Abarth, the legendary name which has provided many memorable performance versions of Fiat and Lancia automobiles, is now firmly back in the spotlight. After a triumphant recent resurrection on the rally scene, Abarth is now once again available to the public as an official Fiat brand, representing their most focused use of the brand name ever since its acquisition in 1971.

The new Abarth & C. headquarters is located on Corse Marche in Turin. This location is in fact only a few metres away from the original factory, founded by Carlo Abarth on 31 March 1949. After a preview at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this March, the Grande Punto Abarth is now ready to order. Enhancing the sporty and youthful Grande Punto, the Abarth version is equipped with a 1.4 Turbo petrol engine that delivers 150 bhp at 5500 rpm (155 bhp with RON 98 fuel). This version can reach 208 km/h with its 6-speed gearbox and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.

But this is not all. Just as this Abarth model enters production, a second altogether more extreme equivalent is being previewed at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The newcomer is known as the EsseEsse, a name which plays on the SS tag, itself short for Super Sport. Worthy of this name, the EsseEsse offers serious performance pretensions, with a 1.4 Turbo engine now boosted to 180 bhp. In order to support this increase in power, the EsseEsse also comes with an uprated braking kit. This small capacity, high-output configuration is in pure Abarth tradition, conjuring up past glories of successful Abarth racing cars such as the Fiat 600-based Abarth 1000 TC from 1964. In fact it was this notorious, and now highly sought-after, historical competition model which formed the inspiration for the Grande Punto Abarth EsseEsse: the newcomer inheriting the 1000 TC front air intake of generous dimensions, protruding aggressively from the front fender.
 

The EsseEsse’s front bumper also continues its aggressive look with extra venting on the sides containing noticeable red inserts branded with the scorpion logo, as well as an Italian tricolour flag neatly flanking the bonnet shut line. This, together with widened wheel arches, blacked out headlights and lowered sports suspension gives the front of the Grande Punto Abarth Esse Esse a menacing and mischievous stance, clearly communicating its roots as an Italian pocket rocket with fully-fledged rally pedigree.

The extreme look continues on the side profile, characterised by rally-inspired 17” alloy wheels and iconic Abarth graphics under the door. At the rear, the completely revised rear bumper unit housing a splitter and twin tail pipe exhaust system is topped off by smoked-out rear lights and a very noticeable spoiler positioned above the tailgate glass. Inside the EsseEsse has also been modified, with new sports bucket seats and racy trim items such as the gear knob and handbrake lever.

It is clear that this car is aimed at a young and dynamic audience with a passion for rallying and performance. Abarth models in the pipeline include hot versions of the Fiat 500 which will be available on the market next year. This baby Abarth will also be available with different power outputs, as well as a full sports body kit. Selected dealers will sell these Abarth models across the globe, including outlets in Turin, Berlin, London and Tokyo.