Abarth
The Scorpion’s Sting: From Record-Breaking Race Cars to Rally-Inspired Hot Hatches
Introduction
Abarth’s story is one of pure, unadulterated performance. Founded by Austrian-Italian Carlo Abarth, the company began by crafting high-performance exhaust systems and tuning kits before evolving into a full-fledged manufacturer of race-bred giants and fiery hot hatches. The scorpion badge—Carlo’s zodiac sign—became a symbol of cars that were small in size but delivered a massive sting of performance, sound, and handling. Abarth is the ultimate proof that big thrills can come in small, lightweight packages.
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | 1949 (by Carlo Abarth) |
| Parent company | Stellantis (under Fiat) |
| HeadQuarters | Turin, Italy (Originally) |
| Founder’s Legacy | Master of tuning and exhaust systems |
| Icon | Scorpion Badge |
| Philosophy | Small size, massive performance |
Iconic Abarth Engines
- Fiat 500 0.5L / 0.6L (Tuned): The original firecracker. Abarth extensively tuned the tiny air-cooled engines of the Fiat 500 and 600, squeezing out dramatic power increases for the 595 and 695 SS models.
- Fiat 124 1.4L / 1.8L (Tuned): The rally heart. Abarth tuned the twin-cam engines from the Fiat 124 for use in the rally-winning 124 Abarth and the fierce 131 Abarth.
- FIRE 1.4L Turbo T-Jet (Modern): The modern punch. A turbocharged 1.4L engine used in the modern Abarth 500 and Punto, known for its explosive power delivery and iconic pops and bangs from the exhaust.
- 1.75L Turbo (Modern): The bigger sting. A more powerful 1.75L turbocharged four-cylinder used in the top-tier Abarth 695 and 124 Spider, delivering over 180 horsepower.
Legendary Abarth Models
- Fiat 500 Abarth / 595 SS (1963-1971): The original giant-slayer. A lightened, tuned, and widened Fiat 500 that could humiliate much more powerful cars on a twisty road or track.
- Fiat Abarth 124 Rally (1972-1975): The world champion. A rally-prepared version of the Fiat 124 Spider that dominated the 1972 World Rally Championship.
- Fiat 131 Abarth (1976-1982): The rally legend successor. A boxy sedan that won three consecutive WRC manufacturers’ titles, continuing Abarth’s rally dominance.
- Abarth 1000 TCR (1965-1971): The record-breaker. A purpose-built, aerodynamic sports car based on Fiat components that set multiple international speed records.
- Abarth 695 Biposto (2014-Present): The modern extreme. A limited-production, track-focused version of the Abarth 500 with a sequential transmission, stripped interior, and extreme performance.
- Abarth 124 Spider (2016-2020): The modern roadster. A tuned version of the Fiat 124 Spider with more power, a sportier suspension, and the classic Abarth exhaust soundtrack.
The Tuning Magician
Carlo Abarth was a master of extracting maximum performance from minimal displacement. His philosophy wasn’t about adding huge engines; it was about reducing weight, optimizing aerodynamics, and, most famously, crafting exquisite free-flow exhaust systems that unlocked power and produced an unforgettable sound. Abarth cars were never the most powerful on paper, but their power-to-weight ratio and razor-sharp handling made them champions on the track and rally stage. This ethos of ‘doing more with less’ is the scorpion’s true sting.