The new Fiat 500 Turbo has been officially unveiled by parent company Chrysler ahead of the mid-spec model’s release into the North American market in September.
The Fiat 500 Turbo, first spied in a US Fiat TV ad, is designed to sit between the standard Cinquecento and the performance-biased Fiat 500 Abarth. With the addition of a turbocharger to the 1.4-liter MultiAir engine, twin intercoolers and a sports-tuned exhaust, power is up 34 per cent to 101kW while torque is raised 53 per cent to 203Nm. A five-speed manual transmission takes care of the cog swapping duties.
The 500 Turbo’s under-bonnet tweaks are joined by sports-tuned suspension, larger drive-shafts and constant velocity (CV) joints, and upgraded 282mm ventilated front brake discs featuring calipers finished in Rosso red paint.
The 500 Turbo receives a more aggressive front-end look with a new front bumper with larger openings to aid in engine cooling, twin ‘nostrils’ to maximise airflow to the intercoolers and new gloss black headlamp and parking lamp bezels.
Bolder side skirts, a rear spoiler, and a black-accented rear diffuser join new tail-lights that again feature gloss black bezels. The new exhaust system pokes out below the reshaped rear bumper providing a bit more note for Fiat enthusiasts to enjoy. Unique 16-inch alloy wheels complete the sportier image.
Inside sees sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and in a small car first, a Beats by Dr Dre audio system offering passengers a high-definition music experience with all the kudos attached to the item.
Head of Fiat North America Tim Kuniskis said, “The new Fiat 500 Turbo is the answer to all the fans that loved the style of our Cinquecento but wanted more power and performance for their daily drive.”
Fiat Australia’s Lenore Fletcher told CarAdvice it is considering the new model but is yet to finalise any plans to bring the car to our shores. Fiat’s current Australian line-up includes the 63kW/145Nm Fiat 500 TwinAir and 118kW/230Nm Fiat 500 Abarth Esseesse.
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