2014 Abarth Track Experience Revs Up for Another Round

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Aug 19, 2014, 10:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Three new stops added to the 2014 Abarth Track Experience to meet increased customer demand
Abarth Track Experience offers professional driving instruction sessions to Fiat 500 Abarth owners
Customers learn to enhance their driving skills on the street and track
Drivers at the fall Abarth Track Experience dates can experience the specially tuned automatic transmission, which is new for 2015

Three new stops added to the 2014 Abarth Track Experience, which offers professional driving instruction to Fiat 500 Abarth owners. (PRNewsFoto/Chrysler Group LLC)

With the addition of three new stops on the 2014 schedule, Fiat 500 Abarth owners will now have more opportunities to develop their driving skills in the one-day Abarth Track Experience.

The 2014 Abarth Track Experience continues this fall with additional stops at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla.; Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Conn.; and Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

Drivers will pilot cars from a fleet of Abarths provided and put their skills to the test through four driving modules: autocross, head-to-head challenge, driving dynamics and performance drive. Drivers will end their day by riding shotgun as professional drivers push the track-tuned Abarth vehicles to the limit.

"As the Abarth Track Experience becomes more popular, we're expanding the schedule to ensure more customers have the opportunity to develop their driving skills in a safe track environment," said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America. "Now, with the addition of the specially tuned automatic transmission as an option for the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio, we expect even more customers will want to join in the fun."

The Fiat 500 Abarth's optional six-speed automatic transmission, new for the 2015 model year, will be available to drivers at the Abarth Track Experience dates in the fall.

To ensure the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio remain true to their high-performance and track-ready heritage, the six-speed automatic transmission has been reinforced with more clutch plates and a more robust heat treatment to allow for higher torque capability. The transmission is mated to the track-proven 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine to deliver up to 183 ft.-lb. of torque and 157 horsepower. The exclusive, Abarth-calibrated Sport mode allows for an even more engaged driving experience with special features such as fuel-cut upshifts, rev-matching downshifts, brake-assist downshifts, corner gear hold and fast-off gear hold, as well as a more aggressive pedal map.

The Track Experience registration fee is included in the cost of each Fiat 500 Abarth or Abarth Cabrio. For more information, please visit www.abarthexperience.com.

About the Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio
Faithful to the "small but wicked" saying coined for Karl Abarth's cars in the 1960s, the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio embody the racing traditions that have made it a success on European roadways and racetracks — world-class performance and precision, purposeful and aggressive styling, high power-to-weight ratio and limited-production volume.

Building on the excitement of the Fiat 500 (Cinquecento), the Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio are designed for track-day enthusiasts and driving purists who want the ultimate high-performance small car with the pedigree of an exclusive Italian exotic.

With its 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine, Abarth-tuned suspension and brake systems, race-inspired design, and technology features not traditionally included on a small car, the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio unleash legendary Italian performance heritage to American streets.

About FIAT Brand
The FIAT brand stands for discovery through passionate self-expression. It encourages people to be in charge of their lives, live confidently and celebrate the smallest of things with infectious excitement. That philosophy is embodied by the North American introduction of the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento – a small car that lives big. Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, the 500 is synonymous with modern, simple design blending form, function and a pride of ownership that is genuine.

Reminiscent of the original 1957 Cinquecento, the Fiat 500 and Fiat 500c (Cabrio) build on the vehicle's global popularity. Since its launch in 2007, more than 1,000,000 Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 100 countries around the world. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned more than 80 international awards.

In North America, the FIAT brand portfolio continues to expand with the introduction of the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio, the fully electric Fiat 500e and the Fiat 500L, an all-new five-passenger model that expands FIAT's brand style and efficiency into the growing B-segment.

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