Fiat has had an interesting odyssey thus far since it returned to selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2011. The company launched the 500, which is subcompact hatchback model, with aggressive sales targets of 50,000 units. Through October 2011, the model had sold less than 16,000 units, which is quite a setback.
Fiat has launched an aggressive advertising campaign bringing in Jennifer Lopez and partnering with Italian fashion maker Gucci for a special edition model. While the car has a distinctive design and was named an Insurance Institute For Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick”, the model will receive a needed boost when the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth arrives.
photo credit: Autoviva.com
Power & Fuel Economy
The Abarth is akin to the Cooper S in the Mini brand. While the base 500 has just a 101 horsepower engine, the Abarth is the performance models that takes the same 1.4-liter and adds a turbocharger and intercools it to produce 160 horsepower and a stout 170 pound-feet of torque in a lightweight car. The 500 Abarth weighs less than 2,600 pounds. The 500 Abarth’s 0-60 time is expected to be about 7 seconds.
The Abarth has a sport-tuned suspension, a lower-ride height, double-tipped exhausts, bigger brakes and wheels to handle the nearly 60% power boost over the base model. A rear spoiler is standard and aids aerodynamics. The model’s fuel economy should be similar to the 2012 Mini Cooper S, which gets EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27-mpg city and 35-mpg highway.
Taking on the Mini Cooper S
The 500 Abarth also has a spruced up interior and more muscular exterior styling with side skirts and flared wheels, which help ventilate the brake system. The model comes standard with 16-inch wheels with a 17-inch option. Buyers can also opt for a navigation system with a 4.3-inch touch-screen display and leather seats, including red and black leather.
The Fiat 500 Abarth raises the bar in small car safety with smart pedals that move out of the way during a collision to help protect the driver’s feet and legs. The model has seven airbags, 3 less than the diminutive Scion iQ.
photo credit: Autoviva.com
On Sale Soon
The Abarth 500 made its public debut at the November 2011 L.A. Auto Show. It will be interesting to see how the model competes against the Mini Cooper S. Check out our Mini Cooper vs. Fiat 500 article to see how the base models compared.
If you want Italian styling and performance at an affordable price, the Fiat 500 Abarth may be for you. The model goes on sale during the first quarter of 2012.
Loading ...Originally posted 2011-11-21 22:42:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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