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Sunday, July 24, 2011

US 500 Abarth Unveil Announced

European Fiat 500 Abarth
European Fiat 500 Abarth shown

Attention US 500 Abarth fans: Fiat USA has announced the public unveiling of the US Fiat 500 Abarth will take place during the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. Laura Soave, Head of the Fiat Brand in North America, told Fiat club members of the news during the awards banquet at the 2011 Fiat FreakOut.

A well placed source confirms preliminary plans for a first quarter release during 2012.

European Fiat 500 Abarth shown

Final specifications for the US Fiat 500 Abarth are yet to be announced, keep checking back as we get the latest news.

Remember, mark your calendar: November 16-17.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh YEAH! Bring it!

Anonymous said...

Man, I cant wait for 1st qtr of 2012. I really want one of these cars. The euro version shown here is incredible looking. I hope they do not change too much, other than increasing the HP for the US version. Please don't screw this up Soave!

It's going to be a long wait.

Anonymous said...

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE retain the look of the European model! Scorpion badges and all! I can't wait!

Anonymous said...

Best news I've heard in weeks. I'll be ready, check in hand, in November to order one. Please put the configurator up in November so we can price them out...

Anonymous said...

Nice! I thought the original time-frame for the 500 Abarth US release was for the end of 2012. I want one!

Anonymous said...

Releasing the Abarth here in the US could be a tricky thing for Fiat. I would expect the base Abarth to start around 20k for the 130hp version and 23k for the Essess version. This is a problem for fiat as the price vs performance ratio is quite poor. The Honda Civic SI, Ford Fiesta ST and Impresa WRX will all provide much more performance for similar money. To make the Abarth attractive to younger buyers Fiat will need to provide features like Navi and Bose stereo as standard. Making the 6-speed paddle shifted transmission from the Ferrari 695 Edition an option would be a huge selling point as well.

Anonymous said...

How can you compare a European automobile with a Ford? Even comparing a European car with a Civic or WRX doesn't make much sense. I think the major competition for the Abarth will be the MINI Cooper S. Both "fun" European cars for under $25,000. Next you go to a 1 Series BMW for $40,000+. There is DEFINITELY room in the US Market for the Abarth so bring it on. A 130hp model is useless so let's hope it is 170hp or better. Currently I drive a 135i convertible BMW. I plan to ditch it for the Abarth as soon as they are here! The reason I want the Abarth over a BMW 1 series is that it is smaller and lighter which I prefer over raw horsepower.

Gazbo said...

No one who has ever been to Europe or even known a European would dismiss Ford as not comparable. Ford is huge over there, the RS models have rocked for years, people here in the US would KILL to get their hands on a Cosworth Ford anything; hate Ford if you want, but skip the "how can you compare" BS. The Sierra out performed and outsold your precious Bimmer IN GERMANY and tore up the rally circuit too, same for Focus, and be sure to wave at the Fiestas as they pass you in your cute little "fix it again, Tony" Fiat. I love and may purchase this 500, but not because it's "European".

Smus said...

Well, given that FIAT has already said the US-spec version is going to be getting the 170 hp version from the get go I'm sure it will be priced to compete with the Mini Cooper S Hardtop as it should be, being that it is in the same catagory.

There will be stiff competition with the new Chevy Sonic Turbo, the Ecoboost Fiesta and of course the Mini. I'm sure that they'll start the Abarth for around $19k-$20k. If you see how Fiat has priced the 500 against the Mini, you see that even the Sport model is nearly $2500 less than the base Mini. I suspect that the Abarth will stay that low against the Cooper S.

Anonymous said...

Think if they could price it at $20K I don't see how though, they would have to shut down the reg production line and just build Abarths at that price. Looking forward to it

Anonymous said...

Civic SI, VW GTI, VW beetle, Mini Cooper S, chevy sonic turbo, ford fiesta turbo, mazda speed3, Ford Focus ST... these are all direct competitors for the segment the abarth SS is targeting, so fiat needs to tread carefully on pricing and standard equipment.

Joe said...

I love my sport so far..did an exhaust and a few interior mods. Cant wait for the Abarth, 135hp to 160hp would be great. I do not want torque steer issues. My car with the 5 spd is fun. keep the msrp around 22-23k and it will sell. You cant compare it to a ford, gti or mazda. You really have to drive one to understand. No auto's pls not even the sequential. keep it a 5 or 6 spd manual.

Anonymous said...

Bring inexpensive hot European hatches back to the USA! The Japanese appear to have vacated this market altogether (Civic SI hatchback, etc..) while VW’s GTI and the Mini S are no longer (if ever) inexpensive. These little rockets look like great fun!

Anonymous said...

Im in Europe(Germany) from the US. I live in Germany and LOVE MY ABARTH 500!!! Glad the US will get it. There are so many great cars here. The US car scene is sooooooooooo lame. We get so shafted. Germany is heaven for a car hound like me. I have the Gtech ECU upgrade. They are a great German tuner of this little rocket!

Anonymous said...

Now they are saying only 160 HP, which I find a bit confusing since the Mito is already configured for 170, and as I understand it's the same engine. Also, I'm REALLY hoping for the 6-sp transmission which looks to be a significant upgrade from the 5-speed.