Eibach launches Fiat 500 suspension enhancements
Suspension guru Eibach has transformed Fiat's super-cute 500 with the launch of its latest Pro-Kit, Sportline, Pro-Alignment and Pro-Spacer Chassis package. All models are catered for with applications even available for the rip-snorting Abarth model.
The shapely supermini was designed for fun from the outset, but now thanks to Eibach's chassis engineers, the pocket rocket can now mix it in the turns with its more exotic Italian cousins. Best of all, and in-keeping with the Italian love of style, looks are dramatically improved with a far more aggressive stance, taking the baby Fiat from ‘shopper’ to ‘shocker’!
The Pro-Kit lowers the 500 by approximately 30mm front and rear, improving turn in and massively reducing body-roll. This is great news - but ,with many 500's being bought to do battle with city potholes, it's reassuring to know that the ingenious 'progressive' wind of the Pro-Kit springs leaves the factory ride quality almost totally unaffected for day-to-day practicality. This kit can also be used to great effect on the Abarth models, but due to that model already having a lowered chassis set-up, the drop effected here is 15mm.
For those looking to achieve a truly aggressive stance, the much lower Sportline kit provides the perfect answer. Offering a dramatic drop of up to 45mm up front and 30mm at the rear, this kit is not suitable for the Abarth versions.
Both spring kits enjoy extensive preparation in Eibach’s Finnentrop factory; pre-stressing to avoid sagging, shot-peening to temper the metal and to provide a perfect key for the thick and flexible electrostatic powder coating. This attention to detail explains Eibach’s confidence to be able to offer a quibble free, 5 year warranty.
In order to tweak the 500’s suspension geometry outside of the factory’s somewhat limited parameters, Eibach also offers a pair of 12mm camber bolts to be fitted in the front struts. These offer a most useful ±1.75° of camber adjustment to hone steering response for fast road or track work.
And for the ultimate finishing touch? A range of hub-centric Pro-Spacers, hewn from a solid aerospace aluminium billet, to allow a variety of track increases to further improve turn-in and create the ultimate go-kart. Sizes range from 5mm to 30mm to allow for the perfect placement of the wheel within the arch. Move over Mini.. your days as the hot-handling hatchback hero are numbered!
For more details on the Eibach range, visit eibach.com.
