Poll 1280: Fiat Stilo Abarth Shumacher Edition nominated by @ZGBox
Body Style: 3dr hatch Engine: 2.4 "Pratola Serra" I5 20V Power: 170hp Torque: 163 lb-ft Weight: 1340 kg Transmission: 5 speed "Selespeed" Automated Manual transmission, 5 speed Manual Drivetrain: Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive Additional Information: A special edition based on the 20V Abarth model built in limited numbers (3,500 made), was only offered with three doors (on most markets) and with the option of a 5 speed manual, it was built to celebrate Michael Shumacher's F1 success.
It was only offered in Rosso Corsa, it's almost fully loaded with every options and it sported a Zender bodykit, plus unique decals and a metal plaque with the embossed production number and with Shumi's signature.
From what I've read there's a GP version, of which 200 were made, that offers 18" wheels and a Prodrive-tuned suspension. The more common version is just an expensive dress-up kit on a standard Abarth, which in turn is a slightly hotted up version of a car that seems to be commonly described as "not as good as a Focus".
Also, this is hardly the car that comes to mind when I think of "multiple time Formula 1 champion". Uncool.
Aaaah, the Stilo, maybe one of the biggest FIAT failures of the 21st century but this version in particular always interested me.
I'm a sucker for 5-cylinder engines (and this one is no exception, it sounds great and it's not that unreliable), and the fact that it exists because Shumi was on top in the F1 world is enough for me to like it.
But alas, this never had a chance when compared to its rivals on the performance (and quality) standpoint and the infamous Selespeed really didn't do any favours (as it's also the most popular transmission with this engine), primarly because FIAT really didn't see the point of building a proper hot hatch.
And it's a modern FIAT soo yeah, even in it's motherland it's uncool.
From what I've read there's a GP version, of which 200 were made, that offers 18" wheels and a Prodrive-tuned suspension. The more common version is just an expensive dress-up kit on a standard Abarth, which in turn is a slightly hotted up version of a car that seems to be commonly described as "not as good as a Focus".
I’ll give it a low cool, but nothing higher. Looks nice enough and having that connection to Ferrari-era Schumacher is a good novelty. Other than that it’s a red FIAT that nobody would assume besides serious collectors.
At the time I thought the Stilo was rather graceless but given how bad most modern hatches look, I think it looks OK. I don't think the Schmacher name tag adds any coolness. Meh.
but it's still quite interesting to know nonetheless.
