Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Detroit 2010: Fiat 500 BEV and Fiat 500 Abarth SS are in the house]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/12/detroit-2010-fiat-500-bev-and-fiat-500-abarth-ss-are-in-the-hou/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/12/detroit-2010-fiat-500-bev-and-fiat-500-abarth-ss-are-in-the-hou/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/12/detroit-2010-fiat-500-bev-and-fiat-500-abarth-ss-are-in-the-hou/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fiat Abarth SS and BEW - Click above for high-res image galleries

The tiny Italians are coming! That's right gentle readers, Fiat has dropped two little baby 500s off inside COBO Hall - and one of them's electric. Let's start with that one, the uninspiringly titled Fiat 500 BEV (background). The suffix stands for "Battery Electric Vehicle." Let's call it truth in advertising. The powertrain is carried over from the work Chrysler's now defunct ENVIgroup had been working on for the past couple years. We can't say too much more (hint, hint), but rumor has it that this sucker is fast. Also, no tail pipe(s).

Fast is good, however, and the Cinquecento that sets our hearts all a flutter is (obviously) the 500 Abarth SS. Or as they say in Italy, Abarth Esse Esse. That last part of the name is significant, as it indicates this particular 500 doesn't have 133 horsepower, but rather 160 hp. The beauty part? After standing next to the Abarth for a few moments it becomes uncomfortably obvious that its much smaller than the Mini. Meaning... all sorts of wonderful things.

Other than that, the Abarth SS has five-point harnesses tied into racing seats and perhaps the best badging in the industry. Scorpions are every where. Take a close look at the shot of the wheel. Not only does the center cap sport a scorpion, but the valve-stem cap does, too. It's all about sweating the small stuff. Lusting over it, too. No specific information is available on the time line/likelihood of either car ever showing up in a Chrysler dealer near you.


Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth SS and BEV


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Detroit 2010: Fiat 500 BEV and Fiat 500 Abarth SS are in the house originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500 Abarth500 Abarth Esse Esse500 Abarth Esseesse500Abarth500AbarthEsseEsseAbarth Esse Esseabarth esseesseAbarth SSAbarthEsseEsseAbarthSsCinquecentoDetroitDetroit 2010Detroit Auto ShowDetroit2010DetroitAutoShowFiatFiat 500FIat 500 AbarthFiat 500 Abarth Esse EsseFiat 500 Abarth EsseesseFiat 500 Abarth SSFiat 500 BEVFiat500Fiat500AbarthFiat500AbarthEsseEsseFiat500AbarthSsFiat500BevTue, 12 Jan 2010 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19312446/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/12/detroit-2010-fiat-500-bev-and-fiat-500-abarth-ss-are-in-the-hou/19312446/article-detail.xml 19312446 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/fiat500sabarthev---1opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/fiat500sabarthev---1opt.jpg <![CDATA[160-hp Fiat 500 Abarth SS to follow in November]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/160hp-fiat-500-abarth-ss-to-follow-in-november/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/160hp-fiat-500-abarth-ss-to-follow-in-november/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/160hp-fiat-500-abarth-ss-to-follow-in-november/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click either image to view in high-res gallery

You have to admire Fiat's spunky rejuvenated Abarth division. Its first model is barely on the market yet, its second model is about to be unveiled, and it's already taking on challengers and shouting "What's next?" At a media preview for the new 500 Abarth in Turin, Italy, Fiat confirmed speculation that an even more powerful version would be offered as soon as November of this year. The 500 Abarth being shown in Geneva is equipped with a 135-hp turbo four, while the "esse-esse" (read: SS) kit will offer a host of performance and visual upgrades to bring the sprightly retromobile up to 160 hp.

