Pogea Racing announces 330hp Abarth 500

'The perfect symbiosis of sporty functionality and finest high-end ambience.' And 162mph...

Just when it seemed the Biposto was as silly as the Abarth 500 could become... This is the Pogea Racing Abarth 500, also known as 'The Blue Wonder' and the result of a 500 subjected to 'an extensive fitness programme'. Indeed.

Not your average Abarth 1.4 turbo...

So it's lighter, more powerful, more agile and, as befits the fitness overhaul, has a spruced exterior too. The removal of the rear seats and the addition of carbon panels has slashed 71kg from the standard kerbweight. The paint is Monterey Blue (from the Koenigsegg palette, no less) and the suspension is by KW, with the centre of gravity lowered by 45mm.

But obviously the real excitement is under the bonnet. Still a 1.4 but totally overhauled from standard (forged pistons, an 'XXL' intercooler, uprated turbo, new cams, an additional fuel pump, machined cylinder heads plus exhaust and intake tweaks), this Abarth 500 makes 330hp. Three hundred and thirty horsepower. In addition to 303lb ft, Pogea claims a 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds a top speed of 162mph. In a 500! A new gearbox, clutch and reinforced pressure plate should protect the drivetrain from total meltdown.

Slowing the Abarth down from those ludicrous speeds are 313mm front discs with six-piston aluminium calipers and perforated discs from the EsseEsse Abarth at the back. The tyres aiming to contain the rampant power are Toyo Proxes T1-Rs, 205/40/R17 all round.

The quilted leather inside may not be to all tastes, likewise the 'Beats by Dr Dre' sound system, but we have to applaud Pogea Racing's mad work here. For Abarth 500 owners who feel their car is missing a little pep, the Pogea Racing conversion costs 12,500 euros (c. £9,100). Complete cars cost 43,500 euros, or about £31,700. That's made to look even better value when this 695 Tributo is £29K...