Fiat has announced pricing on the new 2012 500 Abarth hatchback, which goes on sale later this year. Prices for the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth start at $22,000 (not including destination).

“The Fiat 500 Abarth feels like a double shot of espresso straight to your veins,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC. “With its wicked attitude, it will reward adrenaline fans who no longer need to pay six figures to feel the rush of true Italian performance.”

Power for the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth comes from 1.4 liter MultiAir Turbo engine making 160-hp with a maximum torque of 170 lb-ft. The 500 Abarth also features Abarth-tuned suspension, brake systems and dual exhaust, turbo-boost gauge with integrated LED shift light and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth comes standard with BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication, Bose premium audio system and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

- By: Omar Rana

Fiat’s spicy commercial ‘Seduction’ made its debut alongside the Fiat 500 Abarth at the 2011 LA Auto Show. Since then, the video has gathered more than 2 million views on YouTube and is now receiving the pop-up video treatment from VH1.

A pop-up version of the commercial will be featured on VH1.com’s ‘Pop-Up Video’ site (http://on.vh1.com/FIATpop) starting today through Saturday, Dec. 31.

Click here for our original post on the Fiat 500 Abarth.

“’Seduction’ was created to generate awareness for the introduction of the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth – it’s an edgy video that captures the intensity of this all-new vehicle,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand North America. “VH1 has taken “Seduction” to the next level by giving it another unique and fun twist that both FIAT and VH1 fans will thoroughly enjoy.”

Refresher: The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is powered by a new 1.4 liter MultiAir Turbo engine that pushes up to 160-hp. Sales start early 2012.

- By: Omar Rana

The new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth recently stopped by at Jay Leno’s Garage, Joe Grace, Fiat Vehicle Line Executive. Other than taking the Fiat 500 Abarth for a spin, Leno received a short history lesson from Grace on the brand’s heritage.

Click here for our original post on the Fiat 500 Abarth.

Check out the video after the jump.

Refresher: The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is powered by a new 1.4 liter MultiAir Turbo engine that pushes up to 160-hp. Sales start early 2012.

- By: Omar Rana

Chrysler Group LLC is taking out a little time today to celebrate 1 million hits (in just one week) on YouTube for its new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth ‘Seduction’ commercial.

“The Fiat brand is thrilled to learn that our spot has captured the attention of so many people across the globe” said Olivier Francois – Head of Fiat Brand and Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group LLC. “What was created as video introduction for the Fiat 500 Abarth’s U.S. debut is gaining global momentum and becoming news in its own right. Indeed, it’s become a seductive way to maintain excitement and increase awareness for our newest model.”

Click here for our original post on the Fiat 500 Abarth.

We really hope the 1 million hits has everything to do with the Fiat 500 Abarth and not the seduction appeal of Catrinel Menghia (the model in the commercial).

Check out the commercial after the jump of  you haven’t already done so.

Refresher: The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is powered by a new 1.4 liter MultiAir Turbo engine that pushes up to 160-hp. Sales start early 2012.

- By: Omar Rana

Fiat is doing all its can to generate more interest in the Fiat 500 and the new hardcore 500 Abarth should definitely help. Of course, marketing has to be a part of the picture as well and the Italian automaker has just released two new sexy ad spots.

The Fiat 500 Abarth ad spot, called ‘Seduction’ replaces J. Lo with a sensual Italian woman – but don’t worry J. Lo isn’t going anywhere. The second ad spot for the Fiat 500 Gucci brings Jennifer Lopez back to the 500 commercials.

Click here for our original post on the Fiat 500 Abarth.

The commercial, titled “Elegance,” is voiced-over by Lopez and highlights the Fiat 500 by Gucci limited edition, as Lopez drives through the streets of New York City.

Check out the two ad spots after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Having not enjoyed the same sales curve as the Mini Cooper during its introduction, the Fiat 500 is in a little bit of trouble when compared to the Mini. But that is all about to change: Fiat has just announced the 500 Abarth at the LA Auto Show, a tighter, nimbler 500 sporting more power than the standard 500, which in a car that only weighs 2,200 lbs is enough to get it to 60 in under eight seconds.

Fiat says that the car is “track ready with a high horsepower-per-liter engine,”  they also say that the performance tuned exhaust produces a “menacing” sound. This all seems to fit in quite well given that the 70s era Abarths didn’t even have closed engine bays.

Click here for our original post on the Fiat 500 Abarth.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By; Sawyer Sutton

“Bringing the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth to the U.S. enables us to reach out to driving enthusiasts who want Italian performance at an attainable price,” said Olivier Francois, Head of FIAT Brand and Chief Marketing Officer — Chrysler Group LLC. “With its lightweight, track-tuned handling and purpose-built design, the Fiat 500 Abarth brings to life the legendary racing heritage of the brand and becomes the Italian high-performance car for everyday driving.”

Designed for track-day enthusiasts, the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is powered by a new 1.4 liter MultiAir Turbo engine that pushes up to 160-hp. Quite some oomph for a small car.

Abarth has also upgraded the suspension and brake system to keep up with the extra power.

Prices will be announced closer to launch date.

- By: Omar Rana

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

Click here for more news on the Fiat 500.

Power for the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth US-spec will come from a 1.4 liter MultiAir Turbo engine. Across the ocean, that engine produces a nice 135 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Also a part of the package will be an Abarth-tuned suspension, brake systems and race-inspired design and technology features not traditionally included on a small car.

Sales of the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth will begin later this year.

