LA 2011: The Abarth 500 Is Coming!

Do you want a retro-styled hatchback with some turbo thrust, but the idea of a Cooper S makes you uncomfortable?  Well, if you're in the US, you'll finally have a choice early next year.  Fiat released two images of the US-specification Fiat 500 Abarth today ahead of the car's official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.  If you're familiar with Fiat's European lineup, this won't be a surprise.  If you're a fan of the 500 in the US (such as myself) but were waiting for one with more power, the wait is nearly over.

The Abarth show car Fiat is sending over is black.  Very black.  Black paint, black wheels, black tint - oh, and red racing stripes and mirror caps.  It turns up the adorable 500's aggressiveness factor a lot.  Then again, if you hated it in the first place (and what's wrong with you?), you probably won't like it any more with big wheels, low suspension, and a body kit.  Exterior changes mirror the European Abarth model, most noticeably the addition of the more aggressive, jutting front bumper.  There are low-hanging side sills, widened fenders with air vents, and a rear diffuser housing a mean looking dual exhaust.

Mechanically, I'll put it this way.  While I loved driving the 500 Sport, the Abarth will satisfy with more than just how much character it has.  The biggest change is the addition of a turbocharger to Fiat's 1.4L MultiAir I4.  How much power?  No word yet; somewhere between 135-170bhp going by availability on the European market.  Considering our 500 is a bit heavier than Europe's, and that Americans love horsepower almost as much as pointless celebrity gossip and sports statistics, I'd bet on the higher end.

The brakes and suspension will be upgraded, and the Abarth will house more high-end tech than other US 500's.  Beyond knowing that it'll be boosted, and that it'll go, turn, and stop better than the regular 500, that's all we have so far.  Stay tuned for more info on this most Italian of hot hatches when the LA Auto Show rolls around!