The Abarth 500 on the track
I arrive at Miranda de Ebro Circuit and I can barely take some photos of the desire I have to enter the track. This type of circuit fits the Abarth 500 like a glove: small, buzzy and with continuous support changes (see the description of the circuit during the Abarth Grande Punto test).
After a couple of laps at a low pace to see the little guy's reactions on this circuit, I went on to push him a little more. The Sport button pressed and the TTC disconnected force the traction control to work more than necessary, although it is not very intrusive. The ABS works correctly and allows correct trajectory even if you enter past and the ESP does not work anything more than in a "jump", where inevitably the rear goes out of the way and you just have to face a curve in the opposite direction (see video).
He activated the TTC and the improvement is remarkable: Traction control never works (I almost doubt it won't be disabled) and you can accelerate relentlessly without fear of the system slowing the car down. It is curious to see how you drag both wheels at full throttle and the car goes where you tell it to go...miracles of electronics, I suppose.
Another of the curiosities of the Abarth is that you can brake so hard that the wheels squeal and the ABS has not yet come into operation. If you start to turn or change support quickly, the regulation begins: “clap, clap, clap, clap, clap”. This indicates that the ABS is very well calibrated to function exclusively when crashing is unavoidable: I like it! Also add that the lighting of the warnings will accompany us as soon as we brake decisivelyboth on the road and on the track. It's irritating, it should have been calibrated for harder braking.
After several laps the board-like suspension, the hard backets and the continuous pounding of the hull against the roof invite me to take a break. I glance at the fuel needle and realize I've had half a tank. The average consumption marks 25 liters / 100 km, the top that the marker can indicate so that the figure is above that value. I'm not surprised at all, seeing how little Abarth is doing.
In short, the Abarth 500 passes our circuit test with a good grade.. The fun that can be obtained at their controls is enormous. The car shows very quick reactions and has a great sporty touch, typical of much more powerful (and expensive) cars. Instead, consumption is very high to be a 1.4-liter engine and 135 hp (possibly more). Likewise, the driving position (in addition to the height of the glass roof) it is not very comfortable and the hardness of the seats take their toll, but… who can notice that when you leave with a smile from ear to ear of the track?
very good blog
The truth is that it sounds great to be only a 1.4
are you going to try it more times in the video circuit (miranda de ebro)?? you are going to test other cars in that circuit, thanks for the answers. I would like to come to see it.
Cristian
I do not think we will have this car again, perhaps in a 160 hp version in a while. In the short term I hope to have the Grande Punto Esseesse.
For us to shoot here again, two cases have to occur:
1º That we have a car worthy of putting on the circuit
2º That it coincides that they have the circuit free and let us record 🙂
I assume you're from the area, right?
All the best
Yes, I'm from miranda de ebro, and I didn't know that you did a test on this circuit until the day before yesterday, and I would have liked to attend to see it hehe, that's why I ask, if one day you will return to this circuit to do another test, that I I would like, if possible, to attend to see it at least.
Thanks for the reply.
A greeting.