Fiat plans to launch its performance brand Abarth here in 2013. Unlike the Mini Cooper S, the company plans to make the Abarth here more affordable and price a locally configured and produced Grande Punto version at around Rs 8-9 lakh.
The Grande Punto is currently available with a 66bhp petrol variant, a 75bhp diesel variant and an 89bhp diesel edition. For Abarth, the company is most likely to use the existing 1.4-litre T-jet motor and pump up the power output to 165bhp, which should improve performance considerably. Fiat could make other changes for better handling of the car, more suitable to Indian conditions. The carmaker is likely to start with stiffening the chassis and carry on with using stiffer spring and sportier dampers, which would improve grip. Thicker anti-roll bars are expected to improve handling, while some extra stopping power is likely to be added with upgraded brakes. The car could also be the only four-door Abarth version of the Grande Punto as currently, there are no two-door versions on sale here.
The cars will most likely be sold out of 'Abarth Studios' within existing Fiat dealers, but Fiat hasn't ruled out the possibility of having exclusive Abarth dealers either.
By launching Abarth, Fiat plans to use car enthusiasts to help pump the brand up.