03.07.2008
This may sound like an end of class announcement for a Hotel & Catering HND, but next week DR is going Italian. Well, mostly Italian.
Myself and Richard Meaden will be tasting, sorry testing products from opposing ends of the Fiat empire. He gets the new Quattroporte S, and I get the potentially delicious Fiat 500 Abarth.
Is there anything specific you want to know about either?
The Quattroporte is pretty familiar now, but the motor from the 8C should give it a welcome hint of afterburner.
But I’m all fired-up for this Abarth. I doubt it’ll teach a Clio Cup much in the driving department, but it should be a very, very desirable package. And it’s arriving just when people are looking at cheaper, smaller alternatives to their current cars. I will of course spend a few fleeting seconds assessing the cabin, styling and all the other boring tat, then use the rest of the day trying to see what slip angles it can sustain. Only joking. Oh, and if one of you neglects to ask me if the front seats are as outrageous as those in the old Strada Abarth, I will report back regardless.
Nearly forgot to mention that old Bovingdon is driving the new Mini Cooper S Works, but that didn’t really fit with my ‘Italian’ intro, so I didn’t mention it there. But if you want to know something specific about the Mini-that-should-be-called-a-Maxi, add a comment here.
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25 Comments
Drivers Republic test the JCW - Mini Torque
July 3, 2008[...] Drivers Republic test the JCW 10th July at Donington I believe … look forward to hearing what Jethro thinks! DRIVERS-REPUBLIC.COM – Drivers Republic is a digital publication containing a website and digital ma… [...]
Jorge Amorim
July 3, 2008I’m very curious about the new ‘real works mini’. Is it just a more powerful cooper s? Or is it the real works GP successor? And if so, is it any usable or just a trackday toy?
Also, I’m wondering how effective the electronic LSD (using individual wheel braking if I’m not mistaken) really is onthe road and how it compares with the mechanical LSD offered as an option for the regular cooper S. Finally, the works suspension… too racecar for the road?
Anyway, happy lift-off oversteering Jethro.
Jorge Amorim
July 3, 2008I’m very curious about the new ‘real works mini’. Is it just a more powerful cooper s? Or is it the real works GP successor? And if so, is it any usable or just a trackday toy?
Also, I’m wondering how effective the electronic LSD (using individual wheel braking if I’m not mistaken) really is onthe road and how it compares with the mechanical LSD offered as an option for the regular cooper S. Finally, the works suspension… too racecar for the road?
Anyway, happy lift-off oversteering Jethro.
bule1101
July 3, 2008Please make sure to compare the quattroporte with established rivals like the m5 and e63. Also please try to give us an oppinion if it could be used on a daly basis, covering about 35000 miles per year. Tnx!
bule1101
July 3, 2008Please make sure to compare the quattroporte with established rivals like the m5 and e63. Also please try to give us an oppinion if it could be used on a daly basis, covering about 35000 miles per year. Tnx!
Alan
July 3, 2008Chris, there is no doubt that the Abarth will be very desirable. I would be interested in how realistic it is as a day to day package if tempted to downsize. Obviously it will not have the capacity of an E class estate but can you still get a child in the back when needed, can you occasionally use the boot for dog(s), golf clubs, trip to garden centre etc.
Alan
July 3, 2008Chris, there is no doubt that the Abarth will be very desirable. I would be interested in how realistic it is as a day to day package if tempted to downsize. Obviously it will not have the capacity of an E class estate but can you still get a child in the back when needed, can you occasionally use the boot for dog(s), golf clubs, trip to garden centre etc.
Pedro Sousa
July 3, 2008I’me still cofused about the engine on the 500 abarth. Sure it is the 1.4 turbo, but in what setup? 150, 180 bhp?…
The rest was ask already: how does it feel as a daily car or maybe for long distances?
Good testing
Pedro Sousa
July 3, 2008I’me still cofused about the engine on the 500 abarth. Sure it is the 1.4 turbo, but in what setup? 150, 180 bhp?…
The rest was ask already: how does it feel as a daily car or maybe for long distances?
Good testing
Djivy
July 4, 2008If you still happen to be in Balocco on Friday (although I can’t see FIAT pairing British hacks with Belgian ones;), I’d be delighted to come and shake your hand in the Abarth, Mr. Steve. Just to thank you for DR.
Djivy
July 4, 2008If you still happen to be in Balocco on Friday (although I can’t see FIAT pairing British hacks with Belgian ones;), I’d be delighted to come and shake your hand in the Abarth, Mr. Steve. Just to thank you for DR.
Rogan Thomson
July 4, 2008I’m particularly intersted in the new JCW mini because i have one on order, and am in two minds as to whether i’ve done the correct thing. I really hope this car is good.
It would be great to hear specifically what you think of the new DTC system, especially the EDLC (electronic diff lock control). The lack of a proper LSD is controversial to say the least in the mini community.
Finally your opinion on the standard suspension, (and whether it may be worth upgrading to the JCW aftermarket setup) would be great.
My doubts are born from the fact that for the same money i could wait and get a Megane R26-R or Focus RS. What do you think is the best option?
Rogan Thomson
July 4, 2008I’m particularly intersted in the new JCW mini because i have one on order, and am in two minds as to whether i’ve done the correct thing. I really hope this car is good.
It would be great to hear specifically what you think of the new DTC system, especially the EDLC (electronic diff lock control). The lack of a proper LSD is controversial to say the least in the mini community.
Finally your opinion on the standard suspension, (and whether it may be worth upgrading to the JCW aftermarket setup) would be great.
My doubts are born from the fact that for the same money i could wait and get a Megane R26-R or Focus RS. What do you think is the best option?
JDCass
July 4, 2008I have not ordered a JCW yet but am very tempted by this little beast! Be interested to hear if you think its worth the extra 5k over the standard Coopers S.
Just to add comments to the above posts:
Are the new Brembo 4-pot brakes up to the job?
If your test car is fitted with the JCW seats, do they provide a decent level of comfort and support?
And finally, just how close is this car to the Challenge Car in terms of performance?
Have fun!
JDCass
July 4, 2008I have not ordered a JCW yet but am very tempted by this little beast! Be interested to hear if you think its worth the extra 5k over the standard Coopers S.
Just to add comments to the above posts:
Are the new Brembo 4-pot brakes up to the job?
If your test car is fitted with the JCW seats, do they provide a decent level of comfort and support?
And finally, just how close is this car to the Challenge Car in terms of performance?
Have fun!
Michael Paddock
July 4, 2008I’d love to see an article on the original 500 Abarth. When I’ve been in Italy there’s always a few nicely restored 500′s driving about and they just look fantastic!
Michael Paddock
July 4, 2008I’d love to see an article on the original 500 Abarth. When I’ve been in Italy there’s always a few nicely restored 500′s driving about and they just look fantastic!
bigedy
July 6, 2008how does both the 500 and the Works cooper s compare with the truly great hatches of recent times like the Focus RS the Clio Trophy and the Megane R26.
Im especially curious as Im thinking of selling my Trophy after 3 joyous years.
bigedy
July 6, 2008how does both the 500 and the Works cooper s compare with the truly great hatches of recent times like the Focus RS the Clio Trophy and the Megane R26.
Im especially curious as Im thinking of selling my Trophy after 3 joyous years.
Andrew Woodall
July 10, 2008Very much looking forward to your report on this car, it better be good as I’ve been waiting for sometime now to hear how it goes.
Please could you try and nail a price out of Fiat, nobody has a clue how much these are going to be and many people would dearly like to know.
Andrew Woodall
July 10, 2008Very much looking forward to your report on this car, it better be good as I’ve been waiting for sometime now to hear how it goes.
Please could you try and nail a price out of Fiat, nobody has a clue how much these are going to be and many people would dearly like to know.
Alan
July 10, 2008It is being widely reported as costing £13.5k, sounds tempting. I hope the report is coming soon !!
Alan
July 10, 2008It is being widely reported as costing £13.5k, sounds tempting. I hope the report is coming soon !!
Seren
July 13, 2008Hey… not to complain, but this was posted a week ago…
something come up?
Seren
July 13, 2008Hey… not to complain, but this was posted a week ago…
something come up?