Novitec tunes Abarth 500

Abarth already offers a hotter version of its 500 via the Esseesse kit, which raises output from 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) to 157 bhp (117 kW / 160 PS).



However, German tuner Novitec clearly thought that that increase was unexceptional, because its recently announced programme for the Abarth 500 promises a lot more.

Novitec has a number of kits available, each giving varying power upgrades. Top of the range, though, is the €3,016 (around £2,565) NT4-Corse conversion which squeezes 212 bhp (156 kW / 212 PS) from the 500’s 1.4 litre engine. Torque gets a similar boost, too, going up from 206 Nm to 325 Nm.



Such significant improvements are thanks to a special turbocharger, Corse exhaust system, optimised air-cleaner box, sport air filter cartridge, special fuel pressure control, larger injection nozzles and a PowerJet 2 auxiliary control unit for the engine’s electronic brain.



As a result, the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of the standard Abarth 500 is slashed from 7.9 to 6.8 seconds. On that measure at least, the Novitec Abarth 500 is slightly quicker than either a Mini Cooper S, Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 or even Abarth’s own limited edition 695 Tributo Ferrari. They do the same sprint in 7.0, 6.9 and 7.0 seconds respectively.



All three of those competitors can still boast marginally higher top speeds than the Novitec car, though. That’s despite the NT4-Corse kit allowing the Abarth 500 to hit 138 mph (223 km/h), up from the 127 mph (205 km/h) of the stock version.



To go with the engine modifications, Novitec is also offering uprated suspension. Customers can go for replacement sports springs, which lower the ride height by 35 mm, or alternatively they can choose a full sports suspension package which includes stiffer dampers and is height adjustable.



Complementing the chassis tweaks are a range of 17” and 18” alloy wheels, although oddly the programme doesn’t include any improvements for the brakes, which is perhaps an omission.



Related posts:

New Abarth Esseesse kits

Abarth 695 coming to UK

C3 X132 Hellcat

Confederate Motorcycles has unveiled the latest addition to its range, the C3 X132 Hellcat.

Looking like nothing else, the third generation Hellcat features a 132 cubic inch (2,160 cc) v-twin that has been built in partnership with S&S Cycle. It produces a massive 196 Nm (145 lb/ft) torque and - according to the manufacturer - ‘adequate’ power.



The Hellcat has been designed to be a tough, rigid motorcycle. To that end, the power train is made from aviation grade aluminium, and the backbone chassis is constructed from steel. Even so, the bike tips the scales at a not unreasonable 215 kg (475 lbs).



A lack of bodywork has undoubtedly helped to keep the weight down, as has the fitment of carbon fibre wheels and the use of aluminium for the fuel tank. Perhaps a chain guard wouldn’t go amiss, though? 



Buyers will have a choice of two versions. The Fighter Series has a wheelbase of 1.56 metres (61.5 inches), while the slightly more relaxed geometry of the Roadster Series extends the wheelbase to 1.63 metres (64.5 inches).

Fighter Series

Roadster Series

Orders for the C3 X132 Hellcat are being taken now, with the first batch scheduled to be manufactured during the second quarter of 2011. The price? $45,000, which is about £28,700 or €33,800.

Toyota reveals 2011 Etios

Toyota has launched the Etios, a new car developed especially for the Indian market.

The conservatively styled saloon, which the manufacturer says is aimed at middle-class consumers, is powered by an 88 bhp (66 kW / 90 PS) 1.5 litre four cylinder engine.



Although that’s not a particularly huge output, the Etios is comparatively light, with even the heaviest variant having a kerb weight of only 930 kg. Those factors mean fuel economy is very competitive, with the Toyota recording 49.7 mpg (5.6 l/100km / 17.6 km/l) on the ARAI cycle.



Four trim levels are being offered. The range kicks off with the Etios J, which costs Rs. 4.96 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It’s very much the basic version, doing without central locking, electric windows, power steering and a tilt-adjustable steering column. All of those items are included on the Rs. 5.36 lakh Etios G, though.

Third in the line-up is the Etios V, which has a price tag of Rs. 6.41 lakh. Not only does this model get niceties such as a tachometer, audio system (with USB and aux-in), twelve-spoke alloy wheels and front fog lights, but it also features anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution and driver / front passenger airbags as standard.



Topping the range is the Rs. 6.86 lakh Etios VX. The differences compared to the V seem to be mainly cosmetic, and include audio controls mounted on a leather trimmed steering wheel and side skirts.

Regardless of which trim grade is selected, the Etios comes with air conditioning, clean air filter, cooled glove box and seven (!) 1 litre bottle holders. Boot capacity is 595 litres, while ground clearance is 170 mm.



Orders for the Etios saloon are being accepted now ahead of the first deliveries in January 2011. It will be followed by the Etios Liva, a five-door hatchback version, which will be available from April 2011.