Puzzled by a term you've seen used on the forum?  This glossary covers the more commonly used terms and abbreviations.  If you can think of any that are missing, post 'em up and I'll periodically update this list.

500A - 500 Abarth.  Also often referred to as A500.

AGP - See "GPA".

ASR - Anti-Slip Regulator, aka traction control.  Reduces wheel spin by either braking the spinning wheel or reducing engine power if both wheels are spinning.

Assetto - The official handling kit for the Grande Punto Abarth, consisting of modifications to the suspension and brakes.  Not available for the 500.  More info...

BMC - Manufacturer of air filters included in the official Abarth esseesse tuning kits.  Also famous for supplying filters to most Formula One and Le Mans race teams.  BMC website...

CSI - Customer Satisfaction Indicator.  A rating given following surveys conducted by Abarth after service of a vehicle to judge the customer's overall satisfaction with the aftersales process.

ECU - Engine Control Unit, or Electronic Control Unit.  The computer responsible for co-ordinating many of the car’s electronic functions, most notably the fuel injection and ignition systems.

Elaboration Kit - The term used by Abarth for the official tuning kits such as "Assetto" and "esseesse".

Esseesse - The official "Elaboration" kits for the Grande Punto Abarth and 500 Abarth which include modifications to the suspension, brakes and engine.  "Esseesse" is derived from the abbreviation SS, or "Super Sport", and is normally pronounced as simply "SS". More info (GPA)..., More info (500)...

Examiner - The diagnostic computer system used by Abarth dealers to interrogate the car’s electronic systems.

GPA - Grande Punto Abarth.  Also often referred to as AGP, Abarth Grande Punto.

LE - Launch Edition.  An abbreviation referring to the specification of the first 200 Abarth 500s imported into the UK, all of which were Bossa Nova White with red leather interior, 17" multi-spoke alloy wheels, climate control, auto-dimming rear view mirror, red stripes and mirrors, scorpion graphic on bonnet.  More info...

Link - The computer system used by Abarth dealers to establish stock levels.

NP - Normal Production, i.e. an Abarth without any "Elaboration" kits.

OE - Opening Edition.  There was no official "Opening Edition" sold in the UK as there was elsewhere in Europe.  However, many of the first cars in the country were the same spec to ensure some stock was available, and these have become known as the "Launch Edition" - see "LE" above.

OTR - On The Road, the price of a new car inclusive of all taxes and delivery charges.

Prepatorie dealer - Yet to be confirmed second tier dealer network authorised to undertake warranty and service work, but not permitted to sell cars or elaboration kits.

Sirio - The computer system used by Abarth dealers to place new orders with the factory.

SS - See "esseesse".

SSI - Sales Satisfaction Indicator.  A rating given following surveys conducted by Abarth after delivery of a new car to judge the customer's overall satisfaction with the sales process.

TTC - Torque Transfer Control.  The electronic system fitted to the 500 Abarth which uses the braking system to replicate the function of a limited slip differential.  More info...