Castagna has revealed photos and details of its interpretation of the new Fiat 500, the Milanese atelier having wrought changes both visually and under the skin.

Reborn a decade ago, the historical Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Castagna has since then built up a great deal of experience crafting unique and exclusive cars based on the MINI, including an SUV, buggy and pick-up; so it was logical that it would turn its attention to the Fiat 500, the year's most exciting new car and just today announced as comfortable winner of the prestigious Car of the Year 2008 award.

Externally a subtle two-tone paint finish differentiates the A- and C-pillars, roof section and jutting tailgate spoiler, with a high waist pinstripe serving to offset this effect. Pronounced wheel arch mouldings are available in either polished carbon-fibre, stainless steel or paint finish, the latter option being coated to match the new colours applied to the upper section of the 500. The accentuated wheel arch and contrasting colour finish continues across the lip of the front spoiler as well as across the lower section of the rear spoiler which features two large oval stainless steel exhaust tail pipe exits. The two-tone finish is also applied to the front foglamp surrounds, while the exterior makeover is completed by badges fitted to the B-pillars. The bigger wheelarches help to highlight the larger 17-inch finned AEZ alloy wheels which are shod with purposeful Pirelli P-Zero tyres.

Inside the 500, Castagna's designers have used Alcantara to cover the standard model's hard plastic surfaces, softening and luxuriating the cabin; while the dashboard inserts can be specified in a variety of finishes including carbon fibre. A luggage set, which is crafted to match the finish of the chosen interior trim, is provided in a boot space that has been increased in size by 50 litres (185 litres on the standard car) thanks to some small modifications being made.

Under the skin Castagna has also been very busy - and for customers who want greater performance and cannot wait for the powerful Abarth version due next year, a supercharged option, with 0.4 bar, can be specified for the 1.4-litre 16v engine. This raises power from the standard 100 CV to 155 CV and torque from 131 Nm (at 4,250 rpm) to 170 Nm, which is now delivered at 4,500 rpm. Top speed rises, from the standard 182 km/h, it is now claimed to be above 200 km/h; while the 0-100 km/h dash falls below 10 seconds. Eibach springs and shockabsorbers tauten the handing and lower the car by 30 mm, while new 285 mm vented brake discs at the front and chunky Brembo 4-pot callipers toughen up its braking capability as the tiny car copes with its 50 percent increase in power.