Fiat is getting busy expanding its line-up next year. For the 2013 calendar year the 500L, 500E, 500 Turbo and 500C Abarth will be joining the line-up. The Turbo was announced at the Pebble Beach Concourse d’Eleganza Auto Show in Monterey, California earlier this year.
This model is a bridge between the under-powered 500 and top-shelf Abarth model. The one we want though, of course, is the Abarth. Fiat had unexpected demand for the 500 Abarth in its first model year, selling out quickly. The Italian brand is keeping things going for 2014 with the 500C Abarth.
We drove the 500C earlier this year, followed by the Abarth, and we wished we could combine the two. “The new Fiat 500c Abarth delivers the wicked attitude and track-proven capabilities of the hatchback model, now with the rush of open-air Italian performance,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand for North America – Chrysler Group LLC. “And with the push of a button our new turbocharged cabrio can unleash that added sense of freedom, while offering one of the most respected soundtracks of all-time, the rasp from its signature Abarth-tuned dual exhausts.”
The Abarth exhaust note is regarded as one of the best in the industry. Now you can hear the engine soundtrack with the top down. If you would rather listen to your music though, Chrysler has arranged a partnership with Beats by Dr. Dre for the sound system. Like the coupe, the 500C Abarth gets Fiat’s 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged four-cylinder making 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Like the standard 500C, the 500C Abarth has an electrically operated fabric roof. It is able to be opened at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and closed at speeds up to 60 miles per hour. We like Fiat’s set-up for safety: all of the pillars remain intact, yet you still have the feel of open-roof motoring. The 500C Abarth goes on sale early next year and each purchase includes entry to Fiat’s full-day Abarth Driving Experience event.
