Abarth, the Italian carmaker (or Fiat tuning division depending on your point of view), has just announced its line up for the upcoming Bologna Motor Show. In total four models - the Punto Scorpione, the 695 Assetto Corse, the 595 Turismo and the 595 Competizione - will take their bow when the Bologna Motor Show opens its doors on December 1.
The Punto Scorpione is a limited edition model that was built in collaboration with snowboard manufacturers Nitro. Featuring a matte- and gloss-black paint finish and black leather Sabelt seats the Scorpione is powered by a 177bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged MultiAir engine that sees the Punto accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 7.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 134mph. Each one of the 99 models built will feature a special exhaust system, uprated Koni dampers and high-performance brakes. An optional "Abarth Nitro" winter kit will also be available that adds 17-inch alloy wheels with winter tyres and a "Nitro powered by Abarth" snowboard.
Also on display will be two version of the newly-unveiled Abarth 595. Based on the Abarth 500 both cars feature the esseesse performance kit giving the Turismo and Competizione models 158bhp, 170lb.ft, a 0 to 62mph time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 131mph. The 595 Turismo also boasts two-tone paint, 17-inch alloys wheels and the Competizione paddle-shift transmission as standard. The 595 Competizione is fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, 17-inch titanium-coloured wheels, Brembo brakes, Grigio Record paint and leather and Alcantara Sabelt seats.
Rounding off the Abarth display will be the race-derived 695 Assetto Corse. Powered by a 202bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged engine the street-legal racer wears a unique body-kit, 17-inch racing wheels and high-performance brake and exhaust systems. With a Sadev sequential gearbox, a FIA-approved roll cage, Lexan windows, racing seat and steering wheel and digital motorsport instruments the 695 Assetto Corse is the most hardcore Fiat/Abarth 500 to date.
Paul Healy - 23 Nov 2011