What does the abarth sport button actually do ?

[Roboticarm]

Might seem like and odd question for someone who is on his 2nd abarth but it would seem that there are mixed views on what the button actually does and the manual is somewhat vague.

In both my 2014 135 model and my current 2019 165 model the button makes the steering weight increase, changes the throttle response and allows access to the full bhp and torque (apparently normal mode holds back at 2/3rds of both)

A friend with the same car is sure the exhaust note changes, personally I'm not convinced though some articles seem to suggest it does too.

Does anyone know exactly what changes when you press the button please ?

[CostaBrava1972]

Simples - it increases the driver's heart rate and blood pressure.

Everything that follows is traceable to that......

[djgritt]

Roboticarm said:

Might seem like and odd question for someone who is on his 2nd abarth but it would seem that there are mixed views on what the button actually does and the manual is somewhat vague.

In both my 2014 135 model and my current 2019 165 model the button makes the steering weight increase, changes the throttle response and allows access to the full bhp and torque (apparently normal mode holds back at 2/3rds of both)

A friend with the same car is sure the exhaust note changes, personally I'm not convinced though some articles seem to suggest it does too.

Does anyone know exactly what changes when you press the button please ?

Mostly the Steering & Throttle response as you have identified already.
On the latest cars (2018 on if I recall) with the ‘Active’ Monza or Akrapovic exhausts fitted (Competizione, Pista, Esseesse, Rivale) then the Sport button also operates the valve on the exhaust.
Base 595 & Turismo do not have a valved exhaust as standard.
Earlier cars with a valved Exhaust had a mechanical pressure valve, opening up once exhaust flow/pressure was enough to overcome the valve resistance (or often manually locked open with wire or weld...)

[Roboticarm]

Thank you, that helps. Really odd that abarth don't provide the full detail anywhere