Spy Shots: Fiat Abarth 500 SS
The hotrod version of Fiat's new 500 was snagged by photographers in frozen Scandinavia practicing its flick. Wearing a tape job, the Abarth 500 SS doesn't do a whole lot to disguise its body mods. The snout and rump have their details pretty well obscured, but the overall motif is discernible. The wraps will come off this extra-aggressive Lilliputian in Geneva, and we'll finally get to see if it's kyooooote or aggressive. Either way, the Abarth will have a taste of Brobdingnagian power served up by the turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder sending 150-plus horsepower twirling down to the front wheels. Two models are planned, one less powerful than the other. Prices will cover the range from £13,500 to about £16,000. It's small, lively cars like this that make us hope fuel prices continue to spur their continued development. [Source: AutoExpress]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Zane 9:11AM (1/18/2008)
The main question is - will Fiat ever launch this in the U.S. market?
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Mobius_1 9:29AM (1/18/2008)
Very chic, very cool, and very fun! Fiat has made a real winner
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Noe 9:34AM (1/18/2008)
I wish they would bring it to the U.S., i think there's an untapped market here for small sporty cars like the 500, polo Gti, etc..., im 17 and i wouldn't mind driving somthing small and at the same time fun!
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olddavid 4:58AM (1/19/2008)
Fiat has nightmarish memories in the US market to overcome before they start to import stateside. They will need thousands of customers like the 17 year old who just commented, because those of us who had hands on experience with the brand will be damn reluctant to part with our cash for whatever they bring here- no matter how promising. When I was 19, I bought a 124 Sport Coupe, and at first-wow. Five speed, DOHC, four wheel independent and If I remember right it also had four wheel discs. Way cool in the corners. But, as time went by, it spent more time at Jaremko's than it did with me. One day, while waiting for the third time that week, I noticed another car with almost the same specs- a 240Z. Same money, too. I left in the Z, and ten years and 180,000 miles later I got $3000 for it. The selling price new was $3675. Guess who has owned 8 of them since?
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Cesare Consaga 11:21AM (1/19/2008)
I still own a 124 Sport Coupe. It was my daily driver while in college. I never missed a class. It's now my weekender toy, with 286,256 miles...yes, I know the exact figure. Find yourself a mechanic who knows exotic Italian machinery, not one who dabbles in mass produced products. I'm sure yours too will do just fine.
The reputation everyone seems to mention is a US problem. The rest of the planet does not share in it. How long did it take Honda and others to develop a cult-status with the younger crowd? This is what Fiat would have to do here. They should get back into rallying.
calebe 10:05AM (1/18/2008)
Just change the pound sign for a dollar sign and send it over please.
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lovice 4:26PM (1/18/2008)
And it'll also come with a factory fitted performance package option which will boost the horsepower to 180bhp!
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Liters 7:37PM (1/18/2008)
+1 for the Gulliver's Travels references.
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Brian 9:49PM (1/18/2008)
Holy F-in crap I want it !
with gravel tires! S2000 version! FTW
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