2010 Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari
When Abarth and Ferrari joined forces to create the 695 Tributo Ferrari in 2009, they birthed one of the most audacious collaborations in automotive history. This limited-edition hot hatch transformed Fiat’s retro-chic 500 into a street-legal pocket rocket infused with Maranello’s engineering DNA. More than a marketing exercise, the Tributo Ferrari became a masterclass in cross-brand synergy,proving that Italian performance could thrive even in a subcompact chassis.
Emerging from Abarth’s revival under Fiat’s stewardship in the late 2000s, the Tributo Ferrari marked the 60th anniversary of Carlo Abarth’s legendary tuning firm. Ferrari’s involvement wasn’t merely cosmetic; engineers from Maranello worked alongside Abarth’s team to reimagine the 500’s mechanicals. The project aimed to inject Ferrari’s racing ethos into an accessible platform, creating a car that channeled Formula 1 technology into urban driving.
Clad in Scuderia Red (later offered in Giallo Modena and Argento Nürburgring), the Tributo Ferrari wore its heritage boldly. Ferrari-inspired cues included egg-crate grilles mimicking the 430 Scuderia, rear air intakes shaped like Ferrari side vents, and 17-inch wheels painted in Racing Grey. Xenon headlights from Magneti Marelli and a record Monza exhaust system,with dual modes controlled by a “Sport” button,completed the motorsport aesthetic. Inside, Sabelt racing seats with carbon fiber shells, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, and aluminum pedals evoked Ferrari’s cockpit minimalism.
The heart of this micro-monster was a 1.4-liter Turbo T-Jet engine, massaged to produce 180 horsepower,a 30% increase over the standard Abarth 500. Ferrari’s input elevated the Garrett turbocharger’s responsiveness, while a bespoke MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) gearbox with paddle shifters delivered Formula 1-inspired shifts. Brembo four-piston calipers clamped 284mm discs, and a reinforced suspension setup lowered the car by 10mm. The result? 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds and a 140 mph top speed,numbers that embarrassed larger sports cars.
The Tributo Ferrari’s party piece was its dual-mode exhaust, capable of switching from a polite purr to a raucous bark reminiscent of Ferrari’s V8s. Weight reduction measures included magnesium alloy wheels and carbon fiber seat shells, trimming mass to 1,135 kg. Unique Jaeger instrumentation featured a turbo boost gauge and shift lights, while numbered plaques on the dash underscored exclusivity.
Debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Tributo Ferrari polarized purists but enchanted enthusiasts. Critics praised its razor-sharp handling and theatrical exhaust, though some questioned its €38,000 price tag. Production capped at 1,692 units,a nod to the Fiat 500’s original 1,698cc engine,ensuring collectibility. Today, well-maintained examples command premiums, celebrated as the ultimate expression of Abarth’s “small but wicked” philosophy.
The 695 Tributo Ferrari remains a testament to Italian ingenuity,proof that passion, not displacement, defines driving pleasure. It’s a car that winks at Ferrari’s prancing horse while staying true to Abarth’s scorpion sting, forever immortalized as the supermini that thought (and drove) like a supercar.