Abarth's box of tricks

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October 29

Dan Trent writes:
It's no secret my hot-hatch allegiances lie with Renault but that's not to say I'm entirely blinkered to the idea that there may be some other great Euro boom boxes out there. Indeed, the Fiat Grande Punto Abarth we've got in has been impressing me more and more each time I've driven it, the revvy, feisty turbocharged 1.4-litre engine being a particular highlight.

With 155hp it feels pretty keen as it is. But I'm tickled by the fact that - so long as you do it within the first year of ownership - you can order in an Abarth hop-up kit to boost it to 180hp. There are two kits available, the Assetto Corse comprising new wheels, lowering springs, drilled brake discs and different brake pads and the EsseEsse. This adds some serious engine upgrades, including a different turbo, new exhaust manifold, fuel rail, ECU and more besides. The coolest thing? The traditional wooden crate in which it arrives at the Abarth dealer you task with the job of fitting it all.

Like those Porsche pencils it's one of those things you'd just have to keep hold of and treasure, even if you didn't actually have any actual use for it.

Dan
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Those Porsche pencils
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