No sooner had she arrived in the United States than the Fiat Topolino is already attracting the attention of tuners. And not just any tuner: 500 MADNESS, an American specialist in Fiat and Abarth, has just taken on the little Italian electric car with a rather spectacular modification. His goal? To boost the American Topolino’s top speed from just 19 mph—or 30 km/h—to potentially 50 mph… about 80 km/h!
The timing is quite interesting. Just a few days ago, we reported that Fiat was offering American owners a free kit allowing the Topolino to go from 19 to 25 mph (40 km/h). This modification was necessary to qualify it for the Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV) and drive on certain roads. At 500 MADNESS, they apparently decided that 25 mph was still way too reasonable.
From 8 to 14 hp and up to 50 mph
The tuning company is now marketing a device called the MAXPower Performance ECU, priced at $1,199.99. And unlike the performance upgrade offered by Fiat, this is no longer just about gaining a few kilometers per hour.
In its stock form, the American Fiat Topolino produces about 8 hp. With the new ECU, 500 MADNESS claims 14 hp and about 43 Nm. That still represents a power increase of 75 % in a vehicle that’s barely 2.53 meters long.
Most importantly, the electronic speed limiter is removed. According to the tuner, the top speed achieved is 50 mph, or about 80 km/h. Performance may vary depending on battery temperature, charge level, wind, incline, or tire pressure. The conversion is also designed to be particularly simple. 500 MADNESS does not reprogram the original ECU; instead, it provides a preconfigured ECU that directly replaces the original one. The process is described as plug-and-play and it's completely reversible—all you have to do is put the original case back on to restore the original configuration.
A Topolino going 50 mph… is that really a good idea?
Obviously, turning a Topolino into a little electric speedster raises a few questions. This vehicle was designed for very modest performance, and even though 500 MADNESS claims that its control unit stays within the thermal and electrical limits of the various components, nearly doubling its top speed inevitably changes the game when it comes to braking and handling.
The tuner is, in fact, cautious about the legality of its product. Modifying the maximum speed may affect the vehicle’s classification and registration under local regulations. Given the differences between states, 500 MADNESS therefore markets its control unit in the «Off-Road and Race Use Only» category.
Americans have already figured out how to customize the Topolino
Ultimately, this modification is just the most spectacular part of an already surprisingly extensive lineup. 500 MADNESS offers dozens of parts for the newcomer: adjustable suspension, short springs, rims, a MOMO steering wheel, tubular doors, body accessories, and even a throttle response controller.
It’s worth noting that the company knows the brand well. Based primarily in Texas, 500 MADNESS describes itself as a company founded by Fiat enthusiasts that has specialized in customizing and tuning Italian models for over a decade. Just a few months after its arrival in the U.S., the Fiat Topolino didn’t have to wait long before falling into the hands of American tuners. And a Topolino capable of reaching nearly 50 mph—no one really saw that coming.
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It’s odd to talk about 40 km/h when the AMI is already going 45 km/h …and there have been unapproved «modifications» available for quite some time now to push it up to 70 km/h. The chassis handles it perfectly, but the battery can’t keep up with the power demand and overheats.
I bought a Topolino 45 km!
I live in The Hague (southwest) and regularly drive to the Westland on provincial roads! If this Topolino could go 55 to 60 km, that would be more convenient in practice; right now, I’m regularly being passed and cut off!
I think that's really annoying and dangerous!?
Hopefully, I’ll be driving my 124 Spider to Madness next week to get a close look at their Topolino. Madness actually got its start with Smart cars, but quickly added FIAT to its lineup when the 500 came to the U.S. They are one of our best aftermarket sources for FIAT mods. They’ve expanded to include many Italian vehicles: Alfas, Maseratis, and more. They’ve also added U.S. brands to their lineup.
Why the focus on Italian cars, though? The main owner is European.
Valeo modified one that was hitting 90 km/h!
Ride comfort would be the most important factor. I test-drove it. There’s practically no suspension. So if you don’t already have a herniated disc, you’ll end up with one. I would have liked to buy it, but not like this. Unfortunately, German roads are too rough for this suspension. It’s no fun to drive like this.