The 2018 model year has gotten a little more compelling for Fiat as it introduces a lineup of turbo engines.
The Fiat 500 is the designated model that's receiving the upgrade to all turbo engines. Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Brands, comments, "With an all-turbo lineup, the iconic Fiat 500 now offers an even more dynamic driving experience and more standard horsepower than any of its competitors."
How much power are we talking here?
Well, considering it's Fiat, don't expect numbers that rival high-performance cars like a Dodge or Porsche.
But for a Fiat-sized car, the ratings are pretty impressive.
Pop and Lounge
The Pop and Lounge models come equipped with the 1.4L MultiAir Turbo powertrain, which renders 135 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque.
This is 34 more horsepower than last year's model, which is steep considering the size of Fiats. The powerhouse is comprised of a single turbocharger, twin intercoolers and a sport-tuned exhaust.
It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, but a six-speed automatic is also available.
Both the Pop and Lounge trims feature a sport suspension and a performance braking system to support the added power. Accentuating the exterior are
- 16-inch aluminum wheels
- Body-color front and rear fascias
- Sport spoiler
- Fog lamps
- Side-sill ground effects
"Turbo" badging on the liftgate is the perfect finishing touch as you zoom past fellow drivers.
Abarth
The top-of-the-line Abarth trim, which is the most track-ready model of all, ups the ante a bit. Under the hood is the 1.4L MultiAir Turbo engine that's worth 160 horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque.
The equipped three-mode electronic stability control features torque transfer control, which optimizes throttle output during cornering.
To complement its strength, the 500 Abarth boasts 16-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels, Pirelli tires with red brake calipers, and a double-tip dual-exhaust system for a striking look.
Of course, an Italian sports car like this one should be dressed to the nines. Inside, the front performance seats feature side bolsters that hug you in and a racing-harness pass through. Nero rubber-trimmed pedals further enhance the sporty flair of this specific trim.
So, why turbocharge all Fiat 500s?
Turbocharging has a lot going for it—lower emissions, better fuel efficiency, and a much-improved ratio of power to displacement. This is a huge change for most of the lineup, with the exception of the FIAT 500 Abarth where turbocharged engines were already standard, but a good one at that.
The 2018 Fiat 500 features three new colors—Brilliante Red, Mezzanotte Blue Pearl and Vesuvio Black Pearl—in addition to the standard seven. The open-top Cabrio is still being offered as an option for those who like a breezy cruise.
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