Fiat Unveils Turbo 500

Today Fiat SpA formally introduced the 500 Turbo, a 135-hp version of the company's little city car. The $20,200 model goes on sale in the U.S. this autumn.

The new car will fit into the 500 lineup between the standard model (101 hp) and the high-performance 500 Abarth (160 hp).

The 500 Turbo is equipped with a boosted and intercooled 1.4-liter MultiAir engine delivering 150 lb-ft of torque 53% more than the standard model but 12% less than the Abarth. A five-speed manual transmission and racier-sounding exhaust system are standard.

To minimize torque steer, the front-drive 500 Turbo is fitted with equal-length half-shafts that, at 28 mm in diameter, are 23% larger than the unequal half-shafts used in the standard model. Fiat says the car's constant-velocity joints are 53% stronger (1,918 lb-ft) than the stock parts.

The 500 Turbo also has a sportier suspension with revised spring rates, steering calibration and damper tuning. The car is equipped with larger 11.1-inch ventilated front rotors, semi-metallic brakes and red brake calipers. It rides on 16-inch wheels.

The turbo model features a revised front fascia that adds nearly 3 inches to the car's length and provides larger air intakes. Side skirts give the car a more vertical profile. The rear of the car is equipped with a roof-mounted spoiler and rear diffuser.

Inside, the 500 Turbo sports a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with silver stitching accents and a choice of gray/black, black/black or red/black seat trim. A 368-watt, six-speaker Beats by Dr. Dre audio system with trunk-mounted 8-inch subwoofer is optional.