Pricing and specification announced for the new Abarth 595 Trofeo hatchback.

Pricing and specification for the all-new Abarth 595 Trofeo have today been announced by Abarth UK, ahead of the stunning new car’s arrival here later this month (March).

And with a starting price of £17,290 OTR for the 1.4 TJet 160hp hatchback version, the new 595 Trofeo blends performance and technological innovation with outstanding value for money.

Based on the 595 Pista shown earlier this month at the Geneva International Motor show, the new 595 Trofeo builds on the UK concept of the 595 Trofeo Edition, launched in summer 2015, and takes it to the next level. 

The new Trofeo is available in manual hatchback and convertible versions and comes equipped with a potent 160hp 1.4-litre TJet petrol engine complete with Record Monza exhaust.

The car comes in a choice of five exterior colours – Abarth Red, Gara White, Campovolo Grey, Record Grey or Scorpione Black – with complementing front and rear dam inserts and wing mirrors, in yellow, black or red. The look is completed with17-inch matt black Formula Alloy wheels.

A key feature of the car is the 7-inch Uconnect  infotainment system with Abarth Telemetry, which allows the owner to load famous European race tracks. Selecting them during track sessions brings up detailed maps and displays real-time tips to improve lap times. The driver can then access their recorded sessions and analyse their performance at any time. More tracks will be added post-launch.

The Uconnect system is also equipped with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – which pairs with an iPhone/Android Phone in the car allowing access to maps, music, and messaging, using voice assistance and Uconnect technology.

Full pricing for the new Abarth 595 Trofeo is as follows:

• 595 Trofeo 1.4 TJet 160hp hatchback                £17,290
• 595 Trofeo 1.4 TJet 160hp cabriolet                   £19,290

“The new Trofeo is a novel and exciting idea for the 595 range,” says Gerry Southerington, brand manager, Abarth UK. “The extra standard equipment means it’s excellent value for money, while the technology such as the telemetry, makes it an ideal choice for customers who want to test their car’s performance on a racetrack. It’s a winning combination.”

UK SALES SEPT - Abarth sales in the UK means it sells more cars here than in any other country in the world.

The new Abarth 124 spider has helped Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ high performance marque to power ahead in terms of UK sales, as today's new car registrations figures reveal.

The scorpion brand has posted its best month ever in the UK. In super September, Abarth sold 805 cars - up 14.02 per cent on the 706 sold in the same period last year.

Year-to-date, the brand's 3125 units was 54.02 per cent up on YTD 2015 (2029), as an increasing number of people become owners of cars from Abarth's stunning 595 and 695 ranges – including the incredible 190hp biposto Record – and the fabulous new 124 spider two-seater which, for 2016 only, will feature a unique numbered badge.

The result means the UK is now the number one country for Abarth sales, year to date ahead, even, of Italy.

Market share of 0.17 per cent for September was up from 0.15 per cent for the same period in 2016, according to figures supplied by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

"This year has been an excellent one for Abarth, with September being the pinnacle," says Gerry Southerington, Abarth brand manager. "The new 124 spider has clearly helped us to carry the momentum on, and we look forward to continued success as we close 2016.”

Among the delighted new owners helping to make September a success for Abarth is Bertie Bryant, of Ascot, Berkshire, who was the first person in the UK to take delivery of a 124 spider.

“I’m absolutely delighted with my new car,” says Bertie, founder of the Abarth Owners Club. “I had been looking forward to the launch of the 124 spider for some time, and now I have one of my own, it’s everything I was hoping for.”

Pricing and specification for the all-new Abarth 595 have just been announced by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK.

Pricing and specification for the all-new Abarth 595 have just been announced by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK, ahead of the stunning new car’s arrival here today (13 May). And with a starting price of just £15,090 OTR for the 1.4 TJet 145hp Manual, the new car represents outstanding value for money.

The new Abarth 595 is the natural heir of the original model launched in 2008. Performance, technology and iconic Italian style are the key factors of a very successful line-up. 

Available as a hatchback or convertible, the new Abarth 595 is offered with three trim levels: 595, 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione, and three power levels to satisfy the requirements of increasingly demanding and competent customers.

Many of the upgrades introduced are the result of experience gained with the development of the 695 Biposto, dubbed the "smallest supercar", which implements real racing thrills and technology on a street-legal car.

