The original Fiat Abarth 595 and 695SS models were the most powerful versions of the 1960's Fiat 500. To recapture the spirit of those high-performance small cars an esseesse kit has been developed for the recently introduced 500 Abarth and will make its debut at the
Paris International Motor Show.
The esseesse kit - supplied in a distinctive Abarth wooden case - can only be fitted by authorised dealers. Engine modifications raise the power output of the 1.4-litre engine to 158bhp and lift torque to 170lb.ft in Sport Mode - usefully more than the 136bhp and 152lb.ft of the standard Abarth. Stopping power is increased thanks to larger brakes with perforated and ventilated front disks, perforated rear disks and high-performance brake pads. Shorter springs and 205/40 ZR17 Pirelli P-Zero tyres on white or titanium-finished ET35 alloy wheels should enhance the handling further. A special air filter finishes off the engine bay while tire pressure sensors, esseesse badges and a special key cover complete the transformation.
Abarth claims the modifications give 0-62mph acceleration of 7.4 seconds - half a second faster than the regular 500 Abarth - along with a top speed 4mph faster at 131mph. With combined cycle fuel consumption of 43.5mpg the esseesse should be fairly frugal given the performance on tap.
The latest version of the 500 will be shown at the
Paris Mondial de l'Automobile from 2nd October. Alongside the esseesse will be the Assetto Corse - essentially a stripped out and more powerful car destined for the 500 Abarth Challenge one-make racing series. There is still no pricing information or a firm date for UK sales of the high-performance Fiat 500 but the esseesse kit for the Grande Punto Abarth adds £3,500 to the cost and it would seem reasonable that the kit for the 500 will cost a similar amount.
John Lambert - 26 Sep 2008