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Abarth debuts in Brazil with the brand’s first-ever SUV
- The model marks Abarth’s return to the country.
- The first compact SUV from the Scorpion brand is the fastest compact SUV in Brazil.
-Equipped with a T270 turbo engine, it is capable of reaching 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, with a top speed of 215 km/h.
- It is a true Abarth. The model has suspensions, brakes, a gearbox, engine, tyres, and steering which has been specially developed to guarantee all of the brand’s sportiness.
- The New Abarth Pulse comes standard with items such as dual sports exhaust, a 10.1" multimedia centre with connected services, paddle shifters, automatic emergency braking, an electronic handbrake with Auto Hold, a wireless charger, automatic headlight switching, and lane-change warning.
With over 70 years of experience, Abarth is now preparing to write a new chapter in its history with the brand's first-ever SUV, developed and produced at Stellantis' Automotive Pole in Betim (MG). The brand has already marketed two vehicles in Brazil before. In 2002, there was the more powerful version of the Stilo and, in 2014, the iconic 500 Abarth.
To mark the launch of Abarth in Brazil, the brand is relying on a series of initiatives. Firstly, the announcement of its return was made on the reality show with the highest number of viewers in the country: Big Brother Brazil 2022. The SUV was first unveiled on the show. To further reinforce its position, Abarth became the Godfather car of Formula 4, a category sponsored by the brand which made its debut in the country in 2022 to further highlight its DNA: a world of racing tracks, speed, and emotion.
In addition, there was also investment in infrastructure for the launch of the brand. The network of Abarth dealers is planned to increase to 60 points of sale (48 of which are already operational). Present in all regions of Brazil and in most states, they not only bear the Scorpion logo, but also carry all the brand's visual identity and are backed by a team trained to deal with sports lovers.
An authentic Abarth with a sporty design, souped-up performance, and provocative steering, the New Abarth Pulse features a Turbo 270 engine – the fastest in Brazil in its category. The model is so fully loaded that it requires no optional extras. It leaves the factory with features such as a double sports exhaust, an Infotainment system with a 10.1" touchscreen with connected services, paddle shifters, automatic emergency braking, an electronic handbrake with Auto Hold, a wireless charger, automatic headlight switching, and lane-change alert.
Design
The Pulse's already award-winning design has been given an extra dose of sportiness. It is more robust and comes with red trims – the brand’s trademark colour. It also features a side strip with a signature echoing speed and dynamism. The rear-view mirror and red line detail on the front bumper also echo the same styling and colour. Naturally, the Abarth logo is featured both on the side and front. The Fiat Flag is also featured on the radiator grille. It also sports exclusive 17" racing wheels with distinctive arches, greater width, and unique centre caps.
The front of the SUV also features lines that highlight the model's sturdiness, including an upper applique with a carbon fibre design and the floating radiator grille with dedicated air vents for greater efficiency. Additionally, it showcases improved aerodynamics via its air curtain and a lower and wider front bumper. At the rear, it features an Abarth signature super sport shark antenna and a rear bumper that reinforces Abarth’s Racing DNA with a 3-inch dual chrome tailpipe with the brand's trademark rumble.
The uniqueness of its souped-up DNA is also marked by its dark interior. The imposing Scorpion symbol is present in 13 points, including at the back of the seats, centre of the steering wheel, dashboard logo, on a label on the gearstick, and even on the engine cover. Naturally, the distinctive red Abarth colour comes as standard. The exclusive seats in black eco-leather, the armrest, and the steering wheel all feature the same stitch detail as the gearstick knob. Highlighting the SUV's unique finish, it also sports a red stripe on the dashboard, which is called back on the letter "E" in its name, Pulse, on the rear logo, which is also red.
Furthermore, the central console gets the most out of the space and features several object holders. The digital cluster is customizable and features the same sporty Abarth styling. The model is available in Banchisa White, Strato Grey, Montecarlo Red and Volcano Black, with external details in red. The Montecarlo Red options come in grey or black details.
Performance
It is capable of reaching 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds (ethanol version), with a top speed of 215 km/h (ethanol). Its weight-power ratio is 6.9 kg/cv. In line with the brand’s philosophy, the model is tailor-made. Developed on the MLA platform, the Pulse Abarth features special upgrades, such as a new gearbox calibration that makes gear changing faster and sportier. The suspension brings more stability and drivability, with springs and shock absorbers up to 13% firmer. The front suspension has been given a new layout and now features a larger stabiliser bar for greater stability. Torsional rigidity has been increased in the rear axle (+15%). Body roll is also 10% smaller, which helps keep the height high.
Equipped with wider wheels (17") for more stability and increased adherence, the model also features new and more direct, precise steering. The braking system has also been resized to keep it in line with the Abarth philosophy. Even the engine has a sportier sound, thanks to the new exhaust design. This was achieved through meticulous improvements to perfect tuning for a vibrant and exciting sound. Standing at a ground clearance of 217 mm, the model has the height of a true Sports Utility Vehicle.
Three driving modes are available on the SUV: Normal with a focus on sportiness and comfort, Manual focusing on versatility and personality, and the brand-exclusive Poison which features a quick and souped-up response and greater driving pleasure. Indeed, in Poison mode, the special throttle map of the SUV allows it to reach the same speed in 60% of the time when compared to Normal mode.
Poison mode can be activated by means of a special button on the steering wheel. Its remarkable steering load allows for tighter driving, with more pronounced progression at higher speeds. Its dynamic torque vectoring system spreads the torque to the wheels during cornering, making the vehicle more exciting and engaging to manoeuvre. It also features a sporty gearstick, allowing for faster gear changes and automatic gear reduction during braking to help with engine braking and selecting the most appropriate gear to resume acceleration. Traction and stability controls are now less intrusive, and thus offer an even sportier driving experience.
Safety and Technology
Safety and technology have not been overlooked in the Pulse Abarth. It features many options as standard, which, in other models in the category, are offered as optional extras. The Infotainment system with a 10.1" touchscreen comes with Connect////Me, a connected services platform with over 30 features. The user can access information relating to the vehicle, such as diagnostics and location by smartphone, smartwatch or even through a personal assistant such as Alexa or Google Assistant.
In addition, the Pulse Abarth comes equipped with ADAS (advanced driving assistance systems) with the following features: automatic headlight switching, lane-change alert and automatic emergency braking. It also has an automatic electronic parking brake with Auto Hold, which keeps the brake on after you take your foot off the pedal, making driving more comfortable. The model also features front and side chest and head airbags for driver and passengers as standard.
The Pulse Abarth features a paddle gearshift, also known as a "butterfly gearshift", located behind the steering wheel which allows you to change gears with a simple touch. The SUV even comes with a wireless charger for smartphones (induction charger), an Abarth-specific 7" full digital cluster displaying information such as turbo pressure, G-force and power on the main screen, digital automatic air-conditioning, full led automatic headlights and taillights, rain sensors with automatic wiper activation and Keyless Entry'n Go. To top it off, on ignition, you are welcomed by an Abarth animation on the cluster display and the multimedia centre screen.
Turin, November 22, 2022
Source:
Abarth debuts in Brazil with the brand’s first-ever SUV
The model marks Abarth’s return to the country. The first compact SUV from the Scorpion brand is the fastest compact SUV in Brazil. Equipped with a T270 turbo engine, it is capable of reaching 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, with a top speed of 215 km/h.
www.media.stellantis.com
