Since its introduction in 2016, the Abarth 124 Spider has only been available with a soft-top convertible roof — but that’s set to change. Introducing the 124 GT, the first hard-top version of the Italian sports car.
The 124’s sister car, the Mazda MX-5, received a retractable hard-top option with the RF — but this one is a bit different. This roof is a fixed unit made entirely of carbon-fibre, which requires manual removal and separate stowage when not on the car.
That may sound like a pain, but the result is a stiffer and lighter car and therefore more performance with both the roof on or off compared with the standard car.
To further distinguish the GT from the regular Spider, the special edition also receives 17-inch OZ alloy wheels which are three kilograms lighter than those found on the base car, along with an exclusive ‘Alpi Orientali Grey’ livery.
Carried over from the regular Abarth 124 Spider is the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 168bhp and 250Nm of torque, capable of taking the car from 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds and up to a 144mph top speed. Giving the engine a distinctive voice is the standard inclusion of the ‘Record Monza’ exhaust, which Abarth says delivers “a satisfying, deep roar”.
Expect pricing and availability to be announced following the Abarth 124 GT’s debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, taking place from March 6-18, where it will appear alongside the Abarth 695 Rivale drop-top hot hatch.
