RE: Abarth 124 Spider: Driven
Discussion
Trap said:
My guess is so they can charge more for a 190bhp essesse version and then even more later on in the cars life cycle for a 200+bhp Biposto with a load of carbon thrown at it. A Biposto version of one of these would be lovely, way more than I'd ever want to spend on it but still lovely.
I think the choice of 170ps is a tactical one, more than marketing for a higher powered version.If you look at the list of production cars which use the MultiAir that haven't been plagued by MA failure, they've all been sub-170ps. Yes problems have arisen, but not at as high levels.
The Abarth Punto EVO Esseesse/Supersport/Scorpione had 180ps and were all plagued by failures. My Supersport MA unit failed with a pathetic 14,000 miles on the clock!
Time will tell but I would be extremely surprised if a more powerful version (with the MultiAir) was released. Now, a more powerful version with a different power plant.. Well, watch this space
Oh, and it's already a BiPosto by very definition - Two Seats
Saw this at the Geneva Motor Show and think it is a really nice looking car. Handsome from the front and hints of Maserati at the rear to my eyes. The interiors are lovely too. I think the MX5 looks fussy and overwrought by comparison.
However, with this Abarth version I cannot help but feel the brakes and suspension are a bit of overkill given the diminutive power available.
Does a lightweight 170bhp roadster really need Brembo brakes? Smacks of packaging for marketing purposes rather than function to me. Can't see many track day enthusiasts choosing one of these, whilst I imagine to go at real pace on the road you would be trying to stay off the brakes as much as possible to maintain momentum.
Shame they couldn't have dropped in a version of the 1.8 multiair in the old Alfa Giuletta QV and 4c with 200+ bhp. That would have made for an interesting car as the only roadster in the Fiat/ Abarth/ Alfa range given that the Alfa Spider never materialised. Assuming you don't count the 4c Spyder of course.
Still nice to see an interesting little sports car coming to market though.
However, with this Abarth version I cannot help but feel the brakes and suspension are a bit of overkill given the diminutive power available.
Does a lightweight 170bhp roadster really need Brembo brakes? Smacks of packaging for marketing purposes rather than function to me. Can't see many track day enthusiasts choosing one of these, whilst I imagine to go at real pace on the road you would be trying to stay off the brakes as much as possible to maintain momentum.
Shame they couldn't have dropped in a version of the 1.8 multiair in the old Alfa Giuletta QV and 4c with 200+ bhp. That would have made for an interesting car as the only roadster in the Fiat/ Abarth/ Alfa range given that the Alfa Spider never materialised. Assuming you don't count the 4c Spyder of course.
Still nice to see an interesting little sports car coming to market though.
Edited by James Junior on Tuesday 4th October 11:47
Well I'm really pleased with mine: picked it up on Friday 30th from Marylebone and put 300 miles on it over the weekend.
An absolute hoot to drive, especially with the roof down and the Sport mode on.
I'm the last of the late brakers so Brembos are a bonus for me.
We are now considering selling my girlfriend's MX-5 so she can have a sensible car - an Abarth 595 Competizione in matching colours.
Stuff about collecting the Spider here:
http://www.abarth124spider.co.uk/2016/09/30/specia...
An absolute hoot to drive, especially with the roof down and the Sport mode on.
I'm the last of the late brakers so Brembos are a bonus for me.
We are now considering selling my girlfriend's MX-5 so she can have a sensible car - an Abarth 595 Competizione in matching colours.
Stuff about collecting the Spider here:
http://www.abarth124spider.co.uk/2016/09/30/specia...
RichardHMorris said:
Well I'm really pleased with mine: picked it up on Friday 30th from Marylebone and put 300 miles on it over the weekend.
How close is the front of the hood to the rear of the roll hoops when the roof is down? It's a common issue on the MX5s and I'm waiting to have my roof replaced because of it.Edited by elvismiggell on Wednesday 5th October 11:25
RichardHMorris said:
elvismiggell said:
How close is the front of the hood to the rear of the roll hoops when the roof is down? It's a common issue on the MX5s and I'm waiting to have my roof replaced because of it.
Sorry, what issue?I also have the issue with the inner liner detaching from the top of the rear window. Here's the TSB for that. Link
Plenty of threads about it on Miata.net, along with a few others for rub marks where the top folds.
elvismiggell said:
Here's the TSB for it. Link
I also have the issue with the inner liner detaching from the top of the rear window. Here's the TSB for that. Link
Plenty of threads about it on Miata.net, along with a few others for rub marks where the top folds.
Ah yes. The answer is "really close" depending on how you put the top down. If you do it from the outside (as the handbook method means you'd probably have to) then it's better but from the inside as you tend to do it it's only a millimetre or so off the hoops. One to watch out for, I think.I also have the issue with the inner liner detaching from the top of the rear window. Here's the TSB for that. Link
Plenty of threads about it on Miata.net, along with a few others for rub marks where the top folds.
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