Abarth 500

Abarth builds 695 Tributo Maserati

20 February 2012 - The Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati is making its international début at Geneva, a new Limited Edition (499 vehicles) which represents the bond between Abarth and Maserati. The Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati features exclusive style details and special technical features developed by Abarth engineers in collaboration with Maserati. To start with, the 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v engine boosted to 180 HP and teamed with the electrically-operated manual Abarth Competizione gearbox with steering wheel controls, which enhances the performance of the engine with reduced gearshift times.

Again to improve performance, especially acceleration, the car is fitted with performance tyres on 17 inch alloy wheels featuring a special 'Neptun' design from Maserati. The ride and braking system have also been strengthened to cope with the extra power: Brembo 305 mm brake discs that can be dismantled with fixed four-piston caliper and special shock absorbers that guarantee performance in total safety.

And of course there is a 'Record Monza' variable back-pressure 'dual mode' exhaust, designed to improve engine performance and deliver an inspiring sound at 3,000 rpm and above, with tailpipes which have been modified to assume the hexagonal shape which has always marked out Maserati cars.

The car's exterior features a body in Pontevecchio Bordeaux. This colour from Maserati is achieved with special three-layer paintwork which reflects light and accentuates the shine of the colour; it is also to be found on the door mirrors. The electrically controlled soft top is made of grey fabric.

The new Abarth adopts Xenon headlights with dipped and driving light functions for improved light emission and excellent performance in all weather conditions. These devices deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen-lamp headlights.

The dashboard and gearbox trim are distinguished by a special matt-finish carbon lining, further enhanced with the 695 logo, while the door panels and rear panels undergo the special UV-LUX treatment, which lends the trims an elegant pista grey 'flocking' effect. The black leather steering wheel is characterised by leather inserts and tricolour hub and houses the 'steering wheel gearbox' controls, while the instrument panel has been specifically produced by the Jaeger brand. Other details enrich the interior, such as the aluminium pedal unit and sill plate, the carbon fibre kick plate with customised 'Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati' graphics and the plate with the car's series number.

The Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati's touring vocation is expressed by the special boosted hi-fi audio system which comes as standard, to enhance the on-board experience.