The availability of the optional equipment makes sense, since a similar package was revealed for the Grande Punto Abarth, and the 500's kit is likewise expected to be available direct from the showroom, or retrofitted to an existing 500 Abarth up to one year or 20,000 km after purchase. If the 500 Abarth "esse-esse" is to hit the market in November, we could see it unveiled at the Paris auto salon in early October.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth


Gallery: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS


[Source: Carscoop]

160-hp Fiat 500 Abarth SS to follow in November originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500 abarth500Abarthabarth esse-esseabarth esseesseabarth ssAbarthEsse-esseAbarthEsseesseAbarthSsfiat 500 abarth esse-essefiat 500 abath ssfiat abarthFiat500AbarthEsse-esseFiat500AbathSsFiatAbarthWed, 27 Feb 2008 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1125853/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/02/27/160hp-fiat-500-abarth-ss-to-follow-in-november/1125853/article-detail.xml 1125853 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/500abarth_web1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/500abarth_web1.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva Preview: Fiat 500 convertible cometh]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/geneva-preview-fiat-500-convertible-cometh/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/geneva-preview-fiat-500-convertible-cometh/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/geneva-preview-fiat-500-convertible-cometh/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

You knew it was strictly a matter of time. AutoExpress is reporting that Fiat intends to bring a convertible version of its popular 500 micro-car to Geneva in March. The only vehicle that has the potential of challenging the MINI's cuteness and flickability will come with a soft-top that will attempt to keep the bulbous rooflines of the coupe model, complete with a glass rear window and doors that are fully framed. But Fiat isn't stopping there. To challenge the Cooper S, the automaker also plans to unveil the 500 Abarth SS in Geneva, packing a turbo'd 1.4-liter four producing 155 hp. Sales of both models should begin sometime towards the end of the year.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Geneva Preview: Fiat 500 convertible cometh originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500abarth ssAbarthSsconvertiblefiatfiat 500 abarth ssfiat 500 convertibleFiat500AbarthSsFiat500ConvertibleFri, 25 Jan 2008 03:52:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1096503/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/01/25/geneva-preview-fiat-500-convertible-cometh/1096503/article-detail.xml 1096503 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/fiat_500_con_250-op_crop_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/fiat_500_con_250-op_crop.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Fiat 500 Abarth SS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/spy-shots-fiat-500-abarth-ss/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/spy-shots-fiat-500-abarth-ss/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/spy-shots-fiat-500-abarth-ss/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Before you overlook the Fiat 500 Abarth SS as just another sporty hatch that will be sold in a few select European markets, note that it could be sold in the U.S. as well as Asia-Pacific as an alternative to cars like the MINI Cooper. In July, Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne hinted that selling the 500 outside of Europe was a definite option, although nothing has been confirmed.

Abarth is now a performance line for Fiat models and the new 500 Abarth SS and its larger Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS sibling are set to arrive in European showrooms early next year. These new spy shots depict the Fiat 500 Abarth SS, a hot little hatch with a 1.4L turbocharged engine developing a rumored 180 HP, the same amount as the larger and heavier Punto version. There will also be a sports handling pack to make sure owners can take advantage of the extra bump in power, with stiffer springs and wider tires than the base 500.

To differentiate it from the 500 minicar on which it's based, developers have also added new bumpers with larger air intakes, a set of hood scoops, a roof mounted spoiler and dual exhaust pipes.

[Source: Auto Motor Und Sport]

Spy Shots: Fiat 500 Abarth SS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500 Abarth SS500AbarthSsAbarthAbarth SSAbarthSsFiat 500Fiat 500 Abarth SSFiat500Fiat500AbarthSsspy imagesspy picsspy shotsSpyImagesSpyPicsSpyShotsTue, 18 Sep 2007 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/991184/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/09/18/spy-shots-fiat-500-abarth-ss/991184/article-detail.xml 991184 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/31jg_9zcrm3pos_500x333_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/31jg_9zcrm3pos_500x333.jpg <![CDATA[Frankfurt 2007: Grande Punto Abarth SS is a mini rock star]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/12/frankfurt-2007-grande-punto-abarth-ss-is-a-mini-rock-star/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/12/frankfurt-2007-grande-punto-abarth-ss-is-a-mini-rock-star/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/12/frankfurt-2007-grande-punto-abarth-ss-is-a-mini-rock-star/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above image to view high-res gallery of the Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS

Fiat has big plans for the resurrected Abarth brand, wasting no time with a 180 HP splash in the body of the Grande Punto Abarth SS. Fiat plans to use Abarth as an in-house tuning and racing concern, and this car demonstrates the kind of tuning they have in mind.

