The Tuner Unlocking the Fiat Topolino's True Speed500 MadnessThe adorable electric Fiat Topolino has finally reached U.S. shores, and the low-speed micro-mobile is already gaining a loyal customer base in communities where golf carts are popular methods of transportation. But what if you wanted a Topolino with a bit more .... kick? Well, Madness Autoworks and its Topolino-specific parts and accessories have you covered.Madness Autoworks, which has locations in Los Angeles and Austin, aims to be a one-stop shop for all things Fiat—including the new Topolino. Shop principal Boris Tilim wasn't satisfied with the Topolino's 19-mile-per-hour top speed in the American market (unless you spring for Fiat's official upgrade that pushes it to a whopping 25 mph), so he set about de-restricting the microcar by removing its factory vehicle control unit (VCU) and replacing it with a Madness MAXPower Performance VCU. These aftermarket units have been tuned in Europe for guaranteed top speeds up to 35 mph; during multiple tuning and test runs, the team at Madness Autoworks has seen the Topolino reach more than 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 in an interview with Road & Track. "Now, based on your conditions—which is, how much battery juice do you have? What kind of battery shape is it in? What's the tire pressure? How much weight do you have in the car? How much wind is there, and what's the incline? You know, if those are all ideal, you're going to reach well over 35 mph. We hit 51 mph consistently right behind the shop."AdvertisementAdvertisementThe available upgrades don't stop at a higher top speed. Tilim, who started Madness Autoworks in 2008 with a focus on modifying small, unusual vehicles like the Smart and the Fiat 500, explained that a throttle module is essential to improving the Topolino's throttle response. Since the stock unit has some built-in lag, Madness recommends the Madness GOPedal Plus—an American-designed, German-built throttle module that offers a more dynamic response.Boris TilimOn the handling side, the Topolino's stock suspension setup is tuned more for comfort than performance. So, Madness contracted a European supplier to develop lowering springs for the Topolino. The suspension kit drops the car an inch in the front and an inch and a half in the rear; shortened, adjustable struts and shocks are now available as well, to further enhance the lateral performance. Due to its sub-1100-pound curb weight, the Topolino has plenty of braking capability with its factory hardware, even at speeds up to 51 mph."This thing is pretty soft, and at speeds you get a good amount of lean. Now I've done some donuts here. I've 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's like a little go-kart now. Most of the lean is gone. It handles better."Boris TilimReplacing the Fiat's VCU with an aftermarket version costs around $1200, while a set of lowering springs is priced at $300. Even a set of aftermarket floor mats costs $90 to $150. However, the Topolino is early in its modification journey, making the research and development processes more costly; Tilim also emphasized the quality guarantees and warranties that come with his shop's parts as justification for the prices. Tariffs are also playing a part, as many items are manufactured in Europe; to that end, Madness has been working on developing a line of accessories designed and manufactured in Texas. Tilim said the goal is to work with local manufacturers whenever possible when developing new products.AdvertisementAdvertisementAn even more extreme world of Topolino modification is on the horizon. Some customers are already asking about swapping in bigger batteries, and wide-body modifications are already in the works; fender flares, new bumpers, spoilers, and other exterior and interior trim are also in various stages of development. And the demographics of Topolino owners—and those who are immediately modifying their toys—would surprise most people, Tilim said. Sure, there's strong interest among retirement communities, but there is a similarly large car enthusiast following, too."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 modded 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."You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State