Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari priced in the UK

ABARTH 695 TRIBUTO FERRARI ROARS INTO VIEW - IN RIGHT HAND DRIVE

It has already attracted critical acclaim in both hard top and convertible form, and as a potent esseesse version. Now the Abarth 500 is arriving in even more exclusive style - as the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari.

Every Abarth reflects the high performance brand's direct connection with competition, and the new 695 Tributo Ferrari takes these links to a new level, with stunning performance matched to perfect day-to-day usability.

This exclusive car - just 152 examples of the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari will be available in right hand drive form in Britain - is priced at Euros 35,500 (£29,600). On the outside the new car's livery is inspired by Ferrari's models, with carbon wing mirrors and Corsa Grey wheels and front air intakes.

Powered by a 1368cc turbocharged engine, producing 180bhp at 5500rpm and 250Nm torque at 3000rpm, the 695 Tributo Ferrari can accelerate from 0-62mph in seven seconds and has a top speed of 140mph. However, the frugal engine can return 43.3mpg on the combined cycle.

The car features a comprehensive list of equipment which includes:

• five airbags
• electronic stability programme (ESP)
• torque transfer control (TTC)
• Sport button
• power steering
• automatic climate control
• Xenon headlights
• Blue&Me hands-free infotainment
• Abarth leather steering wheel
• ‘Record Monza' dual-mode exhaust
• Abarth Corsa by Sabelt seats
• 17-inch alloy wheels

Mounted behind the steering wheel are the paddles for the electro-hydraulic Abarth Competizione gearbox which has manual and auto modes. Pressing the Sport button on the dashboard activates a more racy setting for the gearbox, engine control unit and steering for an even more responsive drive.

The original Abarth 695 was introduced in the mid-1960s. The pinnacle of this series was a 38hp engine - though fine-tuning could raise this to over 50hp.

"Abarth and Ferrari are both iconic names in Italian automotive history," says Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth in the UK. "Their passion and dedication helped to create a reputation for sporting excellence in Italian cars around the world, and this new Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari upholds that tradition with some style."

The Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is available to special order only, through Abarth's 17-strong UK dealer network.