The Fiat 124 Spider is a re-bodied version of the Mazda MX-5, and Abarth makes a hot version of that. Obviously, it's got the folding fabric roof just like the Japanese mode, but now there's a hardtop version called the Abarth 124 GT.
The fact that they've made a carbon fiber top for the Fiat 124 is not technologically amazing in any way. In fact, it will probably start to leak in a few years. But the design takes us way back to the early 2000's.
Remember when it was cool to have a Honda S2000 with a hardtop? Remember when the plebs installed fiberglass rooves on the Porsche Boxster to have a cheaper 911? The Member Berries remember!
As usual with any Fiat debut, there are lots of boring little details. For example, the 124 GT is finished in a new shade called "Alpi Orientali Grey." The mirror caps and front fascia receive a gunmetal grey finish, while the 17-inch OZ Ultra-Light alloy rims are black, weighing 3kg less than standard.
Matte black bonnet treatment is available on demand, a hint to the classic Abarth 124 Rally on which this setup was installed to prevent the driver from being dazzled by the sun. Taking cues from Mopar, a carbon fiber rear spoiler is also available on demand. The mirror caps can be either made of carbon fiber or painted red.
The carbon fiber hard top, lined on the inside, has a larger rear window than the roadster and a defroster to clear it in less than three minutes. This configuration also saves weight, as the top is 16 kilograms and contributes to improving the torsional rigidity of the car. Importantly, it can be removed and refitted in a few steps, but you have to leave it at home.
Also coming to the Geneva Motor Show is the Abarth 695 Rivale special edition, finished in a two-tone mix of Riva Sera Blue and Riva Shark Grey. The blue leather interior and mahogany wood trim are also nice touches.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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