2013 Fiat 500 Abarth

Information Specification Modification Image Review 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth

Mini mustn’t maintain its monopoly on the multiplication of microcars—at least that seems to be Fiat’s take. While the 2012 Cinquecento is weeks away from its launch in the U.S., and the semi-convertible 500C will arrive a few months later, the Italian car giant has even more planned for its diminutive hatchback. A long-wheelbase version, probably with four doors (rather than the Mini Clubman’s awkward 2.5-door setup), is in development, and, based on the spy photos seen here, it appears that Fiat also is working on an all-wheel-drive version of the 500. It likely will hit the market in mid-to-late 2012 as a 2013 model. 

The visual differences between the car shown in these spy photos and a normal, front-wheel-drive 500 aren’t numerous, but they are significant. This test mule rides much higher than a typical 500, which has only 4.1 inches of ground clearance in U.S. spec. A differently shaped muffler can be seen placed higher and in a different location than the one on front-drive 500s, presumably to accommodate AWD bits. The vertical gray tape at the trailing edge of the front fenders looks to be covering vertical vents or slats, a feature that might be specific to the future all-wheel-drive 500 or which could be bound for the 500’s face lift, expected around the same time as this new model.

Positioned between the standard Fiat 500 and the more powerful Abarth model, the 500T Sport should feature a less powerful version of the turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder currently found in the Abarth 500.

The Abarth model pumps out 160-hp and the standard Fiat 500 with the 1.4-liter has 100-hp, so the 500T Sport should come in at around 130-140 hp. The 500 Abarth in Europe makes 133 hp in its regular trim, so that could be the 500T powerplant American will see.
The document also showed that an Abarth convertible model is on its way to the U.S. as a 2013 model, but that isn’t a huge surprise considering it already exists in other markets. We expect it to be identical to the Abarth coupe but with a power-sliding cloth roof similar to what is found on the 500c seen above.

 

In many ways, the car the Abarth 500 reminds me of most, at least in general feel, is a Volkswagen Mark I GTI, and that's a good thing. Like the original GTI, it's small, nimble, light, and with a power-to-weight ratio that makes for lively performance. The Fiat 500 Abarth is some of the most fun you can have on four wheels.

Sure, there are plenty of faster cars you can buy, but when you're in it with this little hotbox, foot on the floor, leaning into a turn, hearing that great engine note, you just won't care. You're having too much fun.source:caranddriver.com,jalopnik.com,autoguide.com