Mazda Teams With Fiat: New Miata to Spawn Alfa Romeo Roadster

The two latest automakers to climb into bed together are Mazda and Fiat and their love child promises to be one impressive performance machine.

Having signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding, the Japanese and Italian automakers have agreed to examine the development and manufacturing of a roadster model for the Alfa Romeo brand based on Mazda’s upcoming next-generation MX-5 Miata platform.
Distinguishing the two machines won’t just be the unique styling but, but also engines unique to each brand.
According to a joint release, production of both vehicles would occur at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant starting in 2015.
“Establishing technology and product development alliances is one of Mazda’s corporate objectives and this announcement with Fiat is an important first step in that direction. It is especially exciting to be collaborating with such a prestigious marque as Alfa Romeo on a new roadster based on the next-generation MX-5, which is such an iconic vehicle for Mazda and recognized as the best-selling roadster of all time,” said Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda’s Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO.
The partnership will also allow Mazda to take advantage of economies of scale, helping reduce its costs in building the Miata.
“This agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and the determination to grow it into a truly global brand. By partnering with Mazda, we will be co-operating with the recognized leader in compact rear-drive vehicle architectures in order to deliver an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition. We are appreciative of this collaboration with Mazda and look forward to maintaining a fruitful and continuous relationship.” said Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.
With the new Miata-based roadster, Alfa Romeo will have another exciting new product to offer when it returns to the North American market

Alfa Romeo 4C Running Ahead of Schedule, Will Bow Next Summer

Development towards the production model Alfa Romeo 4C appears to be ahead of schedule, as the Italian automaker plans on unveiling the model next summer.

This will be months ahead of the originally rumored 2014 Detroit Auto Show debut date, and will mark the beginning of Alfa Romeo’s return to the U.S. market. The Giulia sedan is also on schedule and it appears that the model will be built in North America and possibly Europe. Both vehicles will be reintroducing the Alfa Romeo brand to Americans, so it’ll be important that both are as presentable as possible.
Regardless, it appears that Chrysler-Fiat will invest plenty of time and effort into the Alfa Romeo brand. Recently, Japanese automaker Mazda and Fiat signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to develop and manufacture an Alfa Romeo roadster based on the next-generation MX-5

Ferrari to build new engines for Fiat

Italian luxury carmaker Ferrari has signed EUR50m agreement with Fiat to develop and build new engines for its top models including Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Lancia.

As per the agreement, Ferrari will produce two new engines including bi-turbo V6 engine which will generate 450hp, as well as, a V8 powertrain, which can generate an output of nearly 500hp.
According to ansa.it, the production of the new engines is expected to begin in 2014.
Initially, the new engines will power the production version of the Maserati Kubang SUV concept and then follows subsequently.
Fiat's move tends to reduce the production of engines by its family manufacturers, thus cutting the production costs and the new engines are expected to deliver enhanced fuel economy and reduce emission, while offering high performance.

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Abarth 695 Maserati Edition bows at Mille Miglia

The Fiat 500 in its various guises positively romps on its popularity, making special-edition hay with terrific frequency. This latest outing in the form of the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition follows a familiar trail, coming three years after the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari that debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

That hatch had a tuned 1.4-liter turbo four putting out more than 180 horsepower, a variable exhaust system and paddle-shifting automated manual under its Ferrari 430 Scuderia-mimicking paint scheme. But aside from the paint, this one gets much the same treatment: 180-hp output, Abarth Competizione gearbox and dual mode exhaust.

It goes the GranTurismo route instead of hard-core sports car, though, using the convertible Abarth as a base and adding Pontevecchio Bordeaux paint with a gray top, sand-beige leather and black interior, Jaeger instrumentation, and 17-inch Maserati-style Neptune wheels and hexagonal tailpipes. Still, it gets even bigger Brembo brakes than the Ferrari version.

Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato

2011 Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato Concept

There are few certainties in life, aside from death, taxes and the number one rule of automakers worldwide: future products are not to be commented on, ever. There’s logic behind such a sentiment, as building excitement for products that don’t exist tends to negatively impact sales of products already in dealer showrooms.

That’s why we tend to be skeptical when outlets publish future product plans from automakers. While some of this information may prove to be accurate, other bits and pieces will likely turn out to be wishful thinking. As a rule, the farther away a projected launch date is, the less likely it is that particular model will see the light of day.

In other words, we doubt that Automobile’s projections on Chrysler’s future product lines will turn out to be entirely accurate, but we’ll bet they’re probably on the money with the projected 2013 launch of the Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato.

