Benveunti amici!
Things are beginning to take a new-albeit-familiar shape in the world of Italian runabouts. Since the 2007/2011 reintroduction, FIAT S.p.A. a/k/a FIAT USA a/k/a FIAT Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has added to their product lineup; the 500 in four trim levels, the 500C in two trim levels, the 500/500C ABARTH in manual/automatic options, the 500L in four trim levels and the 500X in five trim levels is the latest to arrive in FIAT studios. Recently, FCA announced the long-awaited return of the 124 Spider (formerly 124 Sport Spider). Already rumors circulate about the possibility of ABARTH versions of the X-over and the Spider are appearing online.
FIAT Centro Stile Director, Roberto Giolito, promises the next generation of ABARTHs will differ more from the FIATs that they are based upon. Now seems like the most opportune time to wax nostalgic about the styling of the 2008-Present FIAT 500 ABARTH or ABARTH 500 (A500). To find where FIAT's ABARTH division drew inspiration we need only to take a glance in the general direction of the Ferrari F430.
FIAT Centro Stile Director, Roberto Giolito, promises the next generation of ABARTHs will differ more from the FIATs that they are based upon. Now seems like the most opportune time to wax nostalgic about the styling of the 2008-Present FIAT 500 ABARTH or ABARTH 500 (A500). To find where FIAT's ABARTH division drew inspiration we need only to take a glance in the general direction of the Ferrari F430.
Disclaimer: Entry is based upon fan observations
The ABARTH & Co. division did something special with the [past & present] A500. The runabout performance group always aimed to bridge the gap between the two otherwise unrelated FIAT & Ferrari schools of engineering philosophies. Carlo Karl Abarth even lent his talents to Ferrari. But that is perhaps a story for another time. Recognizing the intent of the FIAT tuning group, I've chosen the 2010 ABARTH 695 Tributo Ferrari and the 2007 Ferrari F430 Scuderia to better hone in on the inspiration for the modern A500. I trust you will see this brief pictorial exercise as the edutainment it is meant to be.
While they are both fine Italian companies there is no real design connection between what Ferrari and FIAT respectively do best. One design focus is meant to tease "C'mon, keep up!" in an exclusive way while the other is meant to invite "Okay, let's go!" in an inclusive way. That stated, there is a clear engineering connection between the marques. ABARTH benefits from its inclusion in the FIAT S.p.A. sports car group (that includes Alfa Romeo and Maserati). At the Maserati level, the group formerly worked in tandem with Ferrari developing. Alfa Romeos are built in Maserati Modena facilities. ABARTH utilizes size-appropriate versions Alfa Romeo technology and FIAT, of course, likewise benefits from what is passed down to ABARTH.
While they are both fine Italian companies there is no real design connection between what Ferrari and FIAT respectively do best. One design focus is meant to tease "C'mon, keep up!" in an exclusive way while the other is meant to invite "Okay, let's go!" in an inclusive way. That stated, there is a clear engineering connection between the marques. ABARTH benefits from its inclusion in the FIAT S.p.A. sports car group (that includes Alfa Romeo and Maserati). At the Maserati level, the group formerly worked in tandem with Ferrari developing. Alfa Romeos are built in Maserati Modena facilities. ABARTH utilizes size-appropriate versions Alfa Romeo technology and FIAT, of course, likewise benefits from what is passed down to ABARTH.
It is absolute lunacy to compare any significant numbers between them. It is certifiable insanity to believe running about in a FIAT-ABARTH feels anything close to racing all-out in a Ferrari. But the shared passion for driving, burning on either end of the Italian automotive spectrum, sets them apart from everything else on wheels and simultaneously binds the FIAT-ABARTH and Ferrari life experiences. It seems strange to write a retrospective about a seven years young smile inducer. But the next generation of naturally aspirated 500s is already on the road. So… ahem...
The cult awaits… Bring on the next generation of scorpions!
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
(Dedicated to the FIATTechers for the inspiration.)
Ciao!
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