Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Fiat 500 Cattiva and Abarth Tenebra concepts showcase design to enhance personality]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/fiat-500-cattiva-and-abarth-tenebra-concepts-detroit-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/fiat-500-cattiva-and-abarth-tenebra-concepts-detroit-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/fiat-500-cattiva-and-abarth-tenebra-concepts-detroit-2013/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fiat 500 Cattiva Concept

Fiat brought out two new design concepts at the Detroit Auto Show, both intended to expand the appeal of its 500 Turbo and 500 Abarth models with upgraded and unique appointments inside and out.

First up is the Fiat 500 "Cattiva," based on the 500 Turbo, painted with a vibrant Rame (Copper) exterior with contrasting Nero (Black) accents. The turbocharged 500 features gloss Nero headlamp buckets, parking lamp bezels, tail lamps and a roof-mounted spoiler. Special 16-inch alloys, painted satin dark gray, hint at the sport-tuned suspension inside each fender. The appointments are continued inside its cabin with leather sport seating, Matte Nero instrument panel and other trim upgrades. Lastly, the sound package is the segment-exclusive Beats Audio system.

The Fiat 500 "Tenebra," based on the 500 Abarth, is painted in Matte Grigio (Gray) with Nero accents, just like its sibling. In addition to gloss Nero headlamp buckets, parking and tail lamps, it is fitted with 16-inch alloys with a Nero chrome finish. Setting itself apart, the signature Abarth bodyside stripes (and mirror cap) are Grigio in color and there is a large Abarth "Scorpion" logo on the roof. Inside the cabin, the Tenebra features performance seats with leather upholstery, a flat-bottom steering wheel and other cosmetic upgrades. Like the Cattiva, the Beats Audio system is standard.

Check out live galleries of both the Cattiva and Tenebra models, and then read the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Fiat 500 Cattiva and Abarth Tenebra concepts showcase design to enhance personality

Fiat 500 Cattiva and Abarth Tenebra concepts showcase design to enhance personality originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroit auto show500500 abarthcattivadetroitdetroit 2013fiatfiat 500fiat abarthtenebraTue, 15 Jan 2013 17:47:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20429686/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/15/fiat-500-cattiva-and-abarth-tenebra-concepts-detroit-2013/20429686/article-detail.xml 20429686 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/fiat-500-cattiva-concept-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/fiat-500-cattiva-concept-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat confirms 500 Abarth Cabrio for LA with F1-inspired video]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/fiat-confirms-500-abarth-cabrio-for-la-with-f1-inspired-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/fiat-confirms-500-abarth-cabrio-for-la-with-f1-inspired-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/fiat-confirms-500-abarth-cabrio-for-la-with-f1-inspired-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat 500 Abarth Convertible video screen capture

In addition to the electric 500e, Fiat will be debuting a new 500 Abarth Cabrio under the lights of the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. And to get everyone excited about the scorpion-stung droptop, Fiat has launched this promo video showing the cars zipping around a track at the hands of Ferrari Formula One drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.

Fiat confirmed the car's LA debut in its one-sentence description of the video on the company's YouTube channel.

The Scuderia Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa tested the Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio in Austin, Texas, in anticipation of its North American debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

There's a lot to love about the 500 Abarth - we've enjoyed it on several occasions - and we can only assume that this new Cabrio model won't disappoint. And how could it? After all, one of our favorite parts about the Abarth experience is the utterly amazing sound that shoots out of the tailpipes, and that aural pleasure will only be enhanced with the roof flipped back.

Scroll down to see the short video for yourself, and stay tuned for the full details as part of the LA Auto Show festivities.

