Geneva 2011: Abarth 500C esseesse

The Abarth 500C esseesse, making its first public appearance in Pista grey two-tone livery with a white chromatic liner, has arrived in Geneva these days.The kit is set to improve the vehicle’s performance, handling and safety without having to make any changes to the low emission and fuel consumption level.

The 500C “esseesse” is also exhibited with an original “Record Monza” exhaust silencer (dual mode with variable counterpressure) that enhances the engine sound above 4,000 rpm and, as on the Punto Evo, an Abarth Blue&MeTM MAP satellite navigation system with telemetrics.

The conversion kit for the Abarth 500C also includes four sensors to record correct tire pressure, a special “powered by BMC” air cleaner and “esseesse” badges for the engine cover and tailgate.

The esseesse badge means that the Abarth 500C is able to develop 160 hp and 230 Nm of torque. The topless vehicle can hit 62 mph in 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph (109 km/h). This comes from a tweaked 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet power unit that maintains its Euro 5 compliance even once the kit has been installed, with CO2 emissions equal to 151 g/km.

Safety wise, the braking system is also upgraded. Specifically, the “esseesse” kit for the 500C fits perforated, ventilated front disc brakes (diameter 284 mm x 22 mm), perforated rear disc brakes (diameter 240 mm x 11 mm), high performance front brake pads, front and rear Koni shock absorbers with FSD valve, specific red springs set lower than those on the original car, Abarth “esseesse” 7” x 17” ET35 alloy wheels painted white or titanium, combined with 205/40 ZR17 tires.