Karl Abarth tribute: Fiat 500 Abarth "DA O A 100"
Click above for high-res shots of the Fiat 500 Abarth "DA O A 100"
Another day, another Fiat 500 variant that we Americans can drool over knowing we can't get it here in the States. This one is special, though, as it was designed to commemorate Karl Abarth's 100th (born on November 15, 1908) birthday. Not just a styling exercise, the 500 Abarth "DA O A 100" tribute comes with an upgraded 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Acceleration to sixty takes just 7.3 seconds, helped along by shortened gear ratios while its top speed is now 131 miles per hour. Suspension bits are revised as well, with lowered springs and new 17-inch alloys fitted with low-profile Pirelli PZero Neros.
We're loving the looks of the '100, which is blessed with Nuvolari Grey paint along with special silver side stripes and chrome-plated badges and side mirrors. Inside, that color scheme is repeated in leather with contrasting stitching – proving once again that the Italians will always have that innate sense of style. If you want one, better get your name on the list now, as Fiat's only planning to build 101 of the unique 500s.
Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth "DA O A 100"
[Source: Carscoop]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Stumpy 12:52PM (11/14/2008)
So my new wallpaper. That is one hot little car!
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srDRIVEN 12:54PM (11/14/2008)
I love these little cars. The 500 is awesome on it's on, and the Abarth variants are even better!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15fVeFJ3yFA
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Anthony 5:44PM (11/14/2008)
I saw this the other night and I like the 500 itself but its too slow. The Abarth however and the SS upgrade, YEAH!
Small cars here have been generally unexciting, it took a movement (Sport Compact) to inject some excitement into the segment here, nobody else was really modifying Honda's in Japan, the car of choice was RWD Toyota's when this whole thing started.
But now all the auto companies have seen theres a market for this stuff and good on them. Too bad the Big 3 in typical fashion are SLOW to react.
One of the cars Ford should launch with the Fiesta is the ST version that by 2011 will go on sale in Europe with at least as much power as the 500 Abarth SS model.
BTW the SS version is just about $20,000US on exchange. If Fiat built them here it would be even cheaper...
The Mini sorely needs competition because for what you get, its overpriced.
Stan Man 12:54PM (11/14/2008)
I saw one last week in a suburb of Detroit. Maybe there is hope Fiat will import them here. These are the micro cars I'd like to test drive - Chevy Beat, Toyota iQ, and Fiat 500. I drove a Smart Fortwo and it was a turd.
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TJ 1:04PM (11/14/2008)
There are more special editions of this little thing than of the 'Stang....
Queue the haters in 3...2.... wait, its not American? Oh, in that case, THIS THING ROCKS!!!!!!
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mancini 3:09PM (11/14/2008)
You know it's funny - I thought the same thing when I saw this article.
I do like this car though. I would like to see a good comparison with a Cooper S JCW.
TJ 3:14PM (11/14/2008)
I don't care about this car one way or another, same with the 'stang...
I just think its hillarious that this car has been on the market for, what, six months, and there are more special editions than the stang already....
jela 1:23PM (11/14/2008)
Isn't it DA 0 A 100 (Da Zero a Cento)?
DA O A 100 doesn't seem to make any sense.
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Andrea 2:56PM (11/14/2008)
You're right (it means from 0 to 100)
freakinsyco 1:46PM (11/14/2008)
Isn't this the same version Top Gear flogged on their last episode?
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Mobius_1 1:52PM (11/14/2008)
I read DOA at first... Sweet little car though
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Rick 2:13PM (11/14/2008)
For those wondering, Karl Abarth was to Fiat and road racing as Carol Shelby was to Ford and road racing.
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mancini 3:25PM (11/14/2008)
It doesn't necessarily bother me that they make special editions of any car. As long as they do it well.
As an owner of a mustang, I do like them as well. It is far off what I really would like to own someday but it does the trick for what I can afford now.
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Rocketboy 4:51PM (11/14/2008)
Still do want.
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GOT 11:13AM (11/17/2008)
AWESOME! I want one of these 500s too!
Nice wheels and paint.
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