FIAT 500 Abarth Reviews & Research Phoenix AZ | Abarth Performance

Fiat - the year's most talked about car maker - has finalized plans to bring the Fiat 500 Abarth to the U.S. in 2012. Like its little sister, the Fiat 500, the Abarth's style occupies a strange space that is both retro and modern, but all Italian. Unveiled at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Fiat 500 Abarth is a compact sport-inspired racer that's big on power but small in size rave early Fiat 500 Abarth reviews. Compared to the Mini Cooper S and the VW Golf GTI , the Fiat 500 Abarth is a racer's dream come true: small yet incredibly fast, agile yet substantive and just plain wicked on or off the track. High performance meets Italian sensibility and style with Fiat of Scottsdale's 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth.

Fiat's Abarth is named after engineer Carlo Abarth, a man who began a long relationship with Fiat in the early '50s. At the time, Carlo was a successful parts provider after founding Abarth & C. with financier Armando Scagliarini. The duo produced aftermarket products for a variety of production automobiles, believing that drivers wanted a performance boost to otherwise lackluster "city cars." Fiat shared Abarth's vision and tasked him with creating a sportier version of the 500. Coined as the Fiat 595, it broke six international racing records in its first year alone. Years later, Fiat rebranded the 595 as the 500, a symbol of performance and racing prowess without equal. After Fiat's partial acquisition of Chrysler in 2009, plans to bring the Fiat 500 Abarth to the United States were finalized, setting the stage for its release in early 2012. Fiat of Scottsdale's inventory of Fiat Abarth 500 cars will be arriving in early to mid-spring, so be sure to check back to our new Fiat inventory often or simply contact us for more information.

Here's a preview of what's to come with the Fiat 500 Abarth in Scottsdale:

Design: The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth takes its design cues from its sister car, the 500, but adds an aggressive and race-inspired aesthetic. The Abarth is much more aerodynamic for the obvious reason of reducing wind shear to improve speed, but it also allows Fiat's new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine to sit comfortably under the hood. A curvilinear liftgate spoiler adorns the rear while 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels accentuate its flared wheel arches. Inside, the 500 Abarth juxtaposes clean, utilitarian functionality with modern accents and a concentric instrument cluster wrapped in Nero leather and Rosso stitching.

Engineering and powertrain: Engineered for high-performance driving on and off the track, the 2012 Fiat Abarth delivers a thrilling experience Scottsdale Fiat drivers won't soon forget. A precision-tuned chassis with a specialized MacPherson suspension system and KONI shock absorbers provide a firm handling experience on par with the finest sport-tuned German automobiles. An Abarth-tuned steering system allows for enhanced maneuverability and responsiveness, according to many Fiat 500 Abarth reviews. After the Fiat 500 Abarth arrives in Scottsdale and Phoenix, it will be Fiat's first car to utilize a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine. This turbocharged, twin intercooled monster delivers an estimated 160 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is currently available overseas and recently won the "Best International Engine in 2010," chosen by over 70 automotive journalists representing more than 35 countries.

While details are scarce on the actual amenities offered in the new Abarth, a few have been confirmed by Fiat USA. Inside, the 500 Abarth will feature BLUE&ME Handsfree technology. Developed by Fiat and Microsoft, BLUE&ME will allow a voice-activated interface to interact with your Bluetooth. TomTom Navigation is also available on a 4.3-inch touchscreen, giving you access to directions, weather reports and your favorite points of interest. A Bose EES audio system with six speakers and a subwoofer provide crystal clear premium sound. SIRIUS Satellite Radio will be optional.

Remember to check back periodically for updates to this page on the full list of amenities, features and specs available on the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth. As your Fiat dealer in Arizona, Fiat of Scottsdale looks forward to this unprecedented release; call us today with your questions about the new 500 Abarth.