Abarth reveals 124 spider

Fiat's Performance division, Abarth, has unveiled its new 124 spider.

Developed with input from the Abarth Racing Team, the rear wheel drive roadster features a mechanical Limited-Slip differential as standard to secure drive and traction. Weighing just 1,060 kilograms, most if it concentrated between the axles and the engine for better handling, the 124 has a weight-to-power ratio of 6.2 kg/HP - the best in its category says Abarth.

The suspension has a high double-wishbone layout in front and a five-link set up in the rear, specifically tuned for greater braking and cornering stability. The Abarth dynamic vehicle set-up ensures drivers can get the most out of the car, while the “Abarth by Bilstein” dampers, together with stiffened anti-roll bars, provide ‘ultimate handling and driving comfort’.

Powered by a four-cylinder 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine, it delivers 170 HP and 250 Nm of torque for a top speed of 143mph and a 0 to 62mph time of 6.8-seconds. The spider is available with a six-speed manual or the automatic Sequenziale Sportivo gearbox with paddles behind the steering wheel. Shifting is described as extremely fast and the performance of the car is boosted even further by a “Sport” setting mode. Stopping power comes from the Brembo braking system, with aluminium front callipers. To provides a 'proper race car feeling' when driving on track, the new 124 Spider lets the driver disengage the electronic controls to experience the mechanical balance and linear engine response.

Fitted with the Racing Anti-glare kit, a matt black treatment for bonnet and boot lid, the interior Racing Alcantara Kit, a standard-fit ‘Record Monza’ exhaust is also installed to ensure outstanding engine performance and an 'unmistakable sound'.

Styling wise, a horizontal line rises from the front and stretches rearward to join with the rear line near the rear light cluster: this is a reference to the classic Fiat 124 spider. Both the front bumper, with its larger air intake, and the rear bumper’s aerodynamic extractor were both shaped in the wind tunnel, as were the rear spoiler and wind stop which both contribute to improving air flow. The 17-inch alloy wheels, the windscreen surround and the roll bars are finished in “Forgiato (forged) Grey”. The bonnet humps suggest the longitudinal position of the engine, also a direct reference to the original 124 spider. At the rear, ‘swallow-tail’ rear wings and the horizontal rear lights pick up particular features of its classic predecessor.

On the inside, the leather seats are supportive and allow for a sporty driving position as far back and as low as possible. The controls are in tune with the car's sporty set-up with the position of the aluminium pedal board, the small-diameter steering wheel, the short gear lever and the start button on the dashboard and three-point seat belts all contributing to a sporty driving experience. The instrument panel includes a large rev counter with red background arranged in a central position.

Five body colours are available: special solid "Turini 1975 White " and “Costa Brava 1972 Red, metallic  "Isola d’Elba 1974 Blue”, "Portogallo 1974 Grey" and “San Marino 1972 Black” - the nomenclature a tribute to its Abarth’s rallying success.

The Abarth 124 spider will be available from September with UK pricing yet to be confirmed but expected to start around the £30k mark.

Abarth to appear at London Classic Car Show

Abarth is turning back the racing clock 50 years for its display at this year’s London Classic Car Show.

The performance car brand’s exhibition stand will feature new and old – with plans to show the recently-launched Abarth biposto Record alongside the classic Monoposto Record Class G racing car from 1965.

The Abarth biposto Record celebrates the 50th anniversary of Karl Abarth’s legacy of 133 international records, and as such, production will be strictly limited to just 133 examples.

Abarth founder Karl Abarth drove an Abarth Monoposto Record, Class G at Monza, winning the acceleration record on 400 metres and 500 metres. Unable to find the right driver, he decided to lose 30 kilograms in weight to slip into the tight cockpit himself.

“It’s an important classic car show and we are delighted to be showing two classics of our own,” says Gerry Southerington, brand manager, Abarth UK. “The Monoposto was a highly successful car and is now steeped in history. As for the biposto Record, I’m sure that it will one day become a classic in its own right.”

The London Classic Car Show – to be held at London’s ExCel exhibition hall from 18-21 February – will also mark the UK launch of the Officine Abarth Classiche, the official Turin-based workshop where classic Abarth cars are repaired, restored and certified for customers.

Last year was Abarth’s best ever in the UK, with total sales of 2743 – a rise of 67 per cent against 2014 (1642) – and a top five finish in terms of fastest-growing car brands in the UK.

Abarth prices start at £14,610 OTR for the 1.4 TJet 140hp Manual rising to £33,055 OTR for the 1.4 TJet biposto 190hp Manual.

Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition

Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition

Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition

Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition

Abarth has revealed a new 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition.

It comes as part of Abarth's role of Official Sponsor and Car Supplier to the FIM MotoGP Championship. Created from a partnership with Yamaha, the new edition comes in a choice of seven colours and is 'packed with sporty features'.

Running on 17-inch matt black alloy wheels, the 595 also includes painted brake callipers and optional matching Abarth side stripes and mirror covers. Darkened windows, a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals and a special 'Yamaha Factory Racing' badge - all as standard - enhance the model's sporting credentials. Xenon headlamps, leather interior and dual zone air conditioning are among the options.

Powered by an upgraded version of Abarth's potent 1.4-litre T-Jet engine, the 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition is further enhanced with a Record Monza exhaust system, Koni shock absorbers with FSD valves and Eibach lowering springs. With a top speed of 130 mph, the special edition 595 accelerates from 0-62 mph in 7.4 seconds.

"The new 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition adds a new dimension to the Abarth 595 line-up" says Gerry Southerington, brand manager, Abarth UK. "With an upgrade to 160 horsepower, lowered suspension, sporting looks and a great sounding exhaust system, we expect a lot of interest in this car from Abarth enthusiasts and new customers alike."

The Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition is available to order now, priced from £17,420 OTR.