The new diesel unit that features a novel variable geometry turbocharger produces an output of 95 horsepower (+20HP) at 4,000rpm and 200Nm or 148 lb-ft of torque at only 1,500rpm.
The result is a significant improvement in the car's performance as top speed is increased from 165km/h or 103mph to 181km/h or 112mph while the 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration time is reduced from 12.5 to just 10.7 seconds.
At the same time, fuel consumption is improved from 67.3mpg UK (equal to 4.2lt/100km and 56.1mpg US) to 72.4mpg UK (3.9 lt/100km or 60.2mpg) in the combined European cycle, while emissions drop from 110g/km to 104g/km of CO2.
To mark the occasion, the dealership held a private preview for Fiat customers, VIPs and UK celebrities such as TV actor Angela Griffin and our personal favorite, Raef Bjayou - he's the smiley guy with the wicked hairdo on the right.
And for those that missed the opportunity to see the 500s, no need to get uspet as from today, each of the special cars will be displayed in the Wigmore Street flagship's showroom window, one at a time, until the end of February.
Italy's Fiat Group, which recently bought a 20 per cent stake in Chrysler, is continuing to shake up its executive and business structure. Today, the company's boss, Sergio Marchionne revealed plans to create a new group for the sporty Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Abarth brands that will be headed by Harald J. Wester, born in Linz am Rhein, Germany, on 26 February 1958.
Fiat said that Wester will maintain his current positions as Chief Technical Officer for Fiat Group and Fiat Group Automobiles and Chief Executive Officer of Maserati and Abarth.
"The purpose of bringing the Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Abarth brands under the same leadership is to emphasize and leverage the value of the shared qualities of the three brands in terms of their sporting characteristics and performance," said Marchionne.
Recent reports state that Marchionne is reviewing several options for the Fiat Group's money losing Alfa Romeo marque.
According to Autonews, among the options under consideration is to stop all investments for the brand leaving Alfa with two new models, the Giulietta and MiTo hatchbacks and three older cars, the 3-Series-fighting 159 Sedan / SportWagon, the Brera Coupe and the Spider.
If the new Giulietta five-door hatch proves successful, then Marchionne would revaluate the brand's future, otherwise Alfa could find itself in a very difficult position.
However, it's 100 per cent certain that if for any reason Fiat decides to shut down the brand in the near future, the company will face a public backlash in Italy and elsewhere as Alfa Romeo is a historic marque with many hardcore fans around the world - if you thought Saab has many loyalists, wait till you see the "Alfisti"...
Fortunately though, there's also another option on the table for Alfa and that's to invest in the historic brand by using common platforms with Chrysler's mid-size models for the 159's replacement and a new range-topping sedan that would rival the BMW 5-Series, with both cars being built and offered in the States as well.
The 500 Pink is based on the 1.2 Lounge specification, and aside from the obvious paint job, it also features a black interior contrasted by the pink finish on the dashboard, special carpet mats, pink key cover, a plastic figurine of Ken on the passenger's seat, and a leather gear knob.
Fiat's Start&Stop system that stops the engine automatically whenever traffic conditions bring the car to a complete halt, and restarts it immediately when the driver wants to move off again as well as a sunroof are fitted as standard.
The Italian automaker said that only 500 examples of the pinked out mini will be available in the UK and customers will only be able to order one online.
The 500 Pink costs £11,700 OTR, or £1,000 more than the 1.2 Lounge but with £1,500 worth of additional equipment - always according to Fiat.
