Road Race Motorsports rolls out Fiat 500 M1 Turbo Tallini Competizione

Fri, 01 Aug 2014

We've seen some pretty radical modifications based on the Fiat 500 – from the Abarth 695 Biposto to that ridiculous idea to put a Ferrari engine in the back of a Cinquecento – but we never seem to get tired of it. On that note, we bring you the Fiat 500 M1 Turbo Tallini Competizione.

Built by Road Race Motorsports, the M1 takes a tarmac-rally approach and features an extensive list of modifications. For starters, the engine has been retuned to produce 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, helping to knock a second off the 0-60 time (7.2 seconds from the factory). Upgraded brakes net a 20-percent improvement in stopping distance, and Road Race has put a special emphasis on high-speed stability and cornering performance.

Other modifications include a limited-slip differential, carbon-kevlar clutch and a reworked suspension with Bilstein shocks, stiffer bushings and upgraded sway bar, with 16-inch wheels wearing Toyo Proxes rubber. In addition to a full carbon-fiber widebody kit that helps cut 120 pounds off the curb weight, Road Race has given the M1 a new front air dam, side skirts, hood vents, brake ducts and rear spoiler. The interior has similarly been upgraded with racing buckets, five-point harnesses and a roll cage.

Road Race will only build 50 individually numbered examples of what it calls "the only Special Edition Fiat built in the Western Hemisphere... since Fiat's reintroduction to North America." With an extensive list of options, prices range from $15k to $100k.

Fiat 500 M1 Turbo Tallini Competizione

After years of development, Road///Race Motorsports is proud to unveil the Tallini Competizione M1 FIAT Turbo. Built for the street and fine-tuned on the racetrack, the M1 Fiat is the only Special Edition Fiat built in the Western Hemisphere, and the only tuned Special Edition Fiat (50 will be built) since Fiat's reintroduction to North America.

RRM's M1 is a stunning execution, mixing class with attitude; gone is any semblance of 'cute'. With an aggressively wide stance, carbon fiber accents and a low and sexy stance, it's more 'Tarmac Rally' than high-efficiency hatch. Some call it the car that should have been; happily, it now is that car, with looks to perfectly match its performance.

Boasting 250hp and 250 lb-ft of torque, the M1 provides its owner a huge bump in power. The engine is completely revamped, and enjoys a substantial increase in boost when compared to stock. To implement this Road Race has developed a highly evolved catalog of parts, and the M1 gets them all, from air filter to exhaust tip. Delivering this elevated power to the ground is a limited slip differential, carbon-kevlar clutch and a completely new suspension. The Fiat pilot is no longer held in suspense by an overworked suspension, with enhanced control provided by Bilstein shocks, stiffer bushings, and an upgraded swaybar. Virtually all of the menu is pure Tallini Competizione-Road Race.

The M1 is completely track-compatible, yet its high-performance DNA doesn't subtract from the practical. It can be driven to the track with enough remaining fuel to spend the day turning laps. Performance is simply amazing, and the M1 will prove fully competitive with trackday specials like the Lotus Exige (along with a host of V8s) on most tracks. With a 0-60mph time that is almost a second faster than stock and 20% shorter braking distances, it goes, stops and changes directions with a class of cars often costing more than double. Lap times at any track tumble significantly, making the M1 a truly well-rounded machine. High-speed stability has been specifically targeted as an area to improve with the stock Fiat, and Road Race performs the mission exceptionally well, with cornering performance - both low and high speed - the key to enhanced traction and predictability.

Aerodynamic improvements are another important element. Aero adds include rear spoilers, front air dams, side skirts, hood vents and brake cooling ducts. No (rolling) stone is left unturned on the Tallini Competizione- M1.

Along with the power boost and suspension enhancements, the interior and exterior of the M1 are given a new look. The interior gets race buckets, roll cage, 5-point harnesses, custom trim pieces, shifter, pedals, and special badging. On the outside, heavy use of lightweight composites brings the weight down while moving the visual needle up. The Tallini Competizione has its own unique 16 X 9-inch wheels shod with TOYO Proxes 225/40-16 tires.

In order to fully accommodate this tire and wheel, Road Race Motorsports has fitted a Carbon Wide body kit to the car. These carbon fender flares create a look that is totally transformational.
With its visual reinvention curb weight has dropped by more than 120 pounds, making it a meaner, leaner hot hatch.

As mentioned, the M1 is a serial numbered, limited edition. There will be 50 built; all will be recorded and badged to reflect their special place in the extended Fiat Family. Road Race, whose specials have been a SEMA staple since Fiat's initial return to the U.S., has taken the Fiat Turbo's credible platform and made it very special, very bellisima.

The M1 is available in several trim packages, but all include the performance upgrades. Prices range from $15K to $100K, and all cars are built to order. Road Race also has a rather extensive list of parts available for all models of Fiat in the new era.

By Noah Joseph