Geneva Debut: Fiat Punto Evo and 500C Abarth models

Abarth at the 80th International Motor Show in Geneva

Abarth is presenting a number of important new products at Geneva in response to intense public interest, and to confirm the Fiat Group's investment in Abarth. In particular, at this year's Geneva show, the house of the scorpion will be presenting the Abarth Punto Evo and the Abarth 500C, the latest two performance cars based on already popular and acclaimed Fiat models.

The Abarth Punto Evo is the sporty, high-tech version of the Punto Evo that Fiat introduced last September. Abarth is aiming, with this model, to reinforce its standing with young enthusiastic drivers, a process begun with the Grande Punto, which has sold best to customers in the 18 to 30 age group.

A great deal of curiosity has also been built up ahead of the launch of the Abarth 500C, the first convertible to be launched by the renewed Abarth company. This elegant and dynamic car is packed with Abarth racing spirit and the latest performance technology. The Abarth 500C is more than just a developed version of its Fiat counterpart. On the contrary, it represents a strategic choice by Abarth. With it, the company is making clear advances towards those members of the female public who are seeking not only design and elegance but a good dose of sports performance too.

Both new models will go on sale over the next few months through Abarth's official dealer network in Europe and Japan, closely followed by other markets, and boosting the company's already excellent results for 2009.

Proof that the direction taken by Abarth is the right one comes from the statistics. These announce quite clearly that the brand is experiencing continuous growth: from 2008 to the present day, Abarth has sold 20,000 cars, including 8,400 Abarth 500s and 2,700 Abarth Grande Puntos, to say nothing of 4,600 performance kits. So it is no wonder that this impressive commercial success has led to an equally rapid growth in the number of dealers and official performance centres associated with the marque.

As well as consolidating its existing markets, Abarth is also extending its network in strategic European towns and cities like Amsterdam and Paris, and expanding into east European markets like Rumania, as well as Mediterranean basin markets like Israel.

The Abarth distribution network is already unique, boasting 141 showrooms, 140 official performance centres and 300 service centres in Europe. These figures do not take account of the recently established "Abarth Racing" performance tuning network, which already boasts 6 centres holding exclusive sales and assistance rights for customers purchasing Abarth's race-ready models.

The stand at the Geneva show Abarth's stand at the 2010 edition of the Geneva motor show has been completely redesigned to provide a worthy stage for the international debut of two new models.

The concept behind the new stand is one of simplicity: the stand's design is not a means of communication in itself, but serves only to drawing attention to the values of the Abarth brand. Wherever its cars are found, Abarth is such a clearly recognised protagonist that it can afford to present itself to the public without frills, in its most essential form. This year's more essential stand helps focus on the two new Abarths making their world debut in Geneva and destined to enrich the Abarth range.

Abarth's stage for presenting itself to the world consists of a spacious stand divided into two main illuminated areas, each focusing on one of the new cars.

A huge pane of glass in the centre of the space carries the instantly recognisable Abarth logo, while a large LED display creates a backdrop to the new cars and functions as a central feature in the stand's design.

The entire stand is based on symmetric, straight lines, right angles and neutral, almost unnoticeable materials. White structural components and an abundance of transparent materials eliminate visual "noise" and focus clearly on content.

Technical drawings of Abarth vehicles are displayed under the glass floor. This intelligent solution makes the drawings easily visible to all visitors, reflecting the era when Abarth cars used to have partly raised engine covers to display their performance parts.

Intangible content like light, sound, and digital media is used not as a mere accessory, but to help identify the stand's focal points in a more integrated and coordinated manner, and to create a sense of dynamism and movement. The neutral and minimalist space is filled and coloured by scenes representing a sequence of Abarth values: challenge, passion, ingenuity, Italian style, participation, determination, and authenticity.

The stand creates a fascinating and warm welcome to the world of Abarth and provides an ideal context for presenting the two latest expressions of the marque of the scorpion: the Abarth Punto Evo and the Abarth 500C.


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.



Abarth 500C: empowerment of a style icon

Style: a convertible sports

The development of design, without losing performance, comes the new Abarth 500C. Is not the first time that the house of Scorpio prepare a convertible and once again intervening aesthetic and technical.
So while the eye lingers on new colors, and attention is affected by the elegant two-tone, the dynamic spoiler stretched recalls that Abarth 500C is above all a true sports car class. Spoiler, in addition to providing its contribution to ensure a more sporting image of CZ and load distribution of air flow more efficiently.

To embellish the Abarth 500C the new design alloy wheel Diamond 17 ", and the already popular version 5 petals white diamonds.

Another strength of the 'Abarth 500C is the extraordinary comfort for both climate and acoustic. The careful aerodynamic studies allow to minimize turbulence when traveling in open car so fully enjoying the road and the sound of the engine. So with the new car you can live a full sensation of sportiness and enrich the experience of driving. In fact, the Abarth 500C can receive in full the sensations of a true sports car: With the roof up, ensures performance worthy of a hard top version, but when the hood flows down, the spectrum of feelings and emotions becomes larger, going down ' air speed in the hair until the true sound of the muffler dual exhaust tailpipe.

