Red Hot Baby Coming to New Zealand

Red Hot Baby Coming to New Zealand

Abarth has pulled the covers off a red hot 50th celebration of one its most celebrated models, the 1963 Abarth 595, at the Frankfurt Motor Show today (10 September 2013) and announced that its anniversary successor, the Abarth 595 ‘50th Anniversary’, is coming to New Zealand with red hot bambino’s Kiwi birth set for the set for the first quarter of 2014.

The Frankfurt Motor Show is the perfect stage to celebrate the excellent sales results scored in the first half of 2013. With more than 4,500 cars sold until June, the Scorpion brand celebrates an increase of 9% compared to the results of the same period last year with excellent performance at the international level, especially in the Asian, UK and Germany markets.

Abarth confirms its Global Brand position: the sales increasingly concentrated outside Italy (76%) and those outside Europe (21%) with an increase of 3% over last year's results confirm the growth of the brand internationally. A clear indication of this openness to foreign markets is that as many as 99 of the 299 Abarth 595 ‘50th Anniversary’ cars will be sent to the Asian markets - and Japan in particular - of strategic importance for the brand's success.

Abarth 595 ‘50th Anniversary’: the most powerful Abarth 595 ever

·       A history of records that is revived today in an exclusive limited edition of 299 units

·       Perfect synthesis of technology and performance, craftsmanship and attention to details

·       Exciting performance given by the 180 HP 1.4 T-Jet engine combined with the “Abarth Competizione” gearbox

·       Historical logo on the bonnet and original handmade "Fiat Abarth 595" graphics

·       Attention to detail and sportiness for its interiors, too

·       Specific communication plan for digital, TV and social channels

·       Exclusive extension and accessories line

·       Available to order from 15 September in Europe, exactly 50 years after the presentation of the first 595

September 1963. Turin Motor Show. Abarth presented the 595.

September 2013. Frankfurt Motor Show. Abarth presents the 595 ‘50th Anniversary’, the most powerful Abarth 595 ever.

A history of records that is revived today in an exclusive limited edition of 299 units

In the 1960s the 595 proved an immediate success thanks to its extraordinary performance, unusual for such a small car, and became the brand's 'icon'. A history of records broken, victories and passionate people who have bolstered the legend of a car that represents the essence of the brand, expressed in four values: 'size' (it is the smallest supercar), 'shape' (Abarth is the 595 and the 595 is Abarth: all the Abarths in the collective imagination are white with a red band, like the 595), 'speed' (it is a racing car boasting record-breaking performance) and 'spirit' (it is not vintage, but rather contemporary history).

The presentation of the Special Edition also becomes an opportunity to celebrate the brand. The 595 ‘50th Anniversary’ is the car that opens up a new era for the Abarth brand. After 1949, the year it was founded, and 2007, the year it was revived, the two-year period of 2013-2014 presents itself as a decisive step for the Abarth brand that precisely with this car once again demonstrates its outstanding ability to look to the future without betraying its past. So new horizons are opening up for the Abarth brand that from the very beginning showed itself to its public as a brand able to renew itself constantly, accepting and overcoming challenges often considered impossible.

The commemorative car will be produced in only 299 exclusive units. The livery, a modern reinterpretation of the original; the colour; the historical Abarth logos; and the original "Fiat Abarth 595" graphics, all handmade by the best customisation artists at Officine Abarth in Turin, give the car individuality and character to turn it into a "contemporary icon".

Exhilarating performance

Exclusivity that starts from performance, guaranteed by the experience of the technicians involved.

The 180 HP 1.4 T-Jet engine  - combined with the “Abarth Competizione” gearbox - make the Abarth 595 ‘50th Anniversary’ the most powerful 595 ever produced.

Performance is also guaranteed by performance tyres mounted on 17’’ alloy wheels with 695 Magnesio Grey design embellished by an aggressive red liner. The setup and braking system have also been further strengthened: Brembo 305 mm floating brake discs that can be dismantled with fixed four-piston caliper and special shock absorbers that guarantee performance in total safety. And of course there is a “Record Monza” variable back-pressure “dual mode” exhaust, designed to improve engine performance and deliver an inspiring sound over 3,000 rpm. Performance is a state of mind.

Specific exteriors: a tribute to the historical 595

The style of the exteriors uses the historical features of the 595 without betraying its original spirit.

The historical logos on the car are a tribute to the original and are made with the exclusivity and attention to detail typical of Officine Abarth. The matt three-layer white paintwork, a contemporary reinterpretation of the 1963 model, and the graphics are ensured by the traditional handcrafting machining and finishing processes.

