Abarth launches customer 500 track package to celebrate 65 years of heritage.

The new Abarth 500, offered with additional equipment and a bespoke Abarth track experience, is the latest deal being offered by the performance car manufacturer.

Just 65 of the brand’s 500 Custom models are being made available, in recognition of the 65 years since Abarth & C. was formed in Italy by Carlo Abarth.

The great value package includes Record Grey Metallic paint finish, rear privacy glass, yellow brake callipers, 17-inch 10-spoke Diamond Finish alloy wheels, along with the Abarth Track Experience. A choice of race circuits is available to customers including Oulton Park, Donington Park and Brands Hatch.

The 500 Custom already features, as standard, Abarth’s new 7-inch TFT instrument panel, sports seats, satin steel twin exhaust and Blue&Me Bluetooth hands free communication system with steering wheel controls.

The hot hatch’s 135hp 1.4 litre turbocharged engine delivers 206Nm of torque to take it from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and on up to 127mph top speed.

“Now is the time for anyone who has been thinking of owning an Abarth 500 to buy one,” says Gerry Southerington, head of brand, Abarth UK.  “As well as the extra equipment and superb value for money, customers can enjoy a track day experience they certainly won’t forget.

“And the top race circuits on offer will allow these new owners to fully appreciate the dynamic abilities of Abarth cars in their natural environment.”

The celebratory Abarth 500 track experience package costs £14,990 (OTR) and is available from any of Abarth’s 29 UK dealers.

USA - Abarth now gives all new owners a free Track Experience,

• The Abarth Track Experience offers professional driving instruction sessions to Fiat 500 Abarth owners
• Drivers will learn to maximize their driving skills on the street, strip and track
• 2014 schedule includes events in California, Texas, Florida, New Jersey and Illinois

The 2014 Abarth Track Experience kicks off this month, giving Fiat 500 Abarth owners the opportunity to develop their driving skills in a one-day performance adventure.

 

Drivers will pilot cars from a fleet of Abarths provided and put their skills to the test through four driving modules: autocross, head-to-head challenge, driving dynamics and performance drive. Drivers will end their day by riding shotgun as professional drivers push the track-tuned Abarth vehicles to the limit.

“Abarth owners already know what a thrill it is to drive the Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio on a daily basis,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America. “And the Abarth Track Experience revs the fun to the red line, allowing owners to experience the limits of the car in a safe track environment. At the end of this experience, owners become true drivers by better understanding the dynamics of the ‘small but wicked’ Fiat 500 Abarth.”

The 2014 Abarth Track Experience begins February 18 at Laguna Seca in Salinas, Calif., with stops throughout the year in Ft. Worth, Texas; Fontana, Calif.; Angleton, Texas; Daytona Beach, Fla.; Millville, N.J.; Joliet, Ill.; and Englishtown, N.J.

The Track Experience registration fee is included in the cost of each Fiat 500 Abarth or Abarth Cabrio.