The distinctive yet affordable 595 version is the Abarth entry level model and offers all the standard equipment needed to ensure typical Scorpion enjoyment and driving pleasure. The 595 is the ideal base for drivers who want to tune their car over time and make it unique. 

The 595 Competizione and 595 Turismo versions express other two distinctive souls of Abarth. The first, more "purist", model is designed for those who love performance and no-compromise sportiness. The second makes reference to the typical values of the Italian GTs in a compact size perfect for use in cities.

Engine and gearbox

One of the biggest innovations is the increased power of the 1.4 T-jet engine installed on the 595 and 595 Turismo versions. The first delivers 145 HP and 206 Nm of peak torque, while the second reaches 165 HP and 230 Nm. The latter is fitted with a Garrett turbine. On the other hand, the 595 Competizione with its 180 HP is the car for drivers who crave racing adrenaline in terms of both performance and technical features.

Accelerating from 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds and then braking safely with the oversize Brembo braking system with four-piston fixed aluminium callipers will be a pleasure in the anatomical “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” shell seats. The engine also achieves a specific power of 132 HP/litre as a result of the high-performance Record Monza exhaust with dual mode system.

As standard, all variants of the 1.4 T-jet engine are paired with a mechanical five-speed gearbox but they can be fitted with an Abarth robotised sequential gearbox with shift paddles.

Abarth mechanical limited-slip differential

The new Abarth 595 is the only car in its segment to fit a truly exclusive mechanical limited-slip differential, for outstanding performance. Available on demand, the Abarth mechanical limited-slip differential features on the 595 Competizione with manual transmission and derives directly from the experience acquired on the 695 Biposto.

The Abarth mechanical limited-slip differential exploits the full potential of the 595 Competizione to the utmost and improves traction in extreme conditions. The mechanical limited-slip differential ensures adequate torque transfer between the front wheels when either has less grip (a typical example is the different speed coming out of curves taken with high lateral load).  This equipment allows the driver to close the line and eliminates understeer.

Abarth D.A.M. is contained in the new Performance Pack – available on the new Abarth 595 Competizione with manual gearbox only – which includes 17” Supersport rims and Sabelt leather/Alcantara® seats with carbon shell, carved aluminium 595 badge and the red, white or glossy black customisation pack to personalise the look of the car.   

Brakes, suspension and Sport button

Standard on 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione are the Koni FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) rear shock absorbers that optimise the driving experience and safety by improving road-hold, handling and stability. And now, the same shocks are fitted as standard on 595 Competizione on the front suspension, with a considerable increase in dynamic performance.

Also on the top-of-the-range version is the Brembo braking system with four-piston aluminium monoblock fixed callipers – standard red or optionally black or yellow – combined with 305 mm ventilated and perforated discs.  The standard callipers are instead black on the 595 Turismo, with red or yellow offered as alternatives.

Finally, the new Abarth 595 also fits a Sport button to change different parameters of the car: from maximum torque output to power steering calibration to get a more direct and less invasive feel. Furthermore, the system adjusts the accelerator pedal calibration to guarantee prompter response and the TFT instrument panel switches to racing configuration, in perfect Abarth style.

Exteriors

On the outside, the new Abarth 595 has many new features which improve performance. The front end, for example, has been redesigned and now has an oversized air intake: this improves heat management in the engine compartment and increases cooling capacity by 18%.

Abarth engineers also worked on the rear bumper creating a more pronounced diffuser. Specific bumper inserts have also been created for each trim level. They are matte black for the 595, in matching body colour on the 595 Turismo and with the Anthracite grey finish on the 595 Competizione.

The new 17’’ Granturismo rims (standard on 595 Turismo) are 7% lighter and have over 50% more ventilating surface to the benefit of heat dissipation, and enhanced and more consistent braking system performance as a consequence. The distinctive features of the new Abarth 595 include new satin chrome trim on the 595 and Turismo versions, new mirror caps (satin chrome on 595 Turismo, matching body colour on 595 and Anthracite grey on 595 Competizione) and the side stripes (standard on 595 Competizione), now wider and longer to give greater emphasis to the Abarth brand.

