Fiat Chrysler has confirmed the Abarth 695 Rivale will make its way Down Under in 2019, with prices starting from $44,990 plus on-road costs for the limited-edition hot hatch.

Drawing inspiration from the luxurious Riva Yachts, just 35 examples will hit our shores in both hatch and convertible form with a number of unique trim and equipment upgrades.

On the outside, the Rivale is differentiated by its grey 17-inch Super Sport alloy wheels, satin chrome exterior highlights, xenon headlights, and Rivale badging, while a distinct wood-trimmed dashboard, blue leather upholstery, and a unique infotainment interface highlight the interior upgrades.

Additionally, those who opt for the convertible will also get a blue soft-top to complement the rest of the package.

Mechanically, the 695 Rivale is unchanged from the 595 Competizione it’s based upon, meaning it sports the same 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 132kW/250Nm and is backed by either a five-speed manual or a robotised version of the same transmission.

While deliveries aren’t expected until late in Q1 2019, you’ll want to get in quick to secure one of the strictly limited units as the order books are now open.

Pricing

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Abarth Australia has introduced a fitting tribute to founder Carlo Abarth’s history of endurance and speed record success at Italy’s Autodromo Nazionale Monza in the form of a limited edition 124 Spider – dubbed the Monza Special Edition.

Based on the 2018 Abarth 124 Spider, the Monza Edition will be limited to just 30 units. Each individual example will be identified by its own unique numbered plaque installed in the cockpit. The plaque is crafted of brushed aluminium with a laser etched finish, and features the Monza circuit map.

Exclusively presented in only three colours, the 124 Spider Monza Edition paintwork options pay homage to 124 Spider victories in the European Rally Championships; Turini 1975 White, Costa Brava 1972 Red and San Marino 1972 Black.

Additional panache is reflected in the 124 Spider Monza Edition’s exterior with the fitment of gloss red exterior mirror covers.

The style extends to the interior with each 124 Spider Monza Edition featuring stylish leather trimmed seats in two-tone black and red, with red stitching and Abarth logos stitched into the upper backrests.

The 124 Spider Monza Edition also comes standard with Abarth’s Visibility Pack, which adds comfort and safety features such as Auto Levelling LED headlamps, LED Daytime Running Lamps, Adaptive Front Light System, ParkSense Rear Park Assist System, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The Record Monza exhaust system is the quintessential nod to Carlo Abarth. Its powerful and hard-hitting sound is the result of Dual Mode technology, with quad tips and an aggressive design that delivers the unique sound of the Abarth 124’s 125kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine.

The Dual Mode Exhaust System technology involves the use of a two-way valve, mechanically actuated, fitted upstream of the exhaust tailpipes and adapted to create a sportier exhaust note.

Range & Pricing

Abarth 124 Spider Monza Edition Driveaway Pricing for the June selling period will be as follows:

$46,950 – manual transmission, (white paint)

$48,950 – auto transmission, (white paint)

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Abarth has announced it will be bringing a special edition version of its 124 Spider, dubbed the Abarth 124 GT, to the Geneva Motor Show.

The model will come dressed in an exclusive Alpi Orientali Grey paintwork complimented by a set of 17-inch OZ alloy wheels that are 3kg lighter than the standard items.

What’s unique about the 124 GT is its dual personalities of coupe and roadster in one. The manual soft top is combined with a lightweight hard top made of carbon fibre, making it the only roadster in the market with this feature. The hard top weighs just 16kg and features a lined ceiling and a rear window with defroster.

Other highlights include gun metal mirror caps that matches the front spoiler and a matte black bonnet that harks back to the classic Abarth 124 Rally where it is employed to prevent the driver from being dazzled by the sun. A carbon fibre rear spoiler and mirror caps are also offered.

Underneath the bonnet, the 124 GT retains the regular model’s turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 125kW and 250Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a mechanical limited-slip differential that enables the car to hit 100km/h in 6.8 seconds. The dual-mode Record Monza exhaust system comes as standard to ensure a soundtrack to match.

The 124 GT will be offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic when it hits the market.

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Meet the Giannini 350 GP4, a steroid feasting Fiat 500 that’s ditched its cutesy looks and spent the winter pumping iron at the gym.

