The charming electric Fiat Topolino has finally arrived on U.S. shores, and this low-speed micro-mobility vehicle is already building a loyal following in places where golf carts are a common way to get around. But if you want a Topolino with a little more punch, Madness Autoworks says it has the answer with a range of Topolino-specific parts and accessories.
Madness Autoworks, which operates out of Los Angeles and Austin, wants to be a one-stop destination for everything Fiat, including the new Topolino. Shop principal Boris Tilim was not satisfied with the Topolino’s 19-mile-per-hour top speed in the American market, unless buyers choose Fiat’s official upgrade that raises it to 25 mph. So he began removing the factory vehicle control unit (VCU) from the microcar and replacing it with a Madness MAXPower Performance VCU. According to the company, these aftermarket units have been tuned in Europe for guaranteed top speeds of up to 35 mph. During repeated tuning sessions and test runs, the Madness Autoworks team says it has seen the Topolino go past 50 mph.
“We guarantee that they will go over 35 miles per hour. They will go over 35 miles per hour no matter what,” Tilim said. “Now, based on your conditions—which is, how much battery charge do you have? What condition is the battery in? What is the tyre pressure? How much weight do you have in the car? How much wind is there, and what is the incline? If all of those are ideal, you are going to reach well over 35 mph. We hit 51 mph consistently right behind the shop.”
The upgrades on offer are not limited to a higher top speed. Tilim, who launched Madness Autoworks in 2008 with a focus on modifying small and unusual vehicles such as the Smart and the Fiat 500, said a throttle module is important for improving the Topolino’s throttle response. Because the standard setup has some built-in lag, Madness recommends the Madness GOPedal Plus, an American-designed and German-built throttle module intended to deliver a sharper, more dynamic response.
On the handling front, the Topolino’s standard suspension is tuned more for comfort than outright performance. To address that, Madness worked with a European supplier to create lowering springs specifically for the Topolino. The suspension package lowers the car by an inch at the front and an inch and a half at the rear. Shortened, adjustable struts and shocks are also now available to further improve lateral performance. Thanks to its curb weight of under 1100 pounds, the Topolino still has ample braking capability with its factory hardware, even at speeds of up to 51 mph.
“This thing is pretty soft, and at speed you get a good amount of lean. Now I have done some donuts here. I have driven it pretty aggressively. I did not tip it, and I did not put it on three wheels, but it could handle a lot better,” Tilim said. “We did an install video; dropped the car an inch in the front and an inch and a half in the back, and it is like a little go-kart now. Most of the lean is gone. It handles better.”
Replacing the Fiat’s VCU with an aftermarket unit costs about $1200, while a set of lowering springs is priced at $300. Even a set of aftermarket floor mats costs between $90 and $150. However, the Topolino is still at an early stage in its modification journey, which makes research and development more expensive. Tilim also pointed to the quality guarantees and warranties that come with his shop’s parts as part of the reason for the pricing. Tariffs are also affecting costs, since many of the items are made in Europe. With that in mind, Madness has been working on a line of accessories designed and manufactured in Texas. Tilim said the aim is to work with local manufacturers whenever possible while developing new products.
An even more extreme phase of Topolino modification may be coming next. Some customers are already asking about fitting larger batteries, and wide-body conversions are already being developed. Fender flares, new bumpers, spoilers, and other exterior and interior trim pieces are also at different stages of development. Tilim added that the profile of Topolino owners, and especially those who start modifying them immediately, would surprise many people. Retirement communities are showing strong interest, but there is also a sizeable enthusiast following among car lovers.
“People are buying the Topolino because it is a fun, unique vehicle. The same thing happened when the Smart came out. We had people buying and modifying Smart cars who owned a number of high-end exotic vehicles, and they loved the feeling and the fun of driving something unique. We are now seeing the same thing happen with the arrival of the new Topolinos. Customers are sending us pictures of their new modified Topolino next to their Ferrari, or some other exotic,” Tilim said. “No one is buying the Topolino because it is an economy vehicle. They are buying it to have fun again with a vehicle, and we are here to help.”
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