Even before joining Fiat in 1971, noted automotive pioneer and speed merchant Karl Abarth demanded that vehicles bearing his name stick to a short but sweet credo: “Small and wicked.” And now, building on that heritage, FIAT is introducing U.S. customers to the 2012 FIAT 500 Abarth, which—thanks to an MSRP that begins at just $22,000—also adds a practical starting price to the spec sheet.
“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, chief marketing officer for the Chrysler Group LLC. “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.”
Helping the 500 Abarth live up to that hype is an advanced 1.4-liter turbocharged I4 with the automaker’s advanced MultiAir technology. That mighty mite of an engine pumps out 160 hp and 170 lb.-ft. of torque and combines with the car’s svelte packaging to enable a noticeably impressive power-to-weight ratio—the car itself weighs in at mere 2,533 lbs. Also in the mix here:
• A five-speed manual transmission
• Abarth-tuned brakes, suspension and dual exhaust
• A turbo-boost gauge with an integrated LED shift light
• 16-inch aluminum wheels
• One-piece driver and passenger performance seats with large side bolsters for support in aggressive driving maneuvers
• A standard BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication system
• BOSE premium audio components with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
• Abarth-specific graphics, accents and badging
Similar to many of the industry’s other hi-po rides—but like no other car in its segment—the 500 Abarth also will provide owners with a factory-backed performance-driving opportunity. Garnering instruction from the professionals at the Richard Petty Driving Experience, owners of the 500 Abarth will enjoy a full-day of full-throttle driver’s education as part of the car’s starting price.
“The Fiat 500 Abarth feels like a double shot of espresso straight to your veins,” said FIAT’s Tim Kuniskis, head of FIAT Brand for North America. “With its wicked attitude, it will reward adrenaline fans who no longer need to pay six figures to feel the rush of true Italian performance.”
The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth will go on sale, in limited numbers, beginning in March.
