Abarth has just announced the much anticipated esseesse kit for the Abarth 500C. This kit bumps the 1.4 liter Turbocharged engine from 135hp to 160hp and also consists of high performance brake pads, drilled brake rotors (front and rear), lowering springs and special Koni shocks all the way around. Ultra-high performance 205/40 ZR17 tires mounted on 17x7 Abarth esseesse alloy wheels with tire pressure monitors and a high performance air filter round out the package. The esseesse kit is delivered in a special Abarth wooden crate, which by itself, is valued as a collectors item.
Below is Abarth's description of the Abarth 500C esseesse:
The kit for the Abarth 500C tunes the 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet power unit to achieve a maximum power of 160 HP (117 kW) at 5750 rpm and in Sport mode, a maximum torque of 230 Nm at 3000 rpm with the performance of an out-and-out sports car: top speed is 209 km/h with acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds. As with the Punto Evo, the 500C maintains its Euro 5 compliance even once the kit has been installed, with CO2 emissions equal to 151 g/km.
Safety is always the focus with Abarth tuning, as evidenced by the upgrading of the braking system and adjusted ride: the esseesse kit for the 500C includes perforated, ventilated front disc brakes (diameter 284 mm x 22 mm), perforated rear disc brakes (diameter 240 mm x 11 mm), high performance front brake pads, front and rear Koni shock absorbers with FSD valve, specific red springs set lower than those on the original car, Abarth esseesse 7� x 17� ET35 alloy wheels painted white or titanium, combined with 205/40 ZR17 tyres.
The conversion kit for the Abarth 500C also includes four sensors to record correct tyre pressure, a special �powered by BMC� air filter and esseesse badges for the engine cover and tailgate.
The esseesse kit for the Abarth 500C is due to go on sale from October in all European markets.
Here is a video road test of the Fiat Abarth 500C from France. Although it's in French, there are some great detail shots of the car. (Hint: Watch in High Definition for best quality).
Fiat has released details of the new Abarth 500C, which will go on sale in Europe within the next few days. With the 500 Abarth due out in the US sometime next year, and the 500C commencing production in Mexico next March, it is logical to assume that the US will also get an Abarth 500C. With that, lets take a detailed look at the Abarth 500C, with the help of Fiat Group Press:
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 color scheme, Abarth is offering two-tone paintwork for the first time on a 500. Although your eye may linger on the new colors, 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 colors (black and titanium grey) and can be combined with classic Abarth colors 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 over-boost 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 6-speed gearbox with electro-hydraulic 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 optimizes both gear shifting 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 � which help the driver with hill starts - a nd hydraulic brake assistance (HBA) to help with emergency stops.
The Abarth 500C also offers two outstanding features by any standards: the �TTC� (Torque Transfer Control) and �GSI� (Gear Shift Indicator) systems. The first device improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels and, in particular, guarantees excellent cornering behavior, thus making the car safer and more entertaining during a sporty drive.
The GSI (Gear Shift Indicator) encourages the driver to shift gear by illuminating a special indicator on the control panel (an LED flashes five times in succession). In detail, if Normal mode has been selected, the system tells the driver that fuel savings could be made by shifting to another gear. If the driver continues in Sport mode, a new gear is suggested to achieve the best possible performance.
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. Created from a Magneti Marelli design, 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 - 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/over-boost 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: 6.5x16� aluminum alloy rim - Tires: 195/45 r16� options: 7x17� aluminum alloy rim - Tires: 205/40 r17�
Pollution complies with Euro 5 EEC-f5 standard Emissions of CO2 155 g/km
Performance top speed 205 km/h acceleration 0 - 100 km/h 8.1 secs
Fuel consumption 43 mpg (6.5 l/100km) in the combined cycle 52 mpg (5.4 l/100km) over an extra-urban cycle 33 mpg (8.5 l/100km) over an urban cycle
Abarth premiered the Abarth 500C at the 80th International Motor Show held in Geneva, March 4-14, 2010. Along with the Abarth 500C, the Abarth Punto Evo also premiered. This Punto would be an awesome addition to Fiat's lineup here in the US. So far, there's no news on if that will happen, but we can still hope.
I'll have more info on the Abarth Punto Evo coming soon.
For those of us who couldn't be there in Geneva, here is the official press conference held by Harald Wester, CEO of Abarth.
Below is information on the the Fiat 500C, and gives an overview of the bases of the Abarth's version. Video courtesy of fiatontheweb's YouTube site:
Fiat is introducing the long awaited convertible version of the 500 Abarth called the Abarth 500C. This version will no doubt find its way to the US sometime after the regular 500 Abarth shows up on our shore (currently estimated the fourth quarter 2011).
Until then we'll have to settle for pictures, so enjoy the official press release below:
ABARTH 500C: adding power to a style icon: a sports convertible
The brand new Abarth 500C is the result of developments in both style and performance. This is not the first time that Abarth has undertaken the performance tuning of a convertible and the company has used all its past experience to improve both stylistic and technical factors.
While the eye is inevitably drawn to the new body finish, based on elegant two-tone color schemes, the extended, dynamic-looking spoiler instantly reminds you that the Abarth 500C is first and foremost a high class sportswear. In addition to enhancing the aggressive appearance of the 500C, the spoiler effectively boosts CZ loading and creates a smoother air flow.
The looks of the Abarth 500C have also benefited from the new design 17� diamond finished alloy wheels...
...including the sought-after diamond finished 5 petal white wheels. Another strong point of the Abarth 500C is its exceptional interior climate and acoustic comfort.
