Looks like Fiaat is trying to make a move on the MINI market. This was on display at the Paris Auto Show...

http://www.fiat.co.uk/500abarth/Default.aspx

 

It certainly looks familiar, but the original Fiat 500 actually pre-dates the classic Mini by two years, so the question of who is copying whom is something of an open issue.

 

Sorry to move in on the thread when I'm not in the area, but I do have to say that car... is CUTE! I'd totally buy one if there were a fiat dealer nearby.

 

Makes sense cuz the guy who styled the MINI and led the design team at FIAT for the project was Frank Stephenson

 

Fiat is copying Fiat (not MINI).

Here are the old and new Fiat 500:





The Abarth is a Fiat 500 with performance parts and bodykit.

 

I drove one a month ago. It was a market research thing. I wish the interviewer would've known more about the cars because it seemed like it had some interesting features, but I didn't know how to use them, mainly the transmission. We only had about 10 minutes with each car.

 

I don't like the wheels on the OP link at all.

 

I <heart> the FIAT Arbath wheels!

 

Thats because you're a trendy DC metro-ite.

 

Abarth is not even cute. There is no comparison.

 

How do you get this gigs??????

 

I don't think there are any fiat dealerships in the US? And why not? What about Alpha Romeros? Why are we stuck with American crap?

 

more MINI competitors..

 

Dave got a letter from a market research company about it. I called and convinced them that even though I'm not the "registered" owner, I drive the car more. I even got paid!

 

Saw a bunch of these in Italy and Sardegna, the MINI influence is very evident in the trim and quality.

 

I saw one yesterday on 495 inner loop and 123, with Alaska plates like at 5 pm. his trunk door was open venting the motor, rush hour........ I was on my bike and honked at him