- By: Omar Rana

Fiat of America has just confirmed on Twitter that the U.S. market Fiat 500 Abarth will debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Currently, the Euro-spec Fiat 500 Abarth is powered by a 1.4 16v gasoline Turbo engine, which delivers 135 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 152 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm in ‘Sport’ mode.

The Fiat 500 Abarth will go on sale in 2012 as a 2013 model year.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Twitter

Fiat 500

Chrysler announced last month that it has started the dealer selection process for the reintroduction of the Fiat brand in the United States. The Auburn Hills automaker has now invited 600 dealers to a meeting at its headquarters later this month to learn more about what the requirements will be for them to sell Fiats in the United States.

The first Fiat for the North American market will be the 500 hatchback, which will be built at the company’s Toluca, Mexico. Sales of the Fiat 500 will begin in December. The Fiat 500 Cabrio will join dealers in 2011. It is also rumored that Fiat plans on selling a four-door Fiat 500 that will be classified as a minivan in the U.S. In 2012, selected Fiat dealerships will also sell an electric-version of the 500.

Out of the 600 dealers that are going to be invited to Auburn Hills, only 200 will make the cut to sell the Italian brand.

Fiat 500C:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

Fiat 500

After a 30 year North American absence, Fiat is getting ready to return. Starting in 2011, Fiats will be available purchase in about 200 U.S. Chrysler Group dealerships. The initial lineup will consist mainly of the 500 minicar, and four variants thereof.

Fiat also plans to release a convertible version of the 500 in 2011, and 2012 will see an electric version to be sold exclusively in the United States. Also in 2012, Fiat will be selling an Abarth branded performance version of the 500.

To round out the selection, the company will also be importing from Serbia, a four-door version of the 500, where the model is also set to go on sale in 2012. The four-door will be classified as a minivan upon its arrival in the U.S. due to the high roof and rear hatch. That car will be built in Turin, Italy on a longer and wider platform than the two-door 500. It has been reported that Fiat will drop the 500 badging for ’600.’

Fiat 500:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Pogea Racing Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition

Later this year in the United States, we’ll get to enjoy the compact Fiat 500 hatchback from Italy – however, there is no word yet whether we’ll ever get a Fiat 500 Abarth. If that didn’t make you angry enough already here is a Germany tuner offering the hottest Fiat 500 we’ve seen yet. Pogea Racing has taken the already hot Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition and made it even hotter.

The standard Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition makes a respectable 164-hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Pogea Racing decided to take it a step further and added larger stainless steel exhaust system, modified downpipe, and a new catalytic converter. All those modifications allow for a total of 264-hp and a maximum torque of 243 lb-ft. For stopping power Pogea Racing upgraded the OEM brakes with their 4-piston brake assembly.

Jealous yet? Because we definitely are.

Pogea Racing Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition:

Press Release:

The mighty Italian – Fiat 500 FERRARI DEALERS EDITION with 268 PS

When there is a new project at Pogea Racing, one can be absolutely sure that everything is well studied to the smallest detail.

The hardest part of the development process was to avoid using a separate Tuning Box Unit. Unlike other “tuners”, Pogea Racing starts with the OEM ECU of the Fiat 500 Abarth, instead of relying on a separate controller unit. Pogea Racing develops the software data to work directly with the vehicle’s ECU. This assures that instructions that are sent from the ECU direct all normal functions of the car properly. An auxiliary unit cannot control all functions, and will ignore the vehicle’s ECU’s commands. Herein lies the principal difference between Pogea Racing’s development and other Tuners.

Pogea Racing chose a very rare model, the Fiat 500 FERRARI DEALERS EDITION of Abarth. The standard engine is already relatively strong, coming with 165PS and 230Nm. Pogea Racing increases the performance of the small Italian model by adding 100hp on top of the standard engine, producing 268PS and 330 Nm total power. The Pogea Racing model was also measured and developed on one of the most modern all-wheel drive dynamometers. To get this power out of the mighty Italian car, they changed the exhaust system and replaced it with a larger stainless steel exhaust system, modified downpipe, and a new catalytic converter. The tailpipes can be chosen by the customer from many available Designs.

Power comes from the new hybrid turbocharger from Pogea Racing. Currently, there are two turbocharger variants that the customer can choose from. To add cooling to both the intake air, and to lower the combustion temperature, a modified Intake cooling system was created. A center-mount, larger, more efficient intercooler replaces the two smaller original intercoolers. Additional air is being pumped into the engine compartment to cool the accessories via the carbon fiber parts of the Assetto Corse. Fuel injection is optimized by changing fuel pressure valves and using upgraded Bosch fuel injectors.

For increased stopping power Pogea Racing upgraded the OEM Brake system with their 4-piston brake assembly. This detail is very important to Pogea Racing, and they developed a brake system with identical weight to the OEM brake system, but about 1,8m reduced braking distance when compared to the OEM brakes. You can round up the entire kit with TÃV Approval and with an optional warranty for engine, turbo, and transmission. Pogea Racing completes its tuning work exclusively at their headquarters in the center at the Bodensee.

Apart from the performance cure Pogea Racing also offers Assetto Corse Parts as legal TÃV Approved Parts dealer in Germany for the current models. The parts come directly from the factory in Italy. So now your Fiat can become optically at least a large Ferraristi, or even an image of the 100 PS Assetto Corse. Pogea Racing has other services; leather work, individual suspension systems, and carbon fiber parts can also be part of your individualization. Now there is one tuning company which makes just about everything for your little Italian. Prices for the smallest Change begin at 3400€.

- By: Omar Rana

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: