GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Abarth 124 Spider
Abarth version of Mazda MX-5 based Fiat 124 Spider revealed; may be the only one sold hereWe saw the Fiat 124 Spider at last November's Los Angeles motor show and now the Italian car-maker has revealed a hotter Abarth version of the Mazda MX-5 based roadster – and it could be the only iteration offered in Australia.
The Abarth Spider is powered by an upgraded version of the Fiat-badged version's 105kW/240Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, with 126kW and 250Nm now on tap.
That's not quite the 177kW output of the Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe's 1.7-litre turbo-petrol engine, which was widely tipped to power the Scorpion-badged 124, but it's up on both the 95kW 1.5- and 118kW 2.0-litre engines in the Mk4 MX-5.
As such, the Abarth-tuned 124 Spider is claimed to be able to hit 100km/h in as little as 6.8 seconds – down from 7.5 seconds in the standard Fiat 124 Spider – on its way to a top speed of 230km/h.
Kerb weight is up from 1009kg in the base Mazda to 1060kg, but Abarth still claims a class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 6.2kg/hp and 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, "which translates in great agility and performance".
Six-speed manual and six-speed 'Sequenziale Sportivo' paddle-shift automatic transmissions will be available, and standard equipment will include a mechanical limited-slip differential and, 'Abarth by Bilstein' dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars and Brembo brakes with aluminium front callipers.
"Furthermore, the sound of engine really matters in an Abarth car, so the Record Monza exhaust come equipped as standard, generating a beautiful growling sound," says Abarth.
Cosmetically, there are more aggressive bumpers – with larger intakes up front – plus LED headlights and tail-lights, a rear spoiler, wind stop, 17-inch alloy wheels and Forgiato Grey windscreen surround and roll bars.
Five body colours will be offered (solid Turini 1975 White and Costa Brava 1972 Red, and metallic Isola d'Elba 1974 Blue, Portogallo 1974 Grey and San Marino 1972 Black), all punctuated by a 'Racing Anti-glare kit' comprising matt-black treatments on the bonnet and boot lid.
Inside, there's a 'Racing Alcantara Kit' providing a darker theme and more seat grip, and an individually numbered metal build plate.
As in top-spec MX-5s, other standard equipment will comprise a 7.0-inch colour display, satellite-navigation, climate-control, four-speaker audio with MP3/USB/AUX/Bluetooth connectivity, DAB digital radio, reversing camera, cruise control and power windows/mirrors.
A premium nine-speaker Bose sound system including dual head restraint speakers and a subwoofer will be available.
Built in Hiroshima by Mazda alongside the MX-5, the 124 Spider may only come to Australia in Abarth form later this year.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Australia is yet to announce local pricing or timing, but an Abarth-only strategy would allow it to position the 124 roadster above all four of Mazda Australia's MX-5 variants.
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