Abarth is an automotive tuning company based in Italy which has been involved in the tuning of Fiat and other compact automobiles. The early vehicle modifications were described by a Top Gear host as "insane" due to how they just barely worked from a functional standpoint. While modern Fiat interpretations by the company are more functional than their old counterparts, they still get a performance and styling boost.
Fiat Abarth 595
Based on the original Fiat 500, the Abarth 595 starts with an engine displacement upgrade from 496cc to 594cc. Upgraded intake and exhaust systems further improved the power, with the original Fiat engine making 17.8 HP and the Abarth version making 26.6 HP. In its first year, the 1963 595 saw enough success that Abarth introduced an "Esseessee" (or "SS") version the following year. The updated version added a larger diameter carburetor and increased the compression ratio, pushing the power to 31.6 HP.
Abarth 500
Based on the reintroduced Fiat 500, the 2009 Abarth 500 made its debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Improvements to the Fiat 500 included stiffened springs, struts, and aero body panels.