Fiat will debut the Grande Punto Abarth “essesse” (Super Sport) prototype at this month’s Frankfurt Auto Show. The car will offer a booster kit that will nearly double the output of the Grande Punto, increasing horsepower to almost 180. The Abarth version will also include exterior badges and an upgraded brake system.
The Abarth continues in the name’s performance tradition, giving the youth market a performance-oriented vehicle at an accessible price.
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09/04, 10:22 AM
posted by:
Aston Martin
YES! YES! YEEEESSSSS! THE hot hatch of the century! It looks AMAZING! A definitive mini Ferrari. Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
09/04, 10:29 AM
posted by:
55amg
YESS its brilliant looking. Love it
09/04, 10:37 AM
posted by:
Deanster
Looks good, but is “esse esse” really necessary? How about plain old SS?
09/04, 10:39 AM
posted by:
autonut
Will it cross the pond?
09/04, 10:56 AM
posted by:
global_lightning
@Autonut:
Maybe, but not as the Punto. The Fiat 500 is based on the same chassis so these changes can be adapted to it. The Abarth version of the 500 is supposed to come to the US.
@deanster:
Because SS is too closely associated with real firebreathing sports cars like the Cobalt, Impala, and Malibu Maxx. I hear Dihatsu is working on an Aveo SS to carry-on the tradition.
09/04, 11:01 AM
posted by:
jJayC08
Very nice, although am I the only one who noticed the wheels are oddly… fuzzy in the picture, like photoshop?
It looks really good though, I was expecting more horsepower and a few more functional asthetics.
Ha, funny global lightning… and what a tradition it is….
09/04, 1:25 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Nice
09/04, 2:36 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Wow! 180 HP, OMG LOLZ!!! I am teh 1337 driver.
Seriously, what a pathetic car. What a pathetic company. No wonder they’re at the bottom of the car pit.
09/04, 2:50 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
Considering this car weighs less than 2300 lbs, that’s around 12.5 lbs/hp. This makes for a fun, lightweight package. The only thing around here that’s pathetic is you.
09/04, 3:57 PM
posted by:
motorheader
Fiat has finally returned to do things right!
It’s the reason they are now the fastest growing brand in Europe.
09/05, 1:54 AM
posted by:
Got Handling?
That looks brilliant, overdone in the best way, but the picture didn’t come from FIAT, its signed by some random and is a photoshop creation for sure. Still good news though.
.
Icedog, what does “I am teh 1337 driver” actually mean?
09/05, 7:26 AM
posted by:
sinnercitizen
The Abarth legacy is enormous and made a name for themselves in the sixties and seventies by winning many national and regional rallies. Hell, i once owned a 127 Abarth and that thing ran like hell!!!
09/05, 9:32 AM
posted by:
Got Handling?
remember the original Abarth Cinquecento (60’s not 90’s) with the engine lid that was continually propped open for cooling and the wheels pushed out into the corners. I’d have one of those right next to an 1600 GT in my dream garage.
.
Autonutt, I don’t think it will float that far