for homeslice: fiat abarth 500

[RACER X]

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"With Fiat's little 500 subcompact officially heading our way in the near future, we're taking a greater interest in the tuner market for what could be one heck of a hot hatch. Sure, the base 500 engine that we're likely to see - a 100-hp, 1.4 liter mill - isn't much to write home about, but we're already drooling over the 135-hp, 152 lb-ft turbocharged Abarth version. And before you chime in that 135 ponies isn't a lot of power these days, remember that the 500 only weighs 2200 lbs.

Still, there's always room for improvement, and German tuner company Karl Schnorr Kraftfahrzeuge has taken that phrase to heart. Schnorr shares more than just a derivative of Abarth founder Carlo Abarth's first name. He also shares a passion for making small, modestly powered cars go really fast. At first the Karl Schnorr 500 Abarth could be just another tarted-up Cinquecento, what with its red OZ Seria Rossa 17-in. wheels, additional red stripes, red side mirror covers, and lowered stance. But there's a lot more to it underneath.

Sixty-five more, to be precise. That's how much more horsepower the 5050-euro ($7218) 'Power Level 2' 200-hp Schnorr-tuned 500 Abarth makes over the standard version, courtesy of a remapped ECU, larger turbocharger, and sports exhaust system. Not quite ready for that big of a gain? Try the 'Power Level 1' kit and get 28 more ponies (163 hp) for just 950 euros ($1358). Just want your 500 Abarth to be a little more aggressive in the corners? Schnorr will also sell you a coilover suspension kit for 1270 euros ($1815) including installation.

Still, there may be something to be said for the 500 Abarth even in its standard 135-hp guise. After all, as Paul Horrell said regarding our First Drive of the pint-sized runabout, "I love the Abarth. These days, 500 hp has become the sports-car entry ticket. But when can you use that much? The Abarth reminds us the there's a lot to be said for taking a small terrier of a car and driving the door handles off it."

Source: Karl Schnorr Kraftfahzeuge "