The hottest version yet of Fiat’s chic bambino, the Fiat 500, will surface at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show when Abarth unveil the Fiat 500 Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari, a limited edition that celebrates the history and shared values of Abarth and Ferrari.
The new pocket rocket from Fiat and Abarth boasts 134kW and a new sequential manual gearbox, which enables it to blast to 100kmh in less than seven seconds and on to a top speed of 225kmh.
It also has a host of features and equipment that are clearly influenced by Ferrari that enhance handling, stopping and, of course, its appearance.
Abarth and Ferrari are two great names that have contributed, with conviction and dedication, to the legend of Italian racing that is known around the world.
The tie between the two companies has been reinforced above all by the exhaust systems designed by Abarth specifically for the cars built at Maranello: numerous exhaust systems have been made for various Ferrari models, some of which have won World Championship titles.
The two brands have recently renewed their collaboration.
The first result of this was the supply of a limited and numbered series of Abarth 500’s to Ferrari’s European dealers in recent months for use as customer courtesy cars.
This joint program has now given birth to the Fiat 500 Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari, an exclusive vehicle that not only enables Abarth to extend its range by entering into the luxury sports car market, but also offers Ferrari customers an exciting small car for all their mobility needs, including city use.
The new Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is distinguished by a number of styling changes, but more importantly by substantial modifications developed by Abarth and Ferrari engineers.
The engine, for a start, is a 1.4-litre Turbo T-Jet 16v, tuned to develop 134kW, which is combined with a Manual Transmission Automated (MTA) sequential manual gearbox with race-inspired paddle gearshift that makes full use of the engine’s performance by reducing gearshift times.
To improve acceleration, the car is fitted with performance tyres on 17-inch alloy wheels in a design inspired by Ferrari wheels.
The suspension and braking systems have also been strengthened to cope with the extra power and include multi-section discs with fixed four-piston calipers, both by Brembo, and special shock absorbers.
As well there is a Record Monza variable back-pressure, dual-mode exhaust, designed to improve engine performance and deliver an inspiring sound over 3000rpm.
On the outside, the car is finished in Scuderia Red, with carbon fibre door mirrors and with details like the wheels and rear air intakes in Racing Grey.
The interior is also personalised with Abarth Corsa by Sabelt seats finished in black leather with a shell and seat base in carbon fibre.