Continue reading Fiat confirms 500 Abarth Cabrio for LA with F1-inspired video

Fiat confirms 500 Abarth Cabrio for LA with F1-inspired video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 la auto show2013 fiat 500c abarth500500 abarth500 abarth convertible500c abarthfelipe massafernando alonsofiatformula onelala auto showvideoFri, 16 Nov 2012 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20382070/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/16/fiat-confirms-500-abarth-cabrio-for-la-with-f1-inspired-video/20382070/article-detail.xml 20382070 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/abarthvideo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/abarthvideo.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Sam Hubinette and Jen Horsey run Targa Newfoundland in a Fiat 500 Abarth]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/watch-sam-hubinette-and-jen-horsey-run-targa-newfoundland-in-a-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/watch-sam-hubinette-and-jen-horsey-run-targa-newfoundland-in-a-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/watch-sam-hubinette-and-jen-horsey-run-targa-newfoundland-in-a-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Targa Newfoundland Fiat 500 Abarth

We'd grown pretty accustomed to seeing Sam Hubinette sling a Dodge Challenger around a drift course, but the guy knows how to do more than go sideways. Back in September, the Crazy Swede partnered up with Jen Horsey to take on the Targa Newfoundland in a Fiat 500 Abarth in the open class. How'd the team do? The plucky little hatch snagged second place, finishing just one second behind Paul Dyer in his 300 horsepower Mistubishi Lancer Evo IX. That's no mean feat considering the Abarth puts down just 160 ponies of its own.

Fiat worked up a quick video documenting Hubinette and Horsey's efforts over the long week, and you can check it out below. In addition to taking home the silver, the team also walked away with a few other honors, including the Presidents Manufacturers' Challenger award and the Next Generation Challenge title for vehicles with 1.6 liters of displacement and less.

Continue reading Watch Sam Hubinette and Jen Horsey run Targa Newfoundland in a Fiat 500 Abarth

Watch Sam Hubinette and Jen Horsey run Targa Newfoundland in a Fiat 500 Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fiat 500 abarth500 abarthfiatracingtarga newfoundlandvideoThu, 15 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378918/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/15/watch-sam-hubinette-and-jen-horsey-run-targa-newfoundland-in-a-f/20378918/article-detail.xml 20378918 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/targa-newfoundland-abarth-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/targa-newfoundland-abarth-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Fuori Serie puts customization program on display]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/2013-fiat-500-abarth-fuori-serie-puts-customization-program-on-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/2013-fiat-500-abarth-fuori-serie-puts-customization-program-on-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/2013-fiat-500-abarth-fuori-serie-puts-customization-program-on-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Fuori Serie - live at 2012 Paris Motor Show reveal

Customization programs are nothing new in the auto industry. For a fee, they offer a chance to work directly with the manufacturer to create a one-of-a-kind vehicle for the customer. These programs, however, are usually offered by makers of the most exotic, expensive and exclusive vehicles, like Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and Porsche. It's not often that a manufacturer of, shall we say, a more humble stature, offers this type of vehicle personalization. Nevertheless, that's exactly what Fiat is doing with its "Fuori Serie" program.

The Italian automaker's new personalization program is being offered only for Abarth models, and is represented at the Paris Motor Show by the Fiat 500 Abarth Fuori Serie, a stunning reinterpretation of the Fiat Abarth 131 Mirafiori "Olio Fiat" livery that debuted at the 1976 Monte Carlo Rally. The matte yellow-and-blue colors of the livery are the most striking aspect of the car, but walking around it reveals other details like a hood that features a NACA duct on one side and louvered vent on the other, the highly polished wheels with yellow center caps that match the painted Brembo brake calipers, and lastly, the special "Fuori Serie" and "695" badging. Along with colors and finishes, Fuori Serie vehicles also get a special 180-horsepower tune of Abarth's 1.4-liter turbo that normally leaves the factory with 160 hp.

The 500 Abarth Fuori Serie is just one example of what a customer can create using Fiat's new program, which starts by choosing one of two customization collections: Heritage or New Wave. The car you see here came from the Heritage collection, which draws its colors, materials and finishes from Fiat's motorsports exploits. The New Wave collection, meanwhile, draws inspiration from the "modern world." We're not quite sure what that means, but hopefully Fiat will show up at the next international auto show with another Fuori Serie car to explain.

