NA Fiat 500 Abarth - 170hp! - The Ford Focus Forum

**SRT Junky** · 01-19-2010, 03:59 PM

Recently announced, it looks like the Fiat 500 will be sold in North America by December of THIS year.

Equally exciting, it looks like the Abarth variant will be adorned with Fiat's 170hp version of it's 1.4 liter MultiAir equipped FIRE power plant from the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde.

This begs the question, why would they give North America's standard Abarth the premo power plant with more ponies than Europe's top of the line Abarth Essesse package (160hp).

Link below:

http://fiat500usa.blogspot.com/

**lscfn10** · 01-19-2010, 04:05 PM

America is more obsessed with horsepower than europe...

**OmniFocus** · 01-19-2010, 04:12 PM

True.... and the more I think about it, the more I want one of these.

**SRT Junky** · 01-19-2010, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lscfn10

America is more obsessed with horsepower than europe...

Agreed, but the blog also makes a good point in saying that 135 just isn't enough to make it competitive in this segment.

Standard non-turbo variant will be in the 100 horsepower range. Should still be plenty fun and achieve decent mpg ratings.

**bigdaddyG8** · 01-19-2010, 04:18 PM

Does it come with a skate key?

I'll need two.

**SRT Junky** · 01-19-2010, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdaddyzx3

Does it come with a skate key?

I'll need two.

That would be 340 hp worth of roller skates!

This WILL be my next daily driver. No ifs ands or butts...

Speculation says high teens to low twenties as far as price

**DarkHorse** · 01-19-2010, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRT Junky

...Speculation says high teens to low twenties as far as price

For the Abarth?

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 01-19-2010, 04:25 PM

I can't wait to see if I fit in one

If I was in the market for a new car I'd seriously consider the Abarth if Ford didn't have something equivalent or better.

They better start thinking real hard on a Fiesta ST/SVT/RS with only two doors.

**SRT Junky** · 01-19-2010, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkHorse

For the Abarth?

Yeah. Standard, or "Sport" versions will most likely start in the mid teens. 14 to 16k. Supposedly, the number of customizable options is going to rival Mini.

**DarkHorse** · 01-19-2010, 04:38 PM

Hmm...I like that price range...I wasn't too impressed with the 500's in photos. I thought they looked too much like a Beetle, but once I saw them while in Prague I became a big fan.

**secondechomatt** · 01-19-2010, 04:45 PM

I think that price range is completely unrealistic. I'm putting the abarth at around 23 to start.

**SRT Junky** · 01-19-2010, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkHorse

Hmm...I like that price range...I wasn't too impressed with the 500's in photos. I thought they looked too much like a Beetle, but once I saw them while in Prague I became a big fan.

The standard 500s are a little on the ... cute side.

No matter, the Abarth tuners put a healthy helping of mean in there.

Can't post pics at work, but if you follow the link, you can view the beautiful Abarthlyness

**polizei** · 01-19-2010, 04:49 PM

I'd have to see one in person...but if they can keep the Abarth under $20k, I can see it rivaling MINI. I don't think I would sell my MINI for one though.

-Cody

**SRT Junky** · 01-19-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by secondechomatt

I think that price range is completely unrealistic. I'm putting the abarth at around 23 to start.

Again, it's all speculation at this point. 23 grand doesn't sound too bad to me either... It's a 170 hp go-kart...

I'm just looking at the fact that the top of the line Sport model may fall in the 16k range, I wouldn't think the Abarth would be much more than five grand more.

**OmniFocus** · 01-19-2010, 04:56 PM

It'll be an ill-handling, torque-steering buzzy little rattletrap crap-can.

....which is pretty much why I want one.

**BLRich1** · 01-19-2010, 04:56 PM

any idea on how much its supposed to weigh?

**S. on Da 5** · 01-19-2010, 04:59 PM

Very ballsy.

**SRT Junky** · 01-19-2010, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polizei

I'd have to see one in person...but if they can keep the Abarth under $20k, I can see it rivaling MINI. I don't think I would sell my MINI for one though.

-Cody

If you bought you Cooper S new, chances are, you paid more than 20k. As you should have. I believe the Cooper S is worth more than 20k new.

Just as point of reference, in Europe, a comparibly equipped 500 is several thousand Euro cheaper than the Mini Cooper, with similar build quality and materials. The 500 is 5 inches shorter though.

**SRT Junky** · 01-19-2010, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLRich1

any idea on how much its supposed to weigh?

2400-2500 I think.

**Apex clipper** · 01-19-2010, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lscfn10

America is more obsessed with horsepower than europe...

Er!...Ponders....Eh!...

**OmniFocus** · 01-19-2010, 05:03 PM

Car and driver lists the curb weight at 2282.

