Abarth Punto Evo Abarth 500C: “More power to your senses”

The Abarth 500C and Abarth Punto Evo, Abarth’s latest versions of two tried and tested models, are due for launch from mid-June in Italy.
The new Abarth Punto Evo aims to win an even bigger place in the hearts of young enthusiasts, continuing the work begun with the Grande Punto, which is bought mostly by customers aged between 18 and 30. The Abarth 500C is distinguished by its elegance and dynamism while the Abarth spirit lives on in its sporting features. The new open-topped car with its reworked engineering also represents a strategic choice by Abarth: this model was also produced to appeal to women customers who seek design and elegance but also appreciate the performance of a true sports car.
Both cars recently made their international public debuts at the Geneva Motor Show and now share the same launch to demonstrate to the public that both represent the very best of the Abarth sporting spirit despite their different characteristics and target customers. This unique event is accompanied by an original advertising campaign, created in conjunction with the 515 Creative Shop studio in Turin and identified by the slogan “More power to your senses”, a concept that matches the brand’s values perfectly.
The Abarth 500C and Abarth Punto Evo will certainly help to consolidate the already excellent results achieved in 2009. Proof that the direction taken by Abarth is the right one comes from the statistics. These indicate quite clearly that the brand is experiencing continuous growth: from 2008 to the present day Abarth has sold nearly 22,000 cars, including 8400 Abarth 500 versions and 2700 Abarth Grande Punto cars during 2009, as well as more than 3300 performance kits. This commercial success is complemented by the inexorable growth in dealerships and official performance centres. Abarth is in fact completing its coverage of strategic cities in Europe such as Amsterdam and Paris, and in addition to consolidating its presence in existing markets it is extending to Eastern European markets such as Romania and countries in the Mediterranean basin such as Israel. The Abarth distribution network is a truly unique phenomenon, boasting 141 showrooms, 140 official performance centres and 300 service centres in Europe. That’s not to mention the latest network of Abarth Racing preparation shops made up of six outlets in Italy, which are exclusively responsible for selling Abarth racing cars and servicing them for customers.

Two models, one spirit: driving experience taken to the maximum sensory levels

The new advertising campaign “More power to your senses” will be rolled out in different media in the coming months, with particular attention to digital media and is further reinforced by a distinctive red graphic marking that simultaneously divides and unites the two cars. The Abarth 500C and Abarth Punto Evo offer a unique and unrepeatable driving experience that transcends the idea that a product is something simply to be used, taking you into the realms of powerful emotion. Normally, when you use an object you do not think about how it was made or why it was made in a certain way, you simply use it. This does not happen with an Abarth. An Abarth reminds you in every detail and at every moment that it was built with but one purpose: performance. Each of its components expresses its vocation: its incisive engine sound, the noise of its wheels on the asphalt, its attractive design, its race-tuned suspension and acceleration worthy of an out-and-out sports car.
With an Abarth the perception of driving is increased and amplified to the maximum.
The perception you receive from an Abarth Punto Evo, in particular, is guaranteed by the 165 HP delivered by a MultiAir engine with enhanced power level to guarantee even more driving performance and adrenaline: all in all, the new car represents Abarth empowerment taken to its highest levels. The Abarth 500C perception combines all the sensations of sports driving with those produced by the panoramic opening hood which accentuates your perception of the surrounding environment, the wind in your hair and the sound of 140 HP under the bonnet. Driving is even sportier thanks to steering wheel gearchanges.
These two models may be very different but they share a single spirit, the sporting spirit of the Abarth scorpion logo, which has proved itself capable of awakening the passion of thousands of motorists with a taste for challenge, speed and Italian style.
A price list complete with standard equipment and options is available on the website www.abarthpress.com.

