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You have to admire Fiat's spunky rejuvenated Abarth division. Its first model is barely on the market yet, its second model is about to be unveiled, and it's already taking on challengers and shouting "What's next?" At a media preview for the new 500 Abarth in Turin, Italy, Fiat confirmed speculation that an even more powerful version would be offered as soon as November of this year. The 500 Abarth being shown in Geneva is equipped with a 135-hp turbo four, while the "esse-esse" (read: SS) kit will offer a host of performance and visual upgrades to bring the sprightly retromobile up to 160 hp.
The availability of the optional equipment makes sense, since a similar package was revealed for the Grande Punto Abarth, and the 500's kit is likewise expected to be available direct from the showroom, or retrofitted to an existing 500 Abarth up to one year or 20,000 km after purchase. If the 500 Abarth "esse-esse" is to hit the market in November, we could see it unveiled at the Paris auto salon in early October.
[Source: Carscoop]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mike @ Feb 27th 2008 1:37PM
What if GM kept the company and began selling this car here instead of Aveo.
And i came up with this idea without being paid millions by GM...unlike Lutz and other morons at GM.
Allan @ Feb 27th 2008 1:46PM
I would buy one just to autox it. I think it would be a blast.
Alex @ Feb 27th 2008 2:21PM
talk about a true MINI killer. I would love to get my hands on the esseesse.
I am definitely a fan of this car in a huge way.
Throwback @ Feb 27th 2008 2:34PM
If Fiat is smart they will bring the Abarth brand over here and sell them along side Alfa and Masarati.
PJ @ Feb 27th 2008 3:46PM
Love it! I would've loved to see them integrate a cracked bootlid (for ventilation) into the styling, as in the classic Abarths.
Oh well; if the FF layout hadn't already ruled that out, the lawyers would have.
duders @ Feb 27th 2008 4:29PM
I'm in love. This car needs to come to the states. Every post about this is just a stab in the heart because I know it probably won't make it here anytime soon. You Europeans are so lucky. :P
Tristan OTierney @ Feb 27th 2008 4:46PM
Honestly I just need to move to europe. I've totally lost count of how many amazing cars they get that we NEVER SEE in the U.S.
almost Dr. G.. @ Feb 27th 2008 5:33PM
good luck in europe where the focus/fiat you want costs as much as a 3 series here and the cost of living is through the roof.
go to their manufacturer pages and do the currency conversions, europeans want to live here (not all obviously).
mattypape @ Feb 27th 2008 7:23PM
We do now officially have a higher GDP that the USA, pity about all the tax so you still have us beat on Gross spending power.
However id like to thing thats europe is nicer, partly thanks to the abundance of 500's, you dont get shot every 5 mins, and even if you did the national "evil-communist" health service would have me fixed, lol.
And btw no-one i know wants to move to america, lots want to go to australia and new zealand though, thats where its at.
Toppi @ Feb 28th 2008 1:53AM
A german car company would be in big trouble for naming a car the "SS" ;)
GOT @ Feb 28th 2008 7:15AM
One of the most beautiful B-cars ever, with yet more power!
I want one of these 500 Abarths SS... very much so!!!
MikeInNC @ Feb 28th 2008 8:35AM
Man, I want one of these things so bad i can taste it. C'mon Fiat, gimme a shot. I forgive you for the X1/9 I had back in college! I promise!
bono-vox @ Feb 28th 2008 5:20PM
Eh si è proprio una figata di macchina :D basta con st'inglese,viva la lingua italianaaaaaa!!!!!!