SS STINGER
Abarth’s revised ‘70th Anniversary’ 595 range has a new star:
the hardcore, reborn esseesse
Story by Chris Rees
Photography by Michael WardM
ay whatever god it is that
scorpions cleave to be
praised: Abarth has
relaunched its famous
‘esseesse’ (SS) badge. When
the original Abarth 500 was launched 10
years ago, one of the most eye-catching
options was the esseesse kit. Deliciously
delivered in a branded wooden crate, the kit
included an ECU upgrade to push power up
to 160hp, beefier brakes, sportier springs
and larger wheels, all fitted by your local
dealer as an aftermarket add-on.
That option didn’t last very long. I’m
delighted to say, it’s back. But there’s one
big difference: the new esseesse is a
regular factory-built model rather than an
aftermarket kit. Sadly, that means the
crate is gone (boohoo). But the esseesse
remains every inch the hardcore choice.
The new ‘SS’ forms part of the refreshed
2019 range (see separate panel), slotting in
at the top of the 595 line-up.
The first thing the esseesse gives you is
power. Well, OK, the same power as the 595
Competizione (180hp) – thanks to ECU
changes and a high-performance BMC air
filter – but that’s plenty enough for some
feisty figures. The esseesse will do 0-62mph
in 6.7 seconds and reach 140mph.It also sounds rather nice, too, courtesy of a
specially developed Akrapovic exhaust, whose
carbon tips stick menacingly out of the back.
This is distinct from the Record Monza system
on the Competizione, by the way. It really
comes into its own when you press the Sport
button on the dashboard and the exhaust
valve opens up. As the colours and layout of
the instrument display change to more
searing tones, so too does the exhaust note.
It’s never so loud that it’s anti-social but it is
deeply fruity – and deeply satisfying. Pressing
the Sport button, by the way, also boosts your
torque, beefs up the power steering and
makes the throttle response sharper.