How often do you have the chance to see a tuning kit for an already tuned car? Not that often right? Well, we guess it was about that time because G-Tech has unveiled a performance package for the Abarth 500.
While in its standard version, the Abarth 500 gets a 1.4 16v Turbo petrol engine that delivers a maximum of 135 HP at 5,000 rpm and a peak torque of 206 Nm at 3.000 rpm. G-Tech has increased the engine’s power to an impressive 207 HP and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque by adding Garrett loaders, larger injectors, new spark plugs, and a cat back exhaust system. The result is a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 second and a top speed limited to 140 mph.
Next to the engine upgrade the tuner is also offering a coilover suspension, green body accents, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
What do you guys think of this? Is it an attempt to make "one better" than the previous tuner or just an innocent modification to a vehicle that had just happened to be worked on before? You decide and hit us up with some comments.
Video after the jump.
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After unveiling their customized versions for the 500 and 500C, Abarth have announced plans to build their own coupe version of the Fiat 500. Their model will pay tribute to the 1959 Zagato Abarth 750 T and will be offered in both open and closed versions.
The car will feature a new enlarged tail spoiler, big wheels, and multiple detail changes compared to the 750 T. It will be the first modern Abarth with body styles exclusive to the marque. On the interior the rear seats will be removed, in the style of the Italian coupes of the 1950s and 1960s.
The next Abarth coupe will be powered by a 1.4 liter T-Jet engine that develops a total of 178 HP (same from the limited-edition Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari). The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be made in 7.4 seconds and top speed will be higher than in any other Abarth model.
You might remember Romeo Ferrari for their tuning package for the Alfa Romeo MiTo. However, today the tuner has focused their attention to another Italian car: the new Fiat 500C.
The new package is called the "Sardinia" and is dedicated to the island with the same name. Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is well known as an exclusive holiday spot for the jet setting crowd. This special edition will be limited to only 50 units and will be painted in an exclusive twin tone emerald green-beige finish.
The exterior package includes 16" wheels in a multispoke design, a polished finish, and a dual exhaust at the rear. The interior of the 500C has quite an interesting feature as the beige theme from the exterior gets thrown in with a special cork from the oak trees found in Sardinia. The cork is used on the gear lever and center console trimming. The emerald green found on the outside of the car also makes its way into the vehicle by use of the green floor mats. The leather seats include a beige-sand color contrast.
Fiat has unveiled a new special edition 500 for the European market. It’s called the Blackjack and its name clearly stems from the unique body color with black opaque treatment. The new 500 Blackjack will go on sale in September and will be priced at €13,850 (in Italy).
The unique matte black paint is enhanced by polished elements (whiskers, handles, mirror housings and door-plate) and the 16" alloy wheels are painted in black with a red frame in the center.
The same black color found on the exterior of the car also finds its way into the interior as it is completely blacked out. The only highlights can be found in the burnished silver seams that glisten off of the steering wheel and gear. The black extends into the combination leather and fabric seats unless you want to throw in some color with the option of red seats.
The new Fiat 500 Blackjack is available with all of the engines found in the 500 range combined with a five- or six-speed gearbox. Fiat is also offering the new TwinAir 85HP 0.9-liter two-cylinder turbo petrol.
This past weekend Fiat North America unveiled the special edition Cinquecento Prima Edizione that will go on sale at the end of 2010. It will be limited to only 500 units and will be available in just three colors: Bianco (White), Rosso (Red), and Grigio (Gray).
The new Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione will be powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine mated to a manual transmission. It will be distinguished by an exclusive Prima Edizione badge, individualization options, quality and advanced technology, all wrapped in iconic Italian style.
"The Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione was developed especially with the Fiat fans in mind," said Laura Soave, Head of Fiat North America, who personally presented the opportunity to the Fiat aficionados. "For over a quarter of a century, the members of this Club have kept the spirit of the Fiat and Lancia brands alive in North America through their unique and passionate support for true Italian design. We really value their loyalty, and the Prima Edizione is our gift of appreciation to these fans on behalf of Fiat North America."
The first to be able to sign up for the Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione (or Fiat 500 First Edition) were the club members at the Fiat-Lancia club event in Asheville, NC. There, the head of Fiat North America, Laura Soave, passed out a sheet to give the members the opportunity to be the first to put their names down for the special edition. Don’t worry, Fiat lovers, you’ll get a chance to place your order soon as well courtesy of www.ciaofiat.com.
Press release after the jump.
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