Following in the footsteps of the Fiat Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari launched about three years ago, both Maserati and Abarth joined forces in order to create the Fiat Abarth 659 Maserati Edition 2012, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Mille Maglia open-road endurance race considered by Enzo Ferrari to be the most beautiful race in the world. However, whereas the Tributo Ferrari was aiming towards performance, the new Abarth limited edition strives to combine both elegance and sportiness.
The Maserati Edition is motivated by a supercharged 1.4 liter 4-cylinder engine able to develop 180 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, mated with a 5-speed manual Abarth Competizione gearbox featuring paddle-shifters on the steering wheel. The results are a top speed of 140 mph, and the acceleration from 0 to 62 in just under 7 seconds. In terms of fuel efficiency the new Abarth 695 can cover 28 mpg city and 43 mpg highway.
Furthermore, the Maserati Edition has a lower ride than a normal Fiat 500, it comes with Abarth Koni shock absorbers, perforated and self-ventilating 305 x 28 mm Brembo disk brakes on the front, 264 x 22 mm perforated rear disk brakes, Torque Transfer Control and a dual-mode exhaust system which gives the engine a new sound when revved above 3000 rpm.
The exterior of the Abarth 695 has been painted in Potevecchio Bordeaux, a color from Maserati that is achieved by special three-layer paintwork. In addition, the 695 comes with an electrically controlled soft top and a set of 17 inch Neptune wheels provided by Maserati.
On the interior the new limited edition Abarth clearly combines both sportiness and elegance, featuring sand beige leather upholstery with the number "659" heat-printed on the headrest, a black leather steering wheel with beige leather inserts, aluminum pedals and still plate, carbon fiber kick plate featuring "Abarth 659 Maserati Edition" graphics, a 400 W JBL hi-fi audio system featuring 9 speakers, and of course a plate showing the car's limited edition number.
Speaking of which, only 499 units of the Maserati Edition will be built and sold exclusively in Europe. The exact price is yet unknown, but since the Fiat Abarth 695 Maserati Edition 2012 will not arrive in the US, you might want to consider the Mini John Cooper Works GP in case a limited edition small hatchback is your cup of tea.
