Fiat releases 500 Abarth 'Opening Edition'

Fiat has released a second Abarth version of its new 500 minicar that will be produced in an ultra-exclusive run of just 100 cars for the Italian market. The new model is dubbed the ‘500 Abarth Opening Edition’ and it features a revised version of the 135hp (100kW) 1.4L turbocharged engine from the standard model.

Power has been boosted to 160hp (120kW) and torque is up at 170lb-ft (230Nm). Matched to a slick-shifting five-speed manual gearbox, the new Opening Edition Abarth will sprint from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in just 7.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 211km/h (131mph) – the standard model takes 7.9 seconds for the same sprint and tops out at 205km/h (127mph).

Other changes include new perforated disc brakes, uprated brake pads, a sports ‘powered by BMC’ air-filter, stiffer suspension springs and new 17in alloys finished in either white or titanium.

Unique styling changes include red-painted calipers, tinted windows, custom leather trim and aluminum badges. Only two exterior colors will be available (Campovolo grey or pearl White), but there’s also an optional red chequered flag decal available for the roof.