Abarth 695 Assetto Corse Evoluzione / Trofeo Abarth current version 1.1

Meet the 695 Assetto Corse Evoluzione.

Fiat already has an Abarth Assetto Corse for both the 500 and 695 cars, but this new Evoluzione model turns things up to 11. Power is up, weight is down, and in true race car fashion, there are a lot of minor improvements learned over the last few years of competition combine to make repairs and adjustments easier. The car obviously still retains the full complement of FIA-approved safety equipment.

If you already own one of the older 695 Assetto cars and want to stay competitive in the Trofei series, Fiat is offering the full Evoluzione kit as an upgrade.

Visually there are very few changes to the 695 Assetto Corse Evoluzione. The full aerodynamic body kit, lowered ride height and wide tires are still standard equipment. It makes the little Fiat look properly menacing. But the look of the car is not very important in a racing series that only involves a single make. What really counts are the bits that make it move.Fiat has really stepped up the game again with the Evoluzione. Power for the old car was already a ludicrous 200 horsepower, but Fiat has managed to push that up to 215. The extra grunt comes from a huge list of alterations that include a revised engine mapping, altered timing and an all-new cooling and intercooler layout. The electrics have also been redone with a new architecture that features control units that have been mounted inside the passenger compartment for easier use and adjustment. Fiat also added a window defroster.

The other piece of the go-faster recipe is a weight cut, and Fiat was able to pull another 20 kilos from the machine to bring the weight down to feathery 920 kg (2,028 pounds). That makes the Evoluzione almost 500 pounds lighter than a Miata, and almost 50 horsepower more powerful. The Evoluzione also makes use of new steel front suspension arms that can be completely dismantled.

The cabin is still all business with a fully race-prepped design that features kill switches, stripped trim and a full roll cage. The PR materials dont specify, but I am bout 90-percent sure you only get one seat. A passenger race bucket would be an extra. As mentioned previously, the car is fully compliant with all FIA safety specifications and regulations for competition.

Makes me want to move to Italy and become a racing driver. Hey, Fiat, give me a buzz if you get a chance.