Limited Edition "Black Jack" FIAT

Fiat has unveiled a new special edition 500 for the European market. It’s called the Blackjack and its name clearly stems from the unique body color with black opaque treatment. The new 500 Blackjack will go on sale in September and will be priced at €13,850 (in Italy).

The unique matte black paint is enhanced by polished elements (whiskers, handles, mirror housings and door-plate) and the 16" alloy wheels are painted in black with a red frame in the center.

The same black color found on the exterior of the car also finds its way into the interior as it is completely blacked out. The only highlights can be found in the burnished silver seams that glisten off of the steering wheel and gear. The black extends into the combination leather and fabric seats unless you want to throw in some color with the option of red seats.

The new Fiat 500 Blackjack is available with all of the engines found in the 500 range combined with a five- or six-speed gearbox. Fiat is also offering the new TwinAir 85HP 0.9-liter two-cylinder turbo petrol.

FIAT of Tacoma's special "Pink Ribbon" edition

Fiat has announced the 500 "Pink Ribbon" Edition that will be limited to only 250 units. For each unit sold, Fiat will donate $1,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to facilitate their mission of achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime.

The Fiat 500 Pink will be based on the 500 Lounge model and will be offered in Argento (silver) and Bianco (white) exterior paint colors. Joining the exterior paint will be a signature dark pink body side stripe with a "500" logo and an accenting "ribbon" in light pink.

The interior will get pink accents to contrast with the Nero leather for the front and rear seats, as well as a signature "500" logo embroidered on the front seatbacks. The same pink and black combination will be used for the steering wheel and the body-color instrument panel bezel. Each unit will also be offered with a pair of uniquely designed Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon key fobs.

This special edition is now on sale and is priced from $22,500 (including $500 destination).

2012 Alfa Romeo Giulietta for Maserati Edition

Courtesy cars are nothing new in the auto industry. Collaborations between two companies have gone on for sometime now in an effort to entice the company’s respective clients in the industry. If you recall, Ferrari once went this route, releasing a limited edition model of the Fiat 500 as a courtesy model for its clients. Now, a couple of other models under the Fiat umbrella will be giving birth to another one of these models in the form of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta for Maserati Edition.

The car will be limited to only 100 units and will be distinguished with a number of styling cues befitting its association with the upper-echelon Maserati. Among these features include a new set of 18" allow wheels with enhanced diamond tooling and a larger set of red caliper brakes. Meanwhile, the interior of the Giulietta for Maserati Edition has been dressed in a “Maserati Brown” Venere leather upholstery with brushed aluminum inserts. There’s also an “Alfa Romeo for Maserati” plaque on the dashboard, to go with aluminum door sill plates with the names “Giulietta” and “Maserati” engraved on each side.

In terms of performance, the Giulietta for Maserati Edition will be powered by the top-of-the-line, 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbocharged Quadrifoglio Verde engine that produces an impressive 235 horsepower.

American Version of the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Is Unmasked

The new Fiat 500 Abarth -- which recently made its debut on American shores -- has a corner on cuteness, so you might not expect a “driver’s car” version. But you probably don’t know Carlo Abarth, who started working with the Italian automaker in 1952. From that point on, Fiat and Abarth were inextricably linked, and Fiat finally absorbed Abarth’s company in 1970. Since then, Abarth has transformed many Fiat pussycats into tigers.
The ongoing Los Angeles Auto Show was the public unveiling of the U.S. specification version of the Fiat 500 Abarth, which is equipped -- as you might expect -- with all manner of go-fast stuff. Clinging closely to the Abarth tagline, “Small but wicked,” the car is powered by the justifiably famous Fiat 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine. Equipped with turbocharging and twin intercoolers, the U.S. spec engine will develop 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The combination of turbocharging and the unique MultiAir technology results in a 59-percent increase in peak horsepower and a 70-percent increase in peak torque over the 500’s base engine. To deal with the engine’s higher torque, Fiat engineers have specified a heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission with the Torque Transfer Control system.
The heavily revised engine actually necessitated a key design change as well. Because the MultiAir engine requires more space than the standard engine, the car’s front fascia is bolder and is positioned nearly 3 inches ahead of the legendary whiskers-and-logo face that has adorned vintage Abarth models for decades. The blacked-out fascia houses projector-beam fog lamps, and larger side skirts set off the larger 16-inch (or optional 17-inch) aluminum wheels. Both wheel designs display the lacquered Rosso (red) brake calipers.
The interior is highlighted by an Abarth-designed steering wheel that features a thick rim, perforated leather and a flat bottom, something you’d guess many Italians would shy away from. The large concentric instrument cluster houses a speedometer that measures speeds up to 160 miles per hour, tachometer and trip computer, and the instrument-panel cluster brow is wrapped in Nero leather with Rosso accent stitching. The analog turbo-boost gauge has an integrated LED shift light that suggests optimal gear changes. The performance seats feature a one-piece design with large side bolsters, a racing-harness pass-through, and accent stitching and side-thorax airbags. In all, the Fiat 500 Abarth is still adorably cute, but it’s also a small racer with a big attitude.

