The U.S. market will bid farewell to the Fiat 500, Cabrio, and the hot Abarth variants by 2020. However, an intriguing addition to the global market is the freshly revealed Abarth 595 Pista that’s set to replace them.
The 595 Pista, aimed at young drivers, features a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine generating 165 horsepower achieved with the assistance of a new larger Garrett turbo. Positioned between the 145-hp 595 base model and the 180-hp 595 Competizione, it delivers 160 pound-feet of torque from 2,250 rpm, earlier than its predecessor’s turbocharger. Its enhancements also include a Record Monza Active exhaust, Koni rear suspension, and Frequency Selective Damping technology for optimized road grip, handling, and stability.
FCA
Power is transmitted to the front wheels through a five-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Ventilated brake rotors of 284 millimeters at the front and 240 mm at the back are used. Engaging the Sport mode adjusts peak torque, as well as steering and throttle responses. The 595 Pista offers striking neon green exterior accents, Sabelt racing-style seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, diamond-pattern sport seats, and a standard seven-inch Uconnect infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Having a suffix shared with a lightweight V8 Ferrari definitely adds some bragging rights.
The introduction of the 595 Pista shortly after the news of discontinuing the 500 in the U.S. seems like a further consequence from FCA for neglecting the supermini market.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
