Geneva Motor Show 2008

Fiat 500 Abarth

Unless you've got a penchant for historic tuned Fiats you could be forgiven for not knowing about Abarth. Newly resurrected by Fiat, the brand has a long history of making slightly bonkers versions of Fiat's sensible small cars. And at Geneva Abarth will be showing us its version of Fiat's European Car of the Year Award winning 500. The 500 Abarth is powered by a 1.4-litre 16-valve turbocharged engine, delivering 135bhp. That might not sound like much, but it's enough in such a diminutive machine. Oddly, Abarth isn't quoting performance figures, but reckon on a 0-62mph time of around 8 to 8.5 seconds.

Exciting as it promises to be on the road it's sure to sell on looks alone. The Abarth body styling, which is said to improve high speed stability, gives the 500 some real purpose. Other changes include a gear shift light, a turbo boost pressure gauge, Sport mode steering, revised suspension and brakes and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Tuesday February 26

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