The new Abarth adopts Xenon headlights with dipped and driving light functions for improved light emission and excellent performance in all weather conditions. These devices deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen lamp headlights. The sun roof completes the tribute to the original car.

Attention to detail and sportiness for its interiors

The interiors are just as personalised and demonstrate the attention to detail and the sporting style of the exclusive 595 50th Anniversary. The red leather sports seats with white inserts and red stitching, combined with the dashboard, are a modern re-interpretation of those of the original car.

The historical logo adorns both the black leather steering wheel with red inserts and finder and the kick plate, giving the car a timeless modernity.

Specific communication plan for digital, TV and social channels

Celebration of the 595's anniversary is supported by a series of commercial activities across the Abarth range and by an extremely digital communication plan which revolves around the new commercial: the essence of the Abarth brand concentrated in 5.95 seconds through an evocative and epic slow motion.

As usual, in the centre of everything is the car - the absolute star of the video - and its performance. That is because according to Abarth, “Performance is a state of mind”.

The communication also goes through the channels more customary for the brand with the organisation of the first digital "rally" (where at least virtual 595 Abarth cars will be involved) and the most numerous anniversary ever, also celebrated with a fun App for iPhone, iPad, Android and Facebook through which Abarth fans can "play" their favourite tunes substituting the musical notes with the powerful sounds of the engines of the Abarth cars. True fans will be unable to say no to playing "Happy Birthday" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 595. There will also be events celebrating the important anniversary.

Dedicated extension merchandising and accessories line

In accordance with the tradition of Abarth Special Editions, the already extensive equipment of the Abarth 595 ‘50th Anniversary’ is enlarged with an extension merchandising and accessories line designed to enhance the experience of the brand both on board and outside the car, as dictated by the DNA of the Abarth brand.  It is not just about cars, but is a real philosophy of life. Together with other important partners in their reference sectors, Abarth has developed specific products, presently in the manufacturing stage, such as the watch with the exclusive BRM brand, sunglasses made in collaboration with Italian Independent, a symbol of Italian style and cutting-edge technology, leather briefcases that are the result of the craftsmanship of the Tramontano workshop of Naples, the BBR models and a bicycle that will be made with a partner of excellence.

All products are manufactured in limited editions to reinforce the concept of exclusivity and craftsmanship at the core of this project.

Abarth 695 Maserati Edition: new “Record Grey” shade

A limited edition of just 49 cars with a special "Record Grey" colour celebrate the establishment of the Abarth brand that took place in 1949

‘Elegance and horsepower’: synthesis of quality Italian style in the automotive sector 

The world of Abarth Specialties is also represented in Frankfurt by the 695 Maserati Edition, a concentrate of sportiness, class and performance produced by Abarth and Maserati. The car on show is 'dressed' in a new and sophisticated 'Record Grey' livery that has been added to 'Pontevecchio Burgundy'. In addition to the new metallic paint finish, the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition on display in Frankfurt features a black soft top and 'Neptune' 17" glossy black wheels.

A limited edition part of an exclusive project: a special limited edition of just 49 cars with a special 'Record Grey' colour to celebrate the establishment of the Abarth brand that took place in 1949. This is why the special cars will be identified by a plate placed inside the car with sequential numbers from 1 to 49.

The styling features and technical specifications that have made this Limited Edition a must for all fans of performance combined with elegance remain. Besides, the Abarth and Maserati brands share many values, such as attention to detail, elegance and a passion for performance and sportiness.  The Abarth 695 Maserati Edition results from this kinship. It is the ultimate expression of elegance combined with the comfort of a 'GranTurismo', but with the handling of a car fit to take to the road every day.

Elegance and horsepower

After its debut at the 2012 Paris International Motor Show, the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition at once made compact sports car lovers dream. The credit for this goes to the 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v engine tuned to develop 180 HP and combined with the electrically-operated manual Abarth Competizione gearbox with steering wheel controls. Moreover, the car has strengthened ride and braking system: Brembo 305 mm brake discs that can be dismantled with fixed four-piston caliper and special Koni shock absorbers that guarantee performance in total safety. And then there is the variable back-pressure dual mode exhaust designed to improve engine performance and deliver an inspiring engine sound over 3,000 rpm.

Interiors demonstrating attention to detail and sportiness

The customisation is just as complete on the inside. The interiors demonstrate both the attention to detail and the sportiness that characterise both the Abarth and Maserati brands, starting with seats upholstered entirely in sand beige leather, with containment strips featuring single-layer padding, sporty but elegant and comfortable at the same time, and stylish details such as the number “695” heat-printed on the headrest.