Abarth Punto Evo: EVOlution of empowerment

Technological EVOlution inspired by racing

The new 165 HP MultiAir 1.4 Turbo petrol engine is the result of the successful union of Powertrain technology (FPT) and the work of Abarth engineers. Since its presentation last year at the Geneva Motor Show, the Abarth engineers began to work on this new technology with the aim of improving its sporting performance and turning it into a true Abarth.
MultiAir technology marked a departure from the normal petrol engine scenario. Compared with a conventional petrol engine of equivalent size, a MultiAir engine develops more power (up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%), while consuming significantly less fuel (up to 10%) and emitting less CO2 (up to 10%).
At the heart of MultiAir is a new electrohydraulic valve management system that allows a reduction in fuel consumption and polluting emissions by controlling air directly via the engine intake valves, without using the throttle. From this starting point, Abarth engineers performed studies and numerous technical tests before they finally produced the innovative 165 HP MultiAir 1400 16v. Tuning was carried out with great care by the engineers, who used a new oversized Garrett turbine to guarantee winning and sporting performance: maximum torque of 250 Nm (25.5 kgm) at 2250 rpm for acceleration from 0-100km/h in just 7.9 seconds.
Like a true sports car, the Abarth Punto Evo is fitted with a driver controlled system that acts on the engine, brakes and steering, allowing two different vehicle behaviour modes based on the driving style best suited to the situation or the customer’s wishes: super sports (Sport) and urban (Normal).
The selector is located in an ergonomic position – in front of the gear lever on the tunnel – and allows the driver to select one of two operating modes, simply by moving the lever (the selection is displayed with a message on the control panel). In detail, if you wish to achieve a relaxed drive in complete safety, you can select Normal mode; but if you prefer to use your Abarth Punto Evo for a more sporty drive, you simply move the lever to Sport position. This makes the car even more responsive and the setting of the electric power steering is altered to increase load for a sportier feel. Greater focus is also placed on safety, with automatic activation of the TTC system.
The driver is assisted, rally style, by a Gear Shift Indicator (GSI). This intuitive ‘co-pilot’ on the Abarth Punto Evo offers the driver suggestions about the right moment to shift up to keep fuel consumption down by means of a message on the control panel.
The Abarth Punto Evo MultiAir 1.4 petrol engine is enhanced by the innovative Start&Stop system. The device controls temporary engine cut-off and subsequent restarting when the engine is idling at a standstill. In these situations, which are typical of heavy traffic in urban areas and when stopped at traffic lights, , the system automatically cuts out the engine when the control strategy permits in order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 10% in urban conditions and 3.5% over an NEDC type-approval cycle.
As soon as the brake pedal is released or a gear engaged, the system quickly restarts the engine to ensure the user an immediate response to controls. If the engine is switched off by mistake (a stall), when setting off from a traffic light, it can be restarted by simply pressing the clutch.
The Start&Stop system offers further advantages in terms of passenger compartment comfort because there is no vibration or noise.
The system interacts with the driver, who is informed about the use of the device by means of messages on the control panel and can always turn it off using a control on the panel near the steering wheel.
The innovative MultiAir power unit guarantees sporting performance with low emissions and low fuel consumption. During tests carried out by Abarth engineers, fuel economy was improved despite the high sporting performance of the engine. More specifically, fuel consumption is 8.1 l/100km over an urban cycle, 6.0 l/100km over a combined cycle and 4.8 l/100km over an extra-urban cycle. Emissions from the MultiAir engine are low, ensuring Euro 5 type-approval with emissions of just 142 g/km.

EVOlution of active and passive safety

The Abarth philosophy is to guarantee sporting performance in complete safety. For this reason, the Abarth Punto Evo is enhanced by devices that ensure the best dynamic performance over any surface.
The icing on the cake is TTC, Torque Transfer Control. This device improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels and, in particular, guarantees excellent cornering behaviour, thus making the car safer and more entertaining during a sporty drive. More specifically, the TTC is a differential lock system that uses the mechanical differential as a reactive element, distributing torque through the braking system by means of the ESP sensors (wheel speed, steering wheel angle, yaw etc.).
The TTC is activated automatically in sport mode and self-regulates the lock percentage according to dynamic characteristics such as speed.
In the area of safety, the Punto Evo Abarth sets new standards due to its 7 airbags, including a driver knee bag. It is one of very few cars in its segment with a driver knee bag fitted as standard on all versions.
The Punto Evo Abarth braking system is powerful and effective. Disc brakes are fitted on all wheels. The front brakes are ventilated with fixed Brembo twin piston calipers. The suspension system is based on a tried and tested Abarth configuration: the front is a MacPherson independent suspension and the rear is an interconnected suspension (semi-independent) with torsion beam. Compared with normal braking systems reworked by Abarth, the anti-roll bar is oversized and the front springs are 20% stiffer. These improvements guarantee impeccable roadholding while maintaining a high level of comfort.

