New Car: 2009 Fiat 500 Abarth SS

Meet the hottest 500 ever built! This is the Abarth SS – a pocket rocket with an engine that’s the brainchild of the man behind the formidable V10s in Ferrari’s Formula One cars. Legendary motorsport figure Paulo Martinelli has been credited with fine-tuning the four-cylinder in this model, which will hit the UK’s roads in the summer. Described as the ultimate incarnation of the Fiat-based Abarth 500, the top-of-the-range Super Sport, or SS, delivers enough performance to rival MINI’s flagship Cooper S.The newcomer follows in the foot­steps of its older brother the Abarth Grande Punto SS, promising an uprated 1.4-litre turbo engine and racy looks. As you can see from our images – which have been produced using a combination of information from our insiders at Fiat and spy shots of the forthcoming model – the Abarth SS will get an aggressive bodykit. What’s more, it is likely to be rounded off by a low front splitter, deep air intakes and twin bonnet vents. At the rear, there are twin chrome exhausts, as well as a diffuser-style lower bumper. The white paintwork and contrasting red wing mirrors and side stripes are complemented by Abarth’s famous scorpion badging, which features on the wheels, grille and bootlid. Inside, the model has sporty instruments and figure-hugging bucket seats. But what will make the SS a truly special machine is the turbocharged unit under the bonnet. While the standard Abarth 500’s engine produces 135bhp, the SS has an even more powerful version that delivers 155bhp. With a kerbweight of around 1,000kg, the 500 pro­mises to be a sensational performer: it will complete the sprint from 0-60mph in only 7.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 130mph. A torque output of 230Nm will ensure superb in-gear acceleration – although changing rat­ios will be a joy, as the car has the same slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission as the Abarth Punto. To ensure the SS handles just as well as it accelerates, engineers have lowered the suspension, uprated the dampers and springs and fitted larger brakes. What’s more, as with the flagship Grande Punto, customers will be able to choose from an impressive and exclusive line-up of Abarth-branded components. These will include further suspension options, lightweight carbon fibre body parts and bigger brakes, all of which will be available from the UK’s 10 Abarth dealers. Rumour has it that a special tuning kit is set to be offered as well. It has yet to be officially revealed, but is likely to take peak power to 180bhp – which would give a 0-60mph time of less than seven seconds. The regular Abarth 500 will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, while the SS is set to be launched just before the summer. They are likely to be priced at £13,500 and £15,000 respectively. All Abarth models, including those equipped with after­market tuning parts, will be fully covered under warranty by Fiat.