Test – Abarth 124 GT: now that’s really roof

Some take their top off, she adds a layer

Presented in 2016, the Abarth 124 Spider Turismo was then the most exclusive and advanced version of the scorpion brand. Two years later, the Italian wizard is back with a model even more inspired by racing, the 124 GT. No question of restyling here, the magic is much more subtle, though.

During the presentation in Geneva of the 124 Spider, Abarth also presented a prototype of a Rallye version of the 124 intended for competition. This variant has a major difference compared to the mainstream Spider, its hardtop. However, the 124 GT does not settle for a regular hardtop. The material chosen is intended to be noble and definitively linked to the world of motorsport, carbon fiber.

Thus, to style and transform the roadster into a coupé, Abarth has designed a rigid carbon fiber roof that only adds 16kg to the chassis. At the same time, this addition reinforces the overall rigidity of the body and allows for much better sound and thermal insulation than with a canvas top. And if you feel like driving with the wind in your hair, it’s easy: simply remove the roof in a few steps and manually fold down the still-present canvas top.

The addition of the roof came to weigh down the chassis, a lightening work was carried out on the O.Z Ultraleggera 17-inch matte black wheels with a sporty design. In fact, a total of nearly 3kg are saved, bringing the overweight to 13kg for the Abarth 124 GT compared to the 124 Spider. The figure is appealing when one observes the gained comfort.

Sporty inspiration for an intimate atmosphere

Once inserted into the cocoon, because yes, the space is relatively narrow and close to the ground, one does not feel oppressed. The leather sports seats are welcoming and the seating is not hard as the design of the upholstery might suggest. The edges provide excellent support, also helped by the very low driving position.

In front of your eyes, the three-spoke chrome leather steering wheel with red stitching and “zero” point is well finished, we regret the absence of a floor on the lower part, present on the 595, to accentuate the sporty atmosphere. The central tachometer is highlighted by a chrome ring and a red background that catches the eye. The small cutout in the lower part is dedicated to the gear change indicator. The speedometer is a bit small for our taste.

On your right, the transmission tunnel acts as a barrier with your passenger. Here we find the audio controls and the joystick to navigate through the on-board computer, even though the 7-inch screen that sits on the center console is indeed touch-sensitive. The chrome gear lever with red numbering is beautiful and its design allows for a good grip with positioning the thumb on top. In front of it, there is a dial that allows you to switch driving modes, with a highlight on the sport mode, directly inscribed on the chrome trim of the gear lever gaiter.

On the other hand, the handbrake lever is not ergonomic. The position of the arm to operate it gives the sensation that you are arm-wrestling being too low compared to the support. As it is used only little, this inconvenience will be easily forgiven.

Something in her

With this highest finish, do not count on an exclusive engine. Abarth simplifies its range and offers the same 1.4L MultiAir Turbo of 1368cm3 for the three versions of the 124. Thus, the Spider, the Spider Turismo, and the GT have 170hp each. In sport mode, the 124 GT develops a maximum torque of 250Nm at 2500rpm, 20Nm more than the 1.4L engine fitted in the 595 Turismo we tested. (The 595 Competizione develops the same torque at 3000rpm but for a more powerful engine by 10hp).

For the manual version, the 0-100km/h is given as 6.8s with a maximum speed of 232km/h. The transition from Euro 6B to Euro 6D engine level allows for reducing emissions from 148g/km to 146g/km, resulting in an environmental tax reduced to €1,153 compared to €2,010 previously. In mixed driving, Abarth claims a fuel consumption of 6.4L/100km, but let’s be honest, this value is utopian if you enjoy this coupe even a little.

Building trust on the road

We settle in, start with the keyless start system and… music. If the work on the exhaust of the 595 Turismo is already highly appreciated, it reaches another level with the Record Monza mounted on the 124 GT. Raucous and crackling, you’ll love downshifting to hear it growl. As announced, the carbon roof effectively reduces the exhaust noise, however, on journeys such as on the highway, a slight omnipresence of noise can be detected.

On departmental roads, the verdict is quite different, however, and we’ll tell you about it. On the descent of the Turini pass, we quickly get caught up in the game of accelerations interspersed with cornering where finding the right line is done without too much trouble. In normal driving mode, we are satisfied with the work of the suspension and damping which smoothens out the rough patches of a mountain road (understand uneven surfacing and potholes in places). The front end easily positions itself at the entry of the corner, and the traction control allows you to push on the exit to make your sports coupe roar.

With forced propulsion, one can feel a strong rear end when the pace picks up on very uneven asphalt. However, do not worry, it will not try to betray you at the first excess of confidence. The same goes for braking phases, the Brembo system allows for firm and sustained pressure, showing endurance on a mountain descent. Stay focused and the 124 GT will obey you.

Once the sport mode is activated, you will experience even more satisfaction in its driving. More direct acceleration, firmer suspensions, you will take pleasure in pressing the accelerator to find yourself deep in the seat once on a straight portion of road. The firmness of the suspensions and the finer precision of the steering allow you to play even more with the trajectories, but in the Turini sector (descent towards Sospel – Menton), the poor condition of the road prevents prolonged use of the driving mode, unless you know a good physiotherapist.

Therefore, prefer the short road trips of a few days, because the limited trunk space (140L) on a coupe does not allow you to bring your entire wardrobe. You will always have the ability to switch from one driving mode to another depending on the quality of the road network you are using.

Quick visit to the dealership.

Attentive to the feedback from the public, Abarth has lowered the prices of the 124 to allow the GT version to enter the market at a starting price of €40,900 (€2,000 more for automatic transmission), which is €3,400 more than the Spider Turismo. To enjoy more comfort and have a more distinctive-looking vehicle, it’s up to you to decide if these €3,400 are a necessary investment.

As standard equipment, we find the Record Monza exhaust, Bilstein shock absorbers, Brembo braking system, mechanical limited-slip differential, a strut tower bar, traction control and electronic stability control for the chassis. In the cockpit, there is a 7-inch touchscreen, Abarth leather sports seats, and Bose audio system.

Abarth offers a Visibility Pack (LED lights + headlight washers, automatic lights/wipers, rear parking sensors) for €1800, the Racing Alcantara Pack (dashboard, handbrake lever, gear knob base, dashboard and armrest in Alcantara) for €1700, and also a Workshop Pack which includes the Racing Alcantara Pack and additionally offers mirror covers, front spoiler and tow hook cover in Red Corsa or Grey Forgiato, as well as matte black or body color hood and trunk for €2500.