The Fiat 500 line-up expands yet again with the 2013 addition of the new Turbo model.

For those who want better performance – without the price tag of the top-line Abarth edition – Fiat is adding a new turbocharged version of its little 500 model.

The new addition to the maker’s fast-growing line-up is making its debut in Monterey, California, this weekend, at the Concorso Italiano, one of the largest gatherings of Italian vehicles in North America.

Fiat launched its return to the U.S. market in late 2010 but got off to a slow start with the original 500 coupe and cabriolet.  Sales began to take off earlier this year with the debut of the Fiat 500 Abarth, a high-performance version backed by a sexy ad campaign.  At this point, the maker has run out of Abarths until production of the 2013 model begins.

The new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo targets those who don’t want something quite so extreme.  It features a 135-horsepower version of the maker’s MultiAir four-cylinder engine, as well as sportier suspension tuning and what Fiat bills as “track-proven” brakes.  The interior is upgraded and there are modest exterior enhancements over the base 500, as well.

The Turbo model makes 34% more hp.

“We listened to our customers” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand North America. “The new Fiat 500 Turbo is the answer to all the fans that loved the style of our Cinquecento but wanted more power and performance for their daily drive. With 135 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque, the Fiat 500 Turbo hits the sweet spot between the regular Cinquecento and the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth. The Fiat 500 Turbo balances and blends the best Italian flavors that our portfolio has to offer, becoming the perfect canvas for customization.”

The new model’s powertrain is enhanced by a single turbo and twin intercoolers.  That allows it to turn out 34% more horsepower – compared to the 101-hp base car – and at 150 lb-ft, 53% more torque. Fuel economy is rated at 34 mpg on the highway.

The engine is paired with a beefed-up 5-speed manual gearbox and equal-length half-shafts are intended to minimize torque steer.

The Fiat 500 Turbo will be offered with a new Dr. Dre audio system.

The exterior features bolder side skirts and wider air intakes, while the front fascia is pulled forward nearly 3 inches from the Fiat whiskers-and-logo face.  There are new taillamps and a liftgate-mounted spoiler to enhance aerodynamics and keep the car planted onto the pavement.

The new Fiat 500 Turbo will be offered with a new Beats by Dr. Dre audio system, meanwhile, with a 368-watt amp, 8 speakers and a trunk-mounted 8-inch subwoofer.

The new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo will reach showrooms by autumn at $20,200 – including a $700 destination fee.