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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Abarth 2015 Geneva Motor Show Recap

Abarth 500 Custom
Fiat 500 Custom in Grigio Campovolo (Campovolo Grey)

Abarth showed off its 2015 model range at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, Abarth street models for Europe consists of the Abarth 500, 595 and 695 series cars, the Abarth Punto Evo having bowed out of production in 2013. As for last year, Abarth 500 sales reached 6,869 in EMEA, up 12.2% over 2013.



By the way, what is called the Fiat 500 Abarth in the NAFTA market is technically known as the Abarth 500 in most of the world. Abarth being its own division in Fiat or, as it is now called, FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles).

Abarth 500 Custom
Abarth 500 in Azurro Leggenda (Legend Blue)


For 2015, the Abarth lineup starts off with the Abarth 500 Custom. The base Abarth is equipped with a 1.4 L T-Jet engine which, unlike the North American 500 Abarth, does not feature MultiAir. Horsepower for the European Abarth 500 Custom is rated at 135 for cars with the 5 speed manual transmission or 140 for cars with the 5 speed automated transmission. The later is called the Abarth MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) and is a C510 manual transmission with automated controls added on. Customization is the hallmark of Abarth, and the 500 Custom has a plethora of options available.

Abarth 595 Turismo
Abarth 595 Turismo in two-tone metallic Rosso Officina and Grigio Pista


Next up in the range is the 595 series cars. The Abarth 595 models offer more horsepower (160-180hp), a higher level of equipment plus comes in 16 colors! The 160 hp 595 Turismo has leather seats, climate control and 17 inch wheels as standard.

Abarth 595 Competizione
Abarth 595 Competizione

Going to the 595 Competizione brings even more equipment: the 180 hp engine, Brembo 4 piston caliper brakes and the coveted Sabelt seats Abarth enthusiasts around the world long for. Standard xenon headlights are also part of the package.

The Abarth 500 Custom and 595 series cars are available in Cabrio form.



Abarth 695 biposto
Abarth 695 biposto

Abarth also offers the 695 as well as its "Specialties" series for those who want even more performance and aren't limited by budgets. The range-topping Abarth 695 biposto is the most over the top version yet and typically costs 40,000 - 69,000 Euros depending on equipment. By comparison, an Abarth 500 Custom starts at approximately 19,000 Euros.



Dubbed the "littlest supercar," the 695 biposto is a car enthusiasts wishlist of performance accessories. A coilover suspension, 18 inch wheels, an AIM Data Logger, Akrapovic dual-mode exhaust and a 190 hp engine are just a few items that turn the 695 biposto into one angry street car. The biposto has the distinction of having the most hp ever offered in a street going Abarth in addition to being the only street legal car in the world with a racing type dog-ring gearbox.




Abarth 595 '50th Anniversario'
Abarth 595 50th Anniversary

The Abarth "Specialties" are limited production cars that usually have a commemorative theme. Currently, there is the 595 50th Anniversary and 695 Edizione Maserati listed as available, but don't be surprised if other models will be added during the year.


Abarth Esseesse Kit
Abarth esseesse kit


Besides the cars, for 2015 Abarth is emphasizing the customization and tuning kits available for the various models.

Abarth 595 50th Anniversary BRM Watch
Abarth 595 50th Anniversary BRM Watch

Finally, because Carlo Abarth was a man of style as well as a savvy entrepreneur, Abarth & Co offers a full range of fashion accessories, clothing, and assorted swag.

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