It was at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show that Abarth presented its 695 Tributo Ferrari, an exclusive special version of the Abarth 500 that confirmed the bond between the Scorpion brand and the Maranello constructor, based on many shared values such as a passion for performance, a racing soul, obsessive attention to detail and Italian style.
Produced in a numbered limited edition of just over a thousand cars, the Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" featured many distinctive stylistic touches but above all substantial changes made by the Abarth and Ferrari engineers.It was fitted with the four-cylinder 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v engine, its power boosted to 180 HP, combined with an electro-actuated mechanical MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) gearbox with racing-inspired steering wheel controls, which further enhanced the engine's performance with minimal shifting times.
Also to exalt its performance, especially its acceleration, the car was fitted with high-performance tyres on 17" alloy wheels with a special design inspired by Ferrari wheels, higher-powered Brembo brakes and "Record Monza" dual mode variable back-pressure exhaust.It had carbon side mirrors and Racing Grey details, such as its wheels and front air inlets, and was produced in the evocative Modena Yellow and Scuderia Red colours.
In 2010, to set the seal on the unique relationship between Abarth and Ferrari, two cars were presented to the Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa at the Villa Reale on the occasion of the Monza Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The interior was also personalised and reflected all the meticulous attention to details and racing pedigree the two brands share, starting from the “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” black leather seats, with carbon shell and seat base. The black leather steering wheel featured contrasting stitching matching the colour of the bodywork and was fitted with the MTA gear shifting paddles, while the instrument panel, specially produced by Jaeger, was inspired by the instrumentation used on Ferrari cars.
As well as the usual "Classic" gathering of Italian cars built up until 1980, the 2017 edition of Passione Engadina marked Ferrari's seventieth birthday by bringing together its models built from 1981 until 30 June 2017. In an event within the event called “Tribute”, the Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari” was obviously going to be a vital part of the St.Moritz gathering.
Read the stories of the FCA Heritage cars starring at Passione Engadina 2017:
Alfa Romeo 16C Bimotore: sixteen cylinders in two engines.
Lancia LC2: the Lancia with a Ferrari heart.
Fiat Dino Spider: born for Ferrari Formula 2.
