Why Not: Mid Engine, RWD Fiat 500

Y'know, I really like the Fiat 500. It's cuter than Alyson Hannigan, it sips fuel at a glacial rate, and it's a lot of fun to toss around back roads.  It's also reasonably priced, well equipped, and has a lot of character.  What it doesn't have: an engine behind the rear seat, powering the rear wheels, allowing you to drift it like some sort of Italian Camaro.  While I never really thought this was an issue when I reviewed it, Motore Centrale in Monza, Italy decided that was the way it should be, and went about rectifying the situation.

What they wound up with was this: the Motore Centrale R230 Stradale.  It still uses the Abarth-fettled 1.4L Multiair Turbo engine, only... well, it's sitting here.

Might as well put it in a glass box.

MC modifies the Fiat motor to a higher state of tune, with upgrades including a larger Garrett turbocharger, upgraded fuel injectors, forged pistons, stronger connecting rods, a larger intercooler, and a high-flow catalytic converter.  With the additional airflow and boost, the 1.4L cranks out an impressive 230bhp and 330nM (243lb-ft).  Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through the same Fiat C510 5-speed gearbox, and distributed through an Abarth electronic LSD between the rear wheels.

While the regular 500 uses a conventional torsion-beam rear axle, with power going to the back, an independent suspension was fabricated to help put that power down, consisting of double A-arms with an anti-roll bar.  Bilstein adjustable shocks are mounted at all four corners, and the brakes are also upgraded to suit - 4 piston calipers all around, with 335mm rotors up front and 305mm's at the rear.

The whole thing only weighs in at 1050kg (2314lbs), which is less than 100lbs heavier than a US-spec 500 Sport manual, so of course it's fast - 0-100km/h is quoted at 4.7 seconds(!), with a top speed of 153mph.  I'd imagine a custom-built mid-engined Fiat 500 is a pretty scary car at 153mph, what with the 90.6" wheelbase and all that, but let's not sweat the details here.  This is a mid-engined, turbocharged Fiat 500 drift machine.  Video, you say?  Why yes, yes of course.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjF_1JYGWLI

God does this car make some lovely noises!  The growl of the motor, the hiss of that Garrett turbo on boost, the whooshing of the diverter valve between shifts, all so close to the driver.  It's like a modern Renault 5 Turbo, but with the interior lined in Poltrana Frau leather and Aznom seats.  But, you ask, will it cut some crazy donuts?  No, of course not.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGhL3pra9OQ

If that's not crazy enough, Motore Centrale is also working on track-ready version called the R280 Pisto, which reduces weight even further (to 950kg, or 2094lbs) and adds another 50bhp for a total of 280.  The Abarth brake-lock diff gets the heave-ho for a Quaife mechanical LSD, the shocks are fully adjustable, there's an integrated FIA-legal roll cage and a data acquisition system, and a number of carbon-fibre body parts.  Motore Centrale says this one'll do 0-100km/h in 3.9s(!!) and 260km/h flat out, which... just scares me.  For more info on these insane 500's, check out Motore Centrale's website.