The FIAT 500 Respighi will be the fastest 500 – ever. Named for the great Italian composer, Ottorino Respighi, the FIAT 500 Respighi will be a limited production run of 500 cars. Powered by a 444 horsepower, 4691 cc/4.7-liter V8, (which was the same AR8C engine used in the Alfa Romeo 8C) FIAT took a radical approach and, like the Renault 5 Turbo, mounted the V8 where the back seat used to be. The only transmission that is strong enough while being compact enough for the FIAT 500 Respighi is a modified dual-clutch seven-
FIAT is calling the setup “I pini della polpetta piccante”
There are unconfirmed 0 to 60 mph times of 3.34 seconds and a (aerodynamically limited) top speed pf 189 mph. We most definitely expect faster acceleration than the FIAT 500 Abarth. With that said, the additional 500 lbs will alter the performance of the FIAT 500 Respighi when cornering. To offset the rear mass, FIAT placed a racing-spec fuel cell under the bonnet/hood where the four-cylinder used to reside.
Monica Bellucci, Isabella Rossellini and Michael Paul Sorrentino were enlisted to sign the genuine Corinthian leather of the limited edition FIAT 500 Respighi. It is left to the owner to choose which, if any, famous Italian personality they want to christen their vehicle. I would opt for Isabella Rossellini, personally.
By now, if you’re still reading this and didn’t realize that today is April 1st – I am terribly sorry for getting your hopes up.
Yes indeed, it’s April Fool’s Day.
Here’s a fun video with two fools playing in the snow with two convertibles!
Now – seriously, who read this whole thing? Let me know!
