If you've ever wondered what would happen if a scorpion and a spider were to join forces, head over to Abarth's stand at this year's Geneva motor show to find out
When this year's event opens its doors to the public on March 9, they'll get to see the Italian tuning firm's latest high-performance interpretations of the Fiat 500 and the Fiat 124 Spider.
Although the standard 124 (which shares its underpinnings with the Mazda MX-5 Miata) has won plaudits for its appearance but mild criticism for its poise when compared to its Japanese counterpart, the first Abarth-tuned version (the simply named Abarth 124 spider) has impressed on both fronts.
At Geneva, the next stage in this development, the Abarth 124 Spider Scorpione will be looking to increase exclusivity as well as performance.
Billed as a limited series edition, it will be offered with the choice of a six-speed manual or a sequential racing gearbox, a 170hp 1.4-liter engine and a two-stage exhaust system which uses a bypass at higher speeds to improve the motor's efficiency and performance. It means that with a manual transmission the car is good for a 0-100km/h time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 232km/h.
As well as spiky performance, the new model is high on comforts too with leather and Alcantara dressing the interior and a premium infotainment and sound system as standard.
However, those that are really looking for an all-round "pocket rocket" will be more taken by the Abarth 595 Pista. Based on the latest-generation Fiat 500, the car has been built to offer the best balance between road and track use without making compromises. Running the show is a high-revving 1.4-liter 160hp engine -- good for a 7.3-second 0-100km/h dash -- not bad for a car that sits higher than a convertible and has room for three passengers.
The suspension set-up is courtesy of Koni, the brakes are drilled and ventilated, and the infotainment system has an integrated telemetry module. This not only allows drivers to record and share lap times and other racing data, but also to download detailed plans of some of the world's most famous racing circuits.
What's more, Abarth will be offering the 595 Pista in both hard top and convertible form.