Available in 15 body colours - including pastel, metallic and tri-coat paints and five bi-colour liveries - the exciting colour palette of the new Abarth 595 includes besides standard Circuit Grey the exclusive Modena Yellow, until now only available on the 695 Biposto Record, the sporty and bright new Abarth Red pastel and the new tri-coat Ghaccio White. Making their début are the three new two-colour combos: Scorpione Black/Podio Blue and Scorpione Black/Record Grey and Circuit Grey/Abarth Red.

Finally, three packs for customising the appearance of the car are available on demand with Abarth side sticker, mirror caps and front and rear bumper inserts in three colours: white, black or red.

Interiors

The new Abarth 595 is completely new on the inside, too. New technical materials, like Alcantara® and carbon fibre cleverly reassert the sporty character of the model. Furthermore, new upholstery is available on the entire range.   

In particular, the 595 version offers specific Abarth fabric seats characterised by extraordinary lateral support. The 595 Turismo version comes with black, natural or red leather seats, while standard on the 595 Competizione are the Corsa by Sabelt seats, among the best supporting seats available.

Furthermore, the new flat bottom steering wheel with centre detailing was designed to ensure effective sporty driving. In more detail, the standard steering wheel for the Competizione version is made of technical materials, such as carbon fibre and Alcantara®. The dashboard fascia, which has always been one of the most iconic features of the 595, is specifically characterised for each version: matching body colour on 595, matte grey on 595 Turismo and tar cold grey on 595 Competizione.

The innovations continue with a brand new sports instrument panel, which improves readability, especially with the new graphics that characterise the Sport mode. Moreover, the boost gauge lighting is white so as to make reading easier and more immediate.

Infotainment

All versions are equipped with Uconnect™ 5-inch DAB Radio with touchscreen and Uconnect Live services as standard equipment (also with built-in navigator on request). Uconnect™ 7” HD, a fast platform complete with high-def screen, navigation and DAB digital radio, also appears for the first time on the range. The Uconnect 7” HD system comes with high-def screen and Abarth Telemetry for gauging driving performance on preloaded circuits to study driving style and improve it.

It is also customisable, offering the possibility to record new tracks and store them for later retrieval to compare performance. With the preloaded points of interest (Officine Abarth and other significant places for the brand) each owner can now "collect" special badges. Results and progress can naturally be shared on the social pages.

Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto (available September) – considered the best smartphone mirroring solutions for Apple iOS and Android – will become available upon request on Uconnect 7". This will allow quick and easy access to all the functions and contents of the smartphone on the touchscreen of the new Abarth 595s.

Finally, the refined and powerful BeatsAudio™ system with seven speakers is making its appearance on the new Abarth 595. It will certainly win over even the most demanding music lovers.

Full pricing (OTR) for the new Abarth 595 is as follows:

595 Hatchback1.4 TJet 145hp Manual	£15,090
595 Convertible 1.4 TJet 145hp Manual	£17,090
Turismo Hatchback 1.4 TJet 165hp Manual	£18,290
Turismo Convertible 1.4 TJet 165hp Manual	£20,290
Competizione Hatchback 1.4 TJet 180hp Manual	£20,290
Competizione Convertible 1.4 TJet 180hp Manual	£22,290

Abarth launches two new films, to promote a special Limited Edition pack on the Abarth 595.

A new, limited edition Tricolore pack for Abarth’s stunning 595, is launched this week with two stylish new short films.

There will be just 300 packs available,  in a choice of red, white or blue. The Abarth 595 sporting this new pack is priced at £15,150 OTR, the high performance brand has just announced. One of each colour car was used in the new internet films, shot in Turin and London, which went live this week.

Entitled ‘The Real Italian Job’, the two social media mini-movies track the three Abarth 595s as they criss-cross the two famous European cities in a covert struggle to deliver ‘stolen’ Abarth plans to a mysterious recipient. 

The films are launched on-line a week ahead of the brand’s presence at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show and have achieved over half a million views across Abarth’s on-line platforms so far.

Applied to the Abarth 595, which is fitted with a 140 hp 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16-valve engine and sporty five speed manual gearbox, the Tricolore pack includes a host of stylish equipment. The list includes 17-inch titanium ‘Formula’ alloy wheels, red brake callipers, black Abarth side stripes and mirror caps and unique steering wheel with Tricolore detailing.

Power steering, air conditioning, CD and MP3 with six speakers and Blue&Me^TM hands-free system are also all standard equipment.

