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Author Topic: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth  (Read 1453 times)

Offline Autos_Editor

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Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« on: January 26, 2012, 03:03:59 am »


Coming this Spring, the Fiat 500 Abarth is the new definition of affordable performance, says Greg Wilson.

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Offline tpl

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #1 on: January 26, 2012, 05:59:31 am »
Looks good. A proper Italian car at last.     As for the review it uses the word "sporty" 6 times more than it should, which grates a bit.   How can a rear bumper be "sporty" anyway.
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Offline JohnM

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #2 on: January 26, 2012, 06:19:29 am »
"160-hp 1.4-litre"

Now you're talking and with 170ft.lbs. torque no less.  This thing should absolutely fly.  Too bad about the 5 speed but I hope the 5th gear is really tall as this engine should be able to pull 100km at under 2000 rpm no problem.  That would set the bar for small car cruising.

Bring on the full review!

Cheers,
John M.

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Offline JohnnyMac

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #3 on: January 26, 2012, 07:12:59 am »
I'm thinking the upcoming Hyundai Veloster Turbo should be around the same price and offer a bit more of everything.  One of the big selling point of this Fiat is the styling and the cuteness of it.  I really don't expect many of these on the road, not when you have other products that offer more for less.  I think the Veloster is a good example of that.  Now I should point out that a head to head test will tell the whole story and just because a car might have more Hp doesn't mean it will be a better performing car.  Just look at the performance of the Hyundai Sonata Turbo compared to say the V6 Camry or Honda Accord V6.
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Offline Jaeger

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #4 on: January 26, 2012, 07:44:16 am »
Quote from: JohnnyMac on January 26, 2012, 07:12:59 am
  Just look at the performance of the Hyundai Sonata Turbo compared to say the V6 Camry or Honda Accord V6.

Oh look - the Sonata again - in a Fiat 500 thread.  :)

I sure wouldn't say the Sonata outperforms the V6 Camry - I doubt any class competitor does - that is one strong, smooth mill and decently fuel efficient to boot.

The 500 will definitely benefit from boost - but I am unsure about the enthusiast appeal of this car.  It does sell primarily on cuteness.  I'm not sure it's any cuter when going any faster.

Jaeger
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Offline tpl

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #5 on: January 26, 2012, 07:44:59 am »
When there is a full test of this car it would be good if Wing could sneak it onto a track to see how good it really is.

From this review it sounds as if the engine may be able to take some more boost without grenading.  A 200 bhp Fiat would be really cool.
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Offline ajay

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #6 on: January 26, 2012, 07:57:55 am »
I'm sure this will be a blast to drive . I hope it's a hit for them .
It might encourage other subcompacts to throw their hat in the ring too .
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Offline nlm

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #7 on: January 26, 2012, 08:37:37 am »
Love the rally inspired shifter! More "sporty" cars should have them.
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Offline slybry

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #8 on: January 26, 2012, 08:45:29 am »
Slightly off topic.... but I am in Florida and just saw a Fiat 500C (rag top) with Quebec licence plates on it in Costco parking lot. That is quite a drive in a pint size car. I have read it is relatively good on highway.

Chocolate brown with tan fabric roof. Looked very nice. My wife loves it.
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Offline Weexy

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #9 on: January 26, 2012, 08:47:33 am »
Quote from: Jaeger on January 26, 2012, 07:44:16 am
  It does sell primarily on cuteness. 



Agree with that - my wife loves the 500 (may have something to do with her being Italian,,,) - I kind of like it too.
When we start shopping for her probably in 2013, it will be a top contender.  I was kind of excited about that since I knew the Abarth was coming down the pipe & I could probably talk her into one (unless it has a ride that shakes your fillings out) BUT... it is manual only, and my lovely lady will not drive a stick.

Since I think the 500 appeals mainly to women, Fiatler will need to fit an auto box in this at some point if they want to sell more than 30 or so.

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Offline Jaeger

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #10 on: January 26, 2012, 09:05:33 am »
Quote from: Weexy on January 26, 2012, 08:47:33 am
Quote from: Jaeger on January 26, 2012, 07:44:16 am
  It does sell primarily on cuteness. 



Agree with that - my wife loves the 500 (may have something to do with her being Italian,,,) - I kind of like it too.
When we start shopping for her probably in 2013, it will be a top contender.  I was kind of excited about that since I knew the Abarth was coming down the pipe & I could probably talk her into one (unless it has a ride that shakes your fillings out) BUT... it is manual only, and my lovely lady will not drive a stick.

Since I think the 500 appeals mainly to women, Fiatler will need to fit an auto box in this at some point if they want to sell more than 30 or so.

Agreed with all of that.  Were we in the market, it would be high on my wife's list as well - she just loves the look of the thing and the snazzy array of exterior and interior colours.  Fortunately, she won't drive anything BUT a manual, so the Abarth would have a chance.

