Ah, the Fiat Abarth 595 Esseesse '70. There's something delightfully Italian about a car that seems to have been designed on the back of a pizza box during a lively dinner party. It's as if the engineers at Fiat thought, "What could be more Italian than a tiny, impractical, yet surprisingly quick car?" And thus, the Abarth 595 was born.

Before I delve into the car's handling and how to maximize its performance in Gran Turismo 7, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. The Abarth 595 Esseesse, also known as the "Assetto Corsa," was a high-performance version of the Fiat 500. The Esseesse part of the name refers to "Super Sport," but it sounds more like an Italian chef describing his favorite tomato sauce. With its tiny 594cc engine, it may not seem like a fire-breathing dragon, but in its day, it was quite the little pocket rocket.

Now, as you'd expect with a car roughly the size of a shoebox, the Abarth 595 Esseesse is not exactly a heavyweight when it comes to handling. It's so small and light that you might even find yourself momentarily airborne if you hit a bump too hard. That said, this also means that the car's nimbleness is one of its greatest assets in Gran Turismo 7.

The Abarth's handling characteristics are best described as "quirky." If you drive it like a modern hot hatch, you'll find yourself in a world of understeer, oversteer, and, ultimately, frustration. However, if you adopt the right driving style, the Abarth will reward you with a grin-inducing experience.

First, let's address the issue of understeer. Given that the Abarth 595 has the majority of its weight at the front, it's no surprise that it wants to push wide in corners. To minimize understeer, you'll want to trail brake into corners. This technique involves gently applying the brakes as you turn in, helping to transfer weight onto the front wheels and increase grip.

Next up: oversteer. The Abarth's short wheelbase and rear-engine layout mean it's prone to oversteer, particularly when you're aggressive with the throttle. The key to managing this is to be smooth with your inputs, easing onto the power as you exit corners rather than stamping on the gas pedal. It may feel counterintuitive at first, but once you master this technique, you'll be dancing the Abarth around the track like a miniature ballerina.

In Gran Turismo 7, you'll also want to pay close attention to your car's setup. The Abarth 595 Esseesse is best driven with a softer suspension setup, allowing the car to absorb bumps and maintain traction. Additionally, you may want to experiment with the brake balance, shifting it slightly to the rear to help with turn-in.

As for driving aids, you'll want to turn off the traction control, as it can be overly intrusive and rob the car of its lively character. Stability control can be left on if you prefer, as it's less intrusive and can help save you from a spin if you get a bit too exuberant with the throttle.

When it comes to racing in Gran Turismo 7, the Abarth 595 Esseesse is best suited to tight, twisty circuits where its agility and nimble handling can shine. On tracks with long straights, the Abarth's modest power output will leave it trailing behind more powerful competitors. However, in the right hands, this plucky little car can still hold its own in tight battles where cornering prowess is key.

One thing you'll quickly learn when racing the Abarth 595 Esseesse in Gran Turismo 7 is that momentum is everything. With only around 38 horsepower on tap, you'll need to carry as much speed as possible through corners to avoid being bogged down on the straights. Mastering the art of maintaining momentum will not only make you faster in the Abarth but will also translate into improved driving skills in other cars as well.

In terms of visuals, the Abarth 595 Esseesse is a charming throwback to an era when cars had character and charm in spades. With its round headlights, chrome trim, and diminutive proportions, it's impossible not to fall in love with the cheeky little Italian. Gran Turismo 7's graphics engine does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the Abarth, making it a pleasure to drive both in terms of performance and aesthetics.

One aspect of the Abarth 595 Esseesse that is often overlooked is the soundtrack. While it might not have the guttural roar of a V8 or the high-pitched scream of a supercar, the Abarth's air-cooled two-cylinder engine has a unique and endearing sound. It's a bit like listening to an angry sewing machine, but in the best possible way. This distinctive audio experience only adds to the Abarth's appeal in Gran Turismo 7.

Overall, the Fiat Abarth 595 Esseesse '70 is a unique and enjoyable addition to the Gran Turismo 7 roster. It may not be the fastest car in the game, but its engaging driving experience, charming visuals, and the nostalgic appeal of a classic Italian hot hatch more than make up for any shortcomings in outright performance. If you're looking for a break from the usual high-powered supercars and racing machines, the Abarth 595 Esseesse is a delightful palate cleanser that will remind you of the joy of driving in its purest form.

So, there you have it, the Fiat Abarth 595 Esseesse '70 in Gran Turismo 7, a car that feels like it was designed for a world where speed limits don't exist, and every journey is an adventure. A tiny automotive gem that will make you fall in love with driving all over again. In conclusion, while it may not be the car to choose for your next track day or online race, it is a car that will teach you the true meaning of fun behind the wheel.