“The Abarth 595 has always been an excellent car for fun, entertaining driving, even around towns and cities,” says Gerry Southerington, brand manager, Abarth UK. “And these new mini-movies show them perfectly in these surroundings, in two of the most famous cities in the world.

“With just 300 of the Tricolore packs available on the 595s, and at such a great price, we are sure we’ll attract a new wave of Abarth owners to come and join us. The hardest part will be deciding which colour to go for.”

The mini-movies can be seen on the following sites:

www.abarthcars.co.uk

www.youtube.com/AbarthCarsUK

www.facebook.com/AbarthUK

Abarth has high hopes, for a WRC return, higher sales, more dealers, more models and a brighter future.

Fiat's Abarth unit, which is on track to boost sales by 50 percent this year, plans to more than double its global dealership network as it expands its lineup, said Paolo Gagliardo, who heads the performance subbrand.

Abarth is on course to increase global sales to about 10,000 cars this year, Gagliardo told journalists here early this month, despite only offering tuned versions of the Fiat 500.

Next year Abarth will add a new model, Gagliardo said without being specific.

Abarth's head of marketing, Fabrizio Simoni, told Automotive News Europe the brand wants to offer versions of Fiat's 500X subcompact SUV and the new Fiat 124 Spider, but he declined to say when the models would launch.

'Keep growing'

“We want to keep growing and stabilize at a certain level,” Gagliardo said, without giving an estimate of what that level could be. He said the brand now has 300 Abarth sales points within existing Fiat dealerships and will expand that to 750, without giving a timeframe.

He said that Abarth sales were worth a lot both to dealerships and to parent company Fiat Chrysler. 

“It's a huge business opportunity. Our cars are premium-priced,” he said, adding that Abarth variants of the Fiat 500 start at 18,000 euros ($19,000) compared with a the 13,600 starting price for a base 500 variant in Italy. The numbers only grow from there. 

“You find new Abarths selling for up to 40,000 euro even 50,000 euros,” said Gagliardo, who declined to reveal Abarth's average profit margin.

Rally return

A mock-up of the 124 Abarth roadster was shown on the sidelines of the event to a select group. The car is significant because a source at the event said Fiat would use a high-performance variant of the 124 to make its return to the World Rally Championship in a planned new category for rear-wheel-drive sports cars. Fiat's last success in the WRC came in the late '70s and early '80s with the 131 Abarth.

The source had no technical details on the racecar but said the Abarth version of the 124 that will be sold in dealerships will use higher-power versions of the 140-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine planned for the base Fiat 124, which goes on sale in Europe in next May.

Top markets

Abarth's biggest markets are the UK and Italy, which currently tie for first place in sales, Gagliardo said. The UK arm of Abarth plans to increase its dealerships to 105 by the end of next year from 68 now, a spokesman said. The third-biggest market is Japan, where the 124 Abarth will be built alongside the 124 Spider, the source said. Both Fiats are variants of the new-generation Mazda MX-5.

Abarth's aspirations

• Increase global sales points to 750 from 300
• Increase lineup to 3 from 1
• Increase sales 50% to 10,000
• Return Fiat to the World Rally Championship

Nick Gibbs

REPORT HERE

Abarh launches special 595 FIM MotoGP Edition, as it continues to sponsor the championship.

Abarth is celebrating its position as Official Sponsor and Car Supplier to the FIM MotoGP Championship with the launch of a new range of 595 sports hatches – the 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition.

Created from a partnership with Yamaha, and with world champion riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo on course for an historic one-two in this year’s championship, the new edition comes in a choice of seven striking colours and is packed with sporty features.

With 17-inch matt black alloy wheels, painted brake callipers and optional matching Abarth side stripes and mirror covers, there is no mistaking the new 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition. Darkened windows, a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals and a special 'Yamaha Factory Racing' badge – all standard – enhance the model’s sporting credentials. Xenon headlamps, leather interior and dual zone air conditioning are among the options.

Powered by an upgraded version of Abarth’s potent 1.4-litre T-Jet engine, the 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition is further enhanced with a Record Monza exhaust system, Koni shock absorbers with FSD valves and Eibach lowering springs.

