for homeslice: fiat abarth 500

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For those with beer budgets and champagne tastes, Fiat's performance tuner, Abarth, and Ferrari have reportedly paired up on a special version of Fiat's 500 hatchback - the 695 Tributo Ferrari.

Abarth enthusiasts will be familiar with the 695 designation, which has been used on classic performance models. Then, the number represented total engine displacement in cubic centimeters, but now, the number 695 seems to serve only as a link to the past. Still, performance should be strong with Fiat's Abarth-tuned 1.4L turbocharged engine cranked up to 180 hp and mated to a six-speed paddleshift automatic gearbox.

Finishing exterior touches include red-painted Brembo brakes, a more aggressively tuned suspension, unique Ferrari-inspired grey 17-in. wheels, and of course, the traditional Rosso Scuderia paint job. In the 695's cockpit, the seats are carbon fiber shells with black leather surfaces and the black leather steering wheel gets red contrast inserts.

It is not yet known how many of the special Fiat Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari models will be produced or what prices they might carry, but reports suggest that we'll learn more during the car's official unveil at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week.

Source: Autoexpress.co.uk