The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Comes To Jay Leno's Garage

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is more than just an economy car with a slapped-on turbo. To ensure that the car could handle the rigors of track-day events and autocross competition, Fiat’s engineers have strengthened the engine’s internals to cope with the additional 59 horsepower, added a beefier five-speed gearbox, revised the suspension tuning and even modified the electronic stability control program to include “sport” and “off” settings for track duty.


Since Jay Leno already owns a Fiat 500, he’s well versed in the capabilities of the Italia
n city car. In this episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Joe Grace, Fiat’s vehicle line executive, stops by with a new Fiat 500 Abarth, but oddly enough Leno doesn’t get any seat-time in the Abarth version.


Leno does compare the two cars, but it’s more bench racing than specifics. We’d have loved to see Leno flogging the Abarth on Mulholland Drive, just to get a sense of what the car is like on the road, but that will have to wait for another time.


On the plus side, this episode does include a nice clip on the history of Abarth, which goes into a bit more detail than we’ve seen in other videos. If you’re not well versed on the evolution of the scorpion logo, it’s worth watching just to understand the passion behind the Abarth brand.

2012 Fiat 500 beefs up looks but not price

A "wicked" Fiat 500? It's hard to imagine the Fiat 500 as anything but cute and Italian stylish. Yet, here it is, the performance version, that will broaden the 500's appeal to more men. To heck with "cute."

Fiat says it's faithful to the "small, but wicked" saying coined for Karl Abarth's cars in the 1960s, where this one gets its designation.

"Bringing the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth to the U.S. enables us to reach out to driving enthusiasts who want Italian performance at an attainable price," said Olivier Francois, head of Fiat brand for Chrysler Group. "With its lightweight, track-tuned handling and purpose-built design, the Fiat 500 Abarth brings to life the legendary racing heritage of the brand and becomes the Italian high-performance car for everyday driving."

To earn its performance cred, the 500 Abarth has a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. It also has a tuned suspension and brake, a race-inspired design and extra technology features.

Sexy 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Ad Gets The Pop-Up Video Treatment

 

By now, you've probably seen the sexy new "Seduction" commercial for the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth -- the one where a humdrum cubicle clone has a close encounter with an Italian supermodel, only to discover that she is, in fact, a car. Now, VH1 has given that clip the pop-up video treatment.

Among the fun facts we learn as the ad rolls by:

* The spot was directed by Luca Maroni, whose name might not mean much in the film world, but he's a fairly big deal where commercials are concerned.

* The office boy is Matthew Rocheleau, who's just getting his feet wet in Hollywood.

* The supermodel is, as you might imagine, a real supermodel: Catrinel Menghia. (Though we have to visit Wikipedia to learn that Ms. Menghia is Romanian by birth, not Italian. Bless you, Wikipedia.)

* Menghia is married to a former Italian soccer champ, which might explain why her accent is pretty spot-on. (Sadly, news reports indicate that her marriage to Massimo Brambati may be coming to an end.)

What the video doesn't provide is a translation of Menghia's spiel, which, for those who care, goes something like: "What are you looking at? Hey, what are you looking at? Are you undressing me with your eyes? Poor guy. You just can’t help it, can you? Is your heart racing? Is your head spinning? Do you feel lost thinking that I could be yours forever?" 

But hey, why should we give it all away when you could be wasting a small chunk of your Friday watching this clip for yourself? 

