NF500 / 2008 / July

CarScoop have done it again, and released details (and over 40 high res images) of the forthcoming limited edition Opening Edition Fiat 500 Abarth.

The strictly limited (100 examples) 500 Abarth Opening Edition is fitted with a revised version of the stock 1.4-liter turbo engine that produces 160Hp at 5750 rpm and a maximum torque of 230 Nm at 3000 rpm. Combined with a 5-speed gearbox the Opening Edition can go from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in just 7.4 sec and on to a top speed of 211 km/h (131mph). That compares very favourably to the standard 500 Abarth’s 7.9 sec & 205 km/h.

Other mechanical upgrades include the adoption of front and rear perforated disc brakes, high performance front brake pads, a special ‘powered by BMC’ air filter, special low springs and 17″ alloys painted white or titanium complete with 205/40 R16 ZR 17 Pirelli Pzero Nero tires.

Buyers can choose between two colours (Campovolo grey or pearlised White) while there’s also the option of special stickers including a red chequered flag on the roof (exclusive to the Campovolo Grey shade) that pays homage to the numerous sporting victories of the Abarth brand. Finally, just to make it a tad more special, Fiat delivers the car with a cover bearing a period Abarth 595 design.

Official full details will likely follow very soon, so keep ‘em peeled.

TV presenter Alex Zane and new pop group the Crane Brothers were among the attractions that had the crowds rocking at the Fiat 500 PicNic in North London at the weekend (Saturday 5 July).

Both Zane and the Crane Brothers headlined the day of entertainment, at Alexandra Park, where lucky Catrina Kennerley, of Battersea, London, won a fabulous Fiat 500.

What a prize! You should have seen Catrina’s face,

said Zane.

She was absolutely delighted. It was a great way to round off a fantastic day.

Crane Brothers’ frontman Tim Arber said:

We were absolutely thrilled to have the chance to perform at the Fiat 500 PicNic. It was an incredible day and a great crowd to perform to. A real honour to have been part of it.

The London event was part of a series of global parties celebrating the hugely successful first year of the Fiat 500. Budapest, Milan, Munich, Paris, Tokyo, and Cape Town were among the chosen cities that welcomed thousands of people – brought together by the new car.

The Fiat 500 PicNic also featured:

• Support band Adelphi Rhode
• Big screen TV coverage of the weekend’s top sporting action
• Beach volleyball and Space Hopper races
• Chill zone with Tai Chi, aromatherapy and head massage
• Kids’ zone with clown, magician and bouncy castle
• Fiat 500 Owners’ Club display

Fiat Group Automobiles UK marketing director Elena Bernardelli said:

We at Fiat were absolutely delighted to see so many people enjoying themselves.

The award-winning Fiat 500, which has received countless honours this year, adds an extra important one this weekend – its first birthday celebrations.

Although it only arrived in the UK in January this year, the popular supermini was first launched in Italy on 4 July 2007, and the Fiat Group is celebrating its anniversary with a series of bold, elaborate parties across the world, including the UK.

The date of this landmark occasion is especially significant as last year’s Italian launch of the car was exactly 50 years after the original introduction of Dante Giacosa’s classic post-war 500.

The UK party, hosted by TV presenter Alex Zane, is called the Fiat 500 PicNic and takes place at Alexandra Park, North London. It’s designed to be a traditional British summer outdoor gathering, but with a special 500 twist.

With invitations extended to more than 5,000 specially-invited Fiat 500 drivers and potential owners, this Saturday’s (5 July) PicNic initiative, which was conceived to share the passion and emotion of the huge Fiat 500 community, will feature live music, delicious Italian food and drink, outdoor games, big-screen sports coverage and special ‘chill-out’ zones for participants.

The London event is part of a series of global parties celebrating the hugely successful first year of Fiat’s iconic city car. Athens, Budapest, Copenhagen, London, Milan, Munich, Palermo, Paris, Rome, Rotterdam, Tokyo, Valencia, Hel, Liège, Zurich, and Cape Town are the chosen cities that, either in parks or on beaches, will welcome thousands of people brought together by the new car.

Music, art, and fun are the ingredients which will guarantee a successful event involving new Fiat 500 owners and those who are still waiting to get one (222,000 have been ordered so far).

This is a global initiative that we in Britain are delighted to be involved in,

says Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

It is everything that the new Fiat 500 stands for – fun, excitement, freedom and the knack of bringing people together in a great atmosphere – and I am sure the event will be a great success.

The London party will feature four special themed zones – Energy, Entertainment, Chill and Children. The Energy Zone offers outdoor games, fun races and a volleyball competition, while in Entertainment there will be live music, jugglers, a giant screen and Fiat 500 interactive car configurators to try.

The Chill Zone is designed for relaxation with Tai Chi, head massages and hammocks all available, and the Children’s Zone will feature face painting, street theatre and games.