The dashboard and gearbox trim are finished with a special matt-finish carbon lining, further enhanced with the 695 logo. The black leather steering wheel is characterised by beige leather inserts and tricolour finder and houses the “steering wheel gearbox” controls, while the instrument panel has been specifically produced by the Jaeger brand. Other details enrich the interior, such as the aluminium pedal unit and sill plate, the carbon fibre kick plate with customised “Abarth 695 Maserati Edition” graphics and the plate with the car’s serial number, from 1 to 49.

Exclusive equipment

As proof of its touring vocation, the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition comes as standard with a JBL Hi-Fi audio system created by Harman, with 9 speakers and an 8-channel amplifier supplying 400 W of total power.

The new Abarth adopts Xenon headlights with dipped and driving light functions for improved light emission and excellent performance in all weather conditions. In fact, these devices deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen lamp headlights.

Abarth 695 AC: a special livery for the small competition car

'Social' appearance celebrating the success of the 2013 edition of Make It Your Race

Over 1,000 liveries created by the aspiring designers who are Abarth community members on Facebook

An expression of the Abarth brand’s sportiness, the small super sports car designed for track racing - the 695 'Assetto Corse' - is on the stand in Frankfurt with a special livery created by the Centro Stile designers, inspired by the social world and celebrating the success of ‘Make It Your Race’.

This year the Abarth talent show also tested other 'talents' such as aspiring designers. With a 'challenge' dedicated to this category, the participants were able to share their customised liveries with the large Abarth community. With almost 750,000 members on Facebook, it is one of the largest of all automotive brand communities in Europe. Abarth experts selected the best from the more than 1,000 proposals uploaded and created a unique livery to celebrate the success of the nearly 50,000 entries in the 2013 Make It Your Race edition.

“Small and mean”

Protagonist of huge successes in the single-make trophies, the Abarth 695 “Assetto Corse” is characterised by an aggressive front decorated with a badge bearing the Abarth logo and, underneath, a broader bumper complete with aerodynamic spoiler and screen-printed grilles instead of the plastic masks of the standard version. Under the bonnet, fitted out with the classic bonnet clips in true racing style, we find the 1368 cm3 turbocharged engine that delivers 205 HP of power. The rear of the car features a winged spoiler, a badge bearing the Abarth logo and a twin exhaust pipe.

The wheel assemblies complete with 17" forged alloy racing wheels are enriched with new floating, perforated and self-ventilated front disc brakes and perforated rear disc brakes, which with the help of a new brake governor further increase performance on the track.

The Sadev sequential gearbox with a specific ratio, combined with a metal-ceramic twin-plate clutch, reaches absolutely truly remarkable performance in its category.

On the inside the Abarth 695 "Assetto Corse" contains all of the safety equipment required by FIA regulations, including a roll-bar welded to the body that has been further optimised to improve its torsional stiffness. To make it even lighter - the car weighs about 30 kg less than the previous 500 "Assetto Corse" - the doors are fitted with Lexan side windows. The driver's seat, with specific racing seat and steering wheel, and digital display complete the Abarth 695 "Assetto Corse", a competition car that is small but aggressive, just like the 500 "Assetto Corse".

Abarth at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

·       2013 Abarth Selenia trophies

·       Make It Your Race 2013

·       2013 Make It Your Race Trophy

·       www.abarth.it: the new corporate website

·       FGA Capital

Abarth is at the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show with a strong visual impact and emotional stand that is an ideal "back to the future" path connecting its heritage soul with that more projected towards the brand's future. A thrilling journey between past, present and future is staged by exhibiting an iconic Abarth 595 of 1963 and three current production cars (the new Abarth 595 ‘50th Anniversary’, a “Record Grey” Abarth 695 Maserati Edition and an Abarth 695 AC with special livery).

It is a charming and engaging setting that will allow the public to discover the uniqueness of the Abarth brand that is recognisable as much in its historical sporting spirit - which originated in the world of racing - as in its most advanced and sophisticated soul that distinguishes the current models. The Frankfurt Motor Show also provides an ideal opportunity to learn about the most interesting initiatives of 2013, such as the 2013 Abarth Selenia Trophies, the second edition of Make It Your Race and the exciting 2013 Make It Your Race Trophy.

Finally, the public will be able to admire a selection of exclusive Abarth accessories, created by Abarth in collaboration with Mopar®, the Parts & Service and Customer Care Division of the Fiat and Chrysler Groups. A specific wooden display unit inspired by the famous elaboration kit presents the public with the best of Abarth Tuning.

The world of empowerment by Abarth is represented by the Abarth 695 Brembo KONI® Kit which, by boosting the engine power to 160 HP with the adoption of the BMC air cleaner and interventions on the suspension and KONI® shock absorbers with FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) valve plus braking system developed together with Brembo, ensures excellent performance, handling and safety.

