Abarth becomes 595 with loads of extras
A limited-slip differential is part of the grip-enhancing package on the Competizione
IT’S A Fiat 500, Jim, but not as we know it. Fiat Chrysler Automobile SA has updated its Abarth 500 range for 2017 to become the 595, with new lighting clusters at both ends, bigger sound and, for the first time on a 500 derivative, a genuine mechanical limited-slip differential.
It’s available in your choice of three models, each in either tin-top or cabriolet format; motorvation is provided in each case by a 1.4-litre T-Jet turbopetrol four cylinder engine (in varying states of tune) with either a six-speed manual or sequential robotised automatic transmission.
In each case, however, you get a chunky new front end with no less than six polyelliptical projectors – including the low-mounted foglights – LED daylight running lights across the range, and a gaping air intake in a black apron over a built-in splitter. Nobody’s going to mistake this attitudinous little road rat for a standard 500 from behind either, with four tailpipes aiming at them from a deep diffuser-style rear bumper and a distinctive tailgate spoiler.
The gelato-flavoured 595 comes with its 1.4 petrol turbo T-Jet engine tuned for 106kW and 206Nm, while the 595 Turismo boasts 121kW and 230Nm, and the flagship 595 Competizione is good for a quoted 132kW and 250Nm.
The manual-transmission Competizione also comes standard with the Performance Pack, which includes the limited-slip differential, special Supersport rims, Sabelt sports seats with carbon-fibre shells, trimmed in a mix of leather and alcantara synthetic suede, and a carved-aluminium ‘595’ badge on the roof – which helps to explain the huge R74 000 price difference between the Turismo and Competizione models.
The top two grades roll on 17-inch alloys in your choice of 11 designs, the 595 on sixteens – but FCA will happily fit any of the bigger hoops on your 595 for a few Rands more.
Traction control, hill hold and tyre pressure monitoring are included in the comprehensive safety kit.
Black fabric trim is standard across the board; a choice of black, red or natural leather is an extra-cost option on 595 and Turismo models, with a mix of leather and alcantara in either black or natural on offer for Competizione customers.
All 595s come with air conditioning (climate control on the Turismo and Competizione) electric windows, remote central locking, an 18cm digital display with sport mode in the centre stack, and Uconnect 12.7cm radio with Bluetooth connectivity and satellite controls on the steering wheel.
Also available for the first time on a 595 (albeit only in the top two grades, and then as an extra-cost option) is a seven-speaker BeatsAudio system by Dr Dre, with 440 watts from a digital eight-channel amplifier, a dome tweeter in each A pillar, 165mm midwoofers in each door, a 165mm fullrange speaker in each rear side panel and a 200mm subwoofer in the spare-wheel recess under the middle of the boot.
Prices 595 - R299 950 feats of Sir Malcolm Campbell.
A moody light is cast from the black starlight head-liner, and reflected around the cabin from the polished fascia, to create a darkly atmospheric ambience.
In the Ghost Black Badge, the 6.6-litre V12 engine gets a 30kW power boost (now 450kW) and 60Nm of extra torque (to 840Nm) compared to the regular Ghost, while the 8-speed automatic transmission holds its gears for longer to give added urgency.
Suspension and steering tweaks, 595 Cabrio - R339 950 595 Turismo - R369 950 595 Turismo Cabrio R409 950 595 Competizione - R443 950 595 Competizione Cabrio - R483 950
These include including the addition of new drive shafts, ensure the Ghost Black Badge delivers its trademark luxurious ride with a touch of extra driver focus.
With its 465kW the Wraith two-door coupé (pictured) is already the most muscular RollsRoyce available, but
the Black Badge version gets an extra 70Nm of torque (to 870Nm) and quicker throttle and transmission responses, along with an agility tweak to the air suspension. The brakes of both Black Badge a three-year or 100000km warranty and maintenance plan – but be aware that all of the Competiziones in the initial batch are already spoken for, so you’ll have to order yours now for delivery in about three months.
- www.motoring.co.za models are also uprated with larger front discs.
SA importer Rolls-Royce Sandton hosted a media launch last Friday where journalists got the chance to drive the Wraith Black Badge around Kyalami; not to set lap records but to demonstrate the extra spring in the car’s step while retaining its magic carpet ride.
For a car primarily built for rolling up at 5-star hotels in style, the 2.5-ton Wraith conducted itself capably. It’s heavy, but immense acceleration combined with great traction got this luxobarge around the circuit safely and with a singular lack of drama. While great physics were clearly happening, I sat in a silent cocoon as the huge car wafted swiftly around the track in grand style.
Price, as usual, is on application, but if you really have to know the Black Badge treatment adds about R570 000 to the price, which makes the Ghost Black Badge retail for R6 million and the Wraith Black Badge for R7.5m.