Fiat is set to unveil new Esseesse tuning kits for its Abarth Punto Evo and Abarth 500C models at the Paris motor show in a few weeks time.
The Punto Evo Esseesse takes the car up to similar levels as the pre-Evo Abarth Puntos received, meaning 177bhp and 199lb ft - enough for a 135mph top speed and 0-62mph in 7.5secs.
Oddly, but fascinatingly, Fiat is keen to point out that the Punto Evo Esseesse on show at Paris will be in Campovolo Grey. Apparently, this is the grey shade used for aircraft on the Campovolo airfield in Turin, opposite Abarth's historic HQ, where Karl Abarth used to buy paint for his cars.
On a less obscure note, the 500C Esseesse will be shown alongside the Punto, complete with 158bhp (up from 135) and 170lb ft of torque, making it good for 0-62mph in 7.6secs and 131mph.
The 500C Esseese also gets a fetching two-tone paint scheme, with Pista Grey on top and 'that' Campovolo Grey below.
This design is supposed to "combine the two 'souls' of the car: the elegance of a cabriolet above and the out-and-out sporty performance of the Esseesse kit below".
Over in the world of F1, meanwhile, Messrs Massa and Alonso have taken delivery of an
Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari
each, Fiat's 180bhp, £30k Ferrari-ised 500.
Presumably, Massa's example has an in-built system that forces him to pull over should Alonso appear in his rear-view mirror...
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