Intro to the 500 Abarth

After years of anticipation, one of Europe's outstanding performance cars - the 500 Abarth - will be introduced to the American public next month during the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. There is arguably nothing on the market - short of a Ferrari- that has the mystique, heritage and charisma that the 500 Abarth provides. Is that an over the top statement? I don't think so, and we'll explore this during the next few weeks.



First, let's take a look at the introduction printed in the European 500 Abarth owners manual:*

The special features of the new 500 Abarth make the car captivating through its unmistakable appearance, stylish yet traditional and, at the same time, practical in terms of performance and safety thanks to the new elements that have been introduced.

The side skirts, rear spoiler and rear diffuser connecting the underbody improve the drag coefficient, the geometry and road holding at speed. A single transversely mounted silencer has twin exhaust outlets fitted on either side of the diffuser . The front and rear symmetrical air intakes are practical and the first ones allow the flow of air for cooling the twin intercoolers, while the second ones mounted on the sides of the front bumper permit the outlet of the flow at the rear.

The introduction of the TTCsystem (Torque Transfer Control), which improves the transfer of engine torque to the wheels, makes the vehicle safer and more pleasant to drive, especially when cornering. Comfort is improved thanks to the introduction of the anti-roll bar which involves a reduction in shock absorber damping, thereby making the vehicle's ride less stiff.

Every feature of the 500 Abarth passenger compartment, from the turbo boost pressure gauge, the steering wheel with three spokes and shaped grips, the aluminium pedal assembly, the gear lever with an ergonomically designed grip and the seats with head restraints built-into the backrest, is designed to give the car a sporty appearance.**

*Translated and adapted from European 500 Abarth manual.
**Look for the US 500 Abarth to be the evolution in every way of the European 500 Abarth.
Note: various European 500 Abarth models shown with optional equipment