Fiat has unveiled the version of the Fiat 500 that we've been waiting for here in the U.S. The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth takes the standard 500 and dials up the performance to create what Fiat states is "designed for track-day enthusiasts and driving-puristswho want the ultimate high-performance small car with the pedigree of an exclusive Italian exotic."
The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth will be officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in a few weeks. Fiat hasn't released the official specs other than stating that it will be powered by an all‐new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine. It will also get an Abarth-tuned suspension and brake systems. In Europe the 500 Abarth puts out either 130 or 160 horsepower. Hopefully the US-spec version will get closer to that higher number.
Stay tuned...
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
I was a fan after seeing a few Abarths in Germany but seeing the regular 500 on the road here...it's silly.
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I suspect we will get the 160 hp version, but I'm with everyone else, it doesn't work at it's price point.
There are too many other cars in that price range that will out class it and under price it.
And with Fiat still being a bit of a quality question mark could you recommend one to anyone?
I still like the looks of it.. and would love to test drives one just for fun
The Good Dr. does have a very valid point though.
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
This is Fiat's entré back into this market and they aren't known for quality.
The new Veloster Turbo will have a 1.5T and be 200hp. It's also a bit bigger but should be fun to drive
2013 BMW 328i M Sport with 8sp in Estoril Blue II
2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8 - Always bet on black
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Edition, otherwise known as the MW3 (and badass)
zaxrex wrote:I will take your Miata and I am taller than you.
Torso length is the kicker with the miata. I can fit, but I have to slouch and crane my neck to fit. Which would be fine if I didn't have pinched nerves in my lower back and neck from slouching and craning my neck to look at computer screens for years.
The miata does my back and neck problems no favors.
All my cars have drum brakes and are sub 200 hp, what am I doing with my life?
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1985 Chevy Caprice (no fuel system)
zaxrex wrote:I will take your Miata and I am taller than you.
Torso length is the kicker with the miata. I can fit, but I have to slouch and crane my neck to fit. Which would be fine if I didn't have pinched nerves in my lower back and neck from slouching and craning my neck to look at computer screens for years.
The miata does my back and neck problems no favors.
2013 BMW 328i M Sport with 8sp in Estoril Blue II
2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8 - Always bet on black
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Edition, otherwise known as the MW3 (and badass)
zaxrex wrote:I will take your Miata and I am taller than you.
Torso length is the kicker with the miata. I can fit, but I have to slouch and crane my neck to fit. Which would be fine if I didn't have pinched nerves in my lower back and neck from slouching and craning my neck to look at computer screens for years.
The miata does my back and neck problems no favors.
why the hell did you buy it, then?
Because it didn't seem that bad after a 20 minute test drive. Also because I'm an idiot.
All my cars have drum brakes and are sub 200 hp, what am I doing with my life?
2013 Mazda 2
1994 Chevy S10 pickup
1985 Chevy Caprice (no fuel system)
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
And your answer was "The RED, because it's fAstAr!!!!!!"
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
The model that Fiat 500 fans have been waiting for is finally here, the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth. Fiat has announced that the high-performance version of the 500 will start at $22,000 when it arrives in showrooms this spring.
The 500 Abarth is powered by an all-new 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged engine that pumps out 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. of torque that is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It also gets an Abarth designed body kit, suspension and braking system and rides on 16-inch aluminum wheels. Inside the 500 Abarth gets Abarth performance seats and a turbo-boost gauge with an integrated LED shift light and a Bose premium audio system.
"The Fiat 500 Abarth feels like a double shot of espresso straight to your veins," said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Fiat Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC.
500 Abarth owners also get to attend a driving experience at no additional charge at the Abarth Driving Experience lead byinstructors from the Richard Petty Driving Experience
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
2,533lbs, which gives it a W/P ratio of 15.8. A GTI has a W/P ratio of 15.2.
The Abarth should be a hoot, they're all over the place over here. I tried to convince the n00b to get one but I think she ended up with a Golf.
Mr Kleen wrote:I tried to convince the n00b to get one but I think she ended up with a Golf.
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
The newest addition to our little Wiesbaden crew. Her company pays for the insurance for a car up to a certain point. Her other 2 coworkers both ended up with base model Golfs. I urged her to take a look at the Fiat 500 but I was in Amsterdam the weekend she went car shopping.
zaxrex wrote:I will take your Miata and I am taller than you.
Torso length is the kicker with the miata. I can fit, but I have to slouch and crane my neck to fit. Which would be fine if I didn't have pinched nerves in my lower back and neck from slouching and craning my neck to look at computer screens for years.
The miata does my back and neck problems no favors.
Didn't some giant amazon woman fit into your miata?