Race-inspired aerodynamic EVOlution

As far as looks are concerned, Abarth’s work on the Punto Evo aimed to improve performance with attention to aerodynamic aspects.
Compared with the Fiat version, the front bumper has been broadened so that it runs seamlessly into the side strips and the front valence has been moulded at the base to make room for side intakes, which guide and correct the airflow to significantly improve aerodynamic flow at the side, drawing inspiration from the rally version.
The completely revised rear bumper incorporates side vents and a distinctive new diffuser that optimally channels the airflow. Compared with the previous version, the diffuser is now unframed to give it greater emphasis and its look reflects that of the front splitter.
The twin exhaust tailpipes are larger in diameter, a clear tribute to Abarth’s history, and also feature different satin finishes.
The reverse and rear fog light functions have been moved to the centre of the diffuser to focus the attention, as on Formula 1 cars. New side reflectors frame and accentuate the aerodynamic profile almost as if to mirror the effect of the LED lights on the rear window.
The spoiler has been fully revised in terms of its colour (now it is the same shade as the body to make the car’s lines more continuous and dynamic) and above all in its volume: the new long, tapered shape improves cx and CZ performance values, making the Abarth Punto EVO even more stable.
The ‘moustache’ motif around the logo has been completely revised and made sportier due to the look of the grille. In the same way, the badge bearing the icon is no longer round as on the previous car but has reverted to the historical shape already incorporated in the Abarth 500.
The side strips and side skirts are body-coloured to emphasise the stance of a car that is truly glued to the ground. The side graphic motif is now part of the front bumper and has been resized to stabilise the proportions of the side panel thus making the body coloured surfaces more slender. Another new feature is a fully redesigned 17’’ wheel trim with spokes inspired by the Abarth symbol, the Scorpion, which is also evident on the hub caps.
The interior has also been fully redesigned. The appearance and finish of the materials used are reminiscent of the road surface on racetracks, thus taking the feel of the track inside the passenger compartment.
The new central control console has been split into two, with the radio module featuring a glossy black surface, at the centre of which lies the LCD. The climate control system controls are positioned below, in a separate panel, while the air vents with a storage compartment are located above.
The driving instruments produced specially by Jaeger feature larger speedometer and rev counter faces, a new sporty graphic layout and new hood to protect against the sun trimmed in leather with red and yellow top stitching.
Work on the seats, with their new texture, is evident. Soft black leather is used to trim the seat and backrest while the containment bands are trimmed in hi-tech fabric to offer the right balance between comfort, breathability and resistance to wear.
Just as before, it is still possible to fit Abarth Corse monocoque seats by Sabelt, which offer the best possible combination of sports seat characteristics, such as lightness and the ability to restrain the body in the presence of lateral and longitudinal forces.