FIAT 500 Recieves Top Safety Pick by IIHS

The 2012 Fiat 500 has earned Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), signifying that it’s scored a rating of “good” (the agency’s highest) in frontal offset and side impact crash testing, as well as in roof strength testing.



Top Safety Pick models must also have sufficient head and neck protection in rear-impact crashes, and must be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC). Prior to the 2011 model year, electronic stability control (which can minimize the chance of a rollover accident) wasn't mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but all 2012 and later model year cars must be equipped with ESC.

Only 2012 Fiat 500 models built after July of 2011 are Top Safety Pick rated, as earlier models used a different driver’s seat structure. This assembly was changed beginning with August 2011 production to increase occupant safety in both frontal and rear crashes.

The 2012 Fiat 500 joins the 2011 and 2012 Ford Fiesta as the only minicars earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. While you can’t rewrite the laws of physics (and force still equals mass times acceleration), the award is proof that even small and fuel efficient cars can be safe

Limited Edition Fiat

The Fiat line-up that’s headed to the 2011 Bologna Motor Show will also include a special edition 500 model that has been designed to commemorate the car’s introduction to the US market.

The special edition Fiat 500 model is called the "Nation Limited Edition" and it will come in hard-top and cabrio trims. As far as the former is concerned, Fiat dressed it up in an "America Blue" exterior paint finish and it comes with a bevy of unique trims, including a "Stars & Stripes" package on the sides and on the mirror casings, and a new set of 16" alloy wheels.

Meanwhile, the 500C version will come in a "Tri-Coat White" exterior paint finish and will also feature the same "Stars & Stripes" package on the sides and the mirror casings, as well as a new set of 16" alloy wheels. A different wrinkle on the 500C is the red soft-top roof, further enhancing the color scheme of the car as a celebration of our beloved land.

Powertrain figures for both the 500 and 500C remains the same - a 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir technology that delivers 101 horsepower and 98 lb/ft of torque - although customers who opt for the 500C will have to shell out more money to be able to buy one.

Both models will be limited to 500 units apiece with the hard-top version coming with a price tag of €14,500, which is about $19,500 based on current exchange rates. As for the 500C, that one will cost you €18,000, which when converted, hits $24,200.

The Fiat line-up that’s headed to the 2011 Bologna Motor Show will also include a special edition 500 model that has been designed to commemorate the car’s introduction to the US market.

The special edition Fiat 500 model is called the "Nation Limited Edition" and it will come in hard-top and cabrio trims. As far as the former is concerned, Fiat dressed it up in an "America Blue" exterior paint finish and it comes with a bevy of unique trims, including a "Stars & Stripes" package on the sides and on the mirror casings, and a new set of 16" alloy wheels.

Meanwhile, the 500C version will come in a "Tri-Coat White" exterior paint finish and will also feature the same "Stars & Stripes" package on the sides and the mirror casings, as well as a new set of 16" alloy wheels. A different wrinkle on the 500C is the red soft-top roof, further enhancing the color scheme of the car as a celebration of our beloved land.

Powertrain figures for both the 500 and 500C remains the same - a 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir technology that delivers 101 horsepower and 98 lb/ft of torque - although customers who opt for the 500C will have to shell out more money to be able to buy one.

Both models will be limited to 500 units apiece with the hard-top version coming with a price tag of €14,500, which is about $19,500 based on current exchange rates. As for the 500C, that one will cost you €18,000, which when converted, hits $24,200.

December FIAT of Tacoma Ad

W H Y F I AT

® O F TA C O M A

FIAT

® of Tacoma

3740 South Tacoma Way

New FIAT

® 500 by GUCCI

Starting at $24,000 MSRP*

• 1.4L 16V MultiAir

• Six-Speed Automatic Transmission with Gucci Logo on

Shifter Knob

• 15-Inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels with Green Brake

Calipers. Wheels are color keyed to exterior car color

and feature Gucci logo on center caps.

