The Abarth 500 brigade previously also knew an 180 hp version. There a link was made with the sister brands Ferrari or Maserati, which may appeal to the imagination. Simply a marketing arguments. This was then combined with the “695” type designation.

As of the Euro 6 era, one can now also have 180 hp without references; except “595 Competizione”. To turn the 160 hp “standard” version into a 180 hp, a few hardware adjustments are required. The most important is the use of a different type of turbo. The 160 hp do it with an IHI RF3 turbo. The 180 hp versions with a Garrett GT1446. Well considered an old acquaintance. This was already applied to the Grande Punto SS versions and later to the 1.4 MultiAir 170 hp engines. So we know quite well what the turbo is capable of. In addition to the turbo, slightly larger injectors were also mounted on the 180 hp version and turbo pressure sensors with a range of 3 bar instead of 2.5 bar.

In short, the Abarth engineers have already been busy making something beautiful out of it. What margins have they left? We measure 275 Nm and 177 hp as standard. They promise 280 Nm and 180 hp. An almost negligible difference. With turbo engines, as a tuner you have to think extra about what is and what is not possible. The considerations are influenced by knowledge and experience and what a tuner considers to be technically acceptable. The parameters that the diagnostic equipment shows are the best source of information. We have known for a long time that boost pressure alone will not lead to the best maximum performance. There are so many more parameters to take into account. Turbo pressure, exhaust gas mixture, ignition, inlet temperature and exhaust gas temperature are the main parameters. The trick is to find the right combination between these 5 parameters. They all influence each other. Too high a turbo pressure leads to a higher inlet temperature and an ignition timing with knocking tendencies, which in turn leads to a higher exhaust gas temperature. A mixture that is too rich does give cooler exhaust gases, but lowers the power again.

Last but certainly not least, the fuel used is important. This 180 hp version is a very nice example of this. To get 180 (and more) horsepower from this small 1.4 engine, a higher octane fuel is a must. Because even in standard form, the ignition is already corrected due to knocking tendencies. Don’t be alarmed, the system can handle it very well, but it simply results in less power. RON98 or higher shifts the knock limit so that the power is better maintained. The figures below are also measured with RON98 fuel. RON102 (for sale in NL at Firezone) shows even better performance. RON95 gives about 5 to 7 hp less power. In the end we arrive at 305 Nm and 195 hp. In addition to torque and power gains, we also look at the accelerator pedal response. Strangely enough, it seems as if the Abarth programmers have emphasized the turbo hole of the larger GT1446 by making the throttle response sluggish when pulling away. That can also be done differently / better, making it seem as if there is no turbo lag. We have increased the torque limit from 210 Nm in 1st gear to 250 Nm. The tuning is of course only active in the “Sport” mode. In the “non Sport” there is 250 Nm and 170 hp available. We have not adjusted the rev limiter of 6500.