Geneva Motor Show: Abarth 124 Spider: Comments

[William Maley]

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If you have been wishing for a more powerful version of the Mazda Miata, your wish has come true. Although to get your hands on it, you'll need to visit a Fiat dealership. Fiat's performance division, Abarth introduced their version of 124 Spider at the Geneva Motor Show.

 

The Abarth 124 Spider begins outside with a new aero package, larger vents for engine cooling, blacked out hood, and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior is swathed in Alcantara and Abarth badging.

 

Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.4L MultiAir four-cylinder producing 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Abarth claims a 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph. It should be noted the specs are for the European model. The U.S. model might have some slight differences.

 

Other changes include a mechanical limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers, Brembo brakes, and a new Record Monza exhaust system that is said to produce a “beautiful growling sound.”

 

The Abarth 124 Spider will go on sale this fall Europe with a base price of 40,000 Euros. No timeframe was given as to when we'll see it in the U.S.

 

Source: Abarth

 

 

Press Release is on Page 2

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The new Abarth 124 spider

 

The new Abarth 124 spider aims at sweeping a new generation off their feet with its performance and technical DNA. It combines the authentic roadster experience packed with thrills, technology, safety and a touch of unmistakable Italian design. The car will be available in September with prices starting from €40,000 for all Europe.

 

Performance DNA
The new Abarth 124 spider combines the great sensorial experiences of excitement and driving fun that only a spider can give. Developed with input from the Abarth Racing Team, the car exemplifies at best the distinctive Abarth values: performance, craftsmanship and technical excellence. It is the car that will bring back the smile on the driver’s face.

 

Rear-Wheel drive architecture with Mechanical Limited-Slip Differential
124 spider is designed for thrills and performance and has all the qualities needed to satisfy even the most difficult-to-please drivers. For exceptional dynamism, the Abarth 124 spider is equipped with a sports mechanical Limited-Slip differential as standard to secure drive and traction in the most critical situations and provide incomparable dynamic behaviour.

 

Perfect weight distribution and lightweight design
Abarth 124 spider creates a new benchmark in the sporty roadster segment and this is confirmed in numbers. Much of the weight is concentrated between the axles and the engine is installed behind the front axle to guarantee agility and superior driving feel. Sophisticated mechanicals and the use of special materials have contained the weight to just 1,060 kilograms, which results in a weight-to-power ratio of 6.2 kg/HP, the best in its category, and perfect 50/50 weight distribution in running order, which translates in great agility and performance. Taking on board the lessons learned through the Abarth racing series, the weight obsession pushed Abarth to eliminate gram by gram all possible weight: For instance, an active bonnet system was developed in order to comply with the strict passenger collision standards without damaging the weight coefficient or balance of the car. By using sensors on the cross-member and two pyrotechnic loads in the engine compartment, the system recognises danger and deploys in a few milliseconds to guarantee a safety gap and attenuate the collision against the bonnet.

 

Supercar mechanics and suspensions scheme
The suspension of the 124 spider has a high double-wishbone layout in front and a five-link set up in the rear, specifically tuned for greater braking and cornering stability. Steering ensures a great driving feeling with the use of a dual pinion electric power assist system.

 

The Abarth dynamic vehicle set-up ensures customers can get the most out of the rear-wheel drivetrain, always aiming for the true driving pleasure. Also the “Abarth by Bilstein” dampers, together with stiffened anti-roll bars, provide ultimate handling and driving comfort.

 

The Brembo braking system, with aluminium front callipers, guarantees very short braking distances and excellent resistance to brake fade, making the pedal always feel pleasant and safe.

 

Powerful engine and sporty gearboxes for an extraordinary driving experience
The Abarth 124 spider offered in the EMEA region is equipped with a powerful, reliable four-cylinder 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine. It delivers 170 HP (about 124 HP per litre) and 250 Nm of torque. It has a top speed of 230 km/h and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8-seconds. Furthermore, the sound of engine really matters in an Abarth car, so the Record Monza exhaust come equipped as standard, generating a beautiful growling sound.

 

The spider is available with a six-speed manual or the automatic Sequenziale Sportivo gearbox. The first is characterised by quick and accurate shifting with a short-throw, direct lever.