“The new 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition adds a new dimension to the Abarth 595 line-up” says Gerry Southerington, brand manager, Abarth UK. “With an upgrade to 160 horsepower, lowered suspension, sporting looks and a great sounding exhaust system, we expect a lot of interest in this car from Abarth enthusiasts and new customers alike.”

The Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition is available to order in the UK now, priced from £17,420 OTR.

Technical specifications:

Engine: T-JET, 1368cc, straight-4, 4 valves per cylinder

Peak power: 160 HP (132 kW) @ 5500 rpm

Peak torque: 230 Nm @ 3000 rpm (Sport mode)

Turbo: IHI RHF3-P

Air cleaner: BMC high-performance filter

Exhaust pipe: Record Monza 4 outlet valve

Transmission: 5-speed gearbox, manual

Suspension:

Front and rear: Abarth Koni with FSD valves

Ride: Lowered racing

Shock absorbers: Eibach front and rear lowered springs

Rims: Alloy 17-inch Formula – Matt black finish alloy wheels

Performance:

Top speed: 130 mph

Acceleration (0-62 mph): 7.4 sec

Fuel consumption (mpg) and emissions (g/km):

Urban consumption: 35.8

Extra-urban consumption: 57.7

Combined consumption: 47.1

CO₂ emissions: 139

Emissions standard: Euro 6

UK SALES SEPTEMBER - ABARTH - The sporty arm of FIAT continues to out perform the market, +113%

Abarth’s continued growth in the UK is illustrated in this weeks new car registrations figures, which show the best September, and the best month ever, in the UK for the performance car brand.

In a fantastic September, Abarth sold 706 cars – up 113 per cent on the 331 sold in the same period last year. Year-to-date, the brand’s 2029 units was 57.8 per cent up on YTD 2014 (1286), and more than the total sales for last year (1642) and, indeed, any previous year.

Market share rose to 0.15 per cent for September 2015, up from last September’s 0.08 per cent, according to figures supplied by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

“We are delighted with this latest result,” says Gerry Southerington, Abarth Brand Manager. “People might look at these figures and say it’s because we have recently increased the number of Abarth dealers in the UK, but that’s not the whole story.

“Sales figures for our existing dealers from last year are up 35 per cent for September and 18 per cent year-to-date. So, even though we have appointed new dealers the important figures have come from our existing network.

“I now look forward to continued growth, which I am sure will come as we announce some exciting new products in the coming months.”

Limited edition Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition has just gone on sale with only 250 units for the UK.

• Limited edition Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition has just gone on sale
• Only 250 examples will be available to UK customers
• Up to £1,275 worth of equipment – not normally available as an option at this level in the range – included for only £540 extra
• Available from £15,150 OTR in a choice of three colours
• Attractive PCP offer includes a £595 Abarth deposit contribution and monthly payments of just £199

A new special edition of the Abarth 595 has gone on sale in the UK. Only 250 examples of the Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition will be available to UK enthusiasts, priced from £15,150 OTR.

The Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition adds up to £1,275 worth of extra equipment not normally available at this level in the range but is priced at just £540 more than a standard Abarth 595. 

Offered in a choice of three colours (Record Grey, Scorpione Black or Officina Red) the additional features of the Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition include colour-coded brake callipers with matching wheel centre caps; a carbon-effect Abarth decal set; 17-inch ‘Formula’ alloy wheels; dark-tinted rear quarter windows and specific ‘Trofeo Edition’ badges.

In addition to saving money on exclusive extra equipment, Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition customers can also benefit from a £595 Abarth deposit contribution as part of a special PCP finance offer, reducing the customer deposit contribution to just £1,865 with monthly payments of £199 over three years*.

Powered by a 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-charged petrol engine,the Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition is capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 127 mph, while still being capable of returning 43.5mpg on the official combined fuel economy cycle.

Sebastiano Fedrigo, Country Manager of Abarth brand, commented: “The Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition is a very special model for the Abarth brand because Carlo Abarth was a racer first and foremost and to this day the Trofeo Abarth Selenia Europe race series remains at the very heart of the brand. Trofeo Edition brings a little bit of that magic to just 250 enthusiasts in the UK which makes it an exclusive and even more desirable package.”

The Abarth 595 range starts at £14,610 OTR for the 1.4 T-Jet 140hp hatchback, rising to £23,190 OTR for the Competizione Convertible 180hp MTA (manual transmission automatic).