Abarth 500C: empowerment of a style icon

Style: a sporty convertible

The all-new Abarth 500C was created by developing design without neglecting performance. This is not the first time that Abarth has tuned a convertible, and this time the operation affected both looks and engineering.
Alongside the classic body colour scheme, Abarth is offering two-tone paintwork for the first time on a 500. Although your eye may linger on the new colours, the long, dynamic spoiler reminds you that the Abarth 500C is first and foremost a top-class sports car. The spoiler not only adds flair to the sporting image but also ensures an improved CZ load and more effective air flow distribution. The Abarth 500C is enhanced by new 17” diamond pattern alloys and a white diamond version of the popular 5 petal design.
Another strength of this model is its exceptional climatic and acoustic comfort. Thorough aerodynamic research means that the turbulence experienced with the roof open has been reduced to a minimum, allowing the open road and engine sound to be enjoyed to the full. The Abarth 500C allows you all the sensations of a real sports car: with the hood closed, it offers performance worthy of a hard top version but when the roof is rolled down, the range of sensations and experience expands as you speed along with the wind rushing through your hair to the authentic sound of the twin silencer exhaust.
The electric hood, which traces the car’s roof line, means that the Abarth 500C can be enjoyed at any time of year. A true design object, the hood of the Fiat 500C is distinguished by its sophisticated electrically-controlled movements and its impressively finished and carefully crafted technical features: from the glass rear window to the third brake light built into the spoiler. The hood is available in 2 colours (black and titanium grey) and can be combined with classic Abarth colours as well as 2 specially-created two-tone combinations: the more sporty version (racing black and white) and a more elegant version in two tones of grey. A chromatic liner runs along the two-tone body to simultaneously divide and combine the car’s two spirits: out-and-out sports performance below and the elegance of a cabriolet above.

Performance: Abarth empowerment

The new car is a true Abarth and this is confirmed by a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet power unit that delivers 140 HP, for significant performance: 0-100 km/h in just 8.1 seconds and a torque of 206 Nm at 2000 rpm in Sport mode – a power unit that ensures thrilling performance while also making the Abarth 500C extremely satisfying to drive even during day-to-day use.
In detail, the engine is a 1368 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve unit (turbo charged with a fixed geometry IHI RHF3-P turbocharger) that delivers exhilarating performance. Top speed is 205 km/h while acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes place in just 8.1 seconds. This is partly achieved by the overboost function, activated by the Sport button that modulates control unit mapping and turbo pressure in addition to load on the steering wheel. Yet this typically Abarth performance comes with very frugal fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km over a combined cycle.
This lively yet smooth new power unit also has proven eco-friendly credentials: the new Abarth car is already able to meet the toughest restrictions imposed by future European standards (Euro 5).
In addition to the engine, the Abarth 500C retains all the engineering features already so appreciated on the original model, such as TTC (Torque Transfer Control). The most important new feature is the race inspired “ABARTH Competizione” gearbox.
The year was 1949 and Karl Abarth was beginning to market his first official product, a racing gearbox with a steering wheel-mounted for the Fiat Topolino, able to offer slick gear shifts under sporty driving conditions. More than 60 years later, the ABARTH Competizione is offered as standard on the Abarth 500C with the same philosophy. It takes the form of a 5-speed gearbox with electrohydraulic control and driver interface created with paddles behind the steering wheel in a configuration that enhances the car’s attributes of thrift and efficiency under sporting driving conditions.
In detail, the innovative gearbox derived from an MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) unit consists of a conventional manual gearbox on which the manual linkage is replaced by an actuator controlled electronically by a TCU (Transmission Control Unit) which optimises both gearshifting and mechanical efficiency. This gearbox also offers auto mode for greater comfort and manual mode for maximum driving satisfaction. A sport setting may be added to both modes, with repercussions on shift speed.
The new ABARTH Competizione makes driving more fun, complementing out-and-out racing attributes with the possibility of shifting up through the gears on the steering wheel as though you were driving a real supercar.
To confirm this car’s paid-up membership of the Abarth club, a special esseesse kit is being prepared as an additional customer offer.
The Abarth 500C is aimed at customers who seek all that Abarth has to offer in terms of sportiness and innovation but also design and even more versatile use.

