Abarth ECU upgrade

Anyone looked into it yet? I assume it's the Venom upgrade. Promises 40hp (I'm skeptical, but even 20 would be quite noticeable), got an email from the dealer that they are ordering a few but wonder about the cost and have concerns about it voiding the warranty. Waiting for a callback but was wondering if any of you are considered this.

 

FYI - in case any Abarth/Cinquecento owners want to change their own oil, the Mopar filter cross-fits Chrysler, Jeep, Fiat and a couple of other models. And if you get the "time to change your oil" dash light, there is a very easy way to reset it yourself without going to the dealer to have it reset.

 

If it's offered by the dealer I would imagine it would be covered by warranty. I imagine it's similar to the upgrades offered on the SRT-4 when it came out.

Any other info? Is it an Abarth part? Got a web site?

40hp would be a remarkable difference. Maybe it's 40hp with ECU, air filter, exhaust?

 

This article talks about the options and +40hp of the Euro-only Venom version of the Abarth.

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/fiat/2012-fiat-500-abarth-venom-ar126607.html

 

Being offered by a dealer wouldn't mean a thing. Even the dealer did not know whether Fiat corporate would honor manufacturer warranty if the pistons do decide to exit through the front.. It's an aftermarket ECU upgrade, not by Fiat but by Magneti-Marelli (same as what goes into the Venom package, presumably), so they may not at all feel compelled to, and to me that wild be a deal breaker. It should be a different story if/when Fiat releases it's own upgraded ECU/SS kit; if installed by their techs, I don't see how they could deny warranty.

Per dealer, it should give (a much more realistic, IMHO) additional 27hp. It is remote controlled three different settings - OFF, 50% and 77% tune. Expect it to be priced around $800.

Here is the unit, with links to more info and dyno sheets:

http://500madness.com/500madness/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=36&product_id=1055

Without remote controller:

http://500madness.com/500madness/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=36&product_id=1115

 

Oh! Ok I thought it was an official fiat/abarth part. Seeing it now, I am sure it would void the warranty when installed. Like you said, best to wait to see if Fiat releases its own.

 

I'm VERY surprised an official dealer would be dumb enough to sell a non-genuine, non type-approved performance enhancement! Think of the legal ramifications! I know Ferrari and mas dealers were prevented from fitting non-o.e parts, an exercise that continues today.....