In 2008, Abarth->ke2904 released their Abarth 500 package, and a few months later, they followed it with the Esseesse package at the Paris Auto Show. It seems the blueprints were laid out at that point because Abarth just unveiled their 500C, which is the company's first convertible, and are planning to unveil the Esseesse package for the convertible at the same auto show at the end of this month. The package includes perforated, ventilated front disc brakes (diameter 284 mm x 22 mm), perforated rear disc brakes (diameter 240 mm x 11 mm), high performance front brake pads, front and rear Koni shock absorbers with FSD valve, specific red springs set lower than those on the original car, and Abarth esseesse 7” x 17” ET35 alloy wheels painted white or titanium, combined with 205/40 ZR17 tires.
Under the hood there is a 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet engine that delivers a maximum of 160 HP and 230 NM of torque. Of course, due to the added weight of the convertible, the 500C completes the 0-60 mph sprint in 7.6 seconds which is 0.2 seconds slower than the 500. Top speed also takes a small hit at 130mph compared to the 131mph top speed of the 500. It's a small price to pay for a convertible though, and one that was to be expected.
The package is finished by four sensors to record correct tire pressure, a special “powered by BMC” air filter and Esseesse badges for the engine cover and tailgate.
Press release after the jump.
2011 Abarth 500C Esseesse
- Make: Array
- Model: 2011 Abarth 500C Esseesse
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Press release
The kit for the Abarth 500C tunes the 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet power unit to achieve a maximum power of 160 HP (117 kW) at 5750 rpm and in Sport mode, a maximum torque of 230 Nm at 3000 rpm with the performance of an out-and-out sports car: top speed is 209 km/h with acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds. As with the Punto Evo, the 500C maintains its Euro 5 compliance even once the kit has been installed, with CO2 emissions equal to 151 g/km.
Safety is always the focus with Abarth tuning, as evidenced by the upgrading of the braking system and adjusted ride: the esseesse kit for the 500C includes perforated, ventilated front disc brakes (diameter 284 mm x 22 mm), perforated rear disc brakes (diameter 240 mm x 11 mm), high performance front brake pads, front and rear Koni shock absorbers with FSD valve, specific red springs set lower than those on the original car, Abarth esseesse 7” x 17” ET35 alloy wheels painted white or titanium, combined with 205/40 ZR17 tyres.
The conversion kit for the Abarth 500C also includes four sensors to record correct tyre pressure, a special “powered by BMC” air filter and esseesse badges for the engine cover and tailgate.
The esseesse kit for the Abarth 500C is due to go on sale from October in all European markets.