Moreover, the electric soft top - which runs on the side of the car - it allows the Abarth 500C to be enjoyed at any time of year. True object of design, the hood stands out due to the kinematics of the movement with very sophisticated electrical control and adoption of technical solutions for large finishing and care, from the glass rear window third brake light incorporated into the spoiler. Available in 2 colors (black and gray titanium), the top is combined with classic colors Abarth, in addition to 2 two-tone combinations are created ad hoc: the sportier version (black and white race) and the most stylish in two shades of gray. Finally, a "liner" runs along the two-tone body color, an element that simultaneously divides and unites the two souls of the car: in the performance of a true sports car, above the elegance of a convertible.


Performance: empowerment Abarth

The new car is a true and demonstrates the Abarth 1.4 Turbo T-Jet power unit that delivers as many as 140 hp, for important benefits: 0-100 in just 8.1 seconds and peak torque of 206 Nm at 2,000 rpm in Sport mode. A propeller, in short, that provides exhilarating performance and simultaneously makes Abarth 500C extremely fun to drive even in everyday use.

In detail, the engine is a 4-cylinder 16-valve 1368 cm3 (turbocharging IHI fixed geometry RHF3-P) that offers exciting performance, the maximum speed is 205 km / h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes place in just 8.1 seconds. Merit also of the overboost function, activated by button "Sport", which acts on the mapping of the ECU and the turbo pressure, as well as on the load at the wheel. Performance in a spirit of Abarth with fuel economy: 6.5 l/100 km in combined cycle.

So brilliant and progressive, the new engine is confirmed with low environmental impact: indeed, the new Abarth is already prepared to meet the more stringent restrictions on the future European standards (Euro 5).

Besides the engine, the Abarth 500C retains all the technical content already appreciated the model from which it derives as the TTC (Torque Transfer Control). But the real news is the change "ABARTH Competition" derivation racing.

It was 1949 and Karl Abarth officially started marketing the first product, a change from race control at the wheel for Fiat Topolino, can provide a quick shift in terms of sporty driving. With the same philosophy, even after more than 60 years, the change "ABARTH Competition" is offered as standard on the Abarth 500C. This is a 6-speed gearbox with electro-hydraulic control and interface driver behind the wheel made of pallets in a pattern that enhances the qualities of economy and efficiency in terms of sporty driving.

In detail, the innovative gearbox, derived from the MTA (Manual Transmission Automated), consists of a traditional mechanical gearbox "on which the manual leverage is replaced by an actuator electronically controlled by a TCU (Transmission Control Unit) while optimizing the shift gears and mechanical efficiency. Moreover, the use of this change includes both the "Auto" mode for additional comfort, both the mode "manual" for maximum driving satisfaction. For both modes you can overlay the setting "sport" with repercussions on the speed of change.

Thus, the new transmission "ABARTH Competition" makes driving fun, enriching elements clearly inspired by racing with the possibility of increasing the gears on the wheel as true supercar.

To confirm the full membership to the spirit of this car Abarth is preparing a kit esseesse specific for an additional level of processing.

The Abarth 500C is aimed at those customers who seeks, in addition to all that Scorpio means in terms of sportiness and innovation, including design and use even more versatile.

Security

In terms of security, the Abarth 500C has the features already appreciated the Abarth 500.

Created to overcome the strictest regulations, the Abarth 500C is one of the safest cars in the entire segment. The Stable, effective braking, along with the excellent recovery guaranteed by the engine from 140 hp and driving behavior (handling) more predictable, allowing the new car without great difficulty to overcome critical situations. Also, take Abarth 500C Series 7 airbags (two front, two window bags, two side airbags and one for the protection of the knee): a record in this vehicle class. The new model also adopts sophisticated technical solutions to ensure perfect control of the car to the driver (active): dall'ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) to the sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stability Program), the anti-skid system ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) devices Hill Holder, which assists the driver during hill starts and HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) which helps in emergency braking situations.

In addition, the 500C has two Abarth content absolutely interesting: systems "TTC (Torque Transfer Control) and 'GSI' (Gear Shift Indicator). The first device improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels and, in particular, guarantees excellent cornering behavior of the car making it safer and more entertaining during a sporty drive. Instead, the system "GSI '(Gear Shift Indicator) suggests the driver to make a gear change through a special display on the instrument panel (an LED flashes five times in succession). In detail, if you have chosen the Normal mode, the system warns that the shift to another gear would save in terms of consumption. Instead, if the driver proceeds with the Sport mode, the suggestion gear shift points to get the best possible performance.

Finally, Abarth 500C also has all the dynamic features and comfort that allows its users to comfortably and safely deal with any type of path. Merit also of the suspension layout: the front wheel is independent MacPherson system, while the back is "interconnected wheels (semi-independent) with a torsion beam. Evolved from a Magneti Marelli design, the two schemes selected were revised and developed for the new car, to guarantee outstanding handling and ride comfort at the highest levels.
Photos:uk.autoblog