Hot Abarth 595 Pista races in for Geneva Motor Show
Special edition Abarth 595 keeps 158bhp 1.4-litre engine, but gains trick brakes, suspension and a telemetry system
Fiat tuning division Abarth has revealed a hot new special edition Fiat 500 at the Geneva Motor Show, in the form of the Abarth 595 Pista.
The 595 Pista uses the standard 1.4-litre T-Jet four-cylinder engine with 158bhp and 230Nm of torque, enabling a top speed of 134mph and 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds.
While there are no changes on the engine front, the 595 Pista gains drilled and ventilated disc brakes, as well as a Koni built rear suspension setup using the firm’s FSD damping technology. A racier quad tailpipe exhaust pokes out from the rear diffuser, too.
As standard the Abarth 595 Pista will feature a five-speed manual gearbox, but buyers will be able to spec an optional sequential gearbox with paddleshifters mounted on the wheel.
In the cabin the car gets height adjustable sports seats, an instrument binnacle featuring a seven-inch TFT display as well as a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Best hot hatches on sale 2017
Pista is Italian for track and, through the infotainment system, drivers will be able to access the Abarth Telemetry setup, pre-loaded with some of the world’s most iconic racing circuits. Detailed maps of the tracks complete with tips are available. Custom courses can be created and saved too, compatible with full data logging capabilities.
In terms of appearance, the 595 Pista stands out from the rest of the 595 range with colour contrasting parts such as the rear bumper insert, mirrors and brake calipers. Matt black 17-inch alloy wheels feature alongside Pista badging. No prices have been revealed, but it’ll be available in 595C cabriolet form, too.
The 595 Pista wasn't be the only special edition Abarth on the firm’s stand at Geneva, and a sportier 124 Abarth Spider will be on show, too.
Called the 124 Abarth Spider Scorpione, no changes come under the bonnet – the rear-wheel-drive sports car still uses a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder with 167bhp. However, it gains the same active sports exhaust system as the 595 Pista, as well as the option of a sequential transmission. Black microfibre and leather seats are found in the cabin, and two retro paint colour schemes – “1972 San Marino Black” and “1975 Turini White” are mated to grey exterior detailing.
What do you think of the 595 Pista? Let us know in the comments below.
Find a car with the experts
