Abarth 124 GT Spider
New flagship roadster gets carbon-fibre top
THERE’S a new range-topping Abarth 124. The GT is limited to just 50 units in the UK, and the most striking thing that sets it apart from the regular model is its hard-top roof.
The new carbon-fibre lid weighs just 16kg, and Abarth claims that it adds a little structural rigidity to the open-top chassis, and more body control as a result. A wider rear screen makes the GT easier to see out of, but the roof is removable, so if you still want openair thrills, it’s just a few screws away.
While the extra mass might seem like a bad thing, it doesn’t adversely affect weight distribution. The gain is offset by the GT’S eye-catching 17-inch OZ wheels, too. Each one weighs 4kg less than the 124’s standard rims and, combined with the roof, they give the GT the look of a mini roadgoing racer.
But does it feel like one? Well, much like the standard Abarth 124, the GT is a firmer take on the Mazda MX-5 with which it was co-developed, and it rolls less through corners. It breaks away more sharply when the limits of grip are reached, although it’s still predictable and reassuring.
We’d like more steering feedback, but it’s weighted nicely and feels very accurate. Does the roof’s rigidity make it feel more precise? Not drastically, although the lack of vibration through the rear view mirror proves the hardtop has banished some of the scuttle shake synonymous with convertibles.
There are no changes to the engine from the regular Abarth 124. It’s at its best in the mid-range, yet there isn’t a huge incentive to rev it to the red line as you would in the Mazda, and the engine feels tardy when it’s off boost.
The quad tailpipes produce a wonderful gargle at low speeds that develops into an angry rasp towards the top end. It’s just a shame that, because of the roof, this isn’t quite as audible as it is in the standard car.
That’s compounded by the fact the hard-top, as with the MX-5 RF’S metal roof, produces more wind noise than the fabric hood. At least you get a Bose stereo to drown it out.
But the Abarth 124 GT costs £4,000 more than the standard Spider. The newly revised Mazda MX-5 is faster, as much fun to drive and costs £22,295.