Tarmac Magazine : Road > Rally

Fiat 500 695 Tributo Ferrari: 134kW and 0-100>7 secs!

Posted : 09/09/2009

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PRESS RELEASE:

The Frankfurt International Motor Show will see the launch of the hottest version yet of Fiat’s chic bambino, the Fiat 500, when Abarth unveil on 15 September 2009 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 (180hp) and a new sequential manual gearbox, which enables it to blast to 100km/h in less than seven seconds and on to a top speed of 225 kmh. 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 legendary men behind both marques followed very similar careers: first drivers, then tuners and finally heads of companies that command genuine respect in the world of motor racing. These extraordinary men were associated in the past: in 1953, for example, a unique Ferrari-Abarth was born, the Ferrari 166/250 MM Abarth. The car raced in various international trophies including the legendary Mille Miglia. 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 500s to Ferrari’s European dealers in recent months for use as customer courtesy cars.

This joint programme has now given birth to a new baby, 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 a small but exciting small car for all their mobility needs, including practical urban mobility.

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 Turbo T-Jet 16v, tuned to develop over 134kW/180hp. This is combined with an MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) 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 featuring a design inspired by Ferrari wheels. The suspension and braking systems have also been strengthened to cope with the extra power: 284 mm multi-section discs with fixed four-piston calipers, both by Brembo, and special shock absorbers let you enjoy performance in total safety.

And of course there is a “Record Monza” variable back-pressure “dual mode” exhaust, designed to improve engine performance and deliver an inspiring sound over 3,000 rpm.

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. This new Abarth is equipped with Xenon headlights with dipped and main beam functions for improved light emission and excellent efficiency under all weather conditions. Made by Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting, these elements deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen lamp headlights.

The interiors are also personalised and demonstrate the attention to detail and the sporting style that are common to both brands. “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” seats are fitted and finished in black leather with a shell and seat base in carbon fibre. These seats offer a perfect blend of racing characteristics – light weight (10 kg less than the standard seat) and the ability hold the body steady against lateral and longitudinal forces, thanks to body support elements filled with crush-resistant foam – with the ergonomics and comfort of road seats.

The black leather steering wheel is characterised by red leather inserts and a tricolour hub on which the MTA gearshift paddles are mounted, while the instrument panel is specially made by Jaeger, and inspired by typical Ferrari instrumentation. Attention to detail has gone into the floor too: the foot wells are covered entirely in non-slip aluminium and the racing pedals are personalised with the Scorpion logo. The interior is embellished with other details too, like special kick plates and a plate bearing the vehicle series number.

Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari”

Engine

• 4 cylinders in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368 cc.

• Power output: over 134kW/180 HP at 5,750 rpm

• Peak torque 230 Nm at 3,300 rpm.

• Turbocharged with fixed geometry Garrett 1446 turbocharger.

Transmission

• 5-speed C510 gearbox.

Suspension

• Front: MacPherson struts with anti-roll bar.

• Rear: wheels interconnected through a torsion beam with anti-roll bar.

• Lowered sports setup with special shock absorbers

Steering system

• Electric power steering with SPORT setting.

Brakes

• Brembo fixed front calipers with 4 x ø 36/40 mm pistons

• Self-ventilated, multi-section front discs, diameter 285 x 28 mm.

• Floating rear calipers with single ø 34 mm pistons.

• 240 mm diameter x 11 mm rear discs.

• HP 1000 high performance front brake pads

Wheels

• Special Abarth Style 7”x17” ET 35 wheels

• 205/40 ZR17 tyres.

Ecology

• Complies with Euro 5 EEC-F5 standard.

CO₂ emissions 155 g/km

Performance

• Top speed – 225 km/h.

• Acceleration 0-100 km/h in under 7 seconds.