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FIAT 500 LA DOLCE VITA GOLD AND DIAMONDS 200 HP - FENICE MILANO

Fenice Milano has received a commission from a wealthy Chinese businessman to build a special version of the Abarth 500, which aims to add unique exclusivity to the supermini in a project that is set to cost a staggering 500,000 euros.

There is a new on-board electronic device on the 500 "La Dolce Vita" in the shape of the "Supreme gold and diamonds iPad" which was produced by the English atelier Stuart Hughes.

After reportedly receiving interest following its market presentation last September Fenice Milano received a commission from a wealthy Chinese businessman to build a special version of the Fiat 500, which aims to add unique exclusivity to the retro charm of the supermini in a project that is set to cost a staggering 500,000 euros. The new, unique model has been given the lengthy name of La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds 200hp.

As well as redefining the automotive application of 'bling', improved performance has been added to the 500 package thanks to a recently established partnership well known Italian tuning concern Romeo Ferraris which has specialised in engine modification and racing since 1959. There is also a new on-board electronic device in the shape of the "Supreme gold and diamonds iPad" which was produced by the Liverpool based Stuart Hughes.

The starting point for this project was the Abarth 500C, fully mechanically revised, to reach to 200 HP. Romeo Ferraris' engineers claim to have fitted a new ECU and a larger self-developed turbo unit as well as a new exhaust system with 200-cell catalytic convertor. To take into account the performance hike the brake system has been improved with new Brembo calipers while the suspension is now adjustable.

Thanks to its very compact size (355cm long, 165cm wide and 149cm in height), the 500 is ideal to comfortably move around the city, without sacrificing the luxury and exclusivity guaranteed by the new inserts of precious materials including 24K gold and quality woods such as teak, entirely handmade by Fenice Milano’s artisans.

Inside, the redesigned steering wheel has the outer ring made of the teak and the interior one made in leather with controls in 24K gold, while the original carpet floor has been replaced with teak. The console is embellished with a gold framed instrument panel and teak and 24K gold inserts on dashboard, with the profiles hand shaped by Fenice Milano’s artisans.

The last major change provided in the Fiat 500 "La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds 200hp", a project which seems in no way to justify the outrageous price tag, is the fitting in the central console position of the new "iPad Supreme Edition" coated in 24k gold and diamonds by English designer Stuart Hughes, a designer which Fenice Milano claims is specialised in developing technological applications using precious materials, especially designed for those who want to make the most of innovation and exclusivity in the area of onboard control instruments. The location of the iPad provides an interaction of the device with the car, which is fitted with a GPS navigation system, a "last generation" HiFi that can handle MP3 and all iPod features and also an internet connection run by WiFi and a appropriate SIM card.

The golden pearlescent-white exterior paint includes 24K gold particles claims Fenice Milano while the 500C's electric hood is provided in a natural colored fabric with a gold thread finish. Other changes include redesigned seats which are also sewn with precious materials and the interior parts are finished in leather and natural-colored Alcantara with handmade stitching.