Tasty New Abarths

It seems that the chaps over in Abarth have been putting in some serious overtime lately, as they have just unveiled three new models. The iconic 500 gets two new hot versions – the 595 Turismo and the 595 Competizione. The former wears tasty two tone bodywork, 17 inch alloys and gets the slick paddle shift Competizione gearbox option. The latter Competizione edition comes with a five speed manual ‘box, very snazzy 17 inch titanium coloured rims behind which lurk some beefy Brembo brakes. Climb inside and you’ll find what to me looks like one of the nicest interiors I’ve seen in a long time. Two tone leather and alcantara Sabelt racing seats look superb and fit in well with the metal-effect cabin trim. And if that weren’t enough, you can also upgrade the brakes and suspension.

The 500’s bigger brother – the Punto – also gets a new hot version. Abarth have teamed up with Nitro (rather talented snowboard manufacturers don’t you know) to create a very cool limited edition called the Scorpione. Sprayed up in a gloss AND matte black combo, it also gets the black treatment inside with leather Sabelt seats. Under the bonnets lies a 180 bhp 1.4 litre turbo charged motor which combined with the special exhaust propels the Scorpione to 216 km/h. Abarth & Nitro will be producing just 99 examples, so don’t expect them to hang around for long.

In the words of the late great Steve Jobs; just one more thing. The Abarth 695 Assetto Corse. Without a doubt the maddest, baddest, and fastest 500 to come out of Italy. Its 1.4 turbo engine has been fettled with to now knock out 205bhp and considering that virtually everything has been stripped out of its interior, it should prove to be madder than a bag of cats. The full spec list includes a welded in (!) FIA approved roll cage, Lexan (plastic) side windows, a single race seat and full digital motorsport instrument display, rear wing for that all important downforce, 17 inch lightweight rims, colossal brakes and race exhaust system. Oh, and its street legal.