KEY POINTS:
Fiat is continuing an Abarth tradition by loading up its retro 500 with more power.
The Abarth became famous for creating cute-but-deadly-fast racing versions of Fiat city cars in the 1950s and 1960s.
Now owned by Fiat, the brand is being used - among other things - for hotted-up versions of the retro-styled 500 hatchback.
Fiat has already created a 500 Abarth, with 99kW from its 1.4-litre turbo engine, but there's now a limited-edition model with 118kW.
The revised engine develops maximum torque of 230Nm at 3000rpm - and, with a fixed geometry turbocharger, top speed is 211km/h and acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 7.4 seconds.
Other features include the adoption of front and rear ventilated disc brakes, high performance front brake pads, a special air filter, low springs, 17-inch alloys painted white or titanium and 205/40 R17 Pirelli P-zero Nero tyres.
Inside, the car gets leather upholstery, a plate with the car serial number on the central tunnel and two aluminium badges with the words "500 Abarth Opening Edition" on the faring.
It is delivered with a car cover bearing a period Abarth 595 design. The Opening Edition comes in two body colours, Campovolo grey or pearlised white, and special stickers including a red chequered flag on the roof exclusive to the Campovolo grey shade that pays homage to the past sporting victories of the Abarth brand.
It's fast, but not exactly a stripped-out racer - the Opening Edition boasts automatic climate control, an Interscope sound system and the "Blue&Me" map sat nav system in a special Abarth configuration that responds to quick direction changes.