Continue reading 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Fuori Serie puts customization program on display

2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Fuori Serie puts customization program on display originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fiat 500 abarth fuori serie500500 abarth500 abarth fuori serieabarthcustomizationfiatheritagenew waveparisparis 2012paris motor showpersonalizationFri, 28 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20336067/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/28/2013-fiat-500-abarth-fuori-serie-puts-customization-program-on-d/20336067/article-detail.xml 20336067 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-fiat-500-abarth-fuori-serie-paris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-fiat-500-abarth-fuori-serie-paris.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Fiat 500 Abarth [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/2012-fiat-500-abarth-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/2012-fiat-500-abarth-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/2012-fiat-500-abarth-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Perfectly Imperfect Pint-Sized Pocket Rocket

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

You can learn a lot about a car by the way it sounds. Fire up a Lexus LS and you'll hear practically nothing. Rev the snot out of a BMW M3 and your ears will be beaten by high-pitched traces of Formula One; do the same with a Dodge Challenger SRT8 and you'll be taken back to 1970 with a low, burbling rumble.

Bear in mind that all of these machines mentioned are powered by V8 engines, long the bastion of beastly automotive soundtracks. Clearly, each car's designers tuned all eight cylinders, their assorted valves, camshafts and exhaust tracts, to produce a specific sound, and to good effect.

Imagine our surprise, then, when the ignition clicked in our tiny 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth and an aural symphony not unlike a Dremel shredding a Fender Stratocaster into tiny little specks of bass and treble emerged. And it makes all this sweet-sounding music with just 1.4-liters of displacement from its four turbocharged cylinders.

We had a feeling this was going to be fun.

Continue reading 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth [w/video]

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500 abarth500500 abarth500 abarth photos500 abarth reviewfeaturedfiatreviewreviewsThu, 30 Aug 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20312288/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/30/2012-fiat-500-abarth-review-video/20312288/article-detail.xml 20312288 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-fiat-500-abarth-review-1346287084_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-fiat-500-abarth-review-1346287084.jpg <![CDATA[Jay Leno burns rubber in a Fiat 500 Abarth]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/jay-leno-burns-rubber-in-a-fiat-500-abarth/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/jay-leno-burns-rubber-in-a-fiat-500-abarth/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/jay-leno-burns-rubber-in-a-fiat-500-abarth/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As you can see from the screen grab above, some people get to have all the fun. Jay Leno, who owns more cars than you will ever drive in your lifetime, was graced with the presence of a Fiat 500 Abarth at his garage.

Now, this was not the first time that Fiat has stopped off with the potent Italian runabout. Fiat dropped in on Leno with an Abarth back in December of last year, but this time he was able to take it out on the road and put the performance-minded 500 through its paces. And that he did.

Leno owns the very second 500 to be sold in America, and raised the question: Is the Abarth good enough for an upgrade? We certainly think so, but Jay took to the Los Angeles streets to find out. Along the way, he mused about how the Abarth would stack up against the Ferrari Dino and the future of the performance automobile. To find out what Jay thought of the Fiat 500 Abarth check out the video below.

Continue reading Jay Leno burns rubber in a Fiat 500 Abarth

Jay Leno burns rubber in a Fiat 500 Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fiat 500 abarth500500 abarthabarthburnoutfiatgaragejay lenojay lenos garagetest driveThu, 26 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20287037/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/26/jay-leno-burns-rubber-in-a-fiat-500-abarth/20287037/article-detail.xml 20287037 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/leno-abarth_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/leno-abarth.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Fiat 500 Abarth sold out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/04/2012-fiat-500-abarth-sold-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/04/2012-fiat-500-abarth-sold-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/04/2012-fiat-500-abarth-sold-out/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth in white with red trim - at speed, front three-quarter view

Eager to get your hands on the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth? Get in line, and be warned: you're going to have to wait.

According to The Detroit News, Chrysler has stopped taking wholesale orders on the 2012 model year 500 Abarth. According to sources within the automaker, customers who plunk down the money for the hotted-up 500 right now will be put on the 2013 model year waiting list, with those cars expected to arrive in the fall. In a statement to the Motown newspaper, Chrysler officials simply said that the number of orders received "exceeded the production run of this model for the 2012 model year."

Chrysler had originally planned to build about 1,000 Abarth models for the 2012 model year. However, those cars were all spoken for by the end of April - the Abarth's first month on sale - so the automaker upped production to 3,000 units. According to the Detroit News, this was the maximum number of units that the Fiat factory in Toluca, Mexico could handle.