• Automatic Temperature Control

• SiriusXM Satellite Radio+

• Bose

® Engine® premium audio system

New FIAT

® 500 Lounge

Starting at $20,000 MSRP*

• 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Automatic Temperature Control

• Fixed Glass Roof

• 15-Inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels

• Bright Exterior Accents

• Premium Cloth Seats

• SiriusXM Satellite Radio+

• Bose

• Security Alarm System

® Premium Audio System+

New FIAT

® 500 Pink Ribbon

Starting at $22,500 MSRP*

• Limited Edition Pink Ribbon Content: Optional Content:

• Exterior color options: Bianco or Argento

• TomTom

• Interior color: Pelle Nero / Nero + Luxury

• Power Sunroof

• Limited Edition Pink Ribbon Decal Body Stripe

• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with Pink Accent Stitching

• Leather Seats with Pink Accent Stitching

• Floor Mats with Pink Accent Stitching

® Navigation

New FIAT

® 500 Abarth

Now accepting Abarth orders

Abarth Fiat 500 Tributo Ferrari

• Powered by a 1368cc turbocharged engine with

a top speed of 140mph, this modern car can

accelerate from 0-62mph in seven seconds

• Xenon headlights

• Blue&Me hands-free infotainment

• Record Monza’ dual-mode exhaust

• Abarth leather steering wheel

• Abarth Corsa by Sabelt seats

• Five airbags

1.800.NEW.FIAT : FIATofTacoma.com

FIAT

noted. No dealer purchases allowed. Vehicles for illustration purposes only. Dealer is not responsible for typographical errors. Vin’s posted at dealership. Ad expires close of business 12/18/11.

® of Tacoma. All prices plus applicable tax, title, license and a negotiable dealer documentary fee up to $150 may be added. All vehicles are subject to prior sale and one at the sale price unless otherwise

1283146V01

FIAT

®

of Tacoma

South Tacoma Way

Tacoma

38th Street

Dodge

I-5

16

S. Tacoma Way

S. 38th St.

S. 43rd St.

S. Union Ave.

Tacoma

Mall

Tacoma

Mall

Hwy 16

New FIAT

® 500C Lounge

Starting at $24,000 MSRP*

• 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Automatic Temperature Control

• 15-Inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels

• Bright Exterior Accents

• Premium Cloth Seats

• SiriusXM Satellite Radio+

• Bose

• Security Alarm System

• Fog Lamps

® Premium Audio System+

New FIAT

® 500C Pop

Starting at $20,000 MSRP*

• 1.4L 16V MultiAir

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Air Conditioning

• Power Windows, Locks and Heated Mirrors

• AM/FM/CD/MP3 Radio

• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

• BLUE&ME™ Hands-Free Communication with iPod

USB and MP3 Interface+

• Electronic Vehicle Information Center

® Engine® mobile device,

New FIAT

® 500 Sport

5-SPEED MANUAL

New FIAT

® 500 Sport

6-SPEED AUTOMATIC

Wrap one up!

- FIAT® of Tacoma has a 23,000 sq. ft. studio

- You can design or view your FIAT® 500 inside our studio

- We have over 250 FIAT® 500’s in all makes, models and colors

- Easy, on-site fi nancing so you can take your FIAT® 500 today

- It’s a studio showroom so there is no high-pressure sales

- We accept all trade-ins, no matter what you have

- All studio employees have been FIAT® trained

- Buy online or directly from our studio in Tacoma

- Enclosed trailer for vehicle delivery if you wish

- Out to be #1 in the U.S.A.

FIAT

® 500 Sport

• Unique Sport Appearance Rear Spoiler and Front and

Rear Fascias

• 16-Inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels

• Red Brake Calipers

• Bose

• Sport Suspension

• Fog Lamps

• Available Tom Tom Navigation

® Premium Audio System+

FIAT

® 500 Pop

• 1.4L 16V MultiAir

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission • Air Conditioning

• Power Windows, Locks and Heated Mirrors

• AM/FM/CD/MP3 Radio

• BLUE&ME™ Hands-Free Communication with iPod

® Engine®

mobile device, USB and MP3 Interface+

• Speed Control • Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

• Electronic Vehicle Information Center

H O L I D AY S A V I N G S

FIAT

®

of Tacoma

from:

New FIAT

® 500 Pop

5-SPEED MANUAL

New FIAT

® 500 Pop

6-SPEED AUTOMATIC

Your

Price

MSRP ................................$18,400

FOT Discount ...........................-$500

SALE PRICE ...................$17,900

Manufacturer Rebate ......-$1,000

$

Price

16,900 Your

MSRP ................................$19,000

FOT Discount ...........................-$500

SALE PRICE ...................$18,500

Manufacturer Rebate ......-$1,000

$

17,500

Your

Price

MSRP ................................$16,100

FOT Discount ...........................-$500

SALE PRICE ...................$15,600

Manufacturer Rebate ......-$1,500

$

Price

14,100 Your

MSRP ................................$17,000

FOT Discount ...........................-$500

SALE PRICE ...................$16,500

Manufacturer Rebate ......-$1,000

$

15,500

1 only at this price Stk #F12116

Vin#3C3CFFBRXCT128381

1 only at this price Stk #F12187

Vin#3C3CFFBR0CT115641

1 only at this price Stk #F12015

Vin#3C3CFFAR7CT113922

1 only at this price Stk #F12155

Vin#3C3CFFARXCT117253

FIAT 500 Wins 'Gear of the Year' Award from Mens Journal

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 2, 2011 -- /PRNewswire/ -- 

Men's Journal's 'Gear of the Year' award marks the new Fiat 500 as one of the most innovative and game-changing products of 2011

• Award represents the adventurous, modern and 'live the interesting life' spirit of the magazine's readers
• More than 15 U.S. awards and 80 international awards recognize the unique styling, engaging driving dynamics and fuel efficiency of the Fiat 500
• Starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,500

Men's Journal magazine's "Live the interesting life" creed truly reflects what the Fiat 500 is all about – being unique and offering customers a way to experience more in life. And with its segment-exclusive Italian styling, efficient city-friendly proportions, innovative technologies and attainable price, the new 2012 Fiat 500 earned the magazine's coveted "Gear of the Year" award.
"We're extremely honored to win the 'Gear of the Year' award from Men's Journal," said Tim Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand North America. "The new Fiat 500 is truly distinctive and we will continue to expand the appeal of our Cinquecento, with the upcoming introduction of the Fiat 500 by Gucci, aimed at Italian style lovers, and the Fiat 500 Abarth, targeted towards Italian performance enthusiasts."
Over the past 12 months, a team of Men's Journal editors, writers and correspondents tested hundreds of new products to create their annual list – a product list that represents more than 40 of the most innovative and game-changing products including sports equipment, apparel, technology and culinary tools. In addition, the 2011 Gear of the Year award marks the first time cars have been included on the list.
For more information — and the complete list of Men's Journal magazine's Gear of the Year recipients — pick up the annual December/January "best of" issue (on newsstands now) and visit http://www.mensjournal.com/ for product updates all month long.
About Men's Journal
Launched in 1992, Men's Journal is an award-winning, general interest men's lifestyle magazine with a total audience of 3.6 million per issue. Built on the idea that men are always looking to experience and achieve more, Men's Journal is dedicated to providing its readers with the gear, know-how, style and insights to "live the interesting life."
About the 2012 Fiat 500 models
Building on the attributes that made the original version an icon more than 50 years ago – the 2012 Fiat 500 models provide an entirely new generation of drivers with the best of Italian motoring: craftsmanship, style and safety, combined with fun-to-drive small-car efficiency.
The 2012 Fiat 500 offers high levels of safety, fuel economy, quality and advanced technology. With its city-friendly four-passenger size, engaging driving dynamics, all-new fuel-efficient 1.4-liter MultiAir^® engine with eco:Drive™ Application, seven standard air bags and available TomTom^® Navigation with standard BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technology, the new Fiat 500 offers a unique driving and ownership experience. This package is further enhanced with new quality and refinement adaptations for the U.S. market, plus a "Top Safety Pick" for 2011 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Expanding on the qualities that have made the original Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) a timeless and efficient automobile, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio (500c) adds open-air freedom and even more driving enjoyment. And with its cleverly designed multi-position power-retractable cloth top and iconic body-side silhouette, the new Fiat 500c delivers style with class-leading interior sound quality.
At local FIAT Studios, customers may choose to personalize their Fiat 500 or 500c with selections including as many as 14 available exterior paint colors, 14 unique seat color combinations, three models and two interior environments. And to ensure that every new 2012 Fiat 500 will be distinct, a full line of authentic Fiat 500 accessories by Mopar^® will offer customers even more personalization possibilities, including unique striping packages, exterior and interior styling accessories and authentic FIAT-styled merchandise.
Offering even more exclusivity and style, the limited-edition 2012 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci models arrive at FIAT Studios nationwide this December. For more information, visit www.fiatusa.com/gucci. The high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth will arrive into the U.S. market in the first-half of 2012.
The 2012 Fiat 500 and 500c Pop models have a U.S. MSRP of $15,500 and $19,500 respectively (plus $500 destination).
SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

