The performance arm of Italian motoring brand Fiat has some special treats in store for the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, in the form of the 2018 Abarth 124 GT and the 695 Rivale.
Based on the Abarth 124 Spider, the 124 GT is finished in Alpi Orientali Grey with a matte blackout treatment for the hood, mimicking its rallying counterpart. It also gets 17-inch lightweight OZ alloy wheels, shaving 3kg off its weight. A carbon fibre hardtop roof is the main attraction, with an impressive weight saving of 16kg. Abarth says this also improves soundproofing, thermal insulation and torsional rigidity of the car as well. Also available are carbon fibre rear spoiler and carbon fibre or red mirror caps.
The Abarth 124 GT is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, which develops 126kW and 250Nm, good for a 0-100km/h sprint of 6.8 seconds and a 231km/h top speed.
On the more compact side of things, the 695 Rivale is spun off Abarth’s Fiat 500-based range, available in convertible guise as well as hatch. It is the result of a collaboration with Italian yacht builder Riva, with two-tone Riva Blue and Grey paintwork, with aquamarine pinstriping following the curvy form of the little monster. Striking 17-inch ‘Supersport’ alloys set off the exterior aesthetic.
With 134kW and 250Nm propelling just 1045kg, the 695 Rivale manages a 0-100km/h time of just 6.7 seconds (6.9 with robotised sequential) and a 225km/h top speed. Other features include an Akrapovic exhaust, Koni dampers, Brembo brakes with four-piston front calipers and a 7.0-inch touch-screen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It’s unknown if these will be introduced in Australia, but more info is expected at the Geneva show next week.
