TGR Staff - 01/13/2010There’s been a lot of buzz about Fiat’s return to the U.S. market, and it’s finally starting to feel real. Sitting in the heart of Detroit, the new Fiat 500 lineup was shown off at the International Auto Show, teasing American enthusiasts with what’s to come. Among the lineup, there were two standout models: one, a green eco-warrior, and the other, a turbocharged little menace.
Let’s start with the green machine—the Fiat 500 BEV. “BEV” stands for “Battery Electric Vehicle,” and this little hatchback is Fiat’s take on a fully electric runabout designed for urban efficiency. Sure, it’s got the tech credentials, but while the eco-friendly 500 BEV might appeal to those looking to shrink their carbon footprint, it’s not exactly the one that’s got us dreaming of twisty backroads and track days. With its whisper-quiet electric motor, the BEV is more about saving the environment than setting lap times, and while that’s commendable, it’s not why enthusiasts have been waiting for Fiat to return to U.S. shores.
No, the real star of the show—the one that’s got our engines revving—is the Fiat 500 Abarth. If you’re a fan of compact performance cars, this is the one to watch. The Abarth SS is like a fiery espresso shot in automotive form. Think of it as the Italian response to the Mini Cooper S, but dialed up a few notches. This tiny terror is packing 160 horsepower from a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, shoehorned into a car that’s even smaller than the Mini. That’s a power-to-weight ratio that’ll make you sit up and take notice. And while 160 horsepower might not sound like a lot in today’s world of supercharged V8s, in a car that weighs barely over a ton, it’s more than enough to put a grin on your face.
The Abarth isn’t just about straight-line speed, either. This model comes equipped with five-point racing harnesses, deep bucket seats, big brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension that promises to make corner carving an absolute joy. The little Fiat might look cute and cuddly, but don’t let its appearance fool you—this car is built for serious driving enthusiasts. It’s a pocket-sized hooligan ready to take on the best in the compact performance market.
So, what’s the catch? For now, it’s a waiting game. Fiat and Chrysler haven’t released any official information on when—or even if—the Abarth will make its way into U.S. showrooms. But with Chrysler’s new partnership with Fiat, we have high hopes that this scorpion-badged hot hatch will be stinging the competition on American streets by 2011. If Fiat is smart, they’ll realize that the Abarth SS is exactly what they need to establish their brand in the U.S. as more than just a novelty.
The Detroit Auto Show teaser was enough to whet our appetite, and while no official release dates have been set, the presence of the Abarth on American soil is a good sign. Could we really be seeing this fiery Italian taking on the Mini Cooper S at a Chrysler dealership near you in the near future? We certainly hope so. Until then, we’ll keep our fingers crossed and our eyes peeled. Because when it comes to the new Fiat 500 lineup, it’s clear: good things really do come in small packages.
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