Abarth returns to Geneva with it's latests line up of aggressive cars.

• Abarth 500 2014: a 12.2% rise in sales with respect to 2013 in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
• The Abarth 500 2015 range: the new line-up, developed to accommodate a greater number of clients of the Scorpion, enhanced by the new 595 “Competizione” with a 180 HP engine.
• Abarth 695 Biposto: the first models of the “smallest supercar” are ready for delivery.
• The 2015 racing season: the German ADAC Formel 4 Powered by Abarth kicks off in the wake of the success of the Italian F.4 Championship Powered by Abarth.
• Abarth and racing: a bond which has been formed by Movistar sponsoring Yamaha MotoGP.

Abarth returns to the Geneva Motor Show to present its latest line-up to the public and to celebrate the remarkably successful sales results of 2014: the 6,869 Abarth 500s sold in EMEA, represent an increase of 12.2% over 2013.

The Scorpion brand offers a new extended range which allows every customer to choose between various levels of performance and technological equipment. The range spans from the 140 HP of the Custom, continuing to the 160 HP of the Turismo and on to the novelty of the 180 HP of the Competizione, and finally reaching the “pure distillate of performance” with the 695 Biposto and its 190 HP, which combined with a dry weight of just 997 kg, is able to guarantee the best weight/power ratio in its class (5.2 kg/HP).

The success of the brand springs from the unique formula that succeeds in offering a perfect synthesis between performance, technology and iconic Italian style. Today’s 595 range line-up features three trim levels (“Custom”, “Turismo” and “Competizione”). 

In particular, the “Competizione” and “Turismo” represent the two fundamental souls of Abarth: the first expresses its sportier, “racing purist” character, the second, on the other hand, offers the typical values of an Italian Granturismo in a compact form, perfect for everyday performance”. 

“Completing the line-up is the 695 Biposto, dubbed the “smallest supercar” which offers a road vehicle with all the excitement and technology of a real racing car.

The new Abarth 2015 range is therefore presented with a complete line-up, which is able to satisfy the requirements in terms of performance, customisation and product content from increasingly demanding customers and preparations, with four engines ranging from 140 HP to 190 HP, three different transmissions (manual, robotised sequential gearbox, front coupling "dog ring"), with two body configurations (hatchback and convertible).

Furthermore, with its extended range, Abarth has succeeded in consolidating its global brand identity by expanding the Abarth network, which will be doubled in size with respect to 2014. The official Abarth dealer and tuner network in the EMEA area counted 6,869 new registrations last year with a 12.2% increase with respect to 2013.

Sales in overseas markets represent 77% of the total, reflecting the international vocation of the brand. In Europe, which in turn impacts on the excellent performance in particularly competitive markets, such as the UK, where in 2014, Abarth recorded an increase of 21% on sales from the previous year.

The same passion for the Scorpion is alive even in Asia, such as in Japan, where Abarth increased its sales by 19%, meaning that the Japanese market accounted for the second highest volume of sales after Italy.

Visitors to the Geneva Motor Show will have the opportunity to admire a session dedicated to kits and accessories made by Abarth – which complement the Abarth range and satisfy the custom attitude of Abarth customers. 

In more detail, the wide range of tune-up kits and accessories for all Abarth models features five engine upgrade kits, three braking and suspension system tune-up kits, cosmetic kits and a growing number of special accessories which can be purchased from the official Abarth e-store (www.abarthstore.com). This is of major significance in relation to the part associated with sports exhaust systems, an ingenious invention where the intuition of Carlo Abarth has actually given birth to the concept of "customisation" in the automotive world.

On the racing front, the brand is celebrating the success of the first edition of the “Italian F4 Championship Powered by Abarth” by supplying engines for the “ADAC Formel 4 – Powered by Abarth” in Germany. Once again, Abarth is a springboard for motor sport talent allowing young drivers to gain racing experience at the wheel of a single-seater equipped with a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 160 HP engine.

The 1.4 T-Jet engine of the single-seater is specifically prepared for the F4 championship. It delivers 160 HP and 240 Nm of torque and is the same versatile, robust and reliable power unit fitted on the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse and the Abarth 695 Assetto Corse Evoluzione that compete in the single-make championships.

