Abarth has added a turbocharger to boost the power output of the 1.4 litre engine from 100bhp on the standard car to 135bhp, chopping the 0-62mph acceleration time from 10.5sec to 7.9sec and raising the top speed to 127mph – enough to comfortably outrun the Mini Cooper. There is even a sport button that adds weight to the steering and increases the torque of the engine for spirited driving, and a light that illuminates to prompt gearshift points for optimum performance.
Changes to the 500’s looks are as dramatic. Sitting half an inch lower than the standard car on fatter tyres, the 500 Abarth has also acquired two intercooler vents in its longer snout, twin exhaust tailpipes, a tailgate spoiler and a rear aerodynamic diffuser. Add the optional 17in wheels into the mix and the metamorphosis from cute corgi into stafford-shire bull terrier is complete.