Fiat’s Abarth unveils three new special-edition Fiat ahead of Frankfurt
Fiat has a long history and tradition with its Abarth performance division, much like BMW does with their M-Division and Mercedes-Benz AMG. And because the 500 was recently reincarnated, it should be no surprise that Fiat gave their 500 and Punto a nice Abarth treatment—something that goes together like BMW’s 3-Series and M-Performance Division.
Fiat has just unveiled the new Abarth editions of the 500 and Punto just ahead of their world debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September.
The first is the Fiat Abarth 500 “Cabrio Italia.” Fiat takes the standard 500 Cabrio but to a new level. Aside from the visual upgrades like a special blue paint job and unique wheels, the Fiat Abarth 500 Cabrio Italia also features some upgraded performance kit. This includes what Fiat calls TTC or Torque Transfer Control—a system that is described to be very similar to a limited-slip torque-vectoring diff—as well as upgraded brakes and much more. Power is supplied by the 500 EsseEsse’s 1.4L 16v turbocharged four-banger with an overboost function that is good for 160hp. Power is channeled through a new five-speed manual.
The next version is the Fiat Abarth 500 695 Competizione. Also featuring upgraded visuals and kit, the 695 Competizione is based off of the 695 Tributo Ferrari edition 500. That means the 695 Abarth 695 Competizione packs the same 1.4L 16v turbocharged four-banger good for 180hp.
Lastly, the next new Abarth is actually not a 500, but a Fiat Punto. Called the Fiat Abarth Punto SuperSport, the special edition features a unique matte black paintjob for the hood and the roof—a two-tone livery originally from Grigio Campovolo. Power is supplied by the same 1.4L MultiAir engine as the 500 and is good for the same 180hp. Other mechanical upgrades include an upgraded suspension, brakes and exhaust.
Pricing and availability have yet to be released, but we could expect such information to pop up later on at the full debut in Frankfurt.
– By: Chris Chin