Prepared by Giannini in collaboration with GRAM (Gram Torino Engineering), the 350 GP4 is an evolution of the Alfa Romeo 4C-powered 350 GP (white car below) which made its debut a few months ago at the Turin Motor Show.

While the 350 GP featured a rear-engine (yes, it lives where the rear seats used to be), rear-wheel drive layout, the 350 GP4 gets a more conventional front-engine layout, but gains a grippy all-wheel drive system.

Giannini hasn’t released details of the car’s powerplant except that it produces the same 257kW as its RWD counterpart.

On the styling front, the car features a menacing wide body kit made of carbon fibre with numerous vents, along with a massive rear diffuser with red vertical fins to match the twin exhaust tips. The car’s windows have also been replaced with Plexiglas to reduce weight.

According to Giannini, the 350 GP4 is currently undergoing testing and more details, including its pricing, will be released at the end of the testing phase. For reference, the rear-wheel drive 350 GP costs an eye watering €150,000 ($A228,014).

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Abarth has introduced its updated Abarth 595 in Australia. Available in both hatch and convertible variants, the pocket rocket is offered in 595 and 595 Competizione trims.

Originally launched in 2008, the updated Abarth 595 is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine delivering 107kW in the 595, and 132kW in the Competizione. The engine is paired with either manual or sequential robotised transmission.

Significant upgrades includes improved aerodynamics – offering an 18 percent improvement in cooling efficiency, improved sport oriented ergonomic steering wheel position and new polyelliptical headlights.

Standard equipment includes the new Uconnect 5-Inch colour touchscreen radio, Bluetooth navigation and audio streaming, integrated voice control, UConnect Live services and an included AM/FM/DAB.

The Abarth 595 offers customers the opportunity to upgrade to the powerful and sophisticated BeatsAudio system with seven speakers. Developed in collaboration with Beats by Dr. Dre, the BeatsAudio system boasts an impressive total output of 440 watts and features a digital eight-channel amplifier integrating an advanced equalisation algorithm claimed to be capable of recreating the entire sound spectrum that an artist experiences during studio recording.

Unique design features:

• 16-inch eight spoke alloy wheels
• Body colour mirrors with power adjustment
• Satin chrome finishing (front door handle, back door handle, front and back badge support)
• Matte black front dam and rear bumper insert
• Polyelliptical front headlamps
• LED Day running lights
• Dual tip chrome exhaust

Colour palette includes Abarth Red, Gara White, Campovolo Grey, Pista Grey, Modena Yellow, as well as, further optional metallic/tri-coat paint colours.

The Abarth 595 starts from $26,990 plus on-road costs and is available to order now.

Meanwhile, the Abarth 595 Competizione comes standard with front & rear Koni Shock Absorbers and a carbon fiber/Alcantara steering wheel with viewfinder and new controls.

Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 6.7 seconds. Other additional upgrades include four-piston front Brembo brakes, with BMC Panel Air Filter, red painted calipers (front and rear) and a dual mode ‘Record Monza’ exhaust.

It also comes with five two-tone body colours including Scorpione Black/Gara White with red liner, Scorpione Black/Podio Blue with white liner, Scorpione Black/Record Grey with white liner, Pista Grey/Abarth Red with white liner and Pista Grey/Campovolo Grey with white liner.

Unique design features:

• 17-Inch “Corsa” alloy wheels
• Tar Cold Grey external mirrors with power adjustment
• Tar Cold Grey finishing (front door handle, back door handle, front and back badge support)
• Tar Cold Grey front dam and reader bumper insert
• Tar Cold Grey “Abarth” side stickers
• Red painted brake calipers (front Brembo)
• Dual Mode Quad tip “Record Monza” exhaust
• Leather sport seating
• Available Sabelt seat in cloth or leather/Alacantra

The Abarth 595 Competizione is priced from $31,990 plus on-road costs and is also available for order now.

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Fiat Chrysler Australia has announced the pricing for the Abarth 124 Spider, which is hitting local showrooms in October.

The drop-top will kick-off from $41,990 plus-on roads for the six-speed manual, with the six-speed automatic commanding an additional $2,000.

However, to sweeten the deal even further, the Abarth 124 Spider will be offered at a drive-away price of $43,500 for the six-speed manual, and $45,500 drive-away for the 6-speed auto.

