Fiat unleashes an even hotter 500 Abarth
First details emerge of a scorpion-badged Bambino with a more venomous stingWe've already shown you the Fiat 500 Abarth (more here), but the Italian marque has just announced details of an even hotter scorpion-badged tearaway, and it's dubbed the '500 Abarth Opening Edition'.
The latest variant features a tweaked version of the 'standard' Abarth's 1.4-litre turbo engine, with power rising from the donor car's 99kW to a more imposing 118kW, while torque is cranked up from 206Nm to 230Nm.
Equipped with the standard five-speed gearbox, the Opening Edition sprints from 0-100km/h in a claimed 7.4sec, while top speed is quoted at 211km/h. To put these figures in perspective, the garden-variety Abarth accelerates to 100km/h in 7.9sec and its v-max is 205 km/h.
The upgrade isn't just about straight-line performance, as the mechanical fiddles also bring perforated front and rear disc brakes, high-performance front brake pads and a 'powered by BMC' free-flow air filter.
The Opening Edition also rides lower than the standard 500 Abarth and scores 17-inch alloys -- painted white or titanium -- that are shod with 205/40 R16 ZR 17 Pirelli PZero Nero rubber.
Other visual clues that distinguish the Opening Edition include red brake calipers and 'privacy windows'. Inside, there's a serial number on the central tunnel and '500 Abarth Opening Edition' aluminium plaques to ram home the message that this is no mass-market offering.
Meanwhile, the gearknob is topped by a glossy anodised aluminium disc on which the gearshift pattern is engraved in red graphics. Other features unique to the 500 Abarth Opening Edition include a grey or white fuel cap and key cover.
Buyers can choose between two colours (Campovolo grey or pearl white), and there's also the option of special stickers including a red chequered flag on the roof (exclusive to the Campovolo Grey shade) that pays homage to the numerous sporting victories of the Abarth brand.
But wait, there's still more… the Opening Edition also comes with a special car cover with Abarth logos -- just the thing to keep dust and vandals at bay.
Now for the bad news, the Opening Edition will be produced in limited numbers, with even its home market receiving only 100 cars. No word as yet on its Oz prospects.
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