Fiat’s seasoned Abarth hot hatch has received countless special editions to keep the funky and retro-styled model relevant. The latest iteration of the model now pays tribute to the Fiat 131 Rally which enjoyed great success in its competition appearances off-road.
It is forty years since the boxy 131 Rally with its flared arches and enormous front spot-lights performed in its last official WRC race – ending off an era for the Italian marque. To limited knowledge in the current day, Fiat managed considerable success in its time competing. The rear-wheel driven coupe won no less than three-WRC manufacturers titles and two drivers’ championships between the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Motorsport icon Walter Röhrl won the manufacturers title for the last time in 1980. 
The special edition Abarth seeks to embrace this rally heritage that brought Fiat tantamount fame and sales at the infancy of the WRC series although not too much has changed under the skin. The Abarth 695 Tributo 131 Rally as it is to be known makes use of the same 1,4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 134 kW and 250 N.m of torque. For interest’s sake, the original Fiat 131 Abarth from half a century ago managed 103 kW and 172 N.m from its 2-litre four-cylinder engine although its low kerb weight of 980 kg made it nimble in most rally stages. The newest addition into the Abarth stables is a touch heavier, despite its diminutive looks, tipping the scales at 1065 kg. 
Watch both models enjoying an empty circuit together here.
The new model will be limited to 695 examples with a considerable price of A price of €35,000 will be required by the inquiring enthusiasts. This price includes a Record Monza Sovrapposto exhaust, diamond-cut 17-inch alloys and three-layer Blue Rally paint shown here. The undeniably cool and adjustable ‘Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile’ has also been thrown on the rear end, with its most aggressive angle proudly displaying the Abarth lettering. 
The next Fiat 500 Abarth is scheduled to be electric, with some early prototypes spotted testing around the surrounding factory roads and parking lots in Italy.