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth sold out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 5002012 fiat 500 abarth500500 abarthabarthcinquecentofiattolucaMon, 04 Jun 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20250917/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/04/2012-fiat-500-abarth-sold-out/20250917/article-detail.xml 20250917 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/abarth628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/abarth628.jpg <![CDATA[Abarth 695 Maserati Edition bows at Mille Miglia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/abarth-695-maserati-edition-bows-at-mille-miglia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/abarth-695-maserati-edition-bows-at-mille-miglia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/abarth-695-maserati-edition-bows-at-mille-miglia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Fiat 500 in its various guises positively romps on its popularity, making special-edition hay with terrific frequency. This latest outing in the form of the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition follows a familiar trail, coming three years after the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari that debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

That hatch had a tuned 1.4-liter turbo four putting out more than 180 horsepower, a variable exhaust system and paddle-shifting automated manual under its Ferrari 430 Scuderia-mimicking paint scheme. But aside from the paint, this one gets much the same treatment: 180-hp output, Abarth Competizione gearbox and dual mode exhaust.

It goes the GranTurismo route instead of hard-core sports car, though, using the convertible Abarth as a base and adding Pontevecchio Bordeaux paint with a gray top, sand-beige leather and black interior, Jaeger instrumentation, and 17-inch Maserati-style Neptune wheels and hexagonal tailpipes. Still, it gets even bigger Brembo brakes than the Ferrari version.

Just 499 will be made for "mainly" European markets, naturally, so the closest we'll get to it is the high-res gallery above the the press release below.

Continue reading Abarth 695 Maserati Edition bows at Mille Miglia

Abarth 695 Maserati Edition bows at Mille Miglia originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500500 abarth500c500c abarthabarthabarth 695 maserati editionfiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthMon, 21 May 2012 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20241355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/abarth-695-maserati-edition-bows-at-mille-miglia/20241355/article-detail.xml 20241355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/abarth695maseratied_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/abarth695maseratied.jpg <![CDATA[Another slew of Fiat 500 Abarth ads with Catrinel Menghia released]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/another-slew-of-fiat-500-abarth-ads-with-catrinel-menghia-releas/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/another-slew-of-fiat-500-abarth-ads-with-catrinel-menghia-releas/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/another-slew-of-fiat-500-abarth-ads-with-catrinel-menghia-releas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Ah, Catrinel Menghia. Fiat knows a good thing when it finds one, and so it's no surprise to see a trio of new advertisements staring the Romanian-born and Italian-speaking model alongside the 2012 500 Abarth.

First up is a minute-long montage showing the Scorpion-addled Abarth flung around the desert while Catrinel... well, stands around looking beautiful. Next, the turbocharged 500 drives down the Las Vegas Strip while Ms. Menghia walks around looking beautiful. Notice a trend?

In the third video of this new series, Catrinel finally gets to drive the Abarth in a race against a lucky cameraman. Well, sort of. The two cars are actually piloted by "professional drivers on a closed course" - as you can see, they are wearing helmets. Catrinel and the cameraman, on the other hand, emerge from their black and white 500s with hair blowing in the wind.

No matter. Clearly these videos are meant to build upon the first extremely successful tie-up between the model and the Italian hatchback. We've gone ahead and included that initial commercial, along with the three new ones, below. Enjoy!

Continue reading Another slew of Fiat 500 Abarth ads with Catrinel Menghia released

Another slew of Fiat 500 Abarth ads with Catrinel Menghia released originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500 abarth500500 abarthabarthcatrinel menghiacinquecentofiatfiat 500videoFri, 27 Apr 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20226129/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/27/another-slew-of-fiat-500-abarth-ads-with-catrinel-menghia-releas/20226129/article-detail.xml 20226129 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/abarth-500-model-3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/abarth-500-model-3.jpg <![CDATA[Baby channels Catrinel Menghia in new Fiat ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/18/baby-channels-catrinel-menghia-in-new-fiat-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/18/baby-channels-catrinel-menghia-in-new-fiat-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/18/baby-channels-catrinel-menghia-in-new-fiat-ad/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Fiat scored a major hit with its commercial for the 500 Abarth starring Romanian model Catrinel Menghia. Released last November as a web-only video, the spot exploded in popularity when it hit the airwaves during the Super Bowl in February. Having proven that a dollop of sexiness is enough to get your attention, Fiat has chosen a different but equally well-proven tactic for this new 500 Abarth commercial: babies.

