Abarth has unveiled its sporting-inspired take on the new Fiat 124 Spider with an uprated turbocharged engine and unmistakable Italian flair.
Developed with input from the Abarth Racing Team, the Abarth version of the 124 gets more output, Brembo brakes and Bilstein dampers, plus a louder exhaust and mechanical limited-slip differential.
Like the standard Fiat version, the Abarth 124 Spider shares the vast majority of its underpinnings with the new Mazda MX-5, albeit with an elongated bonnet, larger air intakes and a rear spoiler.
1.4-litre turbocharged engine
Riding on 17-inch grey alloy wheels, the Abarth also features LED lights and a choice of five body colours with a contrasting matt black bonnet, which sports twin humps in a nod to the original 124 Spider.
Under the bonnet, the car is powered by the same 1.4-litre MultiAir turbocharged petrol engine as in the Abarth 500, which produces 168bhp with 250Nm of torque.
It mightn’t sound like much, but given that the Abarth 124 Spider only weighs 1,060kg, it’s powerful enough to enable the car to sprint from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 143mph.
Limited-slip differential, 50/50 weight distribution
Available with either a short-throw six-speed manual gearbox or Abarth’s Sequenziale Sportivo automatic, it also features a Record Monza exhaust to make the most of its four-cylinder bark.
Driven via the rear wheels and with a limited-slip differential as standard, Abarth claims that its take on the 124 Spider will satisfy drivers who like to let it all hang loose, while still maintaining its composure.
Double-wishbone front suspension, 50/50 weight distribution and Bilstein dampers will keep the Abarth flatter in the corners than either its Fiat or Mazda counterparts, while Brembo brakes provide stopping power.
Sport-inspired interior
Inside, the car features leather seats with a pared-back control layout to reflect its sporty demeanour, along with a small-diameter steering wheel and large centrally-mounted rev counter.
Standard equipment includes cruise control, climate control and three-point seatbelts, while drivers can also specify a seven-inch touchscreen with sat-nav and a nine-speaker Bose sound system.
Available from September onwards, the new Abarth 124 Spider looks set to be a relative bargain for all its performance credentials too, with prices starting from around £30,000.
296bhp rally version
If that’s not enough, Abarth has also made a rally version of the 124 Spider, which ditches the 1.4 engine for a 296bhp 1.8-litre unit, along with hardened suspension and rally-style goodies.
Even though ithe rally car is priced from around £117,000, for a car that looks that good and promises to bring true oversteer back to the rallying world, you can certainly colour us excited.