First shown as a concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Zagato-ized hatchback restyles the current Fiat 500’s rear to present a more coupe-like profile, while retaining the car’s hatchback sensibilities. It may be smaller than the current Fiat 500, but it retains the car’s 2+2 seating arrangements, albeit with less rear headroom.

The concept was shown in an electric-yellow paint scheme, trimmed with burnished chrome and gunmetal accents. If the car is launched as a limited-edition model (likely the case), expect to see production versions carry the same artfully bold color scheme.

There’s no word yet on pricing or content, but expect the Fiat 500 variant to be a Zagato for the masses, priced accordingly. If you’ve always wanted a Zagato-styled creation in your garage, this may be the least expensive path to ownership the world has ever seen.

That is, of course, if the Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato gets the rumored green light for production.

500T and Abarth Convertibles?!

These 2012 Fiat 500 Abarths will reside above an anticipated 500T Sport in the lineup.

Fiat is planning to introduce a 500T Sport for the 2013 model year, according to documents the company has filed with NHTSA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This seems to corroborate rumors of a new model that would be positioned between the standard Fiat 500 and the Abarth, which would feature a less powerful version of the U.S.-spec Abarth’s 160-horse turbo four. (The T in 500T is for “turbo,” of course.)

The evidence includes a chart filed with NHTSA, which explains how to decode VIN numbers; it clearly shows a “500T Sport” listed among Fiat’s 2013-model-year offerings. Fiat applies Pop, Sport, and Lounge to the base 500 as trim levels, but this 500T Sport is listed separately from those, as well as apart from the 500C convertible models. Among the convertibles, though, we now see an Abarth listed for the first time. No real surprise there—the car already exists—but it’s a vehicle Fiat hasn’t publicly confirmed for the U.S

FIAT 500L

GENEVA — The 2013 Fiat 500L compact crossover will get several engines, including the new 0.9-liter TwinAir, as well as more than 30 exterior color choices — and "fragrance diffusers." It debuts at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show.
The Fiat 500L will also get a 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a MultiJet 1.3-liter diesel engine when it launches in Europe later this year. It will deubt in the U.S. early next year.
Fiat said the five-passenger hatchback will also get an eco:Drive application that gives the driver advice for cutting fuel consumption. The EPA has yet to rate the 2013 Fiat 500L. It will also get the optional my:Car, which diagnoses, records and certifies the car's history and state of maintenance.
The 500L — the L in the car's name stands for "large" — is 163 inches long, 70 inches wide and 65 inches tall.
Fiat 500L buyers will get a choice of white, gray or black for the alloy wheels and a range of accessories, including custom graphics, chrome-plating, ski roof bars and a bicycle holder. The 14-cubic-foot trunk can hold up to five suitcases, said Fiat.
The 500L will be built on Fiat's SUSW (Small U.S. Wide) platform, which also will underpin a new compact Jeep crossover in the U.S., as well as replacements overseas for the Fiat Punto and Palio.

