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Lazzarini 550 Italia Italian design house showcases its vision of a Ferrari V8-powered Fiat 500
Italian firm Lazzarini design has unveiled the first images of the 550 Italia –  a Fiat 500 that’s powered by the same V8 engine used in the 458 Italia. The next step is to look for an investor who is willing to provide 550,000 USD to develop the project.

The 4.5-litre V8 engine, which normally produces 563 bhp, will be detuned to 542 bhp in order to ‘optimize traction’. Just like the Ferrari though, it’ll be mounted in the middle of the car, with Lazzarini looking to replace all boot space and the back seats with the engine.

Other features include an aerodynamic body kit with new bumpers, revised side skirts, a roof mounted air intake, a dual exhaust system and a prominent rear wing. 

And the 550 Italia will join an elite band of small hatchbacks with big power, such as the Renault V6 Clio or the experimental Golf GTI W12, which featured the W12 engine from a Bentley Continental GT. 

For an alternative review of the latest Fiat 500 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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