Friday 24th March 2017

400hp Abarth 500!

Concerned modern hot hatches are too safe and sanitised? Pogea Racing has a solution

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When you see power figures attached to cars that seemingly make absolutely no sense, the sensible logic is to assume an engine swap has take place. Crate engines are reasonably easy to get hold of - or you could source a damaged car - then very clever people can make it work with the donor vehicle of your choice.

That's how you get a 400hp 500, right? Oh no. It's still a 1.4. 1.4 litres, 400hp. Lunatics. Pogea Racing has worked with Abarth specialist Enrico Scaravelli to achieve this, strengthening the block and adding forged pistons, a new crank, spikier cams, bigger exhaust valves, an "enlarged" turbocharger and a whole host of other tweaks to both create and control that monstrous power. With 328lb ft, Pogea is claiming 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 178mph. In a Fiat 500!

Beyond the engine upgrades, this 500 also gets fully adjustable KW Clubsport suspension, much bigger brakes - probably a good idea - and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. It's said to weigh 977kg fuelled and ready to go...

Perhaps the most obvious external change from Pogea though is the carbon widebody kit, the 500 now 48mm wider at both axles and filled out with wheels spacers. Does it give the 500 a bit of attitude to go with 400hp? Is it a little too much? Over to you...

Now that widebody can be had in plastic too, which will save a bit of cash to put towards that monster engine. As you may have guessed, making a 400hp 500 doesn't come cheap. It costs 62,000 euros on top of a base Abarth, with the widebody adding another 21,000. But then there will only be five, so exclusivity is guaranteed. Manual only, too. Pogea will even offer a warranty, albeit through a third-party provider. If you're feeling brave...

[Source: Autoevolution]

[steveb8189]

Yes, it is absolutely ridiculous and no, I doubt it will go round corners but as a showcase of what can be done it looks great.

I wonder how much the 3rd party charge for the warranty! A reliable 400bhp from a 1.4 must be pretty tough to achieve.