Fast Fiat 500 for Frankfurt

According to Fiat, this feisty little hot hatch "wants to be a Ferrari".

With a top speed of 225km/h and a zero to 100km/h sprint time of less than 7secs, it's not quite at Ferrari levels, but is nevertheless a rapid compact car and the fastest Fiat 500 yet.

Officially called the Fiat 500 Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari", the new model join a large cast of brand new cars at the Frankfurt motor show on September 15th (more like the 16th for Australian readers), each vying for the attentions of the media.

What makes this go-fast Fiat 500 so special is the Ferrari-Abarth tie-up. In 1953 the Ferrari 166/250 MM Abarth was born, going on to contest various international races such as the famous Mille Miglia, and Abarth has developed exhaust systems for Ferrari in the past.

Accordingly, the Fiat 500 Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" is equipped with a dual mode "Record Monza" variable back-pressure exhaust, which generates a louder note and is claimed to improve engine performance above 3000rpm.

Powered by a fettled 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine augmented by a fixed geometry Garrett 1446 turbocharger, the Fiat 500 Abarth 695 outputs 132kW at 5750rpm and a handy 230Nm at 3300rpm.

With a light kerb weight this allows the compact hatch to reach 100km/h in under 7secs.

Getting the power to the front wheels is a five-speed C510 automated sequential manual gearbox with paddle shifters, while the chassis benefits from a number of upgrades, including front and rear anti-roll bars, new shock absorbers and a lower ride height.

Quad-piston Brembo calipers with HP 1000 high performance brake pads work 285mm front discs, while the 240mm rear discs are clamped by single piston floating calipers. Together with the upgraded suspension, new look 17-inch Abarth alloy wheels are shod with 205/40 ZR17 tyres to help improve handling and grip levels.

The Fiat 500 Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" is distinguished by Scuderia Red paint work, carbon fibre door mirrors, numerous air intakes finished in Racing Grey and xenon headlights.

Inside the fast Fiat is a pair of light weight sports seats called "Abarth Corsa by Sabelt". Made with carbon fibre and finished with black leather, each seat shaves 10kg from the car's weight.

Even the Ferrari-inspired instrument cluster is unique, which is made by Jaeger and designed to deliver a sense of excitement. Non-slip aluminium covers the foot wells and the pedals are emblazoned with the Abarth Scorpion logo.

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