2012 Fiat 500L Small Crossover SUV at Geneva

Fiat presents the first official images of the 500L Small Crossover SUV, the new model which will have its world preview at the International Geneva Motor Show on 6 March this year.
500L – the L stands for ‘Large’ – is the new addition to the 500 range, which, following the Abarth and Cabrio versions, furthers the brand’s strategy, with the aim of extending its offer by introducing models in a position to satisfy different types of customers.
With the ‘L’, the 500 expands and grows together with customers, to accommodate new experiences and needs once more.
With MPV passenger space combined with the feel of a small SUV on the road and the restrained dimensions and efficiency of a B segment car, the new Fiat model defies the conventional distinctions between the various segments, combining the typical characteristics of different categories in order to create a distinctive alternative to the traditional B and C segments.
With the 500L, the Fiat brand demonstrates its creative spirit once more: a marriage of functionality and emotion, it features a 5-seater single-volume structure which is 414 cm long, 178 cm wide and 166 cm high. It is a further development of the concept of ‘cab forward’ introduced by Fiat with the 600 Multipla, a precursor to the concept of the compact people carrier.
Produced at the Fiat factory in Kragujevac, Serbia, 500L is a ‘first car’ for those who won’t settle for anything less than Italian style, the versatility that comes from a functional design and engine technology that sets the bar in terms of efficiency.
The Fiat 500L will be introduced to Europe in the last quarter of 2012, with an engine range which will initially comprise two petrol engines (TwinAir and 1.4-litre) and a turbodiesel engine (1.3 MultiJet II) and the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology from Fiat Group Automobiles.
Starting today, the first official video of the 500L is available on the www.fiatpress.com website. The 500L is the new Fiat car that will make its world debut on 6 March at the Geneva International Motor Show.
The 500L – the L stands for ‘Large’ – is the new addition to the 500 range, which, following the Abarth and Cabrio versions, furthers the brand’s strategy, with the aim of extending its offer by introducing models in a position to satisfy different types of customers.
With the ‘L’, the 500 model grows in size to accommodate new experiences and needs once more. If the 500 is the super-compact car perfect for young people and the city, the Fiat 500L is the first car of the 500 family able to contain all of life’s greatest emotions all together: children, friends, journeys. Every time great emotions become great experiences.
The 500L expresses all of the taste of Italian style with a distinctive look and interprets the totally Fiat capability of conceiving and designing cars which are innovative in substance and in form. Substance turns into the modern equation of “space-efficient” that distinguishes all of the most innovative Fiats in history, from the 600 Multipla onwards. Just as the 600 Multipla was the forerunner of the concept of compact people carrier, the 500L is the new Fiat interpretation of the Simply More philosophy applied to the Multispace concept. The 500L reformulates the category of compact cars for the modern family in an emotional vein by developing some of the 500′s winning emotive elements in unprecedented forms.
Designed by the Centro Stile Fiat, which drew inspiration from the cab forward concept, the modern reinterpretation of a car concept designed to achieve better external visibility and a large amount of internal light, the 500L has ‘seamless’ glazing that runs all around the car to improve the sense of command of the road and to make parking manoeuvres easier. The glass roof – the largest in its category – also floods the passenger compartment with plenty of light, just as the colour range with no less than 30 body colours is record-breaking for its segment.
ln the same way, the level of comfort that the new 500L offers will be a benchmark owing to the roominess of its interior, the best in its category in relation to the external dimensions – 414 cm long, 178 cm wide and 166 cm high – in addition to a boot with a capacity of almost 400 litres that is able to hold up to 5 roller suitcases or a full-size push chair.
The 500L defies the conventional distinctions owing to its passenger space typical of an MPV, its presence on the road characteristic of a small SUV and its compactness and efficiency worthy of a B segment car. By following this novel recipe, the Fiat 500L puts together characteristics peculiar to different categories to offer a concept of distinctive and versatile first car that is an alternative to the traditional saloons of the B and C segments.
The Fiat 500L will be introduced to Europe in the last quarter of 2012, with an engine range which will initially comprise two petrol engines (TwinAir and 1.4-litre) and a turbodiesel engine (1.3 MultiJet II). Standing out amongst the petrol engines is the new 0.9-litre TwinAir, the new development of the multi-award-winning Fiat two-cylinder engine that set the world fuel consumption and emissions record thanks to its low displacement and inclusion of a high-efficiency turbocharger. The emissions level will set the record amongst petrol engines for the MPV category in this latest evolution as well.

Jay Leno and the FIAT Abarth

http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/2012-Fiat-500-Abarth/1371751

Fiat 500 Abarth ad with Charlie Sheen

A 60-second commercial for the Fiat 500 Abarth pairing perennial bad boy actor Charlie Sheen with the Romanian model who starred in the car's "Seduction" Super Bowl commercial will begin airing on TV, Chrysler Group said Thursday.

"House Arrest" features images of a 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth racing through the hallways of a mansion filled with nattily dressed partygoers. As the subcompact power slides to a stop in a room filled with people, its driver's side door opens and Sheen's left leg steps out, fitted with an electronic monitoring device around the ankle.

The self-described warlock waves to his guests as he is approached by Catrinel Menghia, the Romanian model who starred in the Abarth's "Seduction" Super Bowl commercial.

"I love being under house arrest," Sheen says to the camera. "What do I get for good behavior?" he asks Menghia.

The advertisement's existence was revealed first by Automotive News on Feb. 20.
The spot, which was created in partnership with Doner of suburban Detroit, will begin airing on broadcast and cable television.

The Fiat 500 Abarth is a high-performance version of the subcompact, featuring a 160-hp engine that delivers 170 pounds-feet of torque. It is scheduled to arrive in Fiat's 140 U.S. dealerships by early April, where it will be priced from $22,700, including delivery.