The high point of the display is the “Record Monza” Exhaust System developed by Abarth engineers in collaboration with Magneti Marelli: a dual mode silencer with variable back-pressure, capable of boosting performance and enhancing the engine sound above 3,000 rpm.

The display is completed by 17-inch alloy wheels in various versions. There’s also display space for the customisations on offer, with a host of carbon, Alutex and aluminium-colour pedal units, which embellish the passenger compartment of every Abarth.

2013 Abarth Selenia trophies

“A world of performance since 1949”: racing has been in Abarth's DNA ever since it was born.

The Abarth track trophies are in full swing. The Abarth 695 Assetto Corse and Abarth 500 Assetto Corse cars, stars on European circuits, combine low running costs with truly remarkable performance.

These Abarth cars will star in five championships: the Abarth Selenia Europe Trophy, Abarth Selenia Italy Trophy, Abarth Selenia Scandinavia Trophy, Abarth Selenia Benelux Trophy and the Abarth Selenia Portugal Trophy.

Worthy of note is the very low average age (20) of the winners of the races contended so far in the Abarth Selenia Europe Trophy, which once again proves the validity of a formula that allows - and has allowed - many drivers to debut in competitions and to be showcased in an international context on highly demanding circuits such as Dijon, Nürburgring, Spa Francorchamps, Red Rull Ring, Mugello and Monza, where the season will close on 20 October.

The Abarth 695 Assetto Corse is a top performer. With its combination of power and roadholding, it offers remarkable performance on the most difficult and challenging race tracks, often running at an average speed of over 140 km/h: 145 at Mugello, 142 at Red Bull Ring and 150 at Dijon. The pole man went round the track at an average speed of 157 km/h at Monza in 2012.

During the first three racing seasons, the ACI/CSAI Abarth Formula (single-seater fitted with a turbocharged 1400 cc Abarth engine tuned by FPT) met with roaring success, with large-scale participation of Italian and foreign drivers, all very young, attracted by the low running costs and top-quality cars. The 2013 Italian ACI-CSAI Abarth Formula championship will include 6 races: Vallelunga, Adria, Mugello, Imola, Misano and Monza.

Abarth however does not leave its "race lovers" empty-handed. The engines are turned off for just a few months, the time necessary for a set-up so they will be ready to compete in ever more exciting races on an even more international and competitive platform.

The Make It Your Race initiative is added to these trophies. This year it is back in the wake of the success of 2012, when six drivers coming from six different countries, selected from more than 30,000 candidates, had the opportunity to compete in a real race as part of the Abarth Selenia Italy Trophy. This year their debut had a follow-up. Abarth decided to have six of the finalist drivers take part in an entire championship, the Abarth Selenia Benelux Trophy, with a special ranking set up for them.

Make It Your Race 2013

Abarth is also celebrating the success of the 2013 "Make It Your Race" on its stand. This is the second edition of the television talent show for aspiring Abarth drivers. For over six months almost 50,000 young people coming from ten countries (Italy, Germany, Great Britain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Belgium/Luxembourg and the Netherlands) challenged each other online with videos, photos and votes to make their dream of becoming drivers come true. 

Twenty-eight young people were chosen after a tough selection on the kart tracks of the countries involved. The time has come for them to get serious.

Like in any talent show worth its salt, the protagonists will now live closely together for more than two weeks, savouring the taste of the track, the elation and disappointments, the promotions and the voting offs, until the last six finalists remain, ready to tackle the final task of the challenge: race at the wheel of an Abarth 500 “Assetto Corse” side by side with the professional drivers in the official race at Monza on 19 October. Three inflexible judges, along with special guests, will assess the ability of the aspiring drivers: driving skills, concentration, reflexes and cool-headedness. Tensions are sky-high, the young people are ready and the engines are already roaring.

The project is perfectly in tune with the tradition of Abarth, which has promoted the "democratisation of racing" ever since it was founded by Carlo Abarth. Giving everyone the chance to race is a leitmotiv of Abarth's philosophy and expressed by one of the leading concepts of Make It Your Race: "Not speed. Not thrills. Our goal is the dream”.

Produced by Zodiak Active, the production company behind the success of X-Factor and Masterchef, the talent show has already attracted the attention of television networks throughout Europe, Japan and Latin America. In Italy it will be transmitted by DMAX, the seventh Italian channel in terms of a target of men over the age of 30.

The appointment for the 28 selected drivers is in September, on the track.

