Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati luxury and exclusivity to the Geneva Motor Show

A little over a year, Abarth decided to market the 695 Abarth Ferrari Tribute , a sort of homage to the manufacturer with a prancing horse truly exorbitant price: 42,000 euros. The truth is that I can think of no justification for such astronomical figure , given that the Tribute Ferrari had neither one of the engines that run through Maranello or with equipment such breathtaking. Still, it seems that for Abarth balance has been more than positive. If the truth is I do not understand is warranted as the main novelty of the brand to the Geneva Motor Show: the new Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati.

As its name suggests, the Tribute is the tribute Maserati Abarth wanted to pay to the exclusive Italian manufacturer. As happened with the Tribute Ferrari, the version before us also be produced in a limited series of 499 units. However, unlike the latter, the new Tribute will be offered only Maserati convertible body and in an exclusive color - burgundy Pontevecchio - developed by Maserati with tri-layer technology. Although Abarth has not said anything about it would not surprise me in the future be added more colors available on the GranTurismo.

Mechanically, however, the differences between the Tribute Tribute Ferrari and Maserati are much more subtle. The engine is the same 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet capable of yielding 180 hp and is coupled with automated manual transmission with steering wheel paddles Abarth Competizione. To ensure a sound track in line with the claims of this exclusive version, has chosen Abarth Record Monza exhaust option, which changes pitch as it passes 3,000 rpm, as is the case with his older brothers.

Although this version has primacy over the luxury of sportsmanship, the rolling stock falls short of what is expected of a model surnamed Maserati. For starters, brakes feature four-piston calipers and Brembo signed by 305 mm front discs, while the tires section has opted for a game inspired by the GranTurismo in measure 17 ". Suspensions are also specific for this model.

The interior is also to rise to the occasion, and although they have rejected race seats Tribute Ferrari for the standard (much more comfortable), the Poltrona Frau leather upholstery will surely delight the gourmets. The dashboard and center console, meanwhile, Abarth has chosen carbon fiber inserts that combine perfectly with the leather in darker tones.

However, despite all this just to have a price of 45,000 euros frankly I find unjustifiable. Course, seen the success (apparent) Aston Martin Cygnet and the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari, would not surprise me that this trend will extend into the future. In fact, returning to the case of Abarth , it is clear that the special versions are becoming a recurrent basis for the Italian manufacturer. Which begs the question: when will Assetto Corse Stradale version with 220 hp to stand up to the MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works?