"The Fiat 500 Abarth is the 'small but wicked' personality of the Fiat 500 and this spot captures that attitude and spirit," Olivier Francois, worldwide head of Fiat brand and Chrysler Group's chief marketing officer, said in a statement. "The Fiat 500 Abarth is the bad boy of the Fiat vehicle lineup and Charlie Sheen personifies the edgy and fun attributes of the Fiat 500 Abarth in 'House Arrest.'"

Video: Charlie Sheen in ad for "bad-boy" Fiat 500 Abarth

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/03/charlie-sheen-in-ad-for-bad-boy-fiat-500-abarth-model-/1

Maserati-inspired 500 coming from Abarth

 

 

Fiat-owned performance brand Abarth will launch a special-edition model based on luxury supercar brand Maserati.

The Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati, set to bow at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is a tricked-out version of the Fiat 500 which layers in Abarth performance touches and an admittedly-impressive Maserati veneer.

Somewhat reminiscent of the Aston-Martin Cygnet (a Toyota iQ modified by Aston-Martin), the Tributo Maserati is a convertible model finished in a color exclusive to Maserati, Pontevecchio Bordeaux.

In collaboration with Maserati, Abarth engineers uprated the 16V 1.4-liter turbo engine, giving it an output of 180hp to the special electronic gearbox, which Abarth says offers reduced gearshift times.

A set of new 17-inch tires featuring the Maserati 'Neptun' design and the distinctive hexagonal exhaust pipes found on Maserati cars such as the  GranTurismo or Quattroporte complete the model.

Over a million ways to play it at FIAT of Tacoma

At FIAT of Tacoma we currently have the 500 model; and don't think that 1 model is going to hold you back in options.  There are three different trip levels: the pop, sport, and lounge.  You also have the option of hardtop, sunroof, fixed glass or a cabrio.  Not to mention the limited edition models, the Pink Ribbon and the 500 by Gucci , later this year the Abarth will joining the family at our Tacoma studio.  There are also a number of accesories and graphics that include roof stripes and side stripes, side body moldings, bike racks and many more.  All in addition to the 14 unique exterior colors and multiple interior color options.  So come see one of the specialists at FIAT of Tacoma and let us help you into your perfect FIAT today.

FIAT 500 Mopar Stinger

What’s small, yellow, and vaguely looks like a 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth? That would be the new 2012 Fiat 500 Mopar Stinger, which is available by way of two dealer-installed packages offered through Chrysler’s Mopar parts and service brand.

We know what you’re thinking: another sporty take on the 500? Fiat’s small North American portfolio already incorporates the 500 Sport, which adds some exterior flair, a stiffer suspension, and 16-inch aluminum wheels. Later this year, the new 2012 500 Abarth -- packing a 160-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter I-4, along with a number of performance goodies -- will also be in showrooms nationwide come fall. Regardless, Mopar thinks there’s room for a third model; one for customers who want something a little flashier than a 500 Sport, but aren’t quite ready to take the full Abarth leap.

The first step -- what Mopar calls the Stage One package -- primarily focuses infusing a bit of the Abarth’s visual attitude inside and out. Buyers start with a giallo 500 Sport, which gives the Stinger the Sport’s unique flared rocker sills and roof spoiler. Mopar’s touches are quite dependent on dark chrome: it’s used on the front fascia’s whiskers, on emblems, mirror caps, tailgate trim, door handles, and even the headlamp projectors themselves. Lenses for head-, fog-, and taillamps are all smoked to match. 17-inch wheels are cribbed from the Abarth, while a thick side stripe fades to a checkerboard pattern above the rear fenders.

The Stinger’s cabin is dressed to match its exterior. Leather seat covers sourced from Katzkin boast Alcantara inserts, along with bright yellow bolsters and embroidered 500 logos. Interior revisions are otherwise constrained to a new shift knob and a carbon fiber dash applique.

Mopar promises its Stage Two kit to add a little more power underhood, but the specifics are still a bit foggy. The Stinger retains the 500 Sport’s 1.4-liter I-4 with Fiat’s Multiair valve actuation system. In stock form, that engine produces about 101 hp and 98 lb-ft of torque. Along with cross-drilled brake rotors, the Stage Two package also adds a cold air intake and a less restrictive exhaust system Mopar says the latter pair should provide a bump in both horsepower and torque, although it’s shying away from specific figures at this point. We’d expect those gains to be mild, at best, and far short of the power provided by the 500 Abarth.

