The world of racing changed in 1949 with an idea. An idea born through the vision of Carlo Abarth. A simple idea that would inspire a legacy. Performance for everyone.
Small and wicked
Abarth’s ingenuity gave birth to distinctive, stylish, small, agile cars with mean little engines. He realised that the cost of racing was too high and so developed the first modification kit for the gearbox and tailpipes of the Fiat Topolino. This was a ‘runaway’ hit since it allowed everyone to convert their Topolino into a faster, more exciting car. And thus was born the Abarth philosophy of performance for everyone. Abarth was turning the small and meek into the small and wickedly fast by tuning them to get the most out of the engines. The result? Records after records, year after year and great car after great car. Even today, the cars from 50 years ago, like the 750 Abarth, Fiat 500 Abarth, the 595 and the 595ss are considered iconic. Fuelled by experimentation, success and passion, Abarth never ceases to electrify automotive enthusiasts.
The India chapter
Petrolheads in India were starved for machines that excite. Then in 2001 Fiat launched what could be called India’s very first hot hatch – the Fiat Palio 1.6 GTX. Never before had India seen a hatchback with as much style and substance. This was the first hatchback in India to be propelled by the power of 100 thundering horses. 100bhp in a small car was unheard of back then. People could finally experience real performance. But the Indian market wasn’t ready for it. It is now. And after waiting for decades, petrolheads in India have a reason to celebrate. Abarth finally arrived in India in 2015.
Exciting times
Fiat began Abarth’s India chapter with the launch of the Fiat Abarth 595. Though it looks similar to the standard car except for a bodykit, the 595 has a completely different mechanical setup. Under the hood is a 158bhp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol motor developing 23.45kgm of torque. Its suspension is lowered and stiffened. Its interiors have been tweaked for performance without compromising style or comfort.
That was just the beginning. The Fiat Abarth 595 is an object of desire. Something to aspire for. But Abarth remembers its roots. And true to form it followed with a one-two combination powerful enough to knock out anyone who dares stand in their way. The 145bhp Fiat Abarth Punto and the 140bhp Fiat Avventura powered by Abarth are the realisation of the Abarth philosophy in India. Performance for everyone.
