Abarth is launching its new special series, the F595, derived from the racetracks of Europe. With 165hp, its 1.4-litre engine forms the basis for the propulsion unit in the Tatuus single-seaters used in the Italian and German Formula 4 championships. The F595 celebrates this long-running partnership and acts as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Formula Italia single seater by Carlo Abarth. Available in hatchback and convertible versions, the new Abarth F595 features Rally Blue design cues as highlighted in the rearview mirror caps and the front and rear bumpers. The sporty look is further enhanced by the Sport 17-inch Formula alloy wheels, the F595 identification badge on the rear and fog lamps. The new F595 is a concentration of racing design cues, and was created to provide both maximum performance and fun but without sacrificing infotainment technologies.
Outstanding performance and response are the main features of the 165hp 1.4-litre Euro 6D-Final-compliant T-jet engine, fitted with the supercharged Garrett turbo with a geometric compression ratio of 9:1, delivering 230 Nm of torque from just 2,250 rpm. The engine is paired with manual transmission, but can be fitted with the optional 5-speed automated manual transmission with steering wheel shift paddles. The 0 to 62 mph sprint takes 7.3 seconds with the manual transmission and 7.4 seconds with the sequential automatic variant. Top speed is achieved at 135mph, whilst 50 to 70mph pick up is achieved in 7.8 seconds (in fifth gear). The bold Abarth F595 offers a Record Monza Sovrapposto active exhaust, now evolved into a new configuration with four pipes – two on each side and stacked vertically. Drivers can control the active exhaust valve by a simple press of the Scorpion button on the dash – this increases the sound of the F595 as required.
Alongside activating the active exhaust valve, the Scorpion mode selector also acts on peak torque delivery by re-calibrating the power steering and engine response to the accelerator pedal, making them more responsive. On the new F595, Koni rear shock absorbers with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology is standard in order to improve performance, ensure perfect road holding and simultaneously improve handling and stability. Last but not least, the F595 is equipped with the 7-inch HD Uconnect™ system with DAB radio, built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility as standard. The Abarth-designed braking system provides an optimal response and improved safety, consisting of 284-mm front and 240-mm rear ventilating discs.
In 1971 the Italian Automotive Sports Commission (CSAI) collaborated with Fiat on the establishment of a new championship reserved for young Italian drivers, aimed at democratising motorsport by proposing a single-seater identical for all and at a low cost. In August that year, the Abarth brand – merged into Fiat in the meantime – therefore built the first prototype designed by Mario Colucci under the supervision of Carlo Abarth and named it the Abarth SE025. All the components were chosen by Carlo Abarth and were taken from mass-production Fiat, Lancia and Abarth cars. One of the earliest testers worthy of mention was the renowned Arturo Merzario. Formula Italia was an immediate success: demand was so great that the first deliveries were only made in mid-May 1972. It made its racing debut on 29th June 1972, on the Monza circuit, where Paolo Bozzetto came in victorious.
