Hamann and H&R Jointly Tune the Fiat 500 Abarth with 275HP

Tuning firms Hamman and H&R have joined forces to create a monster out of the Fiat 500 Abarth with an insane power boost to 275-horsepower.

Beginning with the engine bay, Hamann's engineers used forged pistons, enhanced connection rods, new camshafts and a modified turbocharger to increase the 1.4-liter petrol unit's peak output to an impressive 275 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. That's 196.4 hp/liter, more than double of what is considered to be an excellent ratio.

All that oomph is sent to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission with a race clutch, as the factory version would be torn apart. There's also a limited-slip differential (LSD) to improve traction.

It's clear that this Abarth must be very fast, so adequate stopping power is a must. The German tuner offers a choice of sport brakes, with four-piston calipers and discs ranging from 264 to 305 mm in diameter.

It would a shame if this much grunt wouldn't be accompanied by proper looks. Fortunately, Hamann didn't disappoint as it fitted the 500 Abarth with an aggressive two-tone bodykit, featuring modified bumpers, extra-wide wheel arches, lowered side skirts and two- or four-pipe exhaust system, plus a large diffuser.

Oversized 18-inch alloys wrapped around in 215/35 or 225/35 high-performance tires complete the package.

With Hamann's work done, H&R took center stage developing a new coil-over suspension and widening the car's tracks with wheel spacers. According to the company, these changes also made the steering more accurate as the firmer suspension reduces pitching and swerving movements to a minimum.

The H&R Hamann FIAT 500 Abarth will be on display at the Essen Motor Show, starting Saturday, November 27. More information on pricing and availability should follow soon.

By Csaba Daradics

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H&R puts a little backbone into the New 2011 VW Jetta VI

Suspension aficionados H&R have gotten their hands on the new Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 and decided to give it a once-over with some low-key modifications. After the Jetta arrived at H&R's US headquarters, the first pieces to get the ax were the springs (obviously).

Now, the brand new Jetta VI rides 1.3 inches lower thanks to a set of Sport springs in order to help the small sedan handle a bit better. The next items to go were the rims, which were replaced with 19x8.5 O.Z. Superturismo LM wheels (and TRAK + wheel spacers) to complement the car's handling and appearance.

While the 19's are about a size too large for a factory option, methinks a set of 18s in the same style would make for an interesting factory option. Behind the 19s are 14.4-inch cross-drilled Brembo rotors with 4-piston Monobloc grabbers that round out a nice street performance package. There's also a Vibrant Performance exhaust system as an auditory bonus.

The rest of the appearance add-ons - other than the vinyl - are sourced straight from VW and include a lower body kit and spoiler. Unlike many SEMA cars, H&R seems to have delivered a nice-looking, streetable package that should give the latest Jetta an extra injection of fun without killing your warranty or your wallet.

By Phil Alex

Source: H&R

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2008 Subaru Impreza: H&R Suspension Upgrades

Suspension specialist «H&R» has developed a sportier spring kit for the all-new Subaru Impreza, which brings the compact Japanese hatch some 35 millimetres or 1.4-inches closer to the asphalt. According to the German firm, while the kit improves the car’s driving dynamics the Impreza still remains suitable for everyday use, even in terms of comfort. For those who wouldn’t mind an even sportier edge, H&R also offers a coilover and sports stabilizer set.

READ MORE - 2008 Subaru Impreza: H&R Suspension Upgrades

2008 Audi A4 by H&R

German suspension specialist H&R introduced a new sport package for the 2008 Audi A4. The H&R suspension kit lowers the standard A4 saloon’s ground clearance by 35 mm. A suspension kit is also available for the A4 S-Line package. In this case, ground clearance here is approximately 25 mm less than for standard models. Finally, H&R also offers ex works deliverable 18 and 19 inch alloy rims to complete the A4’s sporty looks.

READ MORE - 2008 Audi A4 by H&R

Audi R8 Tuned by H-R

Suspension specialist “H&R” is offering a new sport spring kit for the Audi R8 bringing the mid-engine sports car’s front 15 mm and its rear 30 mm closer to the road. According to H&R, whereas the stock R8 did not quite succeed in lapping the Nordschleifein race track in Germany (Nurburgring) in less than 8 minutes, thanks to the new suspension components, the upgraded version manages to drop time under 8 min. Moreover, the suspension specialist supports that the spring kit is totally suitable for everyday use. Tip: if you’re interested, ask a H&R dealer if you can take a car equipped with the spring kit for a short ride and decide for yourself it’s actually worth it. -Continued

READ MORE - Audi R8 Tuned by H-R