We'll save the plot for your viewing pleasure below, but just mention that teaching your baby to speak Italian is way cooler than sign language.

Continue reading Baby channels Catrinel Menghia in new Fiat ad

Baby channels Catrinel Menghia in new Fiat ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500500 abarthcatrinel menghiacommercialfiatSun, 18 Mar 2012 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20195327/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/18/baby-channels-catrinel-menghia-in-new-fiat-ad/20195327/article-detail.xml 20195327 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/fiat-500-abarth-baby_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/fiat-500-abarth-baby.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Fiat 500 Abarth [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/2012-fiat-500-abarth-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/2012-fiat-500-abarth-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/2012-fiat-500-abarth-first-drive-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As Well-Heeled As An Italian Supermodel



Not to spoil the rest of this article, but the number one thing that the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth has going for it is its styling. That isn't to say the rest of the car isn't worth writing home about - quite the contrary, actually - but if there's one driving factor that makes you want to run to the Fiat dealership and spend your hard-earned dollars on an Abarth, it's how it looks. You'll read a vast variety of opinions across this great big Interweb about the 500 Abarth's driving dynamics, interior refinement and value, but you'll be hard-pressed to find one critic who considers the Abarth anything less than molto bella.

Smart, then, that the Chrysler Group chose to employ European goddess/supermodel Catrinel Menghia for its seductive Super Bowl ad spot starring the 500 Abarth, ending the 60-second commercial with the phrase, "You'll never forget the first time you see one."

So three months after we first met the North American-spec 500 Abarth in person at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, we finally got the chance to see if our lust for the cute little Italian runs more than skin-deep. On Fiat's invitation we hit the roads - and track - around Las Vegas to see exactly how powerful the scorpion's sting really is.

Continue reading 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth [w/video]

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500 abarth500500 abarthfeaturedfiatfiat 500 abarth reviewfirst driveFirstDriveMon, 05 Mar 2012 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20185434/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/05/2012-fiat-500-abarth-first-drive-review-video/20185434/article-detail.xml 20185434 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/09-2012-fiat-500-abarth-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/09-2012-fiat-500-abarth-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Charlie Sheen injects some tiger's blood into Fiat 500 Abarth]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/charlie-sheen-injects-some-tigers-blood-into-fiat-500-abarth/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/charlie-sheen-injects-some-tigers-blood-into-fiat-500-abarth/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/charlie-sheen-injects-some-tigers-blood-into-fiat-500-abarth/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Charlie Sheen commercial

What do you do when you want to cast your cute little city car as a truly bad ass performance machine? How about hiring an infamous drug enthusiast actor, a guy who insists he has "tiger blood" flowing through his veins?

Yes, that's right, Fiat has enlisted none other than Charlie Sheen to promote its Abarth-tuned version of the 500 here in the States. Sheen's appearance in the commercial is brief, portraying himself hot-shoeing the small car around a palatial home - indoors, during a party, mind you - while under "house arrest." Sheen, of course, is the former star of Two and a Half Men, who was reportedly the highest-paid actor on television before being fired for badmouthing the show's creator last year. Sheen's antics also included demanding a 50 percent raise and threatening a lawsuit against his employers, despite being hospitalized for substance abuse-related issues at least three times.

The Fiat 500 Abarth goes on sale this spring, while Sheen's new FX series, Anger Management, premieres on Thursday, June 28 at 9 p.m.

To watch the new commercial, click past the jump.

Continue reading Charlie Sheen injects some tiger's blood into Fiat 500 Abarth

Charlie Sheen injects some tiger's blood into Fiat 500 Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500 abarth500500 abarthabarthanger managementcatrinel menghiacharlie sheencinquecentofiatfiat 500 abarth commercialsheenvideoThu, 01 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20183764/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/01/charlie-sheen-injects-some-tigers-blood-into-fiat-500-abarth/20183764/article-detail.xml 20183764 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/fiat-500-abarth-sheen-commercial-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/fiat-500-abarth-sheen-commercial-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Hagerty predicts this year's future classics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,



The world would be considerably less entertaining if we could all predict the future. Even so, the classic car gurus at Hagerty Insurance have cast a few chicken bones in an attempt to figure out which vehicles produced today might eventually turn collectible.