Safety

In terms of safety, the Abarth 500C also offers the features already successfully adopted on the Abarth 500. The Abarth 500C was created to exceed even the toughest standards and is one of the safest cars in the entire segment. Stable, effective braking plus excellent pick-up ensured by the 140 HP power unit and predictable handling at all times allow the new car to deal confidently with critical situations. The Abarth 500C is also fitted as standard with 7 airbags (two front, two window bags, two side bags and one for knee protection): a record for this car category. The new model also employs the most sophisticated technical solutions to ensure that the driver is in perfect control of the car (active safety): from ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD) to the advanced electronic stability program (ESP), from the anti-slip regulation (ASR) system to the Hill Holder devices – w hich help the driver with hill starts – a nd hydraulic brake assistance (HBA) to help with emergency stops.
The Abarth 500C also offers the “TTC” (Torque Transfer Control) which improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels and, in particular, guarantees excellent cornering behaviour, thus making the car safer and more entertaining during a sporty drive. The Abarth 500C also offers all the properties of dynamism and comfort that allow its users to tackle any kind of route in comfort. These qualities are enhanced by the suspension layout: the front system is a MacPherson configuration while the rear suspension features interconnected wheels (i.e. semi-independent) with a torsion beam. Both configurations selected have been appropriately revised and developed for the new vehicle to ensure great handling and top level driving comfort.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET of the ABARTH PUNTO EVO 1.4 Turbo MultiAir 165 HP E5 3P Start & Stop
Engine
– 4 cylinders in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368 cc
– 165 HP (120 kW) at 5500 rpm
– maximum torque of 250 Nm ( 25.5 kgm) at 2250 rpm
– turbocharged with fixed geometry Garrett GT1446 turbocharger
– digital electronic solid-state ignition
– Start&Stop system
– digital Gear Shift Indicator
– new electrohydraulic MultiAir intake valve management system
Transmission
– 6 speed manual gearbox
– lever for activating sporty drive (n/s)
Suspension
– front suspension with MacPherson layout and oversized anti-roll bar
– rear suspension with semi-independent configuration and torsion beam
Steering
– electrohydraulic power steering
Brakes
– Brembo M4x40 front brake calipers
– front brakes with Ø 305mm x 28mm self-ventilated discs
– rear brakes with Ø 264mm x 11mm discs
– with ABS + ESP
– torque transfer control system (TTC – TORQUE TRANSFER CONTROL)
Wheels
– 7” X 17” ET 39 alloys, 5 pincer-shaped spokes with internal paint coating
– 215/45 R17” tyres
Emissions level
– complies with Euro 5 EEC-p5 standard
Emissions of CO2
– 142 g/km
Fuel consumption
– combined cycle (l/100km) 6.0
– extra-urban cycle (l/100km) 4.8
– urban (l/100km) 8.1
Performance
– top speed: 213 km/h
– Acceleration: 0-100 km/(sec) 7.9

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET – ABARTH 500C – 140 HP 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet
Engine
– 4 cylinders in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368 cc
– 140 HP (103 kW) at 5000 rpm
– maximum torque 206 Nm at 2000 rpm in sport mode
– turbocharged with fixed geometry IHI RHF3-P turbocharger
Transmission
– 5-speed Abarth Competizione gearbox
– MTA gearbox – electrically-operated manual gearbox with gear shift paddles on the steering wheel
Suspension
– MacPherson independent front suspension
– torsion beam at the rear with special calibration and anti-roll bar
Steering
– Dualdrive electric power steering with sport setting
– Sport/overboost button (this function modulates the Dualdrive electric steering power-assistance
level and increases engine torque from 180 Nm to 206 Nm)
Brakes
– ZPH 4.1.2 floating front calipers, 54mm diameter piston
– self-ventilating front brake discs, diameter 284 x 22 mm
– CII 34 floating rear calipers, 34 mm diameter piston
– 240 mm diameter x 11 mm rear brake discs
– Electronic Stability Program
– TTC SYSTEM – Torque Transfer Control
Wheels
– standard: 6.5×16” aluminium alloy rim – Tyres: 195/45 r16”
– options: 7×17” aluminium alloy rim – Tyres: 205/40 r17”
Pollution
– complies with Euro 5 EEC-f5 standard
Emissions of CO2
– 151 g/km
Performance
– top speed 205 km/h
– acceleration 0 – 100 km/h 8.1 secs
Fuel consumption
– 6.5 l/100 km in the combined cycle
– 5.4 l/100 km over an extra-urban cycle
– 8.5 l/100km over an urban cycle
Hood
– hood opening/closing control
– glass rear window