 

The Sequenziale Sportivo gearbox is the result of careful tuning to exploit all the engine torque and conveys genuine racing sensations. Using the lever or the paddles behind the steering wheel, shifting is extremely fast and the performance of the car is boosted even further by setting “Sport” mode on the driving mode selector.

 

Throttle-steer driving style
The Abarth 124 spider comes with state-of-the-art electronic devices and active safety features but to ensure the Abarth provides a proper race car feeling when driving on track, the new 124 Spider lets the driver disengage the electronic controls to experience the perfect mechanical balance and linear engine response, the trademarks of a genuine rear-wheel drive sportscar.

 

Officine Abarth: high technology, hand-crafted care
Officine Abarth, based in Mirafiori, is where the 124 spider emphasise the typical Italian art of driving.

 

The 124 receives a special treatment from Abarth technicians, who truly love cars. The Abarth people bring their values to an already great product, by fitting the Racing Anti-glare kit, a matt black treatment for bonnet and boot lid, the Racing Alcantara® Kit that contributes to elevate the overall interior quality, ensuring at the same time a proper sporting feel due to its dark finishing and grip.

 

The standard-fit Record Monza exhaust is also installed in Officine Abarth, to ensure outstanding engine performance and an unmistakable sound.

 

Each car is tested and certified by an Abarth technician who applies a metal plate showing the sequential number of each car to certify the exclusiveness of Abarth 124 spider. A unique number for a unique client.

 

Design true to the Abarth DNA
The design of the Abarth 124 spider reflects the superb mechanical layout of the car, a key element to achieve the perfect proportions for a sport car: A long bonnet to underline the importance of the engine and the powerful attitude of the car, reduced overhangs to emphasize its agile attitude, a cabin close to the rear axle to let the driver feel the road.

 

The passenger compartment-to-bonnet ratio is comparable to that of a racing car. A horizontal line rises from the front and stretches rearward to join with the rear line near the rear light cluster: this is an unmistakable reference to the classic 124 spider.

 

The design is all about performance: both the front bumper, with its larger air intake, and the rear bumper’s aerodynamic extractor were both shaped in the wind tunnel, as were the rear spoiler and wind stop which both contribute to improving air flow. The 17-inch alloy wheels, the windscreen surround and the roll bars are finished in “Forgiato Grey”, a colour selected to underline the bold, technical inclination of the car.

 

The original headlights together with the front hexagonal grille contribute to reasserting the car's bold personality. The bonnet humps suggest the longitudinal position of the engine: this is a direct reference to the original 124 spider. The exclusive LED headlights and rear lights add expressiveness to the car, both during the day and at night. An important detail are the rear light cluster inserts in matching body colour which form a luminous ring-shaped surface.

 

The rear end of Abarth 124 spider is characterised by two elements: the swallow-tail section rear wings and the horizontal rear lights which pick up particular features of its classic predecessor. The shape of the rear bumpers with the upper surface jutting into the boot lid conveys a characteristic V-shape to the back of the car.

 

Five body colours are available: special solid "Turini 1975 White " and “Costa Brava 1972 Red, metallic "Isola d’Elba 1974 Blue”, "Portogallo 1974 Grey" and “San Marino 1972 Black”. The nomenclature is a clear tribute to its prestigious success in rallying.

 

Interior design
The Abarth DNA is also confirmed inside with an overall focus aimed at guaranteeing ideal ergonomics. The leather seats are supportive and very comfortable at the same time, and allow for a positive driving position as far back and as low as possible to better perceive any lateral movement of the car. Also, the controls are perfectly in tune with the car's sporty set-up: the position of the aluminium pedal board, the small-diameter steering wheel, the short gear lever and the start button on the dashboard all contribute to conveying a sporty driving experience. The instrument panel includes a large rev counter with red background arranged in central position.