The company restricted entrants to hardware with a price tag of less than $100,000, so the list isn't populated with too many wild exotics. While vehicles like the Nissan GT-R Black Edition, Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Porsche 911 are low-hanging fruit, the list also featured a few surprises.

For starters, it begins with none other than the mighty Buick Regal GS. Hagerty says the vehicle is a win because it's the first Buick with a manual transmission since the fall of the Holy Roman Empire. The Fiat 500 Abarth also makes an appearance alongside an even hotter hatch, the Volkswagen Golf R. Of course, we're simply thrilled to see the sinister Audi TT RS make a showing. Hit the jump for the full list or view each vehicle in our gallery above.

Continue reading Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

Hagerty predicts this year's future classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500500 abarth911audibuickcamarocamaro zl1chargercharger srt8chevroletdodgefiatfordfuture classicsgolfgolf rgrand cherokeegrand cherokee srt8gt-rgt-r black editionhagertyhagerty insuranceinsurancejeepmustangmustang boss 302mustang boss 302 lagunra secanissanporscheregalregal gstttt rsvolkswagenMon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159781/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/20159781/article-detail.xml 20159781 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-regal-gs-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-regal-gs-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Is this Fiat Abarth ad good enough for the Super Bowl?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/is-this-fiat-abarth-ad-good-enough-for-the-super-bowl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/is-this-fiat-abarth-ad-good-enough-for-the-super-bowl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/is-this-fiat-abarth-ad-good-enough-for-the-super-bowl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Fiat USA put a video showcasing the 500 Abarth on the Internet last November that tested the bounds of what is doable on network TV. That's one of the big reasons it hasn't been put on TV yet.

You'll see what we mean when you view the ad, titled "Seduction," after the jump. It was the foam that made it iffy for the networks.

But we chatted with Chrysler marketing chief Olivier Francois at the Detroit Auto Show about Super Bowl commercials where advertisers are known to push the envelope. In the Chrysler-Fiat world of double titles, Francois is also CEO of Fiat.

Francois, who is considering a few options for the big game, is wondering if the Abarth video is Super Bowl worthy, and wants to know what Autoblog readers think about the spot. Good enough for the big game, also known as the Super Bowl of advertising?

Chrysler, of course, was the toast of the Super Bowl in 2011, showing an unprecedented two-minute ad featuring Eminem's "Lose Yourself," an appearance by Eminem himself and the new ad theme, "Imported From Detroit."

It's a high bar to reach again.

What do you think? Does this Abarth ad have the right stuff?

View Poll

Continue reading Is this Fiat Abarth ad good enough for the Super Bowl?

Is this Fiat Abarth ad good enough for the Super Bowl? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012500500 abarthfiatsuper bowlsuper bowl commercialsThu, 19 Jan 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151595/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/is-this-fiat-abarth-ad-good-enough-for-the-super-bowl/20151595/article-detail.xml 20151595 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/abarth-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/abarth-ad.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne admits 50,000-unit sales goal for Fiat 500 "incredibly naive"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/marchionne-admits-50-000-unit-sales-goal-for-fiat-500-incredibl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/marchionne-admits-50-000-unit-sales-goal-for-fiat-500-incredibl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/marchionne-admits-50-000-unit-sales-goal-for-fiat-500-incredibl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Fiat 500C front three-quarter

When Fiat pronounced that it was planning to sell 50,000 Fiat 500 models in 2011, we were more than a little skeptical. And now that 2011 is in the rear view mirror, it seems CEO Sergio Marchionne is ready to admit that the sales target was not very realistic.

CNN Money reports that the charismatic Fiat/Chrysler boss is now calling the 50,000 number "incredibly naive," adding that the goal was to best Mini Cooper's 2010 sales total of 45,644. Fiat only managed to sell 19,769 Cinquecento models for the year.

Given that Mini has been in the U.S. for a decade and the marque already has an established dealer body and marketing presence - as well as an entire range of products - critics have said that clear that Fiat's 50,000-unit first-year goal was ambitious to a fault. Marchionne went on to add "we set ourselves up for a fall," but the chief executive insists that the future of Fiat in the U.S. is still very strong.

