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The new Abarth sales and distribution network in Italy was officially launched on October 13th and 14th, 2007 at the headquarters in Corso Marche, Turin. The initial 31 dealerships of what will be a capillary network, testify to a world of exclusivity in terms of leading-edge technology and innovation, deeply rooted in a long-established sporting tradition. Each showroom exudes the very concepts of and references to the Abarth heritage: history, sports cars, conversion kits, accessories, merchandising and a world of racing.

Star of the dealers, obviously, is the 155 HP Grande Punto Abarth 1.4 turbo, a model which on the one hand pays homage to the Fiat cars of the past identified by the mythical Scorpion, and on the other offers the opportunity, especially to the younger generations, of approaching a sporting environment in total safety and at an accessible price: 17,800 euro (on the road).

Assembled at the factory to the exacting standards of volume industrial production, the Grande Punto Abarth is sure to provide brilliant performance: top speed of 208 km/h and acceleration 0 to 100 km/h in only 8.2 seconds.

Thus, as from today all enthusiasts can see the Grande Punto Abarth at any of the 31 dealers in Italy or at the headquarters of Corso Marche in Turin (go to www.abarth.it to find the nearest to you). Each 200 square meter dealer showroom is equipped with futuristic visual aids in the Abarth tradition.

For example, the concept is derived from the famous Abarth “conversion box”, carved in Thai wood reproducing the renowned “Abarth” shield is displayed in the front entrance. The panels behind the sales personnel desks depict the historical victories of the Scorpion exactly as they were some years ago behind the desk of Carlo Abarth.

The grey resin flooring reminds the visitor of the asphalt of race tracks. Outside the premises, the institutional colours abund: red and white, with grey details and identity features in polished stainless steel. The entrance has a rear illuminated sign with the “Abarth” logo plus a lighted scorpion in bright stainless steel also visible at night. The frontage is marked by the ever-present tricolour emphasizing the Italian origin of a product known throughout the world.

Another distinguishing trait of the Abarth tradition is technology, a designed-in feature of the product and, as of today, an essential basis of the relationship with the customer. Inside the showroom visitors will be able to select the outfit of their choice through a car configurator with innovative touch screen, subsequently printing the photo of the vehicle with attached cost estimate for subsequent review or for future reference.

But the Abarth specialists network does not end here: by the end of 2007, three more dealerships will open in Italy, for a total of 40 outfitters and 100 authorized service workshops. During 2008, sixty dealers will come on stream in 12 European countries plus Japan, with an equal number of specialist outfitters.