The new Abarth 500 line-up

The Abarth 2015 line-up, renewed according to the performance over several stages principle, intends to offer satisfaction to all the different levels of sportiness required by the clients of the Scorpion.

First is the 595 “Custom” version which fits a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 140 HP engine combined with a manual or sequential robotic gearbox. Style and performance can be highly customised for your own vehicle: there countless possible combinations thanks to various ride, brake, inlet and exhaust tune-up kits, in addition to specific cosmetic kits and an increasing number of exclusive accessories.

The second level of the range features the 595 “Turismo”, equipped with 1.4 Turbo T-Jet engines, which is capable of producing 160 HP. The “Turismo” trim appeals to customers who are seeking qualities like the sporty elegance typical of “Gran Turismo”. In addition to the manual five-speed gearbox, also available on the Abarth 595 “Turismo” is the Abarth robotised sequential gearbox with steering wheel commands which enhances engine performance and reduces shifting time. 

The shift paddles are positioned on the sporty steering wheel. The “Turismo” is characterized by careful attention to detail and offers possibilities of customisation at the top of its class. The interior features a choice of materials of the highest quality, such as leather seats which can be in the colours of natural leather, black, red or grey. 

The colours of the seats match the steering wheel in leather with perforated grip, the mats are decorated with inserts in leather and metal studs; the pedals, scuff plates and the gearbox trim are in Alutex, an exclusive material derived from racing: everything in this trim speaks of sophistication and attention to the needs of the customer. The craftsmanship extends to the lining of the parcel shelf, which displays the embroidered name of the model.

As far as the exterior look is concerned, the customer of the “Turismo” can choose between various pastel colour finishes, or even between eight unique two-tone finishes.

The third level of the line-up is the 595 “Competizione”, for which the 1.4 T-Jet 180 HP Euro 6 was developed, available in conjunction with a manual gearbox with five gears, and the Abarth robotised sequential gearbox. The 1.4 T-Jet competition 180 HP is the result of the experience acquired by the Scorpion technicians on various racetracks: from single seater Formula 4 to the races of the Abarth Trophy. 

In particular to offer a demanding client the best in terms of performance and usability, the engine is offered with a new Garrett turbine to reduce turbo-lag to the maximum, with a new compression ratio to guarantee the maximum efficiency. Thanks to the high performance exhaust with record Monza valves, the engine reaches a specific power of 132 HP/litre. 

The Abarth 595 “Competizione” 180 HP is the car for anyone who loves the adrenaline rush of the world of racing, both for the performance and the technical makeup - thanks to the anatomical “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” shell seats it will be a pleasure to accelerate from 0-100 in 6.7 seconds, and then brake in complete safety, thanks to the increased Brembo braking system with aluminium fixed callipers in 4 pistons.

Abarth 695 Biposto: the first of the “smallest supercar” are ready for delivery

The 695 Biposto is the best example of Carlo Abarth’s philosophy – which can be summed up by the slogan “Sunday on the racing track, Monday in the office” – to offer everyone the chance to live their passion at the wheel of normal vehicles turned into extraordinary cars capable of conveying emotions experienced by racing drivers on the track to customers.

Abarth has challenged itself to create the perfect balance of a street-legal car which can deliver racing performance and feel. The result is the Abarth 695 Biposto: a 1.4 T-Jet 190 HP engine (the most powerful ever installed in an Abarth road vehicle), with a specific power of 139 HP/litre (an absolute record for this category of engine), only 997 kilograms of weight, a weight/power ratio of 5.2 kg/HP (the best in its category) and acceleration from 0-62 mph in only 5.9’’, record-breaking agility with widened track and compact size. 

These project goals could only be guaranteed with the use of components and technology borrowed from the world of racing, adapted for a road car: a noble “DNA” born of the experience acquired on the track all over the world, which has resulted in the Abarth 695 Biposto being “the smallest supercar”.

The technical specification includes, for example, oversized front intercooler, high performance BMC intake kit, Abarth exhaust system by Akrapovic with active valves, adjustable Extreme Shox shock absorbers, Brembo braking system, OZ 18 inch rims and a titanium light rollbar made by Poggipolini.

As in racing cars, even the interior of the 695 Biposto is deliberately designed to achieve the maximum driving ergonomics and reduction of weight.

