Eastside FIAT

The Fiat 500 Abarth is a technological tour de force overall, but the engine is worthy of mention. Using a unique red engine cover and front fascia, the turbocharged engine has a stronger five-speed manual transmission, equal-length half-shafts to avoid torque steer, a 3.35 final drive ratio, a 6,500 rpm redline, and a torque transfer control system.

The engine uses a standard cast-iron block, with an aluminum bedplate. Bore is 72 mm (2.83 inches) and stroke is 84 mm (3.31 inches) for a total displacement of 1368 cu. cm (83.5 cubic inches), smaller than any engine built by Chrysler in North America. The bottom end is toughened with a forged steel crankshaft, and select-fit main bearings supported across four main journals. The crankshaft has lightened counterweights to reduce overall mass for high engine rpm operation. Forged steel connecting rods have unique cross sections to reduce bending.

Full-floating piston pins add strength to the lightweight pistons, while cooling jets at the bottom of each cylinder squirt oil on the bottom of the pistons, cutting cylinder temperatures and reducing the possibility of hot spots along the cylinder walls or at the top of the piston that could lead to detonation. Noise is reduced and weight saved with a structural aluminum oil pan.

The Abarth engine boosts output to an estimated 160 horsepower largely because of its turbocharger, which spins up to 230,000 rpm, forcing extra air into the cylinders. The system uses two charge air coolers (commonly referred to as intercoolers) behind the driver- and passenger-side air inlets; these reduce the heat of the high-pressure air, allowing for higher air density and reducing the potential for engine knock.

To go along with the extra power is a fresh-air intake system with high-flow air filter, improved-flow air box, and smoother-flowing plumbing. A concentric "double tip" dual-exhaust system reduces exhaust gas restriction, boosting power.

An Abarth-tuned powertrain control module (PCM) integrates all of the MultiAir Turbo's engine control functions, with specific engine calibrations for "Sport" mode; it syncs with the LED-illuminated shift light for additional driver notification at the redline.

An upgraded electrical system includes a high-output 140-amp alternator and 500 amp cold-cranking maintenance-free battery for increased vehicle system charging.

The Fiat 500 Abarth's C510 transmission includes an intermediate shaft with equal-length half shafts to mitigate torque steer. Compared with the Fiat 500, the 500 Abarth uses 23 percent larger half shafts (28.1 mm diameter vs. 22.8 mm diameter in the Fiat 500) for strength and reduced torsional stress.

Larger constant velocity (CV) joints with 53% greater torsional strength (2600 N?m vs. 1700 N?m in the Fiat 500) deliver added durability.

The torque-traction control system in the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth has a differential locking system that uses the mechanical differential in the C510 transmission to control torque via the electronic stability control (ESC) system. Utilizing ESC enables the 500 Abarth to transfer torque from a front wheel that slips, to one that grips. When the Fiat 500 Abarth is in "Sport" mode, TTC automatically adjusts the degree of differential locking depending on dynamic factors, including speed.

The North American Fiat 500 Abarth has a unique MacPherson suspension design with a 40% stiffer spring rate and 0.6-inch (15 mm) lower ride height than the standard Fiat 500, for improved handling and minimal body roll. Abarth-designed cast iron front-lower control arms provide improved lateral stiffness, while an increase in negative camber to -1.5 degrees delivers improved grip and steering precision.

New dual-valve Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) KONI® front-shock absorbers replace standard twin-tube units and deliver an innovative two-in-one solution. The FSD system increases road holding while actively filtering out high-frequency suspension inputs from uneven road surfaces and adjusting for comfort.

In back, the Fiat 500 Abarth takes the Fiat 500 Sport model's (already 300% stiffer than the European Fiat 500) twist-beam design further, with a reinforced rear axle with strengthened coil-spring supports for greater durability. A new Abarth-specific rear-stabilizer bar increases cornering grip. For improved handling, minimal body roll and ride-height control (when fully loaded), the new Fiat 500 Abarth has 20% stiffer rear springs with 0.6-inch (15 mm) lower ride.

The 15.1:1 (up from 16.3:1) steering-gear ratio is quicker; and the 500 Abarth has a uniquely tuned electronic power steering (EPS) calibration for increased steering response and feedback.

For stopping power, the Fiat 500 Abarth uses 2.1-inch (54 mm) diameter single-piston front-brake calipers with semi-metallic brake linings up front; 11.1-inch (282 mm) (up from 10.1-inch; 257 mm) diameter ventilated rotors provide additional surface-heat dissipation. The 9.4-inch (240 mm) rear disc-brake system features single-piston brake calipers with semi-metallic brake linings to mitigate brake fade at higher temperatures. Both front- and rear-brake calipers are lacquered in Rosso (red) paint.

An Abarth-tuned ESC system features a three-mode calibration. When ESC is set to "Partial Off" or "Full Off," the 500 Abarth's Torque Transfer Control (TTC) system maximizes throttle performance during on-throttle cornering.

To improve aerodynamics, make room for more components, and allow airflow to the charge air coolers, the Fiat 500 Abarth's front fascia is more pronounced and pushed 2.7 inches (69 mm) ahead of its signature "whiskