Abarth has launched the world’s first VR ‘test drive’ pack enabling potential customers to experience the Italian sportscar brand from their sofa. With the uncertainty around ever-changing tiers, temporary travel restrictions, and dealership closures, the VR experience gives customers the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of driving an Abarth while staying in the comfort and safety of their home.
While nothing will ever compare with test driving an Abarth in the real world, the VR ‘test drive provides customers and their families a fully immersive and exhilarating alternative. The trial, which begins on February 8th, 2021, will take place from the Vospers Abarth dealership in
Exeter. If the initial trial proves successful it might be rolled out to additional dealerships across the UK.
During the trial period, an expert from the dealership will deliver an Abarth crate to the front door of the customer (taking into account all government guidelines). Inside the crate will be the VR headset preloaded with the ‘test drive’ footage and a pair of Bose headphones to ensure customers can fully experience the famous growl of the Abarth engine. Abarth branded items including a Bluetooth speaker and baseball cap are also included. In addition, a brochure also comes in the crate providing
drivers with all the detail they need on the Abarth range.
Those customers lucky enough to enjoy the in-home ‘test drive’ will virtually get behind the wheel of the new limited edition Abarth 595 Scorpioneoro. When ‘drivers’ put the headset on they will be greeted by Abarth owner and automotive influencer, Stef Vilaverde (aka @Stef_ABTV), who will host and guide them on the virtual experience.
Stef will give customers all of the key product information about the car before taking them on a drive of some of the UK’s best driving roads.
The VR experience transports viewers instantly to some of the most picturesque driving roads and locations in the UK including the sweeping bends of the Great Orme, the lakeside vista of Llyn Ogwen, and off-road adventures on Black Rock Sands.
These roads were specifically chosen by Abarth’s online community of owners, the Abarthisti, who deemed North Wales to be the prime spot to experience an Abarth. The Abarth 595 Scorpioneoro is a limited edition with only 2,000 models available globally. It pays homage to the exclusive A112 Abarth ‘Gold Ring’, better known to fans as the A112 Abarth ‘Targa
Oro’. Powered by a 165 HP T-Jet engine, the car is capable of reaching a top speed of 135 mph with an acceleration of 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds. Other standout features on the car include a unique livery, new leather seats with Scorpioneoro emblazoned in gold on the headrest, a chrome twin exhaust, and 17-inch Formula Gold alloy wheels with red hubcaps.
There are two routes to experience this world first. Firstly, those with their own VR headset can watch the 360-degree video here. Secondly, a nationwide competition to win an Oculus Quest VR headset is also running until Sunday 7th March at 11:59 pm.
Please visit https://www.abarthcars.co.uk/vr-competition to enter.
For more information on the VR ‘test drive’ from your home or to find out more about the full Abarth range, visit www.abarthcars.co.uk
