According to a report by WardsAuto, Chrysler Group LLC dealers have been told that their first batch of Fiat 500 minicars due to hit showrooms in 2011, will be sporty Abarth versions.

That means instead of the boring base 99-hp Fiat 500, we’ll be getting the 1.4L 16v turbocharged 4-cylinder variant making 135-hp. 0-60 mph for the Fiat 500 Abarth comes in 7 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph. Estimated fuel-economy comes in at 25/33 mpg (city/highway).

Visual enhancements will include a spoiler, twin tailpipes, 16-inch wheels, a new front bumper, aluminum pedals, a beefy steering wheel, leather-trimmed shifter for the 5-speed manual and sporty seats.

The Fiat 500 is expected to be priced between $18,000 to $19,000 when it hits U.S. shores.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: WardsAuto

Celebrating Abarth’s return to the Dutch market, Fiat and Abarth have released this limited edition 500 Competizione.

Power comes from the same 1.4L 4-cylinder turbo used in the standard Fiat 500 Abarth that produces 135-hp with a peak torque of 152 lb-ft. To make it special, the Abarth Fiat 500 Competizione features a black-roof, 17-inch black alloy wheels and Abarth graphics on the side. Inside, the special-edition model gets Competizione logos with navigation, an upgraded audio system and climate control as standard.

Only 10 units of the Abarth Fiat 500 Competizione will be made with prices starting at €24,995 ($35,214 USD).

Abarth Fiat 500 Competizione:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Celebrating Karl Abarth’s centenary, Abarth has released a limited edition version of the new Abarth 500 which it’s calling the ‘DA 0 A 100.’ Only 101 units of the car will be made which pay tribute to the founder’s passion. What’s so special about this Abarth 500 besides its weird name?

On the outside the Nuvolari Grey Abarth 500 DA 0 A 100 gets Abarth stripes, a silencer with 4 terminals outlining the special exhaust pipe and chrome plated badging all around the car. Inside the limited edition Abarth 500 gets leather seats with silver stitching, leather thumb rests on the steering wheel and yes – a bunch of DA 0 A 100 badging.

The Abarth 500 DA 0 A 100 is powered by a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet engine that makes 160-hp and a peak torque of 170 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph comes in 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 131 mph. Stopping power is provided by high-performance brake pads and perforated disc brakes on the front and rear. The Abarth 500 DA 0 A 100 tides on 17-inch wheels with chrome-plated hub covers wrapped in Pirelli Pzero Nero tires.

Abarth 500 DA 0 A 100:

Abarth will be attending the 2008 Paris Motor Show to show it Fiat 500 Abarth with the “esseesse” kit that gives your 500 Abarth a little more oomph. The “esseesse” kit comes in an elegant wooden case and is sold and installed by the official network of Abarth converters.

The kit allows the 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet engine to pump out a total of 197-hp with a maximum torque of 167 lb-ft. That allows for a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 131 mph. The “esseesse” kit also gives the Fiat 500 Abarth ventilated front brake discs, perforated rear brake discs, high-performance brake pads, lowered springs, and 17-inch allow wheels wrapped in Pirelli Pzero tires.

You also get a air filter powered by BMC, four tire pressure sensors and “esseesse” badges so you can show off your “esseesseness.”

Click through for high-res images.

Fiat 500 Abarth esseesse: