Abarth, at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show, gave us exactly what we expectedWith: A 124 Spider with the... care of the of the legendary scorpion. And so, the new Abarth 124 Spider, is exactly as er-addictive as we had described it from... ancient times (not to mention the fact that it is a new car).we were taken, but again we were confirmed in... everything) here, at TopSpeed.gr.
In short, the Abarth version of the 124 Spider, which will be available from 40.000 euro, has several goodies that make it desirable, or at least more desirable than its siblings, the Fiat 124 Spider and the Mazda MX-5. And rightly so, we told you yesterday that it's an... angry Fiata.
Stthe engine, we see no exaggerations, as the awesome and formidable 1.8 turbo of the Alfa Romeo 4C, epIt can be used for its racing version. So, we see the familiar 1.4 turFCA's bo with Abarth's "treats", with an output of 170 hp. With sport program selection, the move back and the overwhelmingκτική, our favourite Record Monza exhaust (we met it on the Abarth 595 Competizione and since then... we've been stuck) to make that classic, bassy sound of the good old Fiat, you wouldn't want anything else.
Or not? Abarth gives us wheels, a black hood, larger air intakes and aerodynamic aids ("bonnets", in general) to fishes the universe in the lantern and feelsThis is a significant differentiation from its 'brothers' at home. Well done, Abarth.
Let FCA describe the launch the way they want it to be describeds dividend Abarth 124 Spider. We, after all, have talked a lot about it before it became official. And we will talk again when we get our hands on it for testing:
Abarth returns to the world stage at the Geneva International Motor Show with big news: the premiere of the Abarth 124 spider. Inheriting the tradition of the roadster that in 1970 led Fiat to win the first European Rally Championship, it is an unconventional car that loves to drive and is destined to become an emblem of the pleasure it can bring, just like its predecessor.
Officine Abarth is taken to the Abarth stand in Geneva for the launch of the Abarth 124 spider. Specifically, a timeless space will be recreated using materials that are a reference to the original creation site of the Scorpio-branded cars, including iron, rough concrete, metal floor plates polished from the cars' tires and metal mesh. Also, the workbenches are reminiscent of those of a real auto repair shop. It is the place where technology and tradition meet in the quest for maximum performance.
Abarth 695 Biposto Record and Abarth 595 Competizione
Next to the new car, visitors will also discover the Abarth 695 Biposto Record, the version created to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Carlo Abarth's achievement of the quarter mile and 500 m acceleration record on the Monza race track. It is characterised by the exclusive "Modena Yellow" colour trimmed with "Tar Cold Grey" trim and an enamelled "695 Record" badge on the side. Under the bonnet is the boosted 1.4 T-jet engine, which reaches 190 HP and ensures really high performance with a top speed of 230 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.9″. Many technical features are taken directly from race cars, such as the lightweight titanium rear rollbar, 18″ wheels, oversized Brembo brake system, Akrapovič exhaust, adjustable shock absorbers and mechanical differential lock.
There will also be a Full Black 595 Competizione 1.4 T-Jet 180 HP Euro 6 with Garrett turbo, a model created from the racing experience of Abarth's engineers. It is available with a five-speed manual gearbox or an Abarth serial robotic gearbox and reaches 225 km/h.
Abarth 124 spider
The new Abarth 124 spider combines the authentic roadster experience with excitement, technology, safety and a touch of distinctive Italian design.
The DNA of performance
Thanks to the strong commitment of the Abarth Racing Team, the car exemplifies Abarth's distinctive values: performance, craftsmanship and technical upgrading.
It's the car that will put a smile back on the driver's face, with rear-wheel drive with a limited slip differential, perfect weight distribution and a lightweight design that makes it the new benchmark in the sports roadster category, and the numbers confirm it. Much of the weight is concentrated between the axles and the engine is mounted behind the front axle, achieving record levels of agility and driving feel. Sophisticated engineering and the use of special materials have allowed weight to be reduced to just 1060kg, ensuring the best weight-to-power ratio of 6.2kg/HP in its class and a perfect 50/50 weight distribution for maximum performance. An important characteristic of Abarth's racing abilities is the attention to even the smallest detail, which contributed to eliminating every unnecessary gram of weight.
Mechanics of a supercar
Abarth's dynamic vehicle set-up ensures that the benefits of the rear-wheel drive system are maximised to provide real driving pleasure. The 124 spider's suspension has a high front double wishbone arrangement and a multi-link (5 in number) rear suspension set-up, specially tuned for more effective braking and greater cornering stability. Dual-pinion electric power steering ensures excellent driving feel system, while Abarth by Bilstein shock absorbers, together with reinforced anti-roll bars provide ultimate control and driving comfort. In addition, the Brembo brake system, with a fixed aluminium caliper at the front, guarantees very short braking distances and excellent fatigue resistance, so that the pedal feel is always pleasant and secure.
Powerful engine and sporty gearbox for a great driving experience
The Abarth 124 spider, in the EMEA range, is equipped with a powerful and reliable 1.4 MultiAir 1.4 four-cylinder engine, delivering 170 HP (i.e. around 124 HP per litre) and 250 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 230 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8″. Moreover, the sound of the engine is of real importance for an Abarth and so the Record Monza exhaust, with its beautiful roar, is standard equipment.
The spider is available with a six-speed manual or automatic Sequenziale Sportivo transmission. The former is characterised by fast and precise gear changes with a direct short-throw shifter. The Sequenziale Sportivo gearbox, on the other hand, is the result of careful tuning to exploit the full torque of the engine and convey a genuine racing feel. Gear changes are extremely quick using the stick or, more importantly, the paddles behind the steering wheel. The car's performance is further enhanced by setting the drive mode selector to 'Sport' mode.
Officine Abarth: handcrafted high-tech care
Officine Abarth, in Mirafiori, is the place that gives the 124 spider the Italian art of driving. Abarth technicians add value to an already excellent car by fitting the Racing Anti-glare kit, a matte black cover for the bonnet and boot, the Racing Alcantara® Kit contributing to an even better overall quality of the interior, while ensuring a proper racing feel due to the dark finish. The standard Record Monza exhaust equipment is also installed at Officine Abarth, while each car is checked and certified by an Abarth technician, who applies a metal plate showing the serial number of each car and certifies the exclusivity of the Abarth 124 spider.
Design true to the Abarth DNA
The design reflects an excellent mechanical system, a key to achieving the perfect proportions of a sports car: the long bonnet emphasises the importance of the engine and the car's sense of power, the reduced overhangs highlight its agile character, while the cab close to the rear axle lets the driver "feel" the road.
The passenger-cab ratio is comparable to that of a racing car. Everything is aimed at performance: both the front bumper with its larger air intake and the rear bumper extractor are shaped in the aerodynamic tunnel - even the rear spoiler and wind deflector help improve airflow. The 17″ alloy wheels, windscreen frame and protective bars are finished in "Forgiato Grey''.
The rear of the Abarth 124 spider is characterised by two elements: the scissor-shaped rear wings and the horizontal tail lights recall certain features of its ancestor. An important detail is the rear lamp inserts, in the same body colour, which form a ring-shaped luminous surface.
Five body colours are available: the special "Turini 1975 White" and "Costa Brava 1972 Red", the metallic "Isola d'Elba 1974 Blue", "Portogallo 1974 Grey" and "San Marino 1972 Black". Their naming logic is a clear tribute to the successful racing history in rallying.
The Abarth DNA is also confirmed inside with the leather seats offering support and comfort, while all the controls are in perfect harmony with the car's sporty stance to help convey a sporty driving feel.
Active and passive safety
The new Abarth 124 spider is equipped with a host of state-of-the-art active and passive safety systems. In addition to ABS, standard equipment includes EBD, which adjusts the distribution of braking force front and rear, as well as ESC to increase control in all driving conditions through selective braking and throttle control, while ERM is an extension of ESC that uses sensors to calculate if the car is approaching a potentially dangerous situation with a rollover risk. Still, the Abarth 124 spider is equipped with three-point seat belts with a force limiter as well as adaptive LED headlights.
However, what is particularly important is that the Abarth allows the driver to switch off the electronic control systems to experience a unique and unfiltered driving experience, thanks to the perfect mechanical balance and linear engine response, fully enjoying the dynamics of a rear-wheel drive sports car. The Abarth 124 spider can be driven with only the control of the steering wheel and the accelerator pedal, offering unprecedented driving pleasure.
Equipment: sporty style and comfort
The new Abarth 124 spider, in the EMEA region, has a dashboard with 3 gauges: a large tachometer in the middle, a speedometer on the right and a data display on the left. Its standard equipment includes, among other things, manual air conditioning, a four-speaker radio with MP3 player and USB port, cruise control, adjustable and electrically folding side mirrors.
It is also available on request with an optional Infotainment system (with 7″ colour screen, satellite navigation system, radio with analogue AM/FM and digital DAB receiver, two USB ports, AUX input, four speakers, Bluetooth connection and reversing camera).
For superior sound quality, a Bose premium sound system with nine speakers, including 2 speakers in the seat headrests and a subwoofer option, can be fitted.
Games
Racing is a fundamental part of Abarth's DNA. Many drivers are very young and racing is a real opportunity for them to emerge in the world of motor racing. Also, for the first time this year, historic models will compete in the Abarth Cup Classics championship.
The 2016 racing season will be even more intense with the Abarth Trophy (Abarth 500 Assetto Corse and Abarth 695 Assetto Corse Evoluzione) starting on 1 May at the Monza race track in Italy and ending at Mugello on 16 October, and the Formula 4 championships in Italy and Germany. This will be the Abarth 500's eighth season of participation in an international championship that brings together drivers from many different countries.
The Italian F4 Championship powered by Abarth will consist of seven three-race events from 10 April at Misano Adriatico to 16 October at Adria. The ADAC Abarth F4 Championship, consisting of eight three-race events, will start on 17 April at the Oschersleben circuit and end on 2 October at Hockenheim.
Given the outstanding success in Italy and Germany, Abarth has decided to support the second edition of the F4 Championship in Germany this year and reaffirm its participation in the Italian championship as sponsor and official engine supplier. The T-Jet 1.4 Turbo 160 hp T-Jet engine, derived from the engine fitted to the 595 road car used in the Abarth cars taking part in the Abarth Trophy championships, will equip all the Italian manufacturer's Tatuus cars this year as well.
For Abarth, innovation cannot be separated from tradition and so the brand has chosen to expand its horizons in the historic car sector with the Abarth Cup Classics. With five races in Italy - three hillclimb races and two track races - Abarth Cup Classics will be the opportunity for all historic Abarth cars to start competing again in a championship with a special jackpot and a series of parallel events during the races.
Digital presence
"The Scorpionship", the only official Abarth community dedicated to Abarth owners, collectors, Abarth club members and fans, opens on March 1. Anyone can register by filling out the special form found on the website scorpionship.abarth.com.
Members of "The Scorpionship" community will receive a personal "Scorpionship Card" that allows them to benefit from offers, take part in competitions and participate in international events, while enjoying many interesting advantages such as access to "Scorpionship News", a section on the Abarth website dedicated to the community with previews, events, the latest information on products, kits and accessories. In addition, members can take advantage of special offers for purchases in the Abarth online store, as well as for the purchase of Mopar kits and accessories. They can also register to take part in special competitions with exclusive prizes. Other opportunities include the unique chance to work with the racing teams during Abarth Trophy races, or enjoy a weekend behind the wheel of an Abarth 695 Biposto.
The community will initially be available in Italy, the UK, Germany, Switzerland and France and will be rolled out across Europe starting in May.
A new Abarth merchandising range will be unveiled in Geneva. The collection, in pure Abarth style, is made of real pine wood and includes a desk range and a range dedicated to home accessories. In addition, the Mopar shop set up at the Abarth stand will host collections created in collaboration with prestigious brands such as Breil and Kappa, and a special collection dedicated to the 695 Biposto.
A selection of objects inspired by the Abarth 124 spider, made from top quality materials, with high aesthetic details that only the best Italian design can offer, will also be presented at the exhibition.
Finally, through brochures and materials dedicated to the stand, visitors can learn more about the products of FCA Bank, the financing company specialising in the automotive sector.
