Has anyone else been following the release of the new Fiat 500? Even though the chances are slim that the Abarth version will be offered in the U.S. I'm still excited about the possibility. The Abarth version has been testing on the Ring.

link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=m3rAX0J1UOg

 

Don't hold your breath to see it introduced in North America.

Ahh memories of the Fiat - Fix It Again Tony.

 

I think this is going to be an entirely different Fiat. Look at American cars of today, they had to step it up to keep up with the Japanese build quality. And what about the Classic Mini? You almost have to be your own mechanic to own one.

 

What the heck was that SUV that passed the Fiat in the early part of the
video? Looked a little like a Chevy HHR or something...............

I liked the exhaust sound, although it didn't sound like it revved very high - the little pop on letup was fun!

I like this little car, and I think it would be fun to own, especially in the city, but I despair of ever seeing them on the road here like we do MINIs......and I would not spend $30k for one - in fact I'd be hard pressed to spend $20k.......

 

I think it's the new BMW X6.

 

Here's a link: http://nf500.com/2007/08/03/abarth-o...-a-posibility/

 

Fiat is seriously considering bringing the Abarth version to the US. The release date Fiat is kicking around is sometime in 2010.

I'm assumming Fiat will sell the cars through Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo dealerships. I would be willing to bet however that any Fiat's will be sold in a separate area away from the Ferrari's.

I hope Fiat decides to sell in the US because I want one.

 

Here's another video with a little more footage (and is it being passed by James Bond towards the end?): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJj4QHtrpnk

 

the current issue of automobile has a nice write up on the 500, and they're saying the Abarth is coming here....

I can't wait to check one out, I have a weakness for italian cars, having previously owned a few Alfas.

It would take a LOT to move me away from my MINI, though. Plus, the reason I had to have a few Alfas was to give myself a decent chance that one of them would be functional at any given time

 

0-100kmh or 62 mph in 5.8-not bad. That would put 0-60 around 5.7 sec. Man that Aston Martin sounded good pulling way! I wonder if that was the DB-9S?

 

i believe in the Automobile article it said the Abarth would be around 22,500, i could be wrong but that number is sticking out in my mind

 

I checked out a couple of 500s up close and personal a week ago in France - very nice! Not only was the exterior great because it evoked the cool original so well, but the interiors were neat with nice looking checked fabric and two tone options. I would take a serious look at an Abarth if it came here.

(Funny thing is one Fiat we saw was at a Lamborghini dealer, I wonder if that is where service would be ).

 

An SS version will offer somewhere between 165 and 180hp.
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/secret_...id=1057&page=1

 

I would buy it in a heartbeat

 

I know this is an old thread but here is the latest video that I found:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNSzE...-500-a-12.html