01.09.2011 FIAT TO LAUNCH ABARTH PACK FOR 500 TWINAIR AT FRANKFURT IAA

FIAT 500 TWINAIR PACK BY ABARTH

Available both for the saloon and convertible versions, the dedicated new TwinAir trim level combines the revolutionary two-cylinder engine with a distinct look. Already today one 500 out of three sold in Europe is equipped with the TwinAir engine.

In what represents a small but significant change of direction for the reborn Abarth brand, in a fortnight's time at the Frankfurt IAA, Fiat will launch a 500 TwinAir version that comes with an optional Scorpion-branded styling pack.

Since its high-visibility relaunch by the now-departed Fiat brand boss Luca De Meo, Abarth has rigorously pursued a standalone positioning, with separate facilities to the Fiat network rump. This strategy never made for a viable business case and Abarth is too niche to contribute to Fiat's bottom line, while at the same its separation loses the showroom 'halo' effect which is the primary function of any limited production high performance model. This new "Pack" is, significantly, the first time since the revival that Abarth components will have been used on any Fiat product while retaining the Fiat badging, in this case the Abarth components are being added to the distinctively positioned "TwinAir" line.

Available both for the saloon and convertible versions, the dedicated new TwinAir trim level combines the revolutionary two-cylinder engine with a distinct look. Already today one 500 out of three sold in Europe is equipped with the TwinAir engine.

On the outside, harking back to the look of the Fiat "competition" series of the 1970s, the 500 TwinAir offers high impact details such as special burnished "anthracite" trim, a "piano black" (optional) roof and matt black wheels as standard. inside, there is a "Total Black" environment with sports seats and burnished dashboard fascia. It comes with "Blue&Me - TomTom 2", the latest development of the Blue&Me infotainment system that not only manages telephone, navigation, media player and all information required for driving by means of a colour touchscreen, but "Live" technology as well, which updates - in real time - maps, traffic conditions, local searches and weather directly on the device.

Now to add a more sporty and dynamic feel to the 500 TwinAir, range Fiat has created the new "Pack by Abarth". The customisation kit, developed in close collaboration with Abarth, is characterised by the "Total Black" 16" special alloy wheels with Abarth hub caps, side skirts, rear spoiler, racing graphics on the bonnet and a sporty pedal unit. The new "Pack by Abarth" will be available from October as an option combined with the Pasodoble Red and Crossover Black exterior colours.

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