With the launch of the 143-Bhp global performance car at Rs 9.9 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi), Fiat stores across the country will be raided by Punto Abarths flaunting their scorpion logo.
Imported 500 Abarth, which is three times more expensive, too will be sold in India.
The history of Abarth
Abarth is Fiat’s sports model. Abarth is an Italian racing car maker founded in 1949 in Turin. The company used to do sports modification for Fiat’s cars. Abarth shot to fame in 1952 after the release of its flagship model - 1500 Biposto.
The car, which was manufactured with Fiat's mechanical parts, created ripples across Europe. It was different in design, poise and performance. This car strengthened Fiat’s ties with Abarth.
When Fiat’s logo gives way to Scorpion
Abarth, considered to be the scorpion of cars, is Fiat’s sporty avatar. And as the Fiat’s logo gives way to the scorpion, the car’s character also changes drastically. This is what makes the Abarth different from Fiat.
The Abarth wave
Abarth ruled the European roads in the 1960s with its cars, powered by 850 cc- 2000cc engines. This gave even Porsche 904s and Ferrari Dinos a run for their money. Abarth also won several sports titles during this period.
Abarth which has tuned engines and manufactured exhaust pipes and other parts for Fiat has also got the history of doing performance tuning for Porsches.
Fiat bags the Scorpio
Fiat’s racing team came to be known as Abarth after Fiat bought the company in 1971 — even its team members started getting identified by the brand name.
This was followed by a move to make the Abarth more popular under the renowned designer Aurelio Lampredi. The strategy was to make small cars with really powerful engines. Punto Evo Abarth is a result of that strategy.
Punto Abarth
The Punto Abarth was exhibited in New Delhi’s Buddh International Rally Circuit. The major highlights of the car are – Abarth’s scorpion logo is present alongside the Fiat logo at many places. Chrome tip exhaust, Abarth footboard, black Abarth seats with yellow and red stitching, 16-inch alloys and Abarth’s sporty pedals. All the features and facilities available in the Evo Emotion have been carried over to this model.
Other changes
Tuned suspension, which is a bit on the stiffer side compared to that of normal road cars, will help stability at high speeds. The highly powerful engine is the biggest highlight of the car.
This car is one of the most powerful hatchbacks available in India as on date. The 143 BHP, 1.4 T-Jet turbo petrol engine has undergone Abarth’s tuning and has come out as a mean performer. This engine belts out 21.52 kgm of torque, powering the Abarth from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour in flat 9.54 seconds. This gem of an engine is mated to a five speed gear box. Fiat is planning to release the car around Diwali.
For more details, contact Fiat dealerships.