To celebrate the return of the iconic nameplate, Fiat has also introduced 100 commemorative Launch Editions at no extra costs. They get special contrasting bumper inserts, mirror caps and tow-hook covers, while each will be stamped with a special “1 of 100” metal plague.

The Abarth 124 Spider is powered by a Fiat 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol producing 125kW @ 5,500rpm and 250Nm @ 2,500rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a mechanical limited-slip differential.

It arrives with sports suspension, a Sport Mode selector, Brembo brakes and Bilstein shock absorbers, along with leather and Alcantara sports seats. The 124 Spider is also equipped with a chrome quad-tip sports exhaust as standard.

“The Abarth 124 Spider is not just an amazing performance vehicle, but the return of one of the world’s most iconic nameplates to Australian roads,” says FCA Australia President and CEO, Steve Zanlunghi.

“And we’re thrilled to reveal today that the most powerful vehicle in its class will offer incredible value in Australia, regardless of whether it’s in the performance-packed Abarth 124 Spider or the commemorative Launch Editions.”

The Abarth 124 Spider will be on sale in all Australian dealerships from Friday the 7th of October.

Pricing:

Abarth 124 Spider – Six-Speed Manual
MSRP: $41,990
Drive Away: $43,500

Abarth 124 Spider – Six-Speed Automatic
MSRP: $43,990
Drive Away: $45,500

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Fiat Chrysler Automobile has confirmed further performance specifications for the Abarth 124 Spider, ahead of its Australian debut in October.

Powered by the brand’s 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine delivering 125kW and 250Nm of torque and driving the rear wheels with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, the Abarth 124 Spider will dash from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds, with a rated top speed of 230km/h.

The car’s performance is boosted even further by setting “Sport” mode on the driving mode selector, which adjusts throttle response and steering inputs.

To back its performance credentials, the Mazda MX-5-based Italian roadster will come equipped with a mechanical limited-slip differential, sport suspension, Brembo brakes and Bilstein shock absorbers. The iconic Abarth soundtrack accompanies every drive, thanks to a chrome quad-tip sports exhaust as standard. For even greater aural sensation, the optional dual-mode Monza exhaust can be fitted.

The Abarth 124 spider promises best-in-class agility and dynamics with much of the weight concentrated between the axles. Lightweight construction contributed to a kerb weight of just 1,060kg, which results in a weight-to-power ratio of 6.2 kg/horsepower, and perfect 50/50 weight distribution in running order.

Abarth customers can now visit www.abarth.com.au/124spider to register their interest, and to discover preliminary specification, safety and personalisation options. Pricing and full specification detail will be revealed closer to the vehicle’s local launch in October.

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Fiat has released more details on their Abarth 124 Spider, which is set to hit local showrooms later this year.

Powered by the brand’s 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine delivering 125kW and 250Nm of torque, the Abarth 124 Spider will dash from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds, with a rated top speed of 230km/h.

To match the scintillating performance, the 124 is equipped with a sports exhaust as standard, with a dual-mode Record Monza exhaust offered as an option.

To ensure all driving styles are catered for, the Mazda MX-5 based Italian roadster will be available with a six-speed manual, or with a six-speed automatic transmission that is said to have been careful tuned to exploit all of the engine’s torque. A set of steering wheel mounted paddles also comes with automatic models.

According to Fiat, the car’s performance is boosted even further by setting “Sport” mode on the driving mode selector, which adjusts throttle response and steering inputs.

Pricing and full specification detail will be revealed closer to the vehicle’s local launch in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Abarth customers can now visit www.abarth.com.au/124spider to register their interest, and to discover preliminary specification, safety and personalisation options.

Fiat has also released the first clip of the Abarth 124 in action via the video below.

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The Abarth 595 has been given a boost in power output and equipment levels in a mid-life facelift aimed at reasserting its iconic status as a lightweight and agile Italian pocket rocket.

Available as a hatchback or convertible, the new Abarth 595 is offered with three trim levels – 595, 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione – and three power levels.

Updates to the exterior include a redesigned front fascia with new headlights, LED daytime running lights and restyled front bumper with larger air intakes which Abarth claims increase cooling capacity by 18%. Elsewhere, the taillights have been revised and the rear bumper gains a more pronounced diffuser.

