New 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo: A new flavour hits the sweet spot in the Cinquecento line-up

At the Concorso Italiano – one of the largest gatherings of Italian vehicles in North America – the Fiat Brand introduced the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo, touting a 135 hp 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, track-proven brakes, dynamic exterior
design and sport-styled interior. The new Fiat 500 Turbo answers the call for enthusiasts who are drawn to the Italian style of the Fiat 500 but want more power and performance for their daily drive.

"We listened to our customers," said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Fiat Brand North America. "The new Fiat 500 Turbo is the answer to all the fans that loved the style of our Cinquecento but wanted more power and performance for their daily drive. With 135 hp and 150 lb ft of torque, the Fiat 500 Turbo hits the sweet spot between the regular Cinquecento and the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth. The Fiat 500 Turbo balances and blends the best Italian flavors that our portfolio has to offer, becoming the perfect canvas for customisation."

New 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo
Behind its performance-designed front fascia, the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo features a single turbocharger, twin intercoolers and sport-tuned exhaust to deliver 34 per cent more power (135 vs. 101 hp) and 53 per cent more torque (150 vs. 98 lb ft) compared to the Fiat 500's naturally aspirated 1.4-litre MultiAir engine.

Developed for high-output applications, the Fiat 500 Turbo is paired to the track-proven C510 five-speed manual transmission with a 3.35 final-drive gear ratio for quick acceleration and faster top speed, while achieving up to 34 mpg highway. In addition, the beefed-up powertrain features an intermediate shaft with equal-length and 23 per cent larger (28.1 mm vs. 22.8 mm diameter in the Fiat 500) half shafts to mitigate torque steer. To handle the increased power and torque of the new 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine, larger constant velocity (CV) joints with 53 per cent greater torsional strength (2,600 nm vs. 1,700 nm in the Fiat 500) deliver added durability and refinement.

For a more aggressive appearance, the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo features a pronounced front fascia, pushed 2.7 inches forward of the Cinquecento's signature 'whiskers and logo' face, to accommodate the new 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine. Below, larger openings provide greater engine cooling, while twin 'nostrils' are precisely positioned on both sides of the front fascia to maximise airflow in and out of the two intercoolers (both intercoolers are visible through the 'nostril' inlets). Finishing off the front are new Gloss Black headlamps and parking lamp bezels for a more menacing look.

The Fiat 500 Turbo features bolder side skirts to create a more vertical bodyside profile, while also enhancing its iconic Cinquecento shape. Behind the unique 16-inch aluminum wheels with Nero (black) painted pockets, the Fiat 500 Turbo features a high-performance brake system with semi-metallic brake linings at all four corners, larger 11.1-inch ventilated front rotors for greater stopping power (up from 10.1-inch) and brake calipers lacquered in Rosso (red) paint. To make sure this Cinquecento properly handles the more powerful engine, the Fiat 500 Turbo features a unique lower control arm and the 500 Sport model's sport-tuned spring rates, shock tuning and steering calibration.

At the rear, a liftgate-mounted spoiler extends the roofline of the Fiat 500 Turbo and improves the hatchback's aerodynamic behavior. New taillamps with Gloss Black bezels replace chromed units for a discrete look. Below, the two-piece rear fascia accentuates the road-holding stance of the Fiat 500 Turbo with a black-accented rear diffuser designed to optimise airflow, while a new sport-tuned exhaust provides an enthusiast-desired sound.

Exterior colours for the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo include Argento (silver), Bianco (white), Grigio (gray), Nero (black), Rame (copper), Rosso (red) and all-new Verde Azzurro (green & blue.)

Inside, the new Fiat 500 Turbo features sport-styled seating, sport-designed leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel accented with Argento (silver) stitching, and a Grigio/Nero (gray/black) seating and interior environment. For an even more upscale look, heated leather seating in Nero/Nero (black/black) or vivid Rosso/Nero (red/black) is available.

The 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo arrives to Fiat Studios this fall with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,500 excluding $700 destination charge.

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