The newly released U.S.-spec 2012 Fiat 500 compact is doing rather well with plenty of advertising and showroom “studios” popping up around the nation. Across the pond, the hot rod version of the little car, the Abarth, has been available for a while and it appears that the time has come for it to make its way to North American soil. With Chrysler LLC ready to open the U.S. door for Fiat, the ready-for-America Abarth will be shown at the upcoming L.A. Auto Show. From November 18 through the 27, we will be able to see what the Mini Cooper S really needs to fear.
Using the same turbocharged 1.4 liter inline four cylinder found in the base 500, the Abarth gets higher boost pressure and different tuning to produce anywhere between 140 to 170 horsepower. An Abarth (Fiat’s in-house tuning shop) tuned suspension with stiffer settings, larger brakes and lower body work will also accompany the car’s boost in power. When it goes on sale early 2012, it will be the first time an Abarth badged vehicle will be sold in the United States.
Full details on powertrain should be released rather soon.
Source: Fiat