There are two Grande Punto Abarths: the base model comes to the party with "just" 150 HP, but the SS takes it up to 180 HP. The Abarth SS models also get a nice body kit that looks like it came from a Transformers spare parts bin. The interior is clean and basic, but not spartan, and well-laid out. Good luck to anyone who doesn't plan on racing everyone and everything at every stop light. For a small hatch, it's one of the hottest cars out there -- check out the special edition Frankfurt Auto Show wheels -- and the hottest presenters didn't hurt either.

Check out the press release after the jump, and be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res images.

Gallery: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: Grande Punto Abarth SS is a mini rock star

Frankfurt 2007: Grande Punto Abarth SS is a mini rock star originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007 frankfurt auto show2007FrankfurtAutoShowabarthabarth ssAbarthSsauto showAutoShowbreakingfiatfrankfurtfrankfurt auto showFrankfurtAutoShowgrandegrande punto abarth ssGrandePuntoAbarthSshatchbackpuntossWed, 12 Sep 2007 04:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/987402/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/09/12/frankfurt-2007-grande-punto-abarth-ss-is-a-mini-rock-star/987402/article-detail.xml 987402 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/01_abarthss2_iaa_front_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/01_abarthss2_iaa_front.jpg <![CDATA[Frankfurt Preview: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/03/frankfurt-preview-fiat-grande-punto-abarth-ss/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/03/frankfurt-preview-fiat-grande-punto-abarth-ss/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/03/frankfurt-preview-fiat-grande-punto-abarth-ss/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


UPDATE: Official Press Release and engine details added

click on either image to enlarge

Back in February, Fiat previewed the look of its Grande Punto Abarth, a high-performance version of its popular hatch wearing the storied Abarth name and scorpion badge. At the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, the automaker will unveil the Grande Punto Abarth Super Sport, or 'essesse'. From what we can tell, the Abarth SS version of the Grande Punto will add a more aggressive body kit to the car on which it's based, including wider fender flares to accommodate a larger wheel/tire package, three large air intakes in the front bumper, new side mirrors, a rear spoiler that integrates with the body and a new rear bumper that wraps around two big tailpipes.

Of course, the new body kit presupposes more power, and Fiat tells us that the SS will have nearly double the power of the base model Grande Punto, which puts out around 90bhp. The SS will produce 180bhp then, around 25-30bhp more than the standard Abarth. Commensurate upgrades to the Abarth's suspension and brakes are included, as well. While Fiat is officially calling the Grande Punto Abart SS a prototype, our boys from Autoblog Spanish indicate that it's likely to see production, if only in limited numbers.

[Source: Fiat]

Gallery: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS


Gallery: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth Preview Concept

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS

Frankfurt Preview: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AbarthAbarth SSAbarthSsFiat Grande Punto Abarth essesseFiat Grande Punto Abarth SSFiat Grande Punto Abarth Super SportFiatGrandePuntoAbarthEssesseFiatGrandePuntoAbarthSsFiatGrandePuntoAbarthSuperSportGrande PuntoGrandePuntoMon, 03 Sep 2007 13:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/980019/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/09/03/frankfurt-preview-fiat-grande-punto-abarth-ss/980019/article-detail.xml 980019 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/070903_f_grandepunto_abart__thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/070903_f_grandepunto_abart_.jpg -1 2