Fiat announced to the world at the LA Auto Show that it’s rejoining the roadster game with the 124 Spider. Now for Geneva, the Italian brand is unveiling an even hotter Abarth version.
The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth comes with the same 1.4-liter turbo that is in its regular drop-top predecessor, but tuned up to 170 hp from the 160 ponies in the standard Spider. Buyers of the car still have the choice between the six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Buyers also get Brembo brakes, Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip differential and a gorgeous sounding exhaust system.
Similar to the 500 Abarth, the 124 Abarth features electric steering, a sport mode, and the ability to completely kill all the electrical assistance for tail-happy shenanigans. On the inside, you can find the same interior as the base 124, but with more standard equipment. As for the outside bits, the car features a full aero kit, larger air vents, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Along with the production 124 Abarth, Fiat showed off a rally tribute to the original Fiat 124 Spider used in the 1970’s. With a mind-boggling 300hp it can tear up any track, asphalt or dirt. It uses a larger 1.8L turbo mounted to a 6 speed sequential gearbox and a mechanical limited slip differential. It is FIA compliant for GT Rally, and will be sold to racing teams who wish to compete.
No official release date is announced, but expect the car to come stateside sometime late 2016 or early 2017. The Abarth Spider is priced at 40,000 euros, which is about $43k US. No official US pricing has been announced yet. . As for the Rally variant, expect a price well above $150,000.
