Abarth 124 Spider debuts in Geneva – 10 horses more

The Abarth 124 Spider has made its debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. If you’re rubbing your eyes, this is the Abarth-tuned version of the Fiat 124 Spider, which was first seen in November last year. The Fiat is a reskinned ND Mazda MX-5 with the Italian brand’s 1.4 litre turbocharged MultiAir engine.

In standard form, the MultiAir makes 160 hp at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm. This Abarth 124 Spider may look a lot more aggressive (in a slightly tacky way, we think), but there isn’t a lot more power under the hood.

Just the 10 horses more to make it 170 hp, which is conveniently about 124 hp per litre. Torque remains the same. 0-100 km/h is completed in 6.8 seconds and top speed is 230 km/h. Choose from six speed manual and Sequenziale Sportivo automatic transmissions. More power coming soon?

Power aside, the Abarth roadster packs in plenty of performance goodies. There’s a mechanical limited-slip differential, “Abarth by Bilstein” dampers, stiffened anti-roll bars and front Brembo brakes. There’s also a Record Monza exhaust system which you can hear in action in the video below.

Abarth’s traditional white with red highlights (lipstick, wing mirrors) colour scheme is present, joined by a prominent “Racing Anti-glare kit”, a matte black treatment for the bonnet and boot lid. The Abarth’s front and rear bumpers are significantly more aggressive, and the latter sports some extra vents and quad pipes, two on each side. Matching 17-inch alloys replace the standard car’s classy multi-spokes.

Although the “Fiata” has a new skin and engine, Abarth still claims lightweight and 50:50 weight distribution as strong points. Every car is tested and certified by an Abarth technician who will apply a metal plate showing the unique sequential number of each unit.

Five body colours are available: the unique “Turini 1975 White” and “Costa Brava 1972 Red”, plus “Isola d’Elba 1974 Blue”, “Portogallo 1974 Grey” and “San Marino 1972 Black”. The names refer to past rally successes. Speaking of that, check out the Abarth roadster in retro rally livery below.

The Abarth 124 Spider will be available in September with prices starting from 40,000 euros (RM180,680).

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