Vehicle model
Abarth 500 Essesse
The Abarth 500 Essesse represents a fascinating intermediate step in the modern Italian small sports car lineup, positioned between the base Abarth 500 and the even more radical variants that would follow. Launched in 2009, this Essesse variant (whose name derives from the abbreviation 'SS' for Super Sport) embodies Carlo Abarth's philosophy of extracting more power from small displacements while maintaining featherweight construction. The scorpion brand's renaissance under Fiat Group began in 2007 with the new Abarth 500, and the Essesse kit arrived quickly to satisfy enthusiasts seeking even more performance. Historically, Abarth has always distinguished itself through its ability to transform popular cars into formidable racing machines. The modern Fiat 500, relaunched in 2007 with retro styling recalling the iconic 1960s Cinquecento, provided the ideal canvas for this sporting treatment. The standard Abarth 500 initially developed 135 horsepower, but the Essesse version crossed the symbolic threshold of 160 horsepower thanks to an optimized boost kit and recalibrated engine management. This power increase was accompanied by subtle yet effective aerodynamic improvements, including a more pronounced rear spoiler and specific side skirts. The Essesse design retained the 500's visual DNA while displaying its assertive sporting character. Distinctive side stripes, the hood with air intake, colored Brembo brake calipers, and specific alloy wheels immediately signaled this supercharged city car's intentions. The interior received Sabelt bucket seats, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, carbon fiber inserts, and specific instrumentation with an oversized central tachometer recalling Italian racing traditions. In terms of market positioning, the Abarth 500 Essesse directly confronted rivals like the Mini Cooper S and Renault Twingo RS, but distinguished itself through its more extroverted Latin character and more nervous temperament. Its turbocharged 1.4-liter T-Jet engine, developing 160 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque, propelled this city car weighing just 1,050 kg from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. The well-spaced five-speed manual transmission allowed full exploitation of the turbo engine's power band. Technical evolutions also included a lowered sport suspension, reinforced brakes with ventilated discs, and a Record Monza exhaust system with a typically Italian sound, raspy and characteristic. The chassis benefited from increased rigidity and sharper handling than the standard 500. Critical reception was generally positive, with journalists praising the playful character and driving pleasure, although some criticized excessive firmness for daily use. The Essesse's legacy lies in its demonstration that a city car could offer authentic driving sensations without compromising its practical urban character. This version paved the way for subsequent even more powerful variants like the 595 and 695, perpetuating the Abarth tradition of transforming accessible cars into little sports bombs appreciated by purists. The Essesse period from 2009 to 2012 marked an important chapter in the modern Abarth story, proving that the scorpion brand could successfully blend Italian passion with contemporary engineering while honoring its motorsport heritage and Carlo Abarth's original vision of accessible performance.
History
History of the Abarth 500 Essesse
The Abarth 500 Essesse represents a fascinating intermediate step in the modern Italian small sports car lineup, positioned between the base Abarth 500 and the even more radical variants that would follow. Launched in 2009, this Essesse variant (whose name derives from the abbreviation 'SS' for Super Sport) embodies Carlo Abarth's philosophy of extracting more power from small displacements while maintaining featherweight construction. The scorpion brand's renaissance under Fiat Group began in 2007 with the new Abarth 500, and the Essesse kit arrived quickly to satisfy enthusiasts seeking even more performance. Historically, Abarth has always distinguished itself through its ability to transform popular cars into formidable racing machines. The modern Fiat 500, relaunched in 2007 with retro styling recalling the iconic 1960s Cinquecento, provided the ideal canvas for this sporting treatment. The standard Abarth 500 initially developed 135 horsepower, but the Essesse version crossed the symbolic threshold of 160 horsepower thanks to an optimized boost kit and recalibrated engine management. This power increase was accompanied by subtle yet effective aerodynamic improvements, including a more pronounced rear spoiler and specific side skirts. The Essesse design retained the 500's visual DNA while displaying its assertive sporting character. Distinctive side stripes, the hood with air intake, colored Brembo brake calipers, and specific alloy wheels immediately signaled this supercharged city car's intentions. The interior received Sabelt bucket seats, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, carbon fiber inserts, and specific instrumentation with an oversized central tachometer recalling Italian racing traditions. In terms of market positioning, the Abarth 500 Essesse directly confronted rivals like the Mini Cooper S and Renault Twingo RS, but distinguished itself through its more extroverted Latin character and more nervous temperament. Its turbocharged 1.4-liter T-Jet engine, developing 160 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque, propelled this city car weighing just 1,050 kg from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. The well-spaced five-speed manual transmission allowed full exploitation of the turbo engine's power band. Technical evolutions also included a lowered sport suspension, reinforced brakes with ventilated discs, and a Record Monza exhaust system with a typically Italian sound, raspy and characteristic. The chassis benefited from increased rigidity and sharper handling than the standard 500. Critical reception was generally positive, with journalists praising the playful character and driving pleasure, although some criticized excessive firmness for daily use. The Essesse's legacy lies in its demonstration that a city car could offer authentic driving sensations without compromising its practical urban character. This version paved the way for subsequent even more powerful variants like the 595 and 695, perpetuating the Abarth tradition of transforming accessible cars into little sports bombs appreciated by purists. The Essesse period from 2009 to 2012 marked an important chapter in the modern Abarth story, proving that the scorpion brand could successfully blend Italian passion with contemporary engineering while honoring its motorsport heritage and Carlo Abarth's original vision of accessible performance.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The Abarth 500 Essesse is built on the Fiat Small platform adapted for sporting use. Its mechanical heart is the turbocharged 1.4-liter T-Jet engine with direct injection developing 160 horsepower, thanks to increased boost pressure and optimized mapping. The five-speed manual transmission efficiently exploits this power. The lowered sport chassis integrates reinforced suspensions and stiffer anti-roll bars. The Brembo braking system features front ventilated discs for enhanced efficiency. The Record Monza sport exhaust produces a distinctive sound signature. The electric power steering system was recalibrated for greater precision. The lightweight architecture prioritizes optimal power-to-weight ratio, characteristic of Abarth philosophy.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
Tire and wheel dimensions on the Abarth 500 Essesse vary according to options and model years (typically 17 inches). Always consult your owner's manual or the label on the door jamb for your vehicle's exact specification.
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