Spy Shots: Fiat 500 Abarth SS
by Siddharth Raja on Sep 18th 2007 at 3:32PM 
Before you overlook the Fiat 500 Abarth SS as just another sporty hatch that will be sold in a few select European markets, note that it could be sold in the U.S. as well as Asia-Pacific as an alternative to cars like the MINI Cooper. In July, Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne hinted that selling the 500 outside of Europe was a definite option, although nothing has been confirmed.Abarth is now a performance line for Fiat models and the new 500 Abarth SS and its larger Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS sibling are set to arrive in European showrooms early next year. These new spy shots depict the Fiat 500 Abarth SS, a hot little hatch with a 1.4L turbocharged engine developing a rumored 180 HP, the same amount as the larger and heavier Punto version. There will also be a sports handling pack to make sure owners can take advantage of the extra bump in power, with stiffer springs and wider tires than the base 500.
To differentiate it from the 500 minicar on which it's based, developers have also added new bumpers with larger air intakes, a set of hood scoops, a roof mounted spoiler and dual exhaust pipes.
[Source: Auto Motor Und Sport]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Cornholio 4:06PM (9/18/2007)
How about an ad for Dent Wizard? Since so many people can't seem to be courteous when exiting their cars....
Or better yet, how about "Be careful opening your door"...
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Cornholio 4:07PM (9/18/2007)
WTF? It posted my comment to the wrong story....
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Flea 5:15PM (9/18/2007)
180bhp in a 950kg car? that's insane, I hope the lil 500 chassis can take it.
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Colin Smith 6:05PM (9/18/2007)
I don't think they'll give it more than 150. No need for that much really in such a tiny car.
Either way it'll be quick!
SPG 7:20PM (9/18/2007)
Nice, I'd get this over the Mini simply for the novelty factor of it.
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Bob Zeliff 7:58PM (9/18/2007)
500 Abarth with 180 hp!
I owned a cinque cento with Abarth Exhaust and it was loud and HOT ...in the sun. Max speed was about 110kph on a good day.
A friend owned an Innocenti (Italian Mini) and it was much faster.
Let the new retro speed competion beguin!
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