Hamann Motorsport has extended its tuning programme for the Fiat 500 with a new range of five performance steps for the Abarth version which culminates in a range-topper with a heavily reworked engine that has massive 275 bhp on tap.

The company based in Laupheim, Germany, is not only a refiner of BMW-models and exclusive luxury cars, but also popular cars – and without any question the Fiat 500 supermini surely belongs into that category. Since the model was introduced in 2007 Hamann has offered dynamic modification kits for the "Cinquecento".

Now the tuner's next project is based around the Abarth 500 version and focuses around increasing the power output through a number of steps. Hamann says that the factory-standard 135 hp "sounds rather modest" and so that all changes with its five seperate performance enhancements. The smallest upgrade is dubbed "HS I" and it boots the little car up to 160 hp by applying changes to the engine's electronics. The torque rises from 206 to 285 Nm.

But this is not yet the end for the 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol-engined car. The next upgrade "HS II" pushes the Abarth's power up to 180 hp and offers 295 Nm torque. New software settings, a modified exhaust turbo charger, an optimised air filter case with sports air filter as well as a two-pipe end muffler, all combine to make this result possible.

The Hamann technicians go one step further with the next performance kit, callled "HS III", which renders 210 hp and 310 Nm from the Abarth 500. This increase the tuner says can be attributed to a turbo charger with smaller geometry, a new fuel supply and an optimised engine electronics.

The Hamann makeover is completed with two race-qualified upgrade kits which contain an entire engine modification programmme. For the power setting "HS RACE", Hamann uses forged pistons, enhanced connection rods, a modified turbo charger with charge air cooler, a race clutch with weight-optimised one-mass flywheel and a new control electronics – and once put altogether this renders 240 hp and a torque of 330 Nm. For optimum deceleration, there are sport brakes with a four-piston calliper and 264 mm or 305 mm large brake discs.

The Abarth 500 is finally turned into a real missile with the final modification kit, which is callled "HS CINQUECENTO 575". Compared to the "HS RACE", it also contains a reengineered cylinder head with adjusted camshaft, two charge air coolers as well as a self-locking differential. This leads to an impressive power of 275 hp while the torque is catapulted to 380 Nm.

Furthermore, Hamann-Motorsport offers upgrades for the manual transmission. By applying a long fifth gear, the engine rev is decreased by 500 rpm which allows a higher end speed to be achieved. Moreover, customers can order a self-locking differential which allows a locking capacity of up to 50 percent and therefore significantly increases the traction. Both components and the power settings can be also combined with the official Abarth factory performance kit called "esseesse".

Hamann's previously introduced the "Largo" bodykit for the Fiat 500 and this can be combined with the mechanical changes made to the Abarth 500, to match new looks to the sporty power makeover. New aerodynamics components made of light composite materials are produced for the modified design language of the trendy Italian. Perfectly processed extensions seamlessly fit into the design and render a masculine appearance. The re-engineered front skirt with integrated LED daytime running lights is the striking eye-catcher. Special wing extensions are fitted at the front and the back. These make the car body wider 30 millimetres at the front axle and 35 millimetres at the rear axle. The new side skirts act as a visual connection between the two. And also the new rear has much to offer: sports exhaust systems with two- or four end pipes and a Ferrari-like diffuser to enhance the back section. The new body styling components enable an optimised airflow over the vehicle silhouette and render additional downthrust.

Different sports suspension ensures a better handling as do the new forged alloy wheels which aim to match the new, more sporty look. The black matt anodised, one-part wheel is offered in the size 8.0 x 18 (front axle) and 9.0 x 18 (rear axle) and can fit tyres to the size of 215/35 R18 and 225/35 R18. A favourable alternative from Hamann is its cast rim HM Evo. The hallmark of the modern style shown in this 18-inch rim is the glossy black varnish with the diamond-polished rim star and the classy well. Five elongated and vaulted triple spokes confirm the visual and technical finesse. The rim is offered in the size 7.5 x 18 to fit 215/35 R18 tyres at the front and 225/35 R18 at the rear. The low weight of the wheels reduces the unsprung masses of the car.

As an alternative to the broad-build "Largo" kit, the tuning specialist also offers the "sportivo-line" for the Fiat 500. A front skirt, side mouldings and a rear skirt emphasise the trendy look of the supermini as does the design wheel HM sportive I. The black matt varnished, one-part rim has a diamond-polished outer edge with 195/40 ZR17 or 215/35 ZR 17 tyres. Finally an aluminium pedal set including foot rest and a floor mat set with embroidered Hamann logo complete the makeover along with exterior decals.