2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

Building on the excitement of the new 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento), the new Fiat 500 Abarth is designed for track-­day enthusiasts and driving-­puristswho want the ultimate high-­performance small car with the pedigree of an exclusive Italian exotic.

With its all-new 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine, Abarth-tuned suspension and brake systems, race-inspired design, and technology features not traditionally included on a small car, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth unleashes the brand’s legendary performance heritage to American streets.

Like the European-spec 500 Abarth derived from the standard Cinquecento, the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth builds off the North American adapted Fiat 500 Sport – and adds the legendary performance and handling capabilities that have made Abarth models an international success both on and off the track.

Compared with the front-suspension design of the Fiat 500 Sport model, the new 500 Abarth features a unique MacPherson suspension design with a 40 percent stiffer spring rate and 0.6-inch (15 mm) lower ride height for improved handling and minimal body roll. Abarth-designed cast iron front-lower control arms provide improved lateral stiffness, while an increase in negative camber to -1.5 degrees delivers improved grip and steering precision.

Standard on the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth, 16 x 6.5-inch cast-aluminum wheels feature a race-inspired design and are fitted with 195/45 R16 Pirelli® Cinturato P7 tires that deliver all-season traction and low-noise characteristics. These tires are inflated with a higher tire pressure to optimize the 500 Abarth’s suspension tuning.

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Photo Gallery
Image Credit: © Fiat