2011 Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

The Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is the exclusive Abarth 500 that confirms the consolidated links between Abarth and Ferrari – links based on many shared values that include a passion for performance, a racing soul, attention to detail and Italian style.

Abarth and Ferrari are two great names that have contributed, with conviction and dedication, to the legend of Italian racing that is known around the world. The men behind both marques followed very similar careers: first drivers, then tuners and finally heads of companies that command genuine respect in the world of motor racing. These extraordinary men were associated in the past: in 1953 for example, a unique Ferrari-Abarth was born, the Ferrari 166/250 MM Abarth. The car raced in various international trophies including the legendary Mille Miglia. The tie between the two companies has been reinforced above all by the exhaust systems designed by Abarth specifically for the cars built at Maranello: numerous exhaust systems have been made for various Ferrari models, some of which have won World Championship titles.

In recent years the two brands have initiated an even closer collaboration. The first result of this was the supply of a limited and numbered series of Abarth 500s, produced in 200 cars delivered in 2009 to Ferrari's European dealers for use as 'courtesy cars'. But the greatest collaboration - also confirmed by delivery to the drivers of the Ferrari team Alonso and Massa at the Monza Formula 1 Grand Prix - is the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari, an exclusive car that on the one hand allows Abarth to expand its range, thus entering the luxury sports car segment, and on the other offers Ferrari customers a small, lively car for all mobility requirements, including practical urban mobility.

The new Abarth 695 'Tributo Ferrari' is distinguished by a number of stylistic changes, but more importantly by substantial modifications developed by Abarth and Ferrari engineers. The engine, for a start, is a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v, tuned to develop more than 180 HP. This is combined with an MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) electromechanical gearbox with race-inspired steering wheel controls that makes full use of the engine's performance by reducing gearshift times.

To improve performance, especially acceleration, the car is fitted with performance tyres on 17'' alloy wheels featuring a design inspired by Ferrari wheels. The suspension and braking systems have also been strengthened to cope with the extra power: Brembo 305 mm disc brakes that can be dismantled with fixed four-piston caliper disc and special shock absorbers that guarantee performance in total safety. And of course there is a 'Record Monza' variable back-pressure 'dual mode' exhaust, designed to improve engine performance and sound over 3,000 rpm.

On the outside, the car is finished in the brand-new shades of Abu Dhabi Blue and Titanium Grey, (Scuderia Red and Modena Yellow are also available), with carbon fibre door mirrors and with details like the wheels and front air intakes in Racing Grey. This new Abarth is equipped with Xenon headlights with dipped and main beam functions for improved light emission and excellent efficiency under all weather conditions. These elements deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen lamp headlights.

The interiors are just as personalised and demonstrate the attention to detail and the sporting style that are common to both brands beginning with the 'Abarth Corsa by Sabelt' seats, which are in grey leather on the Abu Dhabi Blue version and in natural leather on the Titanium Grey version, both with shell and seat base in carbon fibre. These seats offer a perfect blend of racing characteristics – light weight (10 kg less than the standard seat) and the ability to restrain the body against lateral and longitudinal forces, thanks to body support strip elements filled with mono-layer padding – with the ergonomics and comfort of road seats.

The black leather steering wheel is characterised by a tricolour hub and leather inserts on the Titanium Grey version and is fitted with MTA gearshift paddles, while the instrument panel is specially made by Jaeger, and inspired by typical Ferrari instrumentation. Attention to detail has also been given to the racing pedals, which are personalised with the Scorpion logo. The interior is embellished with other details too, like special kick plates and a plate bearing the vehicle series number.

Source - Abarth