Even though sales of the 500 came nowhere near 50,000 units, Marchionne says that the Mexico plant that builds the A-segment ride is still profitable. That's because the plant also builds models for South America and China. Marchionne is reportedly hoping to sell between 25,000 and 30,000 copies of the 500 in the U.S. in 2012. While the 500 will likely be the only Fiat-branded model available in U.S. showrooms in 2012, the lineup is at least set to expand with models like the $22,000 high-performance 500 Abarth.

Marchionne admits 50,000-unit sales goal for Fiat 500 "incredibly naive" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500500500 abarthchryslercinquecentofiatfiat 500fiat salesmarchionnesergio marchionneTue, 17 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20149282/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/marchionne-admits-50-000-unit-sales-goal-for-fiat-500-incredibl/20149282/article-detail.xml 20149282 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fiat-500-c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fiat-500-c-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Fiat 500 Abarth priced from $22,000*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/2012-fiat-500-abarth-priced-from-22-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/2012-fiat-500-abarth-priced-from-22-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/2012-fiat-500-abarth-priced-from-22-000/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Fiat has announced that the 2012 500 Abarth will be priced from $22,000, *not including destination charges. That's a healthy jump from the tiny Italian's $15,500 base MSRP and higher still than the open-air 500C that starts at $19,500. For all that extra lira, buyers get Fiat's turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir engine producing 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through a five-speed manual transmission and the super Cinquecento also receives an upgraded suspension and brakes, 16-inch wheels and dual exhaust system. The cost of admission also includes free tuition to the Abarth Driving Experience hosted by The Richard Petty Driving Experience.

The Fiat 500 Abarth can be difficult to place among its class competitors because it's the smallest kid on the block, but we've constructed a handy-dandy table to compare pricing, power and weight-to-power ratios for some likely adversaries. Despite being the smallest in size, the Abarth 500 actually ends up with the highest weight-to-power ratio. The upcoming Hyundai Veloster Turbo stands out as having the least amount for each horse to lug around, though without pricing information, the Abarth 500 presently stands as the least expensive in-road to the kingdom of hot hatches.

Price* HP/Torque Weight W/P Ratio
2012 Fiat 500 Abarth $22,000 160/170 2,533 15.8
2012 Volkswagen GTI $23,995 200/207 3,034 15.2
2012 Mini Cooper S $23,100 181/177 2,668 14.7
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo N/A 201/194 2,800 13.9
*Does not include destination charges

Continue reading 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth priced from $22,000*

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth priced from $22,000* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fiat 500 abarth500500 abarth500 abarth pricingabarthcinquecentofiatWed, 11 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146262/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/11/2012-fiat-500-abarth-priced-from-22-000/20146262/article-detail.xml 20146262 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fiat500abarth-26-copy-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fiat500abarth-26-copy-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 Abarth visits Jay Leno's Garage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/05/fiat-500-abarth-visits-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/05/fiat-500-abarth-visits-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/05/fiat-500-abarth-visits-jay-lenos-garage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jay Lenos Garage

Joe Grace, Fiat Vehicle Line Executive, swung by Jay Leno's garage with the brand's new 500 Abarth for a little history lesson and a quick walk around. Here in the States, it's easy to forget that Karl Abarth, the man behind the Fiat tuning division, was as driven as they come when pushing the performance envelope. Abarth got his start racing motorcycles before turning his eye to four-wheeled prototypes and aftermarket performance, and his list of lifelong achievements is as lengthy as it is varied. Abarth was our kind of guy.

Grace took the time to show Leno exactly what makes the 500 Abarth so different from the comedian's own pint-sized hatchback, including its turbocharged, 1.4-liter four-cylinder good for 160 horsepower, along with its unique aesthetics and performance-oriented suspension and exhaust. Is the 500 Abarth cool? Sure. Is it as cool as Karl Abarth racing a steam locomotive with a sidecar motorcycle? We think not. Hit the jump to check the video for yourself.

