New ‘Ferrari’ 500 ready to blast off!

Money may be tight right now... but Ferrari fans will be pleased to hear that ownership of the famous badge has come a few steps closer!

This is the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari – a heavily modified version of the Fiat 500-based hot hatch that’s been breathed on by expert engineers at Ferrari and Abarth, and is set to go on sale next year. Abarth boss Harald Jacob Wester revealed the new model at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and let slip more details about the world’s most desirable pocket rocket, too.

Based on the Abarth 500 Esseesse, the special edition model honours Ferrari with its red paint, Scuderia-style stripes and Ferrari badging. Under the bonnet is a 180bhp version of the standard car’s 1.4-litre turbocharged engine. That means 0-60mph in less than seven seconds. The four-cylinder unit is coupled to an MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) electromechanical gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters.

Further updates include sports suspension, a dual-mode exhaust, bigger Brembo brakes, 17-inch alloys and a sporty cabin with lightweight bucket seats and alloy pedals.
It has not been revealed how many 695 Tributo Ferrari models will be built, but a limited number are expected to come to the UK.