New Fiat 500 Abarth to Hit the Road - VIDEO ENHANCED

TURIN - July 08, 2008: Manufactured in a limited number – including 100 cars for the Italian market - 500 Abarth Opening Edition offers a characteristic look of great personality and above all exclusive equipment with regards to mechanical units and the extensive list of standard features.

First of all, this particular version is fitted with a powerful 1.4 Turbo T-Jet power unit that develops 160 bhp (118 KW) at 5750 rpm and a maximum torque of 230 Nm at 3000 rpm. Due to its fixed geometry IHI RHF3 turbocharger, the performances are truly exhilarating: top speed is 211 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes place in just 7.4 seconds. The following also help to make the 500 Abarth Opening Edition unique: the adoption of the front and rear perforated disc brakes, high performance front brake pads, a special ‘powered by BMC’ air filter, special low springs and 17" alloys painted white or titanium and complete with 205/40 R16 ZR 17 Pirelli Pzero Nero tyres.

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Outside, the 500 Abarth Opening Edition features red brake callipers and privacy windows. Inside, distinctive features include leather upholstery, a plate with the car serial number on the central tunnel and two aluminium badges bearing the wording ‘500 Abarth Opening Edition’ positioned on the faring. The steering wheel is also customised with red leather and target. The gear knob is in glossy anodised aluminium with red engraved gears. The mats are Abarth with a leather band. Other features specific to the 500 Abarth Opening Edition include a grey or white fuel cap and key cover. The car is delivered with a car cover bearing a period Abarth 595 design. Lastly, the 500 Abarth Opening Edition may be clad into 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 numerous sporting victories of the Abarth brand.

This exclusive exterior look is complemented by a long list of standard equipment: in the field of safety, for example, the car is fitted with 7 airbags, fog light, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) and Hill Holder in addition to the brand new Torque Transfer Control. Not to mention the fact that, in the field of on-board wellbeing, the 500 Abarth Opening Edition is unrivalled, as evidenced by an automatic climate control system, radio with CD and MP3, the sophisticated Interscope Hi-Fi Sound System and a Blue&Me Map satellite navigation system (special Abarth version). This array of equipment is completed by electrically controlled front windows and door mirrors with height adjustable steering wheel and seats.