Thorough aerodynamic research has minimized turbulence with the roof open, allowing the sound of the road and engine to be enjoyed to the full. The new car therefore delivers a more complete sport driving experience and enhanced enjoyment. In an Abarth 500C, you can experience all the thrills of a real sports car. With the roof up, performance is on a par with a hard top.
When the roof down, the range of sensations and emotions is dramatically extended, and includes all the pleasures of feeling the wind in your hair and the sound of the twin tail pipes.
This video shows how the top works on the 500C
The roof is electrically operated and slides along guides in the car�s sides to let you enjoy your Abarth 500C all year round. A true object of design, the Abarth 500C�s roof stands out for its elegant, electrically controlled movement and its impressively finished and carefully administered technical features, including a glass rear window and third brake light built into the spoiler.
The soft top comes in a choice of two colors (black or titanium grey), to suit the classic Abarth colors as well as the 2 two-tone color schemes created specially for the car: one overtly sporting (black and race white) and the other in two elegant shades of grey.
Finally, a colored graphic runs around the two-tone body, simultaneously dividing and uniting the two souls of the car: below, all the performance of a true sportster, above, all the elegance of a convertible.
Performance: Abarth tuning
The 500C is a true Abarth, as its 140 HP 1.4 Turbo T-Jet engine clearly shows. Performance is impressive: 0-100 km/h in only 8.1 seconds and a peak torque of 206 at 2000 rpm. An engine that not only delivers thrilling performance but also makes the Abarth 500C extremely pleasant to drive day in, day out.
The engine is a 4 cylinder, 16 valve, unit of 1,368 cc, fitted with an IHI RHF3-P fixed geometry turbocharger. The unit delivers exciting performance, pushing the car to a top speed of 205 km/h and accelerating it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.1 seconds. These exceptional figures are also the result of an over boost function engaged by pressing the �Sport� button, which modifies engine control unit mapping, turbo pressure, and steering wheel loading. Yet despite its true Abarth spirit, the 500C still only consumes 6.5 l/100 km in the combined cycle.
The car�s sporting yet flexible engine is also environmentally friendly and already conforms to the strict Euro 5 standards soon to be introduced.
On top of its superb engine, the Abarth 500C boasts all the technical content of the model from which it is derived, including TTC (Torque Transfer Control) The most obvious innovation, of course, is the race-derived �ABARTH Competizione� gearbox, fitted as standard. It was 1949 and Karl Abarth officially began marketing the first product, a race-derived gearbox with steering wheel control for the Fiat Topolino, capable of delivering quick gear changes in sporty driving conditions.
With the same philosophy, more than 60 years later, the �ABARTH Competizione� is offered as standard on the Abarth 500C. This electro-hydraulically actuated, 6-speed gearbox is operated by steering wheel paddles and controlled by a system that maximizes economy and performance when driven hard.
This is the interior of the Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari", it shows the transmission controls that should be the same as the Abarth 500C
The innovative MTA-derived (Manual Transmission Automated) system is based on a conventional mechanical gearbox on which the traditional gear lever has been replaced with an actuator electronically controlled by the TCU (Transmission Control Unit) to optimize gear changes and mechanical efficiency. The gearbox can be used in two modes: auto for maximum comfort, and manual for maximum performance. �Sport� mode can be engaged in both gearbox modes and reduces gear shift times. Learn more about the MTA here.
The new �ABARTH Competizione� gearbox makes driving even more fun thanks to race-derived functions like steering wheel paddle-shifting, just like on a real super-car. Further confirmation that the 500C is a genuine Abarth comes from the fact that a specific �SS� tuning kit is currently being developed specially for it, offering an even higher level of performance.
The Abarth 500C is aimed at customers seeking everything the scorpion brand represents in terms of performance and innovation, plus the ultimate in style and versatility.
Safety
The Abarth 500C incorporates all the safety systems already installed on the Abarth 500. Designed to conform to the strictest standards, the Abarth 500C is one of the safest vehicles in its class. Stable and effective braking, exhilarating acceleration from a 140 HP engine, and ultra-reliable handling mean that the Abarth 500C will get you through even the tightest scrapes without you batting an eyelid.
The 500C is equipped as standard with 7 airbags (two front, two window and two side airbags plus one driver knee airbag): a record for this class of vehicle. The new version is also equipped with sophisticated technical solutions to maximize active safety and control: these include ABS with EBD (Electronic Braking Distribution), a sophisticated ESP system (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) traction control, Hill Holder to facilitate starting off on slopes, and HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) to help with emergency braking.
The Abarth 500C also features two advanced control systems: �TTC� (Torque Transfer Control) and �GSI� (Gear Shift Indicator). TTC improves the transfer of torque from the engine to the wheels and in particular gives excellent handling on bends, making sports driving safer and more fun than ever. GSI (Gear Shift Indicator) provides a signal on the instrument panel (a LED that flashes five times) to tell you when to change gear. In Normal mode, GSI tells you that changing up will help reduce fuel consumption. In Sport mode, the signal means that changing gear will give you better performance.
Finally, the Abarth 500C is fitted with dynamic systems and comfort-enhancing equipment to ensure that occupants enjoy luxury as well as safety on all types of journey. Take the suspension system for example.
The front suspension is based on independent McPherson struts...
...while the rear suspension is semi-independent, with an inter-connecting torsion bar. Specially developed by Magneti Marelli, both suspension schemes have been optimized specifically for the Abarth 500C to ensure superb handling and the highest possible level of comfort.