Continue reading Fiat 500 Abarth visits Jay Leno's Garage

Fiat 500 Abarth visits Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We're packing up our cameras and laptops and heading out of the Los Angeles Convention Center, but before we seal the lid on the 2011 LA Auto Show, it's time to reflect on our staff's favorite debuts of the past two days. Unlike previous shows, there was nothing here in LA that truly stood out as the clear Best In Show winner, but because of that, there were plenty of good arguments amongst the staff about the five best cars on display in Los Angeles.

We won't give away the winner just yet (you'll have to click past the break to see the results), but we'll say that the first and second place cars were nearly tied, with the Number One car only winning by one vote. But enough with this fluff - hit the jump to see Autoblog's picks for the five best debuts of the 2011 LA Auto Show.

Continue reading Editors' Choice: Top Five 2011 LA Auto Show Debuts

Editors' Choice: Top Five 2011 LA Auto Show Debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la auto show2012 fiat 500 abarth2012 mercedes-benz ml63 amg2013 cadillac xts2013 ford shelby gt500500 abarthbrzbrz concept sticadillacfiatfordgt500lala 2011la auto showmercedes-benzml63 amgshelby gt500subaruxtsThu, 17 Nov 2011 20:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20109279/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/17/editors-choice-top-five-2011-la-auto-show-debuts/20109279/article-detail.xml 20109279 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/lashow_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/lashow.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Fiat 500 Abarth brings the scorpion's sting to North America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/2012-fiat-500-abarth-brings-the-scorpions-sting-to-north-americ/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/2012-fiat-500-abarth-brings-the-scorpions-sting-to-north-americ/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/2012-fiat-500-abarth-brings-the-scorpions-sting-to-north-americ/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth in Los Angeles

Excited as we were for the launch of the Fiat 500 in the United States, we've really just been waiting for this: the 500 Abarth. You see, Fiat's scorpion-branded tuning house has laid its hands on a host of models over in Europe, and now that we're finally seeing the performance fruits of the Chrysler-Fiat merger.

Under the hood is a turbocharged, intercooled version of Fiat's 1.4-liter MultiAir engine, good for 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Not bad, considering the fact that the standard 500 - which is only 170 pounds lighter - is down on power by 59 horses and 72 torques. Of course, Abarth has tuned other important bits like the suspension, wheels and brakes and the tuning company has spruced up the 500's visuals inside and interior a bit, too.

Not surprisingly, we're eager to get behind the wheel of Abarth's hot hatch. And we're already scoping out a Mini Cooper S for a lovely little comparison.

Continue reading 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth brings the scorpion's sting to North America

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth brings the scorpion's sting to North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la auto show2012 fiat 500 abarth500500 abarthabarthcinquecentofiatlala 2011la auto showThu, 17 Nov 2011 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20108335/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/17/2012-fiat-500-abarth-brings-the-scorpions-sting-to-north-americ/20108335/article-detail.xml 20108335 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/fiat-500-arbath-la_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/fiat-500-arbath-la.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 Abarth ditches JLo for Italian sex appeal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/fiat-500-abarth-ditches-jlo-for-italian-sex-appeal/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/fiat-500-abarth-ditches-jlo-for-italian-sex-appeal/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/fiat-500-abarth-ditches-jlo-for-italian-sex-appeal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat 500 Abarth commercial

Jennifer Lopez may be all well and fine for plugging the regular Fiat 500, but for the new Abarth version, Fiat's going to need something a little... racier. So for the latest spot advertising the arrival of the Scorpion-fettled Cinquecento, Fiat USA (also known as the import-flavored Chrysler division) took a decidedly different approach.

We have no idea what the heart-stoppingly gorgeous Italian model in the new commercial is saying, but then we don't really care. All we know is we'll never look at this hatchback quite the same. Follow the jump to watch the clip - just be forewarned that it may not be perfectly safe for work.

Continue reading Fiat 500 Abarth ditches JLo for Italian sex appeal

Fiat 500 Abarth ditches JLo for Italian sex appeal originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500 abarth500500 abarthabarthcatrinel menghiacinquecentofiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthfiat adfiat commercialvideoThu, 17 Nov 2011 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20108766/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/17/fiat-500-abarth-ditches-jlo-for-italian-sex-appeal/20108766/article-detail.xml 20108766 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/abarth-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/abarth-ad.jpg -1 2