latest impressive contributions by the tuning expert were the Mercedes SLR VOLCANO, the BMW X6 TYCOON EVO or the Porsche Cayenne CYCLONE.

For the modified design vocabulary of the trendy Italian, the engineers designed new aerodynamics components made of light composite materials.

Perfectly manufactured extensions seamlessly fit into the car body design and give the LARGO a masculine appearance.

A striking eye-catcher is the re-designed front skirt with integrated LED-lights. Special wing extensions are added at the front and the back. They broaden the car body by impressive 30 millimeters at the front- and 35 millimeters at the back axle. The visual excellence is rendered by the perfectly shaped side skirts. And also the newly designed tail is remarkable: four exhaust end pipes and a diffuser which resembles the Ferrari element leave an extraordinary mark at the tail. It goes without saying that all HAMANN components do not only convince with their look, but also with their aerodynamic characteristics. They produce an optimised air duct across the car silhouette and therefore render additional downforce.

Matching the new, dynamic automobile look, HAMANN-Motorsport offers the striking design wheel LARGO FORGED ANODIZED. The matt black anodized, one-part rim is available in 8.0 x 18 for the front- and 9.0 x 18 for the rear axle. In addition, HAMANN offers matching tires measuring 215/35 ZR18 or 225/35 ZR18. But not only the dynamic design of the light alloy rim is inspiring.

Due to its light weight, also the unsprung masses of the car are reduced. This leads to a better handling and more agility. Another enhancement for handling the car is the HAMANN-coilover suspension which lowers the car’s center of gravity by up to 60 mm.

A specifically developed sport exhaust system turns the retro scooter into a tough sports car and renders a powerful and earthy sound. The system includes an end muffler with four round stainless steel pipes, a pre-muffler with a metal catalyser and a sport manifold. All components can also be ordered separately. The HAMANN-technicians developed a performance kit especially for the Fiat 500 Abarth. The engine output increase to 265 hp at 5,630 rpm The maximum torque rises to enormous 348 Nm at 4,200 rpm

HAMANN also developed a stable sport brake system for the Fiat 500 which renders advanced deceleration values. The set consist of two perforated and internally ventilated brake discs (diameter 280 x 28mm) at the front axle in combination with red 4-piston brake callipers and steel-covered brake tubes. The back axle can optionally be equipped with discs measuring 257 mm in diameter.

An aluminum pedal set including foot rests and a door mat set with embroidered HAMANN sportive logo leave dynamic highlights in the interior and stylishly perfect the Fiat 500 program.

2010 Abarth Fiat Grande Punto SuperSport

Powered by a 180 HP 1.4, 16v engine that develops 270 Nm of torque at only 3,000 rpm, the Abarth Grande Punto “SuperSport” reaches a top speed of 215 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. This superb performance confirms the car’s true racing spirit.

Further contributions to performance come from the modified suspension (one of the features of the “SS” kit), which includes new, more rigid and lower springs, 215/40 R18 tyres and specially designed 7.5 J X 18 alloy wheels. Thanks to this new kit the car has gained a far sportier setup and a roll centre some 20 mm lower. On top of this, the braking system has been equipped with perforated discs front and rear and performance brake pads at the front.

Inside, the Abarth Grande Punto “SuperSport” boasts “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” leather seats (homologated and lightened in keeping with the car’s racing spirit) and an Abarth Blue&MeTM MAP satellite navigation unit with a telemetric function developed in conjunction with Magneti Marelli. In all there are four functions that make this innovative device stand out. The first function, called “monitoring”, displays the main acquired in-car parameters (engine rpm, vehicle speed, gear engaged) that are transferred from the Blue&MeTM to the PND (Portable Navigation Device) via Bluetooth. The second function, “Track”, accessible if the driver is on one of the circuits present in the device’s SD memory, displays a set of additional information such as the car’s position on the track (ascertained by GPS) and lap time. The third function, “configuration”, makes it possible to store telemetric data for a track and associate it with a personalised session (identified by the driver’s name, circuit, date). The information recorded may be retrieved easily and also analysed at a later stage using the fourth “analysis” function.

In addition to the characteristic Abarth colours, the Grande Punto “SuperSport” comes in the historical Airfield Grey (typical of Abarth racing models) and a livery inspired by motor sport.

The new model will go on sale starting from the weekend of the 12th and 13th September, when an open house event will be organised for Abarth’s entire network.

A rugged new version of the versatile Qubo range is gearing up for a UK introduction later this month, following its international public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week.

The Qubo Trekking not only looks tougher than the regular car, but drives tougher too, thanks to the addition of Traction+, a system that utilises an electronic differential lock to the front wheels to improve handling and control in mud, snow and other low-grip conditions.

Unlike most ordinary four-wheel drive systems, Traction+ does not have an impact on fuel economy or maintenance costs, and is designed to attract a much wider audience of motorists looking for an affordable off-road vehicle.

The system works by braking the driven wheel with the lowest grip and transferring more torque to the other wheel, with the result that there is more grip to overcome slippery conditions.

There will be no mistaking the new Trekking version. It stands 20mm higher than the regular Qubo and comes as standard with sturdy features including front bumper with engine guard, exclusive wheel trims, Pirelli 2500 M&S (mud and snow) tyres and rear ‘Trekking’ stickers.

Priced at £12,650 OTR, the Trekking represents excellent value for money for drivers looking for extra grip and control without the need for a full 4WD system. The Trekking also comes equipped with Fiat’s Blue&Me entertainment and communications system and attracts a low road tax thanks to its 115 g/km CO2 figure.

“The shape, size and look of the Qubo already lends itself to a Trekking version,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. “And the added benefits of the Traction+ system will complement the Qubo’s practicality and versatility perfectly, especially as it does so while keeping motoring costs down.”

The Qubo range starts at £9,755 for the 1.4 Active.