Pricing will be the key to the Stinger’s success -- if any -- in Fiat showrooms. Mopar officials acknowledge as much, while also admitting they have a relatively small window in which to play. Obviously, adding the Stinger packages will drive up the $18,000 MSRP of the 500 Sport. Price it too high, however, and you run the risk of bumping into the $22,000 base price of the more potent 500 Abarth. Official pricing won’t be revealed until later this fall and a completed Stinger needs to strike right between those price points in order to remain competitive.

1951 Fiat 500 Giardiniera

While you’re in Scottsdale this weekend, perhaps you’ll want to stop by to check out this 1951 Fiat 500 Giardiniera woodie station wagon for sale on Hemmings.com. It looks to be mostly complete, with its drivetrain in boxes and the major unique aspect – the woodie body – in weathered, but decent, condition, which means that the restoration won’t necessarily become a herculean task. From the seller’s description:

Out of a long storage; engine and transmission and accessories are stored in the rear compartment; wood in repairable condition; vehicle basically complete and restorable; factory brochures and diagrams go with the car.

FIAT 500 Limousine

Let’s say you were in the market for a limo and were looking for something a little different, something smaller. What to buy? How about a Fiat 500 limousine built by Castagna Milano?

Located in Milan, the coachbuilders Castagna Milano announced not one but three versions of a Fiat 500 limo targeted for the U.S. market: LimoCity, LimoSun and LimoCity President.

The LimoCity is the traditional limousine, based not on a Lincoln Town Car (as most traditional limos are) but rather a stretched Fiat 500. All three limos now measure 209.4 in, whereas a standard 500 is 137.8 in. Also, the wheelbase has gone up from 90.6 in. to 160.6 in. For the LimoCity version, Castagna Milano raised the height to 62.2 in., up from the stock 58.7 in. Up to two rear sliding doors will be made available.

As the name implies, LimoSun is the open-air version of the Fiat 500 limo. Based on the 500C convertible, the LimoSun has a passenger area rebuilt to seat four, with each pair of seats facing the other. To fully indulge in the outdoors, the sides are designed to be open with available transparent panels. Think Pope-mobile for the Miami crowd.


The third announcement is the LimoCity President. This version of the Fiat limo uses the larger American-spec 500 built in Mexico, and uses two electric motors for motivation. The motors provide all-wheel-drive traction and propel the President to speeds of up to 100 mph. The range is a claimed 155 miles.

Will Alfa 4C Hit the U.S. in 2013?

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LONDON — Alfa Romeo's mid-engined 4C sportscar will appear in prototype form during the middle of next year, says Fiat engineering chief Mauro Pierallini, before the car goes on sale in 2013 to lead the brand's much-delayed return to the U.S. Executives hint the 4C's price tag could be $45,000 or less in the States.
Originally conceived as a sports car for the Abarth marque, a sporty sub-brand of Fiat, the 4C instead became the small brother to Alfa's glamorous V8-powered 8C coupe.
Its carbon-fiber central tub, chassis and aerodynamic package were originally designed by Italian racecar specialist Dallara, but Alfa has subsequently taken the development process in-house, handing responsibility to a small specialist team headed by Pierallini. Dallara also developed the carbon structures for the Alfa 8C, Bugatti Veyron and the KTM X-Bow.
Tub-mounted aluminium frames carry the running gear and the 1.8-liter turbo powertrain, while the 4C's exterior panels are made from sheet-molded composites.
The 1.8 direct-injection Alfa power unit is essentially the same as for the Giulietta, except that by the time the 4C is launched, the block will have switched from cast iron to aluminum, saving 55 pounds. The curb weight of the car is targeted at 1,980 lbs, this ambitious goal achievable in part because of the extensive use of lightweight materials, but also because the 4C is of similar size to the Lotus Elise.
With a forecast power output of 230-horsepower, the 4C is said to be good for 0-60 mph sprints in less than 4.5 seconds, while Dallara's wind-tunnel work should provide excellent high-speed roadholding because the car enjoys positive aerodynamic downforce.
Pierallini says Alfa will build 18,000 4Cs over the lifetime of the car, although the factory that will make it has yet to be chosen.
The 4C will be joined by in the U.S. by the new Giulia sedan and Alfa's first SUV. The Giulia replaces the Alfa 159, which Fiat-Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne describes as "driving OK, but it was 400 kg too heavy and by default uncompetitive. We will never, ever do this again. The next Giulia had better smell, look and drive like an Alfa, or it will not wear the badge. We need to resurrect Alfa Romeo in the proper way."

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).

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.