Fiat has a proud motorsport history that stretches back to middle of last century. Some of you may recall the famous Abarth 500 models that participated in all forms of racing. That illustrious partnership has been revived and as of last week fans of the cute little city car can now buy themselves a 500 Abarth.
The new range of performance derivatives heads up the Fiat 500 line-up and features a 1,4-litre turbocharged engine. Maximum power is quoted as 99 kW (103 kW in cabriolet form) with a peak torque value of 206 N.m available with the “sport” button engaged.
Fiat claim a top speed of 205 km/h with a zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time of 7,9 seconds. Even more impressive is the quoted combined cycle fuel consumption figure of just 5,4 litres/100 km.
If those figures are not quite enough for you can opt for the Esseesse (pr: SS) upgrade kit is available at a cost of R37 000. This kit bumps maximum power up to 118 kW at 5750 r/min with maximum torque increased to 230 N.m at 3 000nr/min. The Esseesse models have top speeds of 211 or 209 km/h for the cabrio with acceleration from 0-100 km/h reduced to just 7,4 seconds or 7,6 seconds for the droptop.
Apart from the upgraded powerplant there are several stylistic indicators to differentiate the “Scorpion” models from their standard siblings. Larger alloys, a bespoke rear bumper and a roof-mounted tailgate are some of the exterior cues. Inside the cabin there is Abarth specific instrumentation along with a boost gauge, shift indicator, aluminium pedals and a leather wrapped gear lever.
For the true Italisti Fiat are also bringing in the Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari”. Drawing on the link between the two brands this model is available in only two colours – both borrowed from Ferrari’s pallet – Scuderia Red and Modena Yellow. The alloys are inspired by Ferrari as well. Xenon headlamps and bespoke badges also characterise this model from the other Abarth offerings.
Bespoke front seats feature carbon shells, for a weight saving of 10 kg per side. Other model-specific items include a steering wheel that features the Italian flag motif, an instrument cluster crafted by Jaeger and metal kick plates.
Under the bonnet the 1,4-litre engine has been upgraded to offer 132 kW. With the sole transmission option being the MTA performance is quoted as 7 seconds for the zero-to 100 km/h dash with a top speed of 225 km/h.
Only 25 Tributo models are destined for South Africa and the price for this Ferrari-inspired exclusive model is R550 000…
For a full account of the Fiat Abarth Esseese edition’s behaviour on road and track grab a copy of our January issue. The feisty little car gave a good account of itself against stiff competition from the Citroën DS3 Racing and Mini Coupe Cooper S.
Specifications:
Model: Fiat 500 Abarth
Engine: 1,4-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol
Power: 99 kW at 5 500 r/min
Torque: 206 N.m at 3 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 7,9 seconds
Fuel consumption: 5,4 L/100 km
Top speed: 206 km/h
Price: R230 000
Service plan: 5 years/90 000 km