Jaeger
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Offline Vmango

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #11 on: January 26, 2012, 09:15:07 am »
How does this thing compare with day, the new Mini Coupe?
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Offline 5 Wheel Drive

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #12 on: January 26, 2012, 10:56:01 am »
I kinda liked the Fiat 500 Sport.  Then I had agood look all over the black Abarth that was at the Montreal Auto show.  I fell in love with that little thing.  I'd love to get my hands on one...   :love:
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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #13 on: January 26, 2012, 11:03:27 am »
I cannot wait to drive one of these.  I found the Fiat Lounge to be fun so I can only hope for better with the Abarth
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Offline JohnM

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #14 on: January 26, 2012, 11:19:01 am »
The Fiat Abarth should be around 200 pounds lighter than the Mini Cooper S while having basically the same engine output.  Don't know where in the RPM band the torque peak occurs though.

The Cooper S gets to 100 in about 6.5 seconds.  The Abarth for $24k looks like a performance bargain. 

From what I have seen the 500 is hitting its sales targets in Canada but is way, way off the targets in the US.  Like 70% to 80% under.

I've seen quite a few and give them thumbs up whenever possible. 

Cheers,
John M.
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Offline safristi

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #15 on: January 26, 2012, 11:21:54 am »
..they need to widen their MARKETING EFFORTS in Canada. BIG TIME..never seen one of the regular Topolinos  around here is SW ONT...half; 4/5ths the dealers do not even have one on the lot...........!!! WDF!!!..............Arbaths prolly the hottest Italian since Gina Lolabriggida..oh goodnes gracious me.....I remeber LUSTING after one of their EXHAUST SYSTEMS...is'nt that where they started out...making FART PIPES.. ???


  yeah the Turbo Veloster should be in the picture this Spring when they BOTH appear on the scene...lottsa arm waving by Chrysler ;D ;)......and a RAPITOR(rapider!!?) VELOSTER may supply the Knockout with minimal fanfare.....have at me....I have a glass chin... :drool: :fall: :drool: :fall: :winner:................



« Last Edit: January 26, 2012, 11:25:04 am by safristi »
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Offline Blueprint

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #16 on: January 26, 2012, 01:05:43 pm »
Quote from: 5 Wheel Drive on January 26, 2012, 10:56:01 am
I kinda liked the Fiat 500 Sport.  Then I had agood look all over the black Abarth that was at the Montreal Auto show.  I fell in love with that little thing.  I'd love to get my hands on one...   :love:

The little thing that handed out the brochures wasn't too bad either  :inlove:
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Offline SaskSpecV

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #17 on: January 26, 2012, 01:34:58 pm »
I see Ford.ca has the Fiesta ST in their "upcoming vehicles" section - does this mean it is officially being released in Canada?  Or just for promo?  The Abarth, Fiesta ST, turbo Veloster...all for less than/close to 25K.  Nice.

It's too bad Chevy didn't up the power on their upcoming Sonic RS model, with a little more juice from its' 1.4 turbo it could be thrown in the mix too.

Of course, if you want the ultimate subcompact racer...
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/nissan-juke-r-first-drive-review
Too bad Nissan will never sell you one!
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Offline Sir Osis of Liver

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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #18 on: January 26, 2012, 01:43:47 pm »
Quote from: SaskSpecV on January 26, 2012, 01:34:58 pm
I see Ford.ca has the Fiesta ST in their "upcoming vehicles" section - does this mean it is officially being released in Canada?  Or just for promo?  The Abarth, Fiesta ST, turbo Veloster...all for less than/close to 25K.  Nice.

It's too bad Chevy didn't up the power on their upcoming Sonic RS model, with a little more juice from its' 1.4 turbo it could be thrown in the mix too.

Of course, if you want the ultimate subcompact racer...
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/nissan-juke-r-first-drive-review
Too bad Nissan will never sell you one!

Trifecta has a tune for the 1.4T Sonic that bumps it by ~40hp. The Fiesta ST would be terrific. I don't think either has the charisma of the Abarth though.
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Re: Preview: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
« Reply #19 on: January 26, 2012, 01:48:22 pm »
Quote from: SaskSpecV on January 26, 2012, 01:34:58 pm
I see Ford.ca has the Fiesta ST in their "upcoming vehicles" section - does this mean it is officially being released in Canada?  Or just for promo?  The Abarth, Fiesta ST, turbo Veloster...all for less than/close to 25K.  Nice.

It's too bad Chevy didn't up the power on their upcoming Sonic RS model, with a little more juice from its' 1.4 turbo it could be thrown in the mix too.

Of course, if you want the ultimate subcompact racer...
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/nissan-juke-r-first-drive-review
Too bad Nissan will never sell you one!

It is officially coming.  Ford had the ST at the Montreal autshow.  They did present it all in French so I am not sure what was being said though  :-[
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