Bojan Vrbnjak
Exactly sixty years ago, September 1963, Yippee Carlo Abarth surprised fans of the cute model Five hundred with a performance-enhanced version: his model 595 was based on a model Fiat 500 D, which has been produced since 1961. Since then, cuteness has been a thing of the past.
The nominal number refers to the central element Abarths tuning measures: "Horsepower wizard” from Turin, born in Austria, increased the volume Fiat 500 from serial 500 cubic centimeters na 595 cubic centimeters. "Cinquecentonovantacinque", as the Italians would say. With this, the power increased with 13 kW (17,5 HP) per 20 kW (27 HP). Increase in power by more than 50 percent however, it required more far-reaching measures than just increasing the diameter of the two cylinders s 67,4 by 73,5 millimeters. Abarth also designed a new engine block, installed aluminum oil pan with better cooling properties, increased compression with special pistons, installed a larger carburetor and polished the intake and exhaust openings. In addition, he made sure that the engine was with sharper valve springs and “oyster” the cam goes even more happily revving.
On the outside Abarth 595 only slightly different from the standard one Fiat 500 D. A characteristic sign scorpion it is still the most noticeable element on the front of the vehicle. Chrome inscriptions with numbers 595 and the words "World champion” as a reference to the world records he achieved Abarth, and special instruments are only noticed upon closer inspection. Sports exhaust system"Record Monza” with the dual exhaust, however, cannot be ignored. At top speed 120 km/h – the standard speed was 95 km/h – it is Abarth 595 stunned many larger sedans of the time. October 1963 je Abarth presented a model at the Turin Motor Show 595. As a resourceful businessman, he offered every visitor to the fair a coupon for a test drive. The initiative was so successful that the required number of cars was soon produced Abarth 595 for racing.
Carlo Abarth it's March 1964 presented an even more powerful model at the Geneva Motor Show 695. It is at the same time Abarth expanded its offer with tuning kits, with which any talented mechanic could modify Fiat 500 to Abarth. Similar to historical Abarth the current model range is also based on production vehicles of the Fiat brand. The new Abarth 500e is the first electric powered vehicle stamps with a scorpion in the coat of arms. Abarth 595 with 121 kW (165 HP) and Abarth 695 with 132 kW (180 HP) under the hood 1,4 liter turbo gas engine.
