As part of its 70th anniversary, Abarth has unveiled its new 695 70th Anniversario special edition. Only 1,949 units will be produced — 1949 being the year the racing and tuning company was founded. However, don’t expect to see any of those 1,949 cars on American roads.
The newest Abarth is based on the Fiat 500, a model that FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said will not be offered in the North American market after current inventory is sold. Continuing to be offered at North American Fiat dealerships will be the Fiat 124 Spider and the Fiat 500X and 500L
The Abarth 695 70th Anniversario was unveiled at the 2019 Abarth Day, a gathering of European Abarth enthusiasts in the Milan (Italy) Innovation District.
One special feature of the anniversary model is the “Spoiler ad Assetto Variable” rear spoiler designed to provide improved grip and stability at high speeds.
“The spoiler is manually adjustable, just like in races of old where it was not uncommon to see the pit mechanics adjust the spoiler to allow the driver to change the set-up of the car according to the track,” Abarth said.
“It can be adjusted in 12 different positions between zero and 60 degrees. In the maximum setting, the spoiler increases the aerodynamic load by up to 42kg at a speed of 124mph. This delivers improved vehicle dynamics and stability at high speeds.
The new spoiler was tested in the Orbassano wind tunnel south of Turin. It is the only such full-scale wind tunnel in Italy that allows speeds up to 130 mph, Abarth said.
The anniversary edition also features some historic styling cues, including the Monza 1598 green livery, a tribute to the color on the first 500 Abarth that set six speed records at Monza (other colors also are available). The car also has gray details, including the checkered roof appliqué.
The car rides on 17-inch SuperSport alloy wheels. Through those wheels you can see the red Brembo brake calipers. A Record Monza exhaust, limited-slip differential and Xenon headlamps also are standard.
The Sabelt Tricolor seats are exclusive to this model and each car will have a numbered plaque.
