Geneva show: Abarth unveils hard-top 124

ABARTH will use next week’s Geneva motor show to reveal a pair of new special edition models, including a hard-top version of the 124 Spider convertible that features a carbon-fibre roof.

Called the 124 GT, the new member of the Abarth family follows the mechanically-related Mazda MX-5 and its RF by offering a hard-top version of the roadster, which is currently under evaluation for an Australian debut.

According to Abarth, the 124 GT is the only convertible on the market with a roof made entirely of carbon-fibre, and weighs a total of 16 kilograms.

However, the hard-top of the GT is unable to fold away inside the vehicle, and has to be removed entirely when open-top motoring is desired.

Apart from the roof, the 124 GT is set apart from the Spider with a number of visual cues including 17-inch light alloy wheels that are three kilograms lighter than the standard rim.

Mirror caps are painted in a special gunmetal colour that matches the front spoiler and can be optioned in red or carbon-fibre, while the bonnet can be optioned in glare-reducing matte black, paying homage to the Abarth 124 Rally from the 1970s.

Carbon-fibre can also be optioned on the rear spoiler to enhance the 124’s sporty look, and the show car will be painted in an exclusive Alpi Orientali Grey hue.

Mechanically, the 124 GT changes little over the Spider, with the same 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 125kW/250Nm, with power being sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The zero to 100km/h sprint time is unchanged at 6.8 seconds, while the GT also sports 50:50 weight distribution, double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, and an engine mounted behind the rear axle like the Spider.

The 124 GT is offered with a special Monza exhaust as standard, which comes as an option on the Spider.

Also to be shown next to the 124 GT at the Geneva show will be a special edition 695 called Rivale, based on the 595 and developed in partnership with Italian yacht builders Riva.

From the outside, the 695 Rivale is distinguished by its two-tone paint job consisting of Riva Sera Blue and Shark Grey, two aquamarine stripes running around the waist rail, satin chrome finish on the door handles and tailgate, and 695 Rivale badging on the tailgate and rear wings.

Inside, it scores a dashboard finished in mahogany wood, maple inlays on the dashboard fascia, blue and black leather steering wheel with mahogany hub, blue leather instrument panel upholstery, and a mahogany gear knob and kick plate.

Abarth’s 7.0-inch Uconnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes as standard, while each edition of the 695 Rivale also sports with an individually numbered plaque.

The 695 employs the same 1.4-litre unit as the 124, with power boosted slightly to 134kW and torque steady at 250Nm.

Sprinting from zero to 100km/h is slightly quicker than the 124 at 6.7s, with top speed rated at 225km/h.

To galvanise its sporty character, the 695 borrows a number of performance parts from the 595 Competizione including an Akrapovic exhaust with carbon tailpipes, Brembo brakes with four-pot front callipers, 17-inch Supersport alloy wheels and Koni suspension with adaptive dampers.

Like the 124, GT, the 695 Rivale is under consideration for an Australian arrival.