 

Active and passive safety
The new Abarth 124 Spider is equipped with a host of state-of-the-art active and passive safety devices. In addition to the ABS, standard equipment includes the EBD, for adjusting front and rear brake force distribution so as to optimise braking distances and control in all load conditions of the car, and ESC for increased control in all driving conditions. It is useful in critical situations, e.g. on corners and mixed surfaces in presence of snow, ice and gravel. The ESC applies selective braking and acts on the accelerator to bring the car back on line if a difference between the driver's action and trajectory is detected. The ERM is an extension of the ESC system and exploits the sensors to calculate whether the car is approaching a potentially dangerous condition at risk of rolling over. It corrects the risk by applying the brakes separately and modulating the accelerator position as needed. It can be fully disengaged for track driving to allow the driver exploit the Abarth 124 spider’s outstanding balance and dynamic abilities to the full.

 

The three-point seat belts employ Constant-Force Retractors (CFR) to control the degree of force applied by the belt and then gradually release it in controlled manner.

 

The LED adaptive headlights are available to guarantee driving pleasure even in poor visibility conditions. They can be equipped with rain sensor and dusk sensor on demand.

 

Equipment: sportiness and comfort
The following details apply to the EMEA region and may vary according to the various market needs. See the www.fiatpress.com website for complete information.

 

The new Abarth 124 spider has a three-gauge instrument panel featuring a large rev counter in the middle, a speedometer on the right and a data display on the left allowing the driver to monitor all key driving information at a glance.

 

Standard equipment includes manual climate control system, stereo with four speakers, MP3 player and USB port, cruise control, adjustable and electrically-folded door mirrors.

 

Other features available on demand include the infotainment system with an ergonomic and intuitive knob on the central unit. According to the configuration, the system can feature a 7-inch colour display, satellite navigation system, DAB digital tuner, two USB ports, AUX input, Bluetooth connectivity and a rear backup camera.

 

For superior sound quality, a Bose premium sound system with nine speakers, including dual headrest speakers on both seats and a subwoofer, can be chosen.

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[Drew Dowdell]

I know a lot of people would rather have the Miata... but not me... I like this better.  It looks more substantial. 

[ccap41]

I love the looks of it but I don't like the "Fiat" name behind it. 

 

Everything about this is awesome. I love the looks of it, I love the white, red, and black. I love the spoiler and wheels. I love it's not more power. I just with it wasn't a convertible only.. but I understand the low sales probably don't allow them to justify the cost of making a coupe along side of it(same with the Miata). 

[El Kabong]

I know a lot of people would rather have the Miata... but not me... I like this better.  It looks more substantial.

It looks like an old-school 124, more or less. I prefer it's styling to that of the current Miata. What I'm less stoked about is the claimed hp numbers for the Abarth version. Sorry, but you need 200hp, minimum, to differentiate yourself from Mazda, at least as far as I'm concerned.

[Drew Dowdell]

 

I know a lot of people would rather have the Miata... but not me... I like this better.  It looks more substantial.

It looks like an old-school 124, more or less. I prefer it's styling to that of the current Miata. What I'm less stoked about is the claimed hp numbers for the Abarth version. Sorry, but you need 200hp, minimum, to differentiate yourself from Mazda, at least as far as I'm concerned.

 

 

The torque curve of the turbo should do that. 

[Frisky Dingo]

Still don't like it. 

[G. David Felt]

Never cared for the Mazda version, this is a bit more butch, but a failure to me as it is a Fiat. Never will ever own their garbage.

 

Mazda should have a street legal racing version that is over 200hp. They should have never allowed Fiat to just rebadge their car.

 

Since the Fiat 500 series does not sell that well, I expect only the fiat faithful will buy this in very small numbers and they will sit on the lots. Most will probably end up with low miles as I expect no difference in their terrible reliability.

[El Kabong]

124s go down the same assembly line in Hiroshima as the Miata, so unless you're talking about the engine I don't understand where the beef with reliability comes from in this case.

Edited March 2, 2016 by El Kabong

[Drew Dowdell]

124s go down the same assembly line in Hiroshima as the Miata, so unless you're talking about the engine I don't understand where the beef with reliability comes from in this case.

 

Indeed... this just may end up being the most reliable FCA (badged) product sold. 

[surreal1272]

124s go down the same assembly line in Hiroshima as the Miata, so unless you're talking about the engine I don't understand where the beef with reliability comes from in this case.

