Is that a Bambina? 500? No it’s an Abarth 500 esseesse
Answers to questions about the rare, but not exotic, car I drive
Yes its a 500, no its not a Fiat 500
About 1000kg, about 120 KW/160 BHP
Fiat 500 Abarth Esseesse technical specifications
https://www.myabarth.co.uk/2008/09/fiat-500-abarth-esseesse-technical-specifications/
In line with the philosophy which has distinguished Abarth for half a century – to bring its racing experience to the market for road going cars and open up the world of motor sport – the 500 Abarth with the “esseesse” kit is another important piece of the jigsaw in the already ambitious project of Fiat Group Automobiles.
True to Abarth tradition, the “esseesse” kit comes in an elegant wooden case and can only be sold and installed by the official network of Abarth converters, guaranteeing compliance with the highest testing and safety standards.
In detail, the kit allows the 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet engine to achieve a maximum power of 160 hp (120 KW) at 5750 g/min with peak torque of 230 Nm (170 lb/ft) at 3000 g/min in “Sport Mode”. The result is a truly thrilling performance: top speed is 131 mph (211 km/h) with acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) in just 7.4 seconds. In line with the Abarth concept of preparation, the “esseesse” kit uses perforated and ventilated front brake discs (diameter 284mm x 22mm), perforated rear brake discs (diameter 240mm x 11mm, high-performance front brake pads, springs that are specially lowered in comparison to the original car and Abarth “esseesse” 7″ x 17″ ET35 alloy wheels, finished in white or titanium, teamed with 205/40 ZR 17 Pirelli Pzero tyres.
The 500 Abarth “esseesse” kit is topped off by the specific air filter powered by BMC, four tyre pressure sensors, “esseesse” badges for the engine hood and the tailgate, and a specially designed, highly original key cover.
Engine
4 cylinders in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368 cc
Power: 160 hp (120 KW) at 5750 rpm
Max. torque of 230 Nm (170 lb/ft) in sport mode at 3000 rpm
IHI RHF3 fixed geometry turbocharger
Transmission
5-speed C510 transmission
Air filter
Abarth-specific, powered by BMC
Steering
Electric power steering with “sport mode”
Suspension
Front: McPherson with anti-roll bar
Rear: interconnected bars with torsion beam
Ride height
Specifically lowered compared to the 500 Abarth 135hp
Brakes
Self-ventilated, perforated front brake disc ø 284 mm x 22 mm
Perforated rear brake disc ø 240 mm x 11 mm
High-performance front brake pads
Wheels
Abarth-specific Abarth “esseesse” style alloys, 7″ x 17″ ET 35
205/40 ZR17 P ZERO BLACK tyres
Performance
Maximum speed 131 mph (211 Km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) 7.4 sec
Fuel consumption
Urban: 33.2 mpg (8.5 litres per 100km)
Extra-urban: 52.3 mpg (5.4 litres per 100km)
Combined: 43.4 mpg (6.5 litres per 100km)
Emissions
155 g per km CO2 (compared to Euro 5 CEE-F5 standard)
Special features
Specific “esseesse” key cover
Tyre pressure sensors
“esseesse” logo on tailgate/engine hood