 

After having been absent from the U.S. for more than 30 years, the Cinquecento is making up for lost time with a steady stream of variants. First up was the all-new 2012 Fiat 500, which arrived on our shores this past spring, followed closely by its 500C roll-top convertible sibling. Both of them are cheek-pinchingly cute, but we've been pining away for the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth, the bad boy of the 500 litter that is debuting for the first time in U.S.-spec form at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show.

Running deep in the 500 Abarth's blood is the spirit of racing legend Karl Abarth, who believed in "small but wicked" cars. During the 1950s, Abarth was known for transforming small, lightweight everyday cars into track-ready beasts, and his spirit is reflected in this type-A Cinquecento, which receives a sport-tuned suspension, bigger wheels, and a more muscular stance than its mild-mannered counterpart.

The power figures for the U.S.-spec model come in at 160 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque from its 1.4-liter turbocharged four -- roughly matching those of the Euro-market Abarth Esseesse model. While Fiat has not revealed the details on the Abarth's EPA rating, we don't expect it to be much worse than the manual 500's 30/38 mpg city/highway rating. Also absent from the release was the Abarth's 0-60 number; we anticipate it will be close to the Euro-spec Esseesse-tuned Abarth's time of 6.9 seconds.

The Abarth features a unique MacPherson suspension design with a 40-percent stiffer spring rate and 0.6-inch lower ride height over the base car, helping to reduce body roll and improve overall handling. In addition, the micro-car utilizes an Abarth-tuned electronic stability control system (On, Partial Off, Full Off) that works with Fiat's Torque Transfer Control system to maximize throttle performance during hard cornering. The Abarth's "Sport" mode further maximizes the driving experience by tightening steering feel, sharpening throttle response, and quickening shift times.

Aside from looking more aggressive with the Scorpion badge, the Abarth is further distinguished from the garden-variety 500 by a blacked-out fascia with twin "nostrils" designed to maximize airflow in and out of twin intercoolers. Side skirts provide a more athletic profile, and flared wheel arches further aid ventilation of the brake system. Standard on the Abarth are 16-inch wheels, but high-performance 17-inchers are available, and are offset by 11.1-inch front discs clamped by red single-piston front calipers in the front, and 9.4-inch discs in the back.

Also in the back the Abarth sports a rear spoiler that extends the roofline and aids with overall aerodynamics. A black-accented rear diffuser and double-tipped exhausts help complete the edgy look. Distinctive vintage plaques are also available for the driver and passenger rear-quarter panels. A tri-color (red, white, and green) "shot through" arrow is available, along with additional exterior decals that include the signature Abarth triple-stripe logo that runs horizontally along the lower bodyside with a gradient effect. Exterior mirror caps that match the stripe also are available.

Inside, the thick-rimmed Abarth-themed steering wheel has a flat bottom and is wrapped in perforated leather. Cruise control, audio, and Fiat's Blue&Me hands-free communication buttons are mounted on the wheel, while LED shift lights illuminate during gear changes on an analog turbo-boost gauge unique to the Abarth. Should buyers opt for TomTom navigation, there will be a 4.3-inch touch-screen display. Race-inspired features for the interior include aluminum foot pedals with black rubber trim, and a black leather-wrapped shift knob accented with red stitching. Front seats feature a one-piece design with large side bolsters and a racing-harness pass-through, and rear passengers will enjoy raised seats bolstered for added back support. The headliner and pillars are finished in black, while seats are available in black cloth or leather, or red and black leather.

 

Fiat also loaded the Abarth with a plethora of safety and security features (more than 35) that include seven airbags and smart pedals that move out of the way during an impact to help protect the driver's feet and legs.

"Bringing the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth to the U.S. enables us to reach out to driving enthusiasts who want Italian performance at an attainable price," said Olivier Francois, head of the Fiat Brand and chief information marketing officer, in a statement.

The only thing left to do is to drive it -- hard -- to see if this little Italian bad boy has the chops to take on the Mini S and its other pint-sized, go-fast competition.