The motor does not. Fiat is using their turbo charged 1.4L as opposed to Mazdas 2.0L, making it a valid concern as to it's reliability.

[ccap41]

 

124s go down the same assembly line in Hiroshima as the Miata, so unless you're talking about the engine I don't understand where the beef with reliability comes from in this case.

The motor does not. Fiat is using their turbo charged 1.4L as opposed to Mazdas 2.0L, making it a valid concern as to it's reliability.

 

This guy has a very good point. The heart and soul is coming from the Fiat side.. 

[El Kabong]

I guess. But the most I've read about FCA drivelines recently has to do with the nine-speed auto. The 1.4 is an iron block I believe, which makes it bad for weight but great for boost hikes.

[surreal1272]

I guess. But the most I've read about FCA drivelines recently has to do with the nine-speed auto. The 1.4 is an iron block I believe, which makes it bad for weight but great for boost hikes.

All I know is that I would take a Mazda motor over a Fiat motor.

[El Kabong]

I respect Mazda for trying to make the Wankel emissions-friendly, and they do a mean turbo application. But they aren't invincible, as we've seen with their diesel program. And that Fiat sounds GOOD. I don't think the engine is a dealbreaker, put it that way.

[Suaviloquent]

I think the respect for Mazda is apparent all over the industry.

 

Other automakers pay money to rebadge their vehicles, then pay Mazda to build them for them, and also pay Mazda again because in this way - Mazda doesn't have to put an unprofitable model into a market that doesn't need it.

 

That's why the Mazda 2 didn't enter the U.S. Toyota offers the scale that Mazda would have wanted for such a vehicle, and anyone stepping up from a Toyota iA to Camry, wanting the Mazda feel would realize how dull that Camry is for the price, and defect to Mazda to emulate the same driving experience in a bigger vehicle.

 

Mazda wins by having other carmakers slap their badges on them. That's amazing.

 

Win-win. Fiat sells a very similar competing coupe. Mazda wins. Toyota sells a competing small car, probably more than the CX-3...Mazda wins. 

[El Kabong]

If Mazda was getting the respect you claim it is, then why did it post bigger year-over-year sales losses last month than VW?

They do nice vehicles. But nobody really cares. Which, I admit, is a bit sad.

[Suaviloquent]

If Mazda was getting the respect you claim it is, then why did it post bigger year-over-year sales losses last month than VW?

They do nice vehicles. But nobody really cares. Which, I admit, is a bit sad.

 

The respect is from other automakers.

 

They're on the wrong side of a fuel glut, but their CX-9 is better than anything from any automaker in that segment for enthusiasts, and therefore is the best,

 

You don't care. And Mazda doesn't care about you.

 

They exist because they tailor to their niche, and the last thing they need to do is compromise their reputation by trying to be everything to everyone.

[El Kabong]

Again: they're tanking worse than Dieselgate-era VW. The Fiat contract is needed as badly by them as it is by Sergio, possibly more.

Edited March 2, 2016 by El Kabong

[G. David Felt]

 

124s go down the same assembly line in Hiroshima as the Miata, so unless you're talking about the engine I don't understand where the beef with reliability comes from in this case.

 

Indeed... this just may end up being the most reliable FCA (badged) product sold. 

 

If it is going down the same assembly line then that will be a welcomed plus. History is against Fiat as they have never had reliable products in the US and I sure as hell do not understand why people buy it in europe as I only hear from coworkers who own them that they are just garbage and will never own one again.

[Suaviloquent]

Again: they're tanking worse than Dieselgate-era VW. The Fiat contract is needed as badly by them as it is by Sergio, possibly more.

 

Mazda has always been a niche player in America - one of the strongest of their kind, and they're not facing a tarnished reputation like VW or subsistence sales like Mitsu.

 

Sales is one thing.

 

But their products are better for enthusiasts, and are also desirable because no one else can replicate their styling. Again, why are you bringing sales? 

 

I'd expect sales to go down. For example, the old-gen Mazda 2 is being phased out. Because it's not profitable, and they get more unit sales through Toyota's iA anyways.

 

Companies with big sales - especially chasing for them, fail all the time. Mazda's not in that position.

