The Fiat 500 Abarth is a cute little wannabe racecar that isn't too bad a toy so long as you have a manual transmission. The car it's based on, the Fiat 500, is no longer offered in the States, and that's just one of the reasons that we never got all the special editions of the retro little racer here. Nevertheless, it was decent enough that we compared it to the Fiesta ST, another car that we no longer get locally. But while we watch from afar, many other markets worldwide still offer the car, and as is Fiat's custom, yet another special edition is now available, this time in Japan.
This one is called the Abarth 595 Momento and is based on the 595 Competizione. Launched this week, this special Momento model is limited to just 80 units. It produces 177 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque from its 1.4-liter turbo-four. That power is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox (thankfully), but the Momento is about more than just a feisty power plant. Finished in Grigio Opaco (matte gray), it wears unique paint that is complemented by carbon fiber mirror covers and a carbon fiber lip spoiler. You also get 17-inch aluminum wheels with a yellow center cap, behind which reside Brembo four-pot calipers also finished in yellow.
To further enhance the go-kart-like car's handling ability, a clutch-type mechanical limited-slip differential borrowed from the 695 Biposto is fitted too. Inside, the sporty touches continue with a carbon fiber instrument panel, Sabelt sports seats with sueded fabric, and yellow seatbelts. People will hear the car arriving thanks to a Record Monza exhaust system that is claimed to improve throttle response too.
The cost for all of this regurgitated "specialty"? ¥4,120,000 - or just over $37,900 in greenbacks. Since Japan drives on either side of the road depending on the region, 49 vehicles will be left-hand-drive while the remaining 31 have the steering wheel on the right. But it really is time that FCA - now Stellantis - either scrapped the car or came up with something all-new.