Fiat 500 Abarth To Be First U.S 500 Model

The Fiat-Chrysler partnership promises to bring some exciting product to the United States that we otherwise might not have had. The Alfa Romeo brand in particular is a welcome reentry for those who want something a bit different.

The Wall Street Journal just came out with it's roadmap for the Alfa Romeo-Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep brand lineup, but there now there is some news on a certain model in particular. The Fiat 500 is one of the models slated to be sold in Chrysler dealerships, set to do battle with BMW's successful MINI lineup.

But, as too often happens with imports into the U.S, many weren't sure if the sporty 500 Abarth performance variant would be making it over.

WardsAutois reporting that Chrysler dealers are being briefed by Fiat that the very first 500 model to come over will in fact be the 500 Abarth. It is supposedly coming sometime next year as a 2011 model, priced somewhere around $18,000 to $19,000, which seems like a very attractive pricepoint if true. The 500 Abarth has a 133 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder good for 7 second 0-60 mph times.

This is good news - I could see the 500 Abarth getting a loyal following here on the United States. First stop: 500 Abarth. Next, how about the Abarth SS or maybe the Tributo Ferrari ?