Fiat Announces Abarth 124 GT With Carbon Fiber Roof For Geneva

Fiat will give the Abarth version of the 124 Spider a major upgrade in style at the Geneva Motor Show with the launch of a new GT special edition, featuring a removable carbon fiber hardtop and other special touches. The Italian brand's performance division will also unveil the Abarth 695 Rivale as a partnership with yacht-maker RIva.

The 124 GT blends improved looks and a slight increase in performance. On the outside, the special edition wears a unique shade called Alpi Orientali Grey. The mirror caps and front fascia also receive a gunmetal gray finish, and the roadster rides on a set 17-inch wheel, which Abarth claims shave 6.6 pounds (3 kilograms) over the stock parts. The carbon fiber hardtop weighs 35 pounds (16 kilograms) when in place. As options, buyers can spec components like a matte black hood, carbon fiber rear spoiler, and carbon fiber mirror caps.

The GT retains the Abarth 124's 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces 168 horsepower (125 kilowatts) and 184 pound-feet (250 Newton-meters) in the European market. Buyers can choose between six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. The mill gets the roadster to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 144 mph (232 kph).

The new Abarth 695 Rivale special edition also provides stylish driving but with a retro appearance. The little convertible comes exclusively in a two-tone mix of Riva Sera Blue and Riva Shark Grey with aquamarine stripes along the side. Satin-finished chrome trim adds a shiny flourish to the body.

Inside, there's a blue leather upholstery and a mix of maple and mahogany wood trim. There's also a numbered plaque that buyers can even customize with the name of their yacht, assuming that they own one.