All posts tagged Fiat 500 Abarth Racing

Fiat 500 Abarth Driving Experience – Driving Dynamics & Autocross Challenges

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The Fiat 500 Abarth Driving Dynamics Challenge was the opening challenge of the day and was designed to measure the improvement of each driver.  Drivers were eligible to receive full points if they demonstrated genuine improvement as they progressed through the track. Drivers that failed to show improvement were not awarded points for this challenge. All of the track times during this challenge were recorded via an on-board car scoring system.  Since this was the first challenge, I had to get acquainted with both the curvaceous race course layout and properly driving the 500 Abarth.   Going into this event I knew little about the Fiat 500 Abarth, nor its racing pedigree. Flash forward an hour to the end of merely this first competition and I had already gained substantial respect for the compact Italian sports coupe.  Good things come in small packages would be an appropriate thing to say here. Beyond the Fiat 500 Abarth’s beautiful performance in the Driving Dynamics Challenge, including precise responsive steering inputs, deep reassuring braking, exceptionally stable suspension; the Abarth was no short of a blast to drive.  The growl from the exhaust beckons you to press the gas pedal if only to hear it roar.  I’ve heard comparisons in the recent past saying that the Fiat 500 Abarth’s exhaust note is reminiscent of its other, more expensive Italian automotive cousins.  Since I was coming from driving a Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 and Ferrari 458 Italia less than 2 days prior, I can attest to that claim. Its exhaust essentially sounds like a de-tuned Ferrari 458 from the driver’s seat. The sound element alone is a fairly impressive feat for Fiat considering that it has a mere 1.4L engine, yet can produce such a gorgeous howl.

The Fiat 500 Abarth Autocross Challenge was the second event to take place during the competition and my second favorite event. The quickest lap out of a total number of laps given on the Autocross course was used to rank each participant to one another. Points were awarded on a weighted scale based on the individual standing for each participant. During this challenge you can certainly get a better feel for the 500 Abarth’s unexpectedly quick acceleration (listen for tire burnouts). The Autocross Challenge also better demonstrates the Abarth’s handling ability by means of successfully negotiating tight turns without any noticeable body roll. My respect for the Abarth continued to increases after this challenge was completed. This challenge was the most successful for my team (Team Velocity) as nearly all of our 4 runs each were wins.  The passenger is my team leader and world renowned professional SRT Viper driver Kuno Wittmer.  Without his guidance on this challenge and others, my performance would have been nothing short of embarrassing.

Fiat 500 Abarth Driving Experience – Head-to-Head & Performance Drive Challenges

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The Fiat 500 Abarth Head-to-Head Challenge was a fun and unique course layout. Unlike the other challenges, for the Head-to-Head Challenge the media tent was situated in the interior of the race track. Two Fiat 500 Abarth sports cars were positioned on either side of the tent and started the race at the same time with a red light signal. Drivers blazed through the course in opposite directions, and as with the Autocross Challenge, they were penalized for hitting cones or stopping outside of the parking box (the start and end point of the race).  Points were awarded based on whether they win or lose in that round. At the end of the competition, total points for the event were awarded based on the participant’s final ranking.  The circle elements of the race track demonstrated the sharp steering and handling ability of the 500 Abarth, while the start and stop boxes boasted its acceleration and braking abilities respectively.

The Fiat 500 Abarth Performance Drive Challenge was the final challenge of the day in which drivers were expected to take what they have learned throughout the day and apply it on the large, high-speed road track. Going into the challenge, my Team Velocity and Team Bad Boys were neck-and-neck at the number one and two positions, although Fiat staff would not divulge who was leading.  Despite my team showing drastic improvement in racing the Fiat 500 Abarth, we ultimately fell short to taking first place. Nevertheless, the Fiat 500 Abarth Driving Experience at the Las Vegas Speedway was one of the most incredible automotive experiences of my life.  Amazing people (Fiat staff and participants), super fun compact sports coupe to play with, friendly competition on race tracks and good food…not to mention some neat Fiat 500 Abarth “swag” to take home. Hats off to Fiat USA for organizing an amazing event to illustrate the impressive abilities of its new small sports coupe.  Too bad Fiat dealers don’t have race tracks on their premises to show prospective 500 Abarth customers what it can really do.