Fiat Abarth Returns at Geneva

2007 Fiat Abarth

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One of European motoring’s most famous high-performance auto brands has been relaunched at this year's Geneva Motor Show. The scorpion badge of Fiat’s Abarth cars will live again on a new sporty version of the Grande Punto compact hatchback. The Italian company has already said it’s the first of a series of models and bodykits.

The new Abarth division will also run its own racing and rally teams, and prepare cars for customers competing in events and one-make championships.

Founded in 1949 by Carlo Abarth, the company produced sporting versions of key Fiat models and was successful on the circuits. The famous scorpion badge was chosen as a clear indication of what Abarth was all about – small cars with a big sting in the tail.

The Grande Punto Abarth is equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers 150 hp at 5500 rpm. It can be increased to 155 hp when higher-octane fuel is used, and an aftermarket booster kit offering 180 hp will be available.

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