Fiat launch '50th Anniversary Abarth 595

Only 56 units of this worldwide limited edition have been secured for Australia, with pricing starting at $45,000 (excluding ORCs).

The Anniversary model's turbocharged, four-cylinder 1.4-litre T-Jet has been boosted to 132kW/250Nm, with a listed top speed of 225kph and zero to 100kph time of under 7 seconds. This makes it the fastest and most powerful 595 ever produced.

The extra grunt comes thanks to an overboost function, activated by a console-mounted 'Sport' button, that adjusts ECU mapping and turbocharger boost pressure.

In harmony with this, the 'Record Monza' variable back-pressure dual mode exhaust improves engine performance and delivers an inspiring exhaust note over 3,000rpm.

Drive is to the front wheels via an electronically actuated 'Abarth Competizione' five-speed mechanical gearbox with steering wheel paddles. Steering is sharper, thanks to Dualdrive electric power steering with 'Sport' function, while TTC (Torque Transfer Control) optimizes torque transfer to the front wheels to enhance handling.

Wheels are 17-inch alloys in the 695 Magnesio Grey design, embellished by a red liner, and wrapped in sports tyres.

Exterior touches on the limited edition include a sunroof, three-layer white paintwork, red bodyside callouts and historical logos in the style of the 1963 original Abarth, while more modern exterior touches include Xenon headlights.

The theme is continued inside, with white leather sports seats with red inserts and red stitching. The door panels, dash and steering wheel get bold red panels, with red contrast stitching used through other areas. The historical Abarth scorpion logo adorns the steering wheel boss, pedals and sill plates.

Standard equipment includes automatic climate control air conditioning with pollen filter, fog lights, CD/MP3 radio (with steering wheel control), an Interscope Hi-Fi system and Fiat's Blue&Me infotainment system that allows Bluetooth and USB connectivity, as well as hands free and voice command functions.

To complete the package, a range of unique accessories to commemorate the Abarth 595's 50th Anniversary have been produced, and are included as standard - a '595' vintage car cover,' 595 50th Anniversario' Italian Independent special edition sunglasses and '595 50th Anniversario' dedicated Tramontaro luggage.

"Without doubt the Abarth 595 is an inspirational car for enthusiasts and we're delighted to have secured 56 '50th Anniversary' models for Australian customers," revealed Veronica Johns, President and CEO of Fiat Chrysler Australia.

"We're sure some will be snapped-up by collectors but equally, those with a passion for iconic high-performance Italian cars will find the Abarth 595 '50th Anniversary' comprehensively equipped and a delight to drive every day."

See your Fiat dealer for further details.