In addition to the Fiat 500 Abarth, also the Fiat 500C Abarth will be available to North American customers beginning from the first-quarter of 2013. The Fiat 500c Abarth’s features a more pronounced front fascia to improve aerodynamics and the necessary engine compartment space for the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine. For additional air intake, the signature Abarth shield floats on a finned surface and a larger intake below consists of three inlets with broader openings than the Fiat 500c. For a more aggressive look, twin “nostrils” are precisely positioned on the front fascia to maximize airflow in and out of the two engine intercoolers.
Abarth-designed side skirts give the Fiat 500c Abarth an athletic profile, while 16-inch or optional 17-inch lightweight forged-aluminum wheels fill the flared wheel arches and provide ventilation for the performance brake system. From the rear, an Abarth-designed cloth-top-mounted spoiler extends the roofline and improves the vehicle’s aerodynamic behavior by creating additional downforce. Below, the two-piece Abarth-styled rear fascia accentuates the road-holding stance and optimizes airflow output with its rear diffuser. In addition large concentric “double-tip” exhausts provide an exclusive Abarth-tuned sound and look.
An Abarth-designed steering wheel features a thick rim, perforated leather and flat bottom to provide the look, feel and increased roominess desired during at-the-limit driving. A large concentric instrument cluster with 160-mph speedometer, tachometer and trip computer sits behind the steering wheel, and features a leather-wrapped cluster brow wrapped in Nero (black) leather with Rosso (red) accent stitching. Below the instrument panel, Abarth-designed aluminum pedal covers feature Nero rubber trim for a decidedly racing look, while the Nero leather shift knob with Rosso accent stitching provides a precise feel of the shifter. Unique Abarth-styled front performance seats feature a one-piece design with large side bolsters, a racing-harness pass through, accent stitching around the perimeter and integrated side-thorax air bags.
With just the push of a button, the Fiat 500c Abarth’s power-operated cloth top retracts up to the rear spoiler during speeds up to a 60 mph (a midway point can be chosen by pressing the button anytime in between). Press the roof button again, and the roof will neatly fold all the way open and tuck neatly behind the rear head restraints (up to 50 mph). The power operated cloth top is also intelligently designed. For access to the Fiat 500c Abarth’s trunk, premium “parallelogram” liftgate hinges conveniently position the liftgate out of the way, while the power-operated cloth top automatically retracts back to the rear-spoiler position to avoid any obstruction. In addition to its cleverly designed multi-position power-retractable cloth top, the Fiat 500c Abarth’s fully stamped body-side silhouette retains the iconic Cinquecento form while delivering added structural strength and 70 percent less header shake than key competitors. In addition, its longer windshield and minimized header design maximize rear-seated passengers’ outward visibility, while minimizing cabin turbulence.
Like the Fiat 500 Abarth, the new 2013 Fiat 500c Abarth features the track-proven 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine for 160 horsepower, up to 170 ft.-lb. of torque and 0-to-60 mph performance in the low 7 second range. Developed for high-output applications, the Fiat 500c Abarth is equipped with the track-proven C510 five-speed manual transmission. Proven on the European 500 Abarth models, this transmission features a 3.35 final-drive ratio for quick acceleration and faster top speed, while maintaining fuel efficiency. Like the hatchback, the new 2013 Fiat 500c Abarth features an enhanced front- and rear-suspension design to deliver the precision handling, steering and refinement needed for high-performance driving. Compared to the Fiat 500c, the Fiat 500c Abarth features a unique MacPherson suspension design with 33 percent stiffer front spring rates and 0.6-inch (15 mm) lower ride height (compared to the Fiat 500c) for improved handling and minimal body roll.
