Spy Shots: Fiat 500 Abarth SS
Fiat is set to debut the high performance version of its fashionable 500 -- possibly in October at the Paris Motor Show -- and spy shots have revealed that development is well underway. If fans of the retro-mobile were let down by the Abarth model's relatively puny 133-horsepower and sub-eight-second run to 60, the SS model will improve those numbers considerably. For its range-topping city car, Fiat is likely to fit a revised turbocharged engine offering an estimated 160 horses along with the Q2 Torsen C limited slip differential from Alfa Romeo. The latest round of spy shots for the expected SS prove that the Italians are masters of restraint. Despite looking very similar to the plain-jane 500, unique cues like dual exhausts and special wheels stand to differentiate the high-performance model. We also spotted some vents in the hood of the SS which are not present on the more pedestrian Abarth. This model should be able to hold its own with the other retro hot-hatch, the MINI Cooper S JCW. Speaking of which, has Fiat noticed how well the MINI brand has been selling in the States these days?
[Source: World Car Fans]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kumail891 9:37PM (8/21/2008)
i hate fiat, cant they understand how well any of the 500s will sell in america?! this just makes me wanna move to europe but can't cause of jobs/college. man, i really really want one... :(
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Ken Stamper 9:50PM (8/21/2008)
I'm pretty sure Fiat will be bringing these to the US eventually as a stand-alone brand from Fiat to be sold through Alfa dealers. I think it was reported here that they are working on an agreement with BMW to sell at BMW/MINI dsealerships (although the 500 is such an obvious MINI competitor I wonder if BMW will allow this).
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GOT 4:28AM (8/22/2008)
I really want one of these things.
Liking the dual exhaust... hope they're functional too.
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MONTE 5:00PM (8/22/2008)
Dual exhaust, I can feel the rumble now!
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Ryan 7:19AM (8/28/2008)
The normal Abarth 500 has dual exhausts also, how does the dual exhausts on the SS differ then?
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