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.
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