Ferrari might seem like an unlikely candidate for a collaborative effort with Abarth, but the legendary Turin-based tuner has paid tribute to the iconic Prancing Horse stable with an even higher performance version of the Abarth 500 dubbed 695 “Tributo Ferrari”.By Kyle Kock
Actually, the relationship between the two automotive firms stems way back to the 1950s, when a unique racecar was conceived by the two companies for competition around the world, the Ferrari 166/250 MM, and before the end of the twentieth century, Abarth was designing the exhausts of some Ferrari models – even world championship winning ones.
Essentially, the Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari” is more than just a Fiat 500 that dreams of growing up to become a Ferrari; it’s being trained to be – with all the right mix of indoctrination that makes you believe it’s one too – a “passion for performance” and a “racing soul”. In fact, a few of Ferrari’s European dealers even have Abarth-tuned models as courtesy cars.
To distinguish the 695 “Tributo Ferrari” from “lesser” Abarth 500s, and make it an appropriate tribute, it’s been finished in Scuderia Red (), with carbon fibre door mirrors. The standard issue Magneti Marelli xenon headlamps provide three times the light intensity and duration of halogen lamp headlights.
The Fiat family 1,4-litre T-Jet 16-valve engine has been fed a proper dose of testosterone to produce 132 kW and 230 N.m of torque, and is mated with an MTA (manual transmission automated) electromechanical transmission with motorsport-inspired paddle gearshift for optimum acceleration. A “Record Monza” variable back-pressure exhaust has been designed to improve engine performance and deliver “inspiring” sound above 3 000 r/min. Fiat claims this Prancing Horse-in training sprints to 100 km/h from zero under seven seconds and is capable of a 225 km/h top speed.
Handling characteristics have been enhanced thanks to 17-inch alloys wrapped in sticky 205/40 performance rubber and specially-tuned shock absorbers; while 284 mm brake discs and four-piston calipers (both by Brembo) retards forward momentum.
The interior is personalised with attention to detail and sporting style commonly associated with both brands; the racing-style seats are “Abarth Corsa” pieces by Sabelt and swathed in black leather with carbon fibre seat base, the black leather steering wheel is characterised by red inserts, the instrument panel has been inspired by Ferrari instrumentation and racing pedals personalised with the Abarth scorpion logo.
