Abarth Car

Abarth Car

Abarth Car Review

Small, fast and efficient… Say hello to the Abarth Coupe Car, the most exciting performance car of 2011 Our exclusive pictures show how the sporty two-seater will shape up should Fiat put it into production, giving Abarth a three model line--up to make its assault on the performance cars market.

The revived brand is riding high following the raucous reception for the 500 Abarth Car, which goes on sale in February, while the Punto Abarth was launched earlier this year. And with increasing numbers of buyers downsizing to smaller and more fuel-efficient cars, there’s never been a better time to introduce a model like this. But can it succeed where the Smart Roadster failed?

Based on the 500’s platform, the Coupe will use a simple front-wheel-drive, front-engine layout to minimise costs. It will also mimic Ford’s conversion of the Ka into the Street Ka by carrying the majority of components and switch gear straight over from the 500.

A lightweight aluminium chassis and low-slung stance should ensure that it retains the go-kart-like handling synonymous with Abarth models of the past. While the compact dimensions make it perfectly suited to twisting European roads and small enough to be threaded through town traffic.

If Fiat looks to the past theres no shortage of inspiration for the new Coupes design. Models such as the 1959 Abarth 750 Zagato Coupe employed a similar philosophy to the newcomer with a lightweight aluminium body, two-seater layout and extravagant good looks. And as always with Italian sports cars, style is high on the agenda for the Coupe, too.

Sloping headlights and huge front air-intakes give it a snarling face, while vents in the bonnet and behind the front wheels are a sign that there’s pace to match the cars’s looks. Just like the Smart Roadster, a removable roof panel allows occupants to get the open-air experience without the need for an expensive and heavy folding top. And lastly, the trademark Abarth white and red colour scheme with distinctive decals mark the cars out from other traffic.