Under the watchful eyes of cameras, in the early days the young drivers will come face to face with the driving instructors of the Abarth Driving Academy, a driver's school directed by Gordon de Adamich. It is highly qualified and internationally known, and is based at the "Riccardo Paletti" Race Track in Varano de' Melegari, in the province of Parma.

The panel of judges of the programme will select only the most capable and skilled drivers on the track, who will enter the second phase of the Boot Camp on the tracks of Balocco, the testing centre for FIAT group cars.

The training and preparation of the young competitors will take place in this very special setting to ensure the technique and professionalism needed to tackle an official race and the challenges that each day will bring the aspiring pilots closer to the realisation of their dream.

From 50,000 to six young competitors. From the web to the track.

A project that demonstrates once again the strength of a Brand that has always been able to innovate and engross its fans.

However, Abarth does not forget all the other fans who were not selected. In addition to a number of specific promotions to enter Abarth's world, the third edition of the talent show is already set for them in 2014.

2013 Make It Your Race Trophy

Last thrills on the track also for the young people of the Make It Your Race Trophy. This project, created in the wake of the success of the 2012 Abarth talent show edition, allowed the drivers who distinguished themselves for their driving skills and abilities during the programme to compete with the professional drivers in the ‘2013 Abarth Selenia Benelux Trophy’, racing on prestigious European circuits such as Nürburgring (1-2 June), Zandwoort (the Netherlands, 15-16 June), Colmar (Luxembourg, 20-21 July), Spa Francorchamps (Belgium, 7-8 September) and Zolder (Belgium, 12-13 October).       

Abarth, which has always backed accessibility to the world of racing, gave six young drivers the chance to crown their dream of taking to the track for a full season like real drivers.

'2012 Make It Your Race' winner Alberto Fontana will be on the starting grid along with Luca Flaccadori, Fabio Keller, Darren De Mattia, Arne Krummelberger, Jerome Glesener and Fabien Jeanblanc, who distinguished themselves with their skill and ability to handle the track and their emotions during the 2012 Make It Your Race.       

The best of the group was awarded at the end of each racing week-end after having had the opportunity to make it to the top of the special classification to win the “Make it your race Trophy”. It was a real challenge within the 'Abarth Selenia Benelux Trophy', with the six young drivers coming from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Benelux and Italy also competing against all the other drivers entered in the final end of leg and championship awards.

All the tales of their exciting experience as pro drivers are posted on the official Abarth racing blog: http://teamabarth.tumblr.com/ as well as directly on Twitter and Instagram with these hashtags: #topdrivers #miyr #abarth.

It is the perfect finale for a dream that started a year ago when they entered the ‘2012 Make It Your Race’ by uploading a video to the Abarth website.

www.abarth.it: the new corporate website

The success this Make It Your Race edition met with is partly the result of the platform dedicated to the project. It is a modern and innovative layout offering easy navigation and usability that is perfectly integrated with the new corporate website developed in collaboration with Xister and launched on the European markets during the last few months.

The platform provides users with a simple, rapid access standardised with the complete digital Abarth ecosystem.

Four main sections offer a complete overview of the world of the Italian car manufacturer devoted to sports cars:

"Abarth Cars & Parts" collects all the information regarding the Abarth products, with detailed information on the single cars and the full range of kits and accessories with which they can be equipped.

In addition to presenting the Brand and partner brands, "Abarth World" offers users a full-scale experience in the Abarth world through a dedicated editorial area with feeds from social channels, articles and in-depth stories so readers can always stay up to date on Abarth Team activities. It is a new approach to the digital world that meets the demands of the numerous Abarth fans who as true "brand lovers" ask for more and more information and curiosities in addition to information on the cars and points of sale. The solution that Abarth has come up with is that of a magazine always updated with the latest information and news.

The "Abarth Racing" section provides updates on track events, a presentation of the racing cars and information on safe driving courses.

To close the overview, the "Make It Your Race" section is dedicated to the talent show.  Here users can follow all the stages of the talent show, from the candidacies to the selections, upload their presentation videos or vote for their favourites, helping them participate in the final stages of the TV show.

The entire portal relies on a social gamification platform, an interactive way to engage users, invite them to share portal contents and show their appreciation while rewarding them for every action replicated in the social media.

With Abarth a challenge is braved every day. Not only on the track.

FGA Capital

Visitors will be introduced to the product range of this finance company specialising in the automotive sector through illustrative materials and dedicated on-stand media. The finance company is operative in all the major European markets, and in Germany with FGA Bank, with a sole mission: to support the sales of all Fiat Group Automobiles brand vehicles by offering innovative financial products with high added value services targeted to the dealership network, private customers and companies.

ENDS

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