Adding to the increasingly impressive roster of new metal to be displayed at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show is the Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati. Based on the Abarth version of the chic Fiat 500C, it follows the homage theme of last year’s ‘Tributo Ferrari’.
The latest Abarth to pay its respects to a fellow Italian carmaker uses the standard 500C’s 1.4-litre Turbo T-Jet engine, with power boosted to 180HP – ironically the exact same output as the Tributo Ferrari, despite being fettled by Maserati’s engineers, rather than those of Maranello. It’s also mated to the same paddleshift gearbox used in the Rosso Red number, and the ‘Record Monza variable back-pressure dual mode exhaust’ which adopts an angrier sound beyond 3,000rpm. This time, though, the tailpipes are of a Maserati-inspired hexagonal shape.
These echoes are replicated around the car. Take the wheels, for example – they’re the same ‘Neptune’ design as fitted to our GranTurismo S test car back in 2009 (although this time measuring 17in rather than 20in). The exterior paint colour is the ‘Pontevecchio Bordeaux’ deep red that can be specified on thoroughbred Trident wearers.
As you would expect from a car with two sets of Italian influences, the interior has been significantly reworked. The sand beige Poltrona Frau leather seats are heat-printed with the ‘695’ logo in the headrests, while the dash and gearbox trim are given a matte-finish carbon look. And the instrument panel design gives Abarth another chance to drop a luxury manufacturer’s name – Jaeger LeCoultre was responsible for its development. All 399 examples of the Tributo Maserati will come with the ‘Tramontano Tribute to Abarth Travel Pack’, which consists of two leather travel bags.
Prices are yet to be announced, but expect the soft-top supermini to command slightly more than the be-roofed, £38,000 Tributo Ferrari – which would make it around £10,000 more expensive than what appears to be its closest rival, the Aston Martin Cygnet.
Photos: Abarth