[El Kabong]

I agree that they are great ENTHUSIAST cars. And I said that it was sad that they weren't succeeding.

But you said that I didn't care. So where is the motivation to be sympathetic when you can read my mind, right?

[Suaviloquent]

Well, we've seen that all kinds of companies tank for all kinds of reasons.

 

Many times for building $h!ty cars.

 

Sometimes for being on the wrong side of a major selling point - such as the value of fun and efficiency being sinking because of a major shift to less efficient vehicles.

 

I'm sure the new CX-9 will bring a lot of sales. But I'm sure Mazda is fully using its carbon credits to full effect because other automakers are selling a HUGGGEEE (uuggge) number of comparatively inefficient vehicles.

[El Kabong]

If Trump becomes president all that may well go out the window.

[Suaviloquent]

I'm okay with that possibility.

 

American automakers face so many challenges in Japan due to trade barriers. Reciprocity, makes sense, especially if it brings back jobs. 

[El Kabong]

I was talking about EPA stuff mostly.

Since Trump has also vowed to re-open NAFTA, my selfish interests are a bit cautious at this point. He is Ronald Reagan minus the experience and cheer.

[Suaviloquent]

Trump's awesome.

 

Love the show he put on every debate - the highlights are tasty. I can imagine him making a quick work of any Democrat.

 

Doesn't he want to repeal NAFTA (only because of Mexico). He loves Canada. He got great support from the North East States, and will probably get a lot of support from Northwest too - the folks most like Canada.

 

He's okay with Canada - or maybe I'm being led to believe (which I'm okay with). Mostly because now our oil is cheap for America and, and we're a tiny country, almost like a mutually beneficial relationship that Sharks have with the fish that tail them that eat parasites off of the body of the shark.

[surreal1272]

I respect Mazda for trying to make the Wankel emissions-friendly, and they do a mean turbo application. But they aren't invincible, as we've seen with their diesel program. And that Fiat sounds GOOD. I don't think the engine is a dealbreaker, put it that way.

We are not talking about diesels that were never sold here in the first place Bong. We are talking about a car that has been around for 26 years now and has a stellar reputation as being well built and reliable, in addition to being fun to drive. No Fiat enjoys that same reputation, hence them piggybacking off of Mazda here.

[Thed]

So nearly a full second slower to sixty, as the ABARTH? Good god, how much weight did Fiat add? My car could wipe the floor with this thing if that isn't the most conservative estimate ever...

[Drew Dowdell]

If Mazda was getting the respect you claim it is, then why did it post bigger year-over-year sales losses last month than VW?

They do nice vehicles. But nobody really cares. Which, I admit, is a bit sad.

 

I would have hoped that by now you'd realized that you can't look at one month YoY sales fluctuations. 

[Suaviloquent]

The fuel price cycle hurts companies that make small cars.

 

But I'd like to think that people should buy the vehicle they need first and can afford any day, within a reasonable price range of gas.

[ocnblu]

I cannot abide the high, tinny sound of a SkyActiv Mazda product on cold start.  It is borderline scary.  Try it sometime.

 

I like the 124 better than the Miata.  I'm betting the Abarth version will be a typical, romantic sounding Italian.  Can a person order an Abarth Spider without the crazy graphics?

[El Kabong]

If Mazda was getting the respect you claim it is, then why did it post bigger year-over-year sales losses last month than VW?

They do nice vehicles. But nobody really cares. Which, I admit, is a bit sad.

I would have hoped that by now you'd realized that you can't look at one month YoY sales fluctuations.

Guy.

They're tanking worse than VOLKSWAGEN. Even C/D acknowledged the reality of Mazda's situation in this month's grocery-getter comparo (which it won, incidentally).

Like I said: baffling and sad, but true.

Edited March 5, 2016 by El Kabong

[Suaviloquent]

I think a turbocharged engine in a Miata this way comes.

 

or not.

 

Now, does it have the Mazda transmission hooked up to the Multiair?

[Thed]

I think a turbocharged engine in a Miata this way comes.

 

or not.

 

Now, does it have the Mazda transmission hooked up to the Multiair?

 

Rumors are saying no, but they are just rumors. Nobody has had the chance to actually crawl under there and look.