Topless Hotness: Fiat reportedly planning 500C Abarth cabrio
Fiat 500C – Click above for high-res image gallery
With the Fiat 500 still selling like hotcakes, the Italian automaker's performance division is reportedly working on a new combination to further bolster interest in the retro hatch. Melding the best elements of the 500 Abarth and the new 500C convertible, Fiat is said to be preparing a 500C Abarth for launch overseas in time for the next sunny season.
Porting over the engines from the fixed-roof 500 Abarth, the cabrio would be offered with the 133hp 1.4-liter turbo four, upgradable to 157hp with the optional Esse-esse kit. But while most convertibles loose their rigidity and gain weight when the top is lopped off, the 500C's unique roof rail structure keeps torsional twist at bay – to say nothing of the Cinquecento's iconic profile. Pricing would be competitive with the new Mini Cooper Cabrio, and with both the Abarth and convertible variants expected to appear Stateside by 2011, there's a good chance Fiat will throw this one into the mix, too.
Gallery: Geneva 2009: Fiat 500C
[Source: Autocar]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Erik 9:41AM (7/24/2009)
This is not a convertible
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FThorn 9:54AM (7/24/2009)
It converts.
Only a Jeep Wrangler totally converts. Windshield down, doors off, top off. Everything else is a pretender. :)
Erik 9:56AM (7/24/2009)
And that is why I drive a Wrangler ;)
HotRodzNKustoms 11:59AM (7/24/2009)
Do Wrangler's windshields still fold down?
I think all convertibles should be available with a windshield that folds down just like some old Austin Healeys.
Erik 12:04PM (7/24/2009)
I can't say for sure about the newest ones, but my last-gen one does. I like to fold it down at drive-in movies.
skablaw 10:13AM (7/24/2009)
I will gut-punch anyone I meet who drives this. There was a time when I was convinced no car could annoy me more than the Mini, but this thing rewrites every definition of repulsiveness I previously comprehended.
I can now tolerate the existence of Fiat only as a vehicle for cash flow to Ferrari and Maserati. And for those who say, "well get on board because your tax dollars are tied up in it," I couldn't care less. Why? Because I'm the kind of guy who is willing to spend his own money to watch things that disgust me wither and die.
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Rick C. 10:20AM (7/24/2009)
Skab, are your meds not working?
Sanders 10:21AM (7/24/2009)
Cheery fellow for a Friday.
frankskawi 10:34AM (7/24/2009)
'You will gut punch anyone who drive this'
So you'll resort to violence for someone's personal choice? You got issues dude. This is a cool looking car, and so is the Cooper.
Dru 10:33AM (7/24/2009)
You might want to consider some anger management classes or something before you turn into the crazy person walking down the street yelling at trash cans for being in your way then kicking your neighbors cat because it was looking at you the wrong way. All while you are convinced the mail man, who is walking up to your house, is plotting to kill you but it's actually all part of an elaborate plan that involves the government and aliens that are trying to control your mind through the power lines in your house so that one day they can harvest your brain which will be used to power the doomsday device that is being built under neath the White house. But don't worry I'm starting a new company to help, I'm starting a line of Tin foil hats custom designed to your own "Special" needs.
sorry got a little side tracked.... anyways don't really like the car looks like a beetle impostor which is something you don't want to be.
Bobmarley 12:30PM (7/24/2009)
I wouldnt gut punch anyone over buying this but I am guessing this will be near the top of the "chick car" list...I could easily picture Reese Witherspoon driving one of these in the next legaly blond
Shiftright 3:06PM (7/24/2009)
I will gut punch you and your sister-wife just for being an ignorant and intolerant redneck dumbass, and then I will light your car on fire.
Aaron 10:46AM (7/24/2009)
"But while most convertibles loose their rigidity..."
Please tell me this is a horrible pun and not a typo. The correct word is "lose", but convertibles tend to get loose (versus tight) because their tops are removed.
If this wasn't a bad pun, please replace "loose" with "lose".
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Erik 12:07PM (7/24/2009)
Lighten up man, it's crystal clear to everyone what the author is saying. Commenters instructing bloggers to edit specific typos is assy.
Protzenegger 10:49AM (7/24/2009)
What's with the hate, everybody? I'd love to have one of these. I only wish I lived someplace where it would make sense. Like the Mediterranean coast.
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Rick C 1:14PM (7/24/2009)
No hate from the majority, only one soul exhibiting violent tendencies. But you know, in these harsh times, anything can set you off.
Shiftright 11:05PM (7/24/2009)
Too many males with insecurity issues on this blog, I think. I for one can't wait to get my hands on a 500 in the US next year, although mine will be an Abarth, of course.
chicagovet 11:12AM (7/24/2009)
>>>I will gut-punch anyone I meet who drives this.
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chicagovet 11:15AM (7/24/2009)
... Future Fiat buyers have been warned: if you buy one, you'll suffer the consequences.
(sorry-but my previous post must have got punched in the gut...)
Colin Smith 12:01PM (7/24/2009)
Strewth! It's only a little 500: leave it alone, it didn't hurt you.
It is just as much a convertible as the original 500, which it mimics almost exactly - except it's bigger of course - and far more convenient than a full drop-top. It's great, and with the extra Abarth power will be huge fun.
Not everybody wants a huge three box car with a V8 stuck under the bonnet you know.
Why does such a delightful car stimulate so much American anger? This could be a thesis subject.
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