The Fiat Group’s Abarth division will display three “specialties” based on the firm’s Punto supermini, the 500 and 500C softop models at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
First up is the Abarth Punto SuperSport featuring a “Grigio Campovolo” two-tone color scheme with silver bodywork and a matte black bonnet and roof, along with “SuperSport” decals on the side, the tailgate and the mirrors, plus a set of 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers.
The SuperSport is based on the Punto esseesse and is powered by the same 180HP 1.4-liter turbocharged MultiAir engine. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.5 seconds and its top speed is 216 km/h (134 mph).
Performance changes include the stiffer suspension with Koni dampers and lowered springs, perforated and ventilated discs all around with four-piston calipers up front, and a sport exhaust system with a centrally mounted tailpipe.
Inside, there are “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” black leather bucket seats, Jaeger driving instruments and a Blue&Me satellite navigation system.
Abarth’s second debut is the 695 Competizione that showcases the brand’s intention of bringing its 50-year racing experience to road cars.
The 695 Competizione is a two-seater reminiscent of Abarth racers of the past, and is powered by a tuned version of the 1.4 turbo MultiAir developing more than 180HP and fitted with an Abarth Competizione electromechanical gearbox with race car-like steering paddles. This transmission has two modes: the fully automatic “Street” and the manual-shifting only “Track” for when you feel like exploiting the car’s performance.
Like the 695 Tributo Ferrari, the Competizione gets an upgraded braking system with 305 mm Brembo brakes, specially calibrated dampers and a “Record Monza” dual-mode exhaust that improves both sound and performance.
The interior gets the Sabelt seats/Jaeger instruments/Blue&Me navigation with telemetry treatment, while the two-seat configuration allows Abarth not only to get rid of some weight, but also to fit in a roll bar.
The last model Abarth will display at the 64th IAA will be the 500 Cabrio Italia which, as its name suggests, is a special edition of the open-top 500C. It is painted in a “Blue Abu Dhabi” color in honor of the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification and its electrically opening soft top is painted black.
The 500 Cabrio Italia will be produced in just 150 units, all of which will be powered by the 160HP version of the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine which, for the first time, is combined with a five-speed manual gearbox.
As with the two previous models, lightweight Sabelt seats will accommodate the driver and front passenger, with the rest of the interior adorned in aluminum and carbon fiber trim and of course, a chrome plate with the car’s limited edition number.
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