Could you resist the thought of driving an open, esseesse-equipped Abarth 500C in the South of France next spring?

No, me neither, so the news that the Italian manufacturer will show a super-rorty 500C in Paris is exciting. With added-on esseesse kit, the Abarth 500C has a top speed of 130mph and sprints from 0-62mph in just 7.6 seconds. The tuned engine produces 160HP with maximum torque of 230Nm, while the Record Monza exhaust is a dual-mode system (with valve) which ‘opens up’ over 4000rpm.

The cars will be displayed in a new two-tone grey combination: Campovolo and Pista.

As the company describes its network of dealers and official tuning shops as “extraordinary”, the latest colour palette will certainly make life easier for my local agent, who offered me a b/w photocopy in lieu of a proper brochure.

In a separate announcement, Abarth released details of the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferraris given to the Scuderia’s drivers, Massa and Alonso, during last weekend’s Grand Prix at Monza.

Fittingly, these cars are finished in Scuderia Red with Racing Grey stripes. Extra carbonfibre is used for parts such as the gearlever gate and the wing mirror covers. Abarth has published a new website solely for the exclusive car: www.abarth695tributoferrari.com.

Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Abarth