For this reason the standard equipment features “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” seats with composite shell backrest, 7” TFT display colour instrument panel, the “flat panel”, that is the typical door panels to underline the character of the 695 Biposto.

The racing style is confirmed by the choice of technological materials used to make the floor lining of the front interior, where the carpeting, typical of road cars, is replaced by an aluminium lining, with the same material being used for the brake pedal, clutch and acceleration pedal and for the footrests of the driver and passenger.

The list of technical upgrades for customizing the 695 Biposto expresses even more clearly its racing inspiration: if the “Racing Windows” kit is chosen, it is possible to equip the car with fixed front windows with sliding polycarbonate panels, available for the first time for a sports car intended for road use.

The 695 Biposto is the first road legal car in which a dog ring gearbox is installed. This makes shifting immediate meaning that the pilot relives the pleasure of feeling a protagonist whilst driving, with a "feeling" and a mechanical indexing accuracy never tested before in a car suitable for road use. 

This is a unique, exclusive feature achieved with the competence Bacci Romano has acquired on the tracks all over the world, perfect for the most experienced drivers and available as an alternative to the five-speed manual gearbox with dog ring kit. To guarantee the unique racing car feeling, the dog ring gearbox is combined with a brand new “H” arrangement control layout characterised by a typical light alloy turret, which is a real jewel of high-precision mechanics, a mechanical self-locking differential, a high-performance clutch, along with a carbon dashboard console and tunnel.

On the list of technical and performance upgrades it wouldn't be possible to leave out a kit designed for the track, intended for drivers who want to push their 695 Biposto to the limit - in the “Track kit” we find “Abarth Corse by Sabelt” seats with carbon shell in sight, four-point seat belts of the type approved for racing, the digital MXL2 “data logger” by Aim to monitor every single aspect of vehicle performance, and a type-approved racing helmet sporting the 695 Biposto logo.

There is also a clear racing inspiration for certain aesthetic solutions such as the specific two hump bonnet design, inspired by the classic 124 Abarth, made of aluminium in homage to cars of the past and technical element for making the car lighter, available with the “124 special” kit, in combination with the series of “mechanical caps” in milled metal for water, oil and fuel.

Alternatively the “carbon kit” allows you to give the car the appearance of a supercar and reduce weight even further using pillar lining, rear-view mirrors, dashboard lining, and front and rear panel lining in carbon fibre.

The offer is completed by “Premium Management Service”, which provides exclusive direct access to dedicated Customer Care with complete, immediate assistance, and the “Elite Premium” After Sales service, which itself offers exclusive services tailored to the needs of the customer, such as a rescue vehicle and a replacement car to get you to your destination, a six day hospitality package, and your vehicle will also be returned home once it has been repaired.

Performance, safety and reliability. 

In the racing world, performance does not have any value if you do not provide the same high standards of safety and total reliability for each of the controls overseen by the pilot. This is why all Abarth cars are designed with real transparency from the beginning of the technical development phase so that they meet objectives of safety and security, as well as the requirements in terms of reliability and durability. 

The new range includes best protection or prevention systems: up to seven airbags; a structure with a protective cell for protecting owners even when driving over high speed bumps; control systems (ABS, EBD, ESC, Hill Holder, HBA) for assisting the driver in all types of road conditions without losing any driving pleasure; the Torque Transfer Control ensures maximum traction and handling on slippery surfaces, and there is a braking system which can be used for stopping even after significant spells of prolonged usage.

In order to retain contemporary sportiness, the performance level must also combine aspects of sustainability and ecology: all models of the new Abarth range already comply with the strict EU Euro6 regulations for reducing pollutions and emissions, while the adoption of a specific low oil viscosity has been extended to all European markets, and special engine tuning programs have helped to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 10% without affecting the level of performance and without preventing it from being "fun to drive".

After having starred at the major automotive events across Europe – like Gumball 3000, Goodwood Festival of Speed, LeMans Classic, Lignières Historique, Salon Privée – the Abarth 695 Biposto is the top product of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP sponsorship.

Abarth will be Official Sponsor and Official Car Supplier of the Yamaha Factory Racing Team at the FIM MotoGP Championship. The two-year agreement will include displaying the Abarth Scorpion logo on the front faring of the Yamaha YZR-M1 ridden by motorbike racing legend Valentino Rossi and by the many-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo.

To celebrate the launch of the “smallest supercar”, the Abarth 695 Biposto, a line of appearance features and accessories has been developed, inspired by the concept of refinement, performance and lightness, perfectly consistent with the DNA of the car.

To intensely and completely experience the passion for the Scorpione, the new collection presents a broad and refined product range, designed to enhance the brand experience both for the driver and out of the car. Resulting from the historic collaboration with a number of famous international brands, the new Abarth 695 Biposto products range from the V6-44 Superlight BRM watch, born of a partnership with the exclusive and hand-manufactured French brand, to the sunglasses made with Italia Independent, symbol of Italy and avant-garde technology, ending with the 1:18 scale model developed in collaboration with BBR, a faithful reproduction of the car in every detail for collector fans.

To complete the line-up of items which have been inspired by the world of technology, we couldn’t leave out an original and exclusive line of accessories and gadgets that encompass and enhance the #ABARTH595 Biposto style. The use of fine materials such as carbon and aluminium fibres, the refined details and the original design of the shapes are faithful to a unique car, to leave the unmistakable sign of the Scorpione.

And in perfect Abarth style, enriching the Biposto line, there is a “capsule collection” of clothing for men and women, composed of softshell fleece jackets, polos and t-shirts, to be worn every day with grit and passion.

2015 racing season

Together with the Abarth Europa and Aci-Csai Italia trophies, andfollowing the success of the Italian F4 Championship Powered by Abarth, the German ADAC Formel 4 Championship Powered by Abarth made its debut.

The competitions form a fundamental part of Abarth’s DNA, and the costs of participating and for accessible management teams are helping to attract a growing number of drivers, many of whom are very young, and who aspire to shine and to become the mainstays of the future of motor sport.

In 2015, following the success of the previous edition, it has been confirmed that the Abarth Europe Trophy and the ACI-CSAI Italia National Trophy shall be held for the seventh season, where the stars shall race in separate categories, namely the Abarth 695 Assetto Corse Evoluzione and the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse.

There are six events which will be staged under the standard format: two races each for each series, with four tests staged concurrently. The fight for both trophies will get under way on 19th April at the Italian circuit of Monza. The Abarth Europe Trophy will see Scorpione vehicles compete in exciting overtaking duels and breath-taking manoeuvres at Mugello (12th July), at Spa-Francorchamps (26th July), 30th August at the Sachsenring, in Imola (20th September), and at Misano for the final round (4th October).

After making their debut at Monza, the drivers involved in the National Aci-Csai Trophy shall then head for the circuit of Vallelunga (3rd May), Mugello (12th July), Adria (6th September), Imola (20th September), and Misano (4th October) whether the winner of the season shall be announced.

Among the changes, there the time permitted for practice sessions shall be doubled, so that any newcomers can gain greater confidence on the tracks.

Proving once again that it attracts young people’s attention, the home of the Scorpione has decided to support the first series of the F4 Championship in Germany, and is also continuing its commitment also as an Italian sponsor and an official supplier of engines. The 1.4 turbo T-Jet 160 HP engine, derived from one of the 500 available on the road and manufactured by the Italian company Tatuus, and from that which is also used by Abarth in the Abarth Trophy, has been supplied and continues to supply all of the participants. A success has already been announced: there have already been more than 30 requests received for vehicle registrations. 

This number is expected to grow, which itself confirms the well-established role of Abarth, who always did make the “democratisation of racing" its mission, which has been allowing young talent to prosper from 2009 right through to this very day. The first race of the 2015 ADAC Formula 4 season has been scheduled to take place from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th April at the Oschersleben circuit. This will be the first of eight events on the calendar, two of which will see races take place on circuits outside of Germany.

The Italian F.4 Championship Powered by Abarth will also be getting under way. The first date is set for 3rd May at the Roman circuit of Vallelunga, with the final race scheduled for 4th October at the marsh territories of Misano Adriatico, which will see all seven events staged on Italian circuits.

All of this gives testimony to the validity of a formula which the FIA introduced for the first time at the start of last year thanks to the backing in Italy from ACI Sport, with 28 drivers from 14 nations taking part, which in itself has allowed many young drivers to make their debuts in competitions, something which this year will increase due to those participating in Formula 4 championships, an introductory category which allows drivers to cross over from karting along with those who have reached the age of 15.