Abarth releases limited-edition 500 "Opening Edition"
Click for hi-res gallery of Fiat 500 Abarth Opening Edition
At its unveiling at this past March's Geneva show, it was immediately apparent that Abarth had carried off a transformation of the Fiat 500 from a demure retro-hatch into a veritable pocket rocket. But for those for whom the 135 hp turbo four is just not enough, the performance division has unveiled a new limited edition "500 Abarth Opening Edition".
Although the name might suggest a convertible, the 500 Opening Edition is a fixed-roof hot-hatch distinguished by a 160hp engine, dropping a half-second off the conventional 500 Abarth's 0-60 time, now down to a sprightly 7.4 seconds. The Opening Edition also gets red brake calipers behind special 17" alloys in white or titanium finish, tinted glass and a revised interior with red leather and special badging with a serial number plate. Available in either pearl white or Campovolo gray (the latter available with a red-and-white checkered roof), only 100 examples of the 500 Abarth Opening Edition will be offered, complete with a special car cover to keep the exclusive vehicle protected from the elements.
Check out the big gallery of high-resolution images by clicking the thumbnails below.
Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth Opening Edition
[Source: CarScoop]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
FSM 8:19PM (7/07/2008)
Why can't we get the Fiat 500 over here in the US?
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Duders 8:42PM (7/07/2008)
From what I recall we are getting the FIAT 500. At least we better be, I'll kill and hold hostage who ever I need to to get this car.
tankd0g 9:17PM (7/07/2008)
Because then you'd have to take the rest of the Fiats. You don't want those.
Shiftright 9:35PM (7/07/2008)
tankdog is way off base and basing his comments on outdated stereotypes, I'm sure. The truth is Fiat has been making pretty good cars, and some of them are even great. The trouble is Americans wouldn't 'get' them or want them. The Panda and the Grande Punto are huge hits due to their value, fun to drive qualities, and yes, reliability. The Multipla, despite its unusual aesthetics is a brilliant piece of packaging, and the Bravo is a very competent entry in the Golf class, and is unquestionably the best looking entry in its segment. All this is evidenced by Fiat's miraculous turnaround and its consistently outperforming a generally weak European market.
Mobius_1 11:12PM (7/07/2008)
I hope America doesn't start a war with Italy just to get their cars
Torrent 8:21PM (7/07/2008)
.......I'm moving to Europe if there are 5 more Euro cars that I want within the next month. I've had it. All the good cars aren't in America.
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Joce03 8:30PM (7/07/2008)
Finding 5 euro cars that you like shouldn't be hard : ). The euro Focus, Renault Clio, Renault Megane, Caterhams (or do we get those here?), Ford Fiesta, Seat Leon Cupra, Vauxhal Corsa... and those are just the hatchbacks! Ahhhhh Europe!
They get wonderful cars, we get ugly SUVs.
Torrent 10:18PM (7/07/2008)
Not necessarily ugly as they are unneeded.
brock 11:10PM (7/07/2008)
The cool, good, economical and fun-to-drive cars are in Europe. Have been for years. They get it.
Americans, for the most part, are dumb, fat, lazy and ignorant. They love overweight barges - just like their wives.
Typical Yank: Heehaw, I got me one of them Hummers and you'll have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands! But first let me finish my Triple Cheeseburger before you try.
Torrent 11:59PM (7/07/2008)
Yeah you've gone a bit too far. I respect opinions, but I don't accept you lumping Americans into one category, especially when it's not true.
If you don't like Americans or something just come out and say it, if not, go eat your Escargo or whatever.
Shiftright 1:18AM (7/08/2008)
Brock, you're being as idiotic and ignorant as what you're accusing Americans of being. The U.S. is probably the most diverse culture in the world, and only an extremely small minded twit would categorize the whole population as you have.
ek9 8:45PM (7/07/2008)
This could be the next my toy.
I hope will arrive to Japan in a short time.
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Duders 8:40PM (7/07/2008)
LOVE
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Yar 9:11PM (7/07/2008)
The kind you clean up with a mop and bucket.
Agent23 10:18PM (7/07/2008)
Why do they try to dress this car up like it is fast or something. 0-60 in 7 seconds is still slow no matter how fast it looks.
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Hike15 10:32PM (7/07/2008)
0-60 isnt everything about fast
Jonathan 10:47PM (7/07/2008)
yes it is
Shiftright 1:12AM (7/08/2008)
Firstly, this is still basically a small economy hatch, not a high performance car, so o-60 in 7 seconds is very fast for this class, and still faster than most cars on the street even today. Secondly, the Europeans conduct their acceleration tests with a full tank of fuel and two people aboard, or the equivalent weight of, so the figure is probably conservative. This car is lighter than the Mini wih the same horsepower, so it should easly beat it. Also, for comparison, an '85 Corvette with a 350 c.i. V8 did 0-60 in 7.44 seconds, and that was considered impressive. I bet 0-60 in 7 seconds feels much faster in a little car like this.
Yar 10:13AM (7/08/2008)
Your right, 0-60 isn't everything. 1/4 mile is...
Travis 10:38PM (7/07/2008)
DEFINITELY want this car... that 0-60 number seems a bit off, my tC has 156hp and is 2900lbs, and still does 0-60 in 7.5-7.8sec. This probably needs to shift to 3rd before it hits the 62mph mark (100km/h).
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