500 takes Abarth!

Here's a Fiat with a sting in its tail! These exclusive pictures that show the firm has hot plans for its eagerly awaited new 500 - as it's already developing a high-performance Abarth version.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Wild-looking Abarth is inspired by original 595 from late fifties

By Giancarlo Perini

25th April 2006

Wearing the bold scorpion badge of the famous tuning arm, the models are set to debut alongside the new baby next year. And as you'll see from our sensational pictures, which are based on insider information, they'll certainly cause some excitement.

Sporting extended wheelarches, bright paintwork complete with graphics and gold wheels, they're a modern interpretation of the original Fiat 595 Abarth, which appeared in the Fifties.

Featuring a wider track than the standard 500, lowered and stiffened suspension plus aerodynamic tweaks such as a tailgate spoiler, the new Abarth will be sporty to drive. Uprated brakes and an interior with sports seats will also be offered. Under the bonnet, a new 1.4-litre turbo developed especially for the 500 is anticipated. Producing in excess of 150bhp, it should give the lightweight machine punchy acceleration - an eight-second 0-60mph time and 130mph top speed are likely. The Abarth will be revealed with the new 500 at next March's Geneva Motor Show. A development of the Trepiuno concept, seen at Geneva two years ago, the standard car is based on the same platform as the Panda, which will also underpin Ford's next Ka.

Yet while the Trepiuno was a strict three-seater, the 500 will be larger and feature a conventional four-seat layout. Prices should start at around £8,000.