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 01-19-2010, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OmniFocus

It'll be an ill-handling, torque-steering buzzy little rattletrap crap-can.

....which is pretty much why I want one.

According to Mr.Clarkson it's handling is exceptionally good actually.

**SRT Junky** · 01-19-2010, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OmniFocus

It'll be an ill-handling, torque-steering buzzy little rattletrap crap-can.

....which is pretty much why I want one.

Nice

they actually made some pretty substantial changes to the suspension between the 08' and 09' model years.

Added rear anti-sway, and revised the valve and spring rates. Supposedly it's less bouncy and harsh, and stays planted better on less that ideal road surfaces.

Crap... Now Lorin won't want one...

**OmniFocus** · 01-19-2010, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FORDSVTPARTS

According to Mr.Clarkson it's handling is exceptionally good actually.

There are two types of good.

Crude, raw grip good, and finesse, precise good.

It is my understanding from the press I've read that it falls into the first category.

**OmniFocus** · 01-19-2010, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRT Junky

Nice

they actually made some pretty substantial changes to the suspension between the 08' and 09' model years.

Added rear anti-sway, and revised the valve and spring rates. Supposedly it's less bouncy and harsh, and stays planted better on less that ideal road surfaces.

Crap... Now Lorin won't want one...

Eh... changes like that are mostly marketing anyway. I'm sure it'll still suck in a delightfully Omni-esque way.

01-19-2010, 04:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
OmniFocus Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mowin' down the cones. (CA) Posts: 30,660	Re: NA Fiat 500 Abarth - 170hp! True.... and the more I think about it, the more I want one of these. __________________ Vacuum Vulture Racing: We put the warp in your rotor.

01-19-2010, 04:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
FORDSVTPARTS Premier Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 10,863	Re: NA Fiat 500 Abarth - 170hp! I can't wait to see if I fit in one If I was in the market for a new car I'd seriously consider the Abarth if Ford didn't have something equivalent or better. They better start thinking real hard on a Fiesta ST/SVT/RS with only two doors. __________________ To order from me just call 1-800-328-9552 and ask for Steve or use one of the methods below. Now accepting online orders here http://www.tousleyfordparts.com You can also find us here http://forums.focaljet.com/tousley-ford/ 2002 Silver SVT #2952 , Stage 2 throttle body, VF rear mount, FRPP 9mm wires, EAP/MACH HID's, Borla exhaust, Multimatic suspension, Screamin Demon coil, ORP by Stage3, Tuned by Mike at Unique Tuning in S.C.

01-19-2010, 04:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
DarkHorse Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,844	Re: NA Fiat 500 Abarth - 170hp! Hmm...I like that price range...I wasn't too impressed with the 500's in photos. I thought they looked too much like a Beetle, but once I saw them while in Prague I became a big fan. __________________ "Does anyone know anything about the SVT Sedan? My cousin had one so I know that they were made. How many were made?" From FF

01-19-2010, 04:45 PM	#11 (permalink)
secondechomatt [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Trenton, MI. Posts: 5,710	Re: NA Fiat 500 Abarth - 170hp! I think that price range is completely unrealistic. I'm putting the abarth at around 23 to start. __________________ 1997 Expedition...why am I here again? "The existence of flamethrowers is proof that someone, somewhere, said to himself, "I want to set those people over there on fire, but I don't feel like walking over there to do it."

01-19-2010, 04:49 PM	#13 (permalink)
polizei Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,773	Re: NA Fiat 500 Abarth - 170hp! I'd have to see one in person...but if they can keep the Abarth under $20k, I can see it rivaling MINI. I don't think I would sell my MINI for one though. -Cody __________________ "Gizmo" - 03' Indi Blue/Black MINI Cooper S Aftermarket: ALTA CAI, ALTA Catless Header, Magnaflow Exhaust, M7 16% Pulley, M7 OCC, VGS, LOTF Engine Damper 77' KZ650

01-19-2010, 04:56 PM	#15 (permalink)
OmniFocus Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mowin' down the cones. (CA) Posts: 30,660	Re: NA Fiat 500 Abarth - 170hp! It'll be an ill-handling, torque-steering buzzy little rattletrap crap-can. ....which is pretty much why I want one. __________________ Vacuum Vulture Racing: We put the warp in your rotor.

01-19-2010, 04:59 PM	#17 (permalink)
S. on Da 5 Moderator Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: S. Cali., USA Posts: 12,780	Re: NA Fiat 500 Abarth - 170hp! Very ballsy. __________________ F@H with team 42782

01-19-2010, 05:03 PM	#21 (permalink)
OmniFocus Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mowin' down the cones. (CA) Posts: 30,660	Re: NA Fiat 500 Abarth - 170hp! Car and driver lists the curb weight at 2282. __________________ Vacuum Vulture Racing: We put the warp in your rotor.

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