Abarth must think there is no such thing as too many Fiat 500 models.
In case you haven’t noticed, all 14 Stellantis brand’s have new slogans, while Abarth’s is “Heating people up, but not planet.” It will take some time to live up that statement, as the Italian performance brand won’t make the switch to an entirely electric lineup until 2024. The company is continuing to do what it knows best: upgrade the Fiat 500.
This is the Italian city car’s previous generation, which has been in production for almost 15 years. The old 500, which is mechanically similar to the Lancia Ypsilon model, is still being produced alongside the next-gen model that will be available exclusively as an EV. Abarth is still working on the zero emission version of this cute hatchback and has just unveiled a new hotter version of its 500.
Abarth claims the F595 uses Formula 4 technology to power the engine. It is a four-cylinder, 1.4-liter engine with a Garrett turbocharger and a 9:1 geometric compression ratio. The engine produces a healthy 165 horsepower, and its peak torque is 230 Newton-meters (or 170 pound-feet), at 2,250 rpm. It can optionally be linked to a five speed automated manual transmission.
The Abarth F595 takes 7.3 seconds to sprint from 62 mph (100 km/h), using the three-pedal system, and one tenth of second with the sequential auto, which includes steering wheel shift paddles. It can reach 135 mph (217 km/h) flat after covering the 50-70 mph acceleration (80 to 112km/h) in 7.8 seconds with fifth gear.
The F595 is available in both a hatchback and convertible version. Both versions feature a Record Monza Sovrapposto Active Exhaust with two Lexus-esque, stacked exhausts at each corner. You can adjust the engine’s sound by pressing a button on your dashboard.
The three-door coupe rides on 17-inch wheels with ventilated discs at the front and rear of 284-mm. The exterior features new Rally Blue accents and is available in multiple colors. The Abarth F595 features a seven inch Uconnect infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration as standard equipment.
The UK pricing starts at PS20.305 for the hatchback with manual transmission and rises to PS24.305 for the cabriolet equipped with the sequential transmission. That works out to approximately $28,100 and $33,700 at current exchange rates.