Fiat will launch a new performance flagship model for the 500 range in the form of the new, 2019 Abarth 595 esseesse that's set to debut at the 2019 Geneva motor show. The Italian brand is also not only celebrating its 120th anniversary this year but the 70th anniversary of Abarth too, hence why it’s bringing this 500 and a limited series version of the Abarth 124 roadster to the auto show.

What’ Makes the 2019 Abarth 595 Esseesse Special

This is not the first time Fiat had an esseesse model in the 500 range - the original esseesse pack for the current 500 was launched back in 2008, and it featured lower Eibach springs, a power boost to 160 horsepower (from 136 horsepower,) and better brakes. Now, with this new Abarth 595 esseesse, power has been upped even further, to 180 horsepower, but the rest of the recipe is familiar.

The first new part on this new 595 esseesse that Fiat mentions in the official blurb is the Akrapovic exhaust that “combines outstanding performance with an exciting sound,” and it works in conjunction with a performance air filter by BMC.

This type of damper, according to Koni, offer the same benefits as an active computer controlled damper system would, but without all the wiring. Each damper has “a special valve which is able to control a parallel oil flow next to the one going through the piston. This parallel oil flow is closed by the Active feature, giving a rise in damping force almost linear to the time that the piston is moving in one direction.”

With this type of suspension fitted, the car should be better not only around corners but also at absorbing bumps that could have otherwise unsettled the rear end.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Fiat 500 Abarth.

Read our full review on the 2018 Fiat 500.