It’s not like that Ferrari modified Fiat 500 wasn’t official yesterday but nothing is as official as high-res photos and a press release to go along with it. While you’ll notice the 695 Tributo Ferrari visually sets itself apart from other Fiat 500s, what you won’t see with your eyes are the modifications made by Ferrari and Abarth.

Power for the 695 Tributo Ferrari comes from a 180-hp 1.4L Turbo T-Jet 16v engine that is mated to an MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) with race-inspired steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. Braking power comes from 284 mm multi-section discs with fixed four-piston calipers by Brembo. Abarth says that there is a “Record Monza” variable back-pressure “dual mode” exhaust, designed to boost engine performance.

The exterior of the 695 Tributo Ferrari is painted in Scuderia Red with carbon fiber mirror housings and rear air intakes in Racing Gray. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels inspired by Ferrari wheels. The model will be built in limited amounts with the interior carrying a special plate bearing the vehicle series number.

Hop over the jump for the press release.

Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari:

Press Release:

The Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari”

The Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari” makes its world debut at Frankfurt. This new performance version of the Abarth 500 confirms the link between Abarth and Ferrari based on shared values that include a passion for performance, a racing soul, attention to detail and Italian style.

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 500’s to Ferrari’s European dealers in recent months for use as “courtesy cars”.

Now, attention turns to the new 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 stylistic 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 180 HP. This is combined with an MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) electromechanical 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” 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.

- By: Kap Shah

UK publication AutoCar is reporting that Fiat is working on a Abarth version of the new 500C convertible. Sources say that unlike most convertibles that suffer from a loss stiffness in the bodyshell, the Abarth 500C will have the same roll-back canvas roof, which retains the roof rails and pillars. As a result, the car will keep its rigidity and will avoid weight gain.

Planning to go head-to-head with the Mini Cooper Cabrio, power will come a 1.4 T-Jet making 133-hp and an Esseesse model with 157-hp.

The Abarth 500C will arrive sometime in early 2010.

2009 Fiat 500C:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoCar

Celebrating Abarth’s return to the Dutch market, Fiat and Abarth have released this limited edition 500 Competizione.

Power comes from the same 1.4L 4-cylinder turbo used in the standard Fiat 500 Abarth that produces 135-hp with a peak torque of 152 lb-ft. To make it special, the Abarth Fiat 500 Competizione features a black-roof, 17-inch black alloy wheels and Abarth graphics on the side. Inside, the special-edition model gets Competizione logos with navigation, an upgraded audio system and climate control as standard.

Only 10 units of the Abarth Fiat 500 Competizione will be made with prices starting at €24,995 ($35,214 USD).

Abarth Fiat 500 Competizione:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Celebrating Karl Abarth’s centenary, Abarth has released a limited edition version of the new Abarth 500 which it’s calling the ‘DA 0 A 100.’ Only 101 units of the car will be made which pay tribute to the founder’s passion. What’s so special about this Abarth 500 besides its weird name?

On the outside the Nuvolari Grey Abarth 500 DA 0 A 100 gets Abarth stripes, a silencer with 4 terminals outlining the special exhaust pipe and chrome plated badging all around the car. Inside the limited edition Abarth 500 gets leather seats with silver stitching, leather thumb rests on the steering wheel and yes – a bunch of DA 0 A 100 badging.

The Abarth 500 DA 0 A 100 is powered by a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet engine that makes 160-hp and a peak torque of 170 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph comes in 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 131 mph. Stopping power is provided by high-performance brake pads and perforated disc brakes on the front and rear. The Abarth 500 DA 0 A 100 tides on 17-inch wheels with chrome-plated hub covers wrapped in Pirelli Pzero Nero tires.

Abarth 500 DA 0 A 100:

Abarth will be attending the 2008 Paris Motor Show to show it Fiat 500 Abarth with the “esseesse” kit that gives your 500 Abarth a little more oomph. The “esseesse” kit comes in an elegant wooden case and is sold and installed by the official network of Abarth converters.

The kit allows the 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet engine to pump out a total of 197-hp with a maximum torque of 167 lb-ft. That allows for a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 131 mph. The “esseesse” kit also gives the Fiat 500 Abarth ventilated front brake discs, perforated rear brake discs, high-performance brake pads, lowered springs, and 17-inch allow wheels wrapped in Pirelli Pzero tires.

You also get a air filter powered by BMC, four tire pressure sensors and “esseesse” badges so you can show off your “esseesseness.”

Click through for high-res images.

Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse:

Abarth, Fiat’s tuning division, is hard at work at their first Abarth-only model. Designed by Italy’s IED Design Institute, the small two-seater roadster will be based on the SS concept (shown above) and will be the first of future Abarth only models.

The guys at AutoCar have learned that Abarth has successfully struck a deal with Lotus to use the next-generation Elise underpinnings for the upcoming roadster that will arrive in Europe sometime in 2011. Sources say that using Lotus resources, Abarth will be able to cut back on in-house cost and the complexity of building a new chassis.

The lightweight two-seater will be powered by a 240 horsepower 4-cylinder turbocharged, direct-injection engine.

Source: AutoCar