Specific bumper inserts have also been created for each trim level. They are matte black for the 595, in matching body colour on the 595 Turismo and with the tar cold grey finish on the 595 Competizione.

The new 17” Granturismo rims (standard on 595 Turismo) are 7% lighter and have over 50% more ventilating surface to the benefit of heat dissipation, claims Abarth.

Available in 15 body colours – including pastel, metallic and three-layer paints and five two-tone liveries – the colour palette of the new Abarth 595 now sees the addition of Modena Yellow, which was previously only available on the 695 Biposto.

Inside, the 595 scores new Alcantara and carbon fibre trims, new flat-bottom steering wheel and revised instrumentation panel. There is also new graphics for the fabric seats. Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto will become available upon request on Uconnect 7 infotainment system.

The biggest news, however, is the uprated 1.4-litre T-jet turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In the entry-level 595 variant, the engine now outputs 108kW (145hp) and 206Nm of peak torque, while in the 595 Turismo it now produces 123kW (165hp) and 230 Nm thanks to a new Garrett turbocharger.

The same engine is also fitted to the top-spec 595 Competizione but tweaked to produce 134kW and 230Nm, enough to propel the hot hatch from rest to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.

As standard, all variants of the 1.4 T-jet engine are paired with a mechanical five-speed gearbox but can be fitted with an Abarth robotised sequential gearbox with shift paddles.

The updated 2016 Abarth 595 range is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms later this year, with pricing and specification announced closer to launch.

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Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA), the maker of Fiat and Abarth vehicles has today unveiled a new-look Abarth line-up in Australia, with a new entry level model joining the range.

The new 103kW (140hp) Abarth 595 is now offered for the first time, bridging the gap between the vanilla Fiat 500 range and the high performance Abarth 595 Competizione, 595 Turismo, 595 50th Anniversary and 695 Biposto models.

Boasting the same aggressive styling and “small but wicked” attitude as other Abarth variants, the Abarth 595 is powered a 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine generating 103kW and 206Nm. Matched with a five-speed manual gearbox, the Italian hot hatch will sprint from zero to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds, before maxing out at a top speed of 205km/h.

With a focus on performance and functionality, the Abarth 595 comes equipped with ventilated disc brakes with red calipers, air conditioning, a 7-inch TFT display, fog lights, reverse parking sensors, 16-inch alloys, Abarth side stripe and mirror cover, steel pedals, turbo-boost gauge, Abarth fabric seats and tinted windows.

Also standard is the Abarth-tuned Torque Transfer Control (TTC) system, which is essentially a mechanical limited slip differential for the front axle, ensuring optimum traction.

Available as a hatchback or convertible and priced from $27,500 or $31,500 (plus on-roads) respectively, the new Abarth 595 completes what will be the most comprehensive Abarth line-up ever offered locally.

Abarth 595 specification

Engine

• 4 cylinders in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368cc
• Power output: 103kW at 5,500 rpm
• Peak torque in SPORT mode: 206Nm at 2,000 rpm
• ‘Drive-by-wire’ accelerator control
• Turboboost by IHI variable geometry turbo

Transmission

• 5-speed gearbox
• Dual-cable external gearbox control

Suspension and steering

• MacPherson layout at front with anti-roll bar
• Torsion beam axle with anti-roll bar
• Electric power steering, with SPORT mode
• Front suspension: Adaptive with FSD (Frequency Selective Damping)
• Abarth sports exhaust

Brakes

• Ventilated front brake discs, diameter 284 x 22 mm
• Floating CII 34 rear calliper, piston diameter 34 mm
• Solid rear brake discs, diameter 240 x 11 mm

Wheels

• Alloy rim 6.5″ x 16″ – Tyres: 195/45 R16

Interior

• 7-inch TFT configurable instrument cluster
• Sport mode button
• Sports pedals
• Stainless steel sill plate
• Trip computer
• Turbo boost guage
• Wrapped instrument cluster cover

Safety & Security

• Daytime running lights
• Driver and passenger airbag
• ESP + ASR/MSR, HBA and Hill Holder
• 7 airbags airbag
• Rear parking sensors

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