Fiat 695 Abarth Tributo Ferrari

The Fiat 695 Abarth Tributo Ferrari makes its world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. This new performance version of the Fiat 500 Abarth 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 known worldwide. The legendary men behind both marques followed very similar careers: first drivers, then tuners, and finally heads of companies that command genuine respect in 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 was the supply of a limited and numbered series of Fiat 500 Abarth to Ferrari's European dealers in recent months for use as "courtesy cars".

Now, attention turns to the Fiat 695 Abarth 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 functional urban mobility.

The Fiat 695 Abarth Tributo Ferrari is distinguished by several 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 a race-inspired paddle gearshift that fully uses 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 the 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 fiber door mirrors and 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 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 personalized 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 fiber. These seats offer a perfect blend of racing characteristics - light weight (10 kg less than the standard seat) and the ability to 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 characterized by red leather inserts and a tricolor hub on which the MTA gearshift paddles are mounted. At the same time, 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 aluminum, and the racing pedals are personalized with the Scorpion logo. The interior is embellished with other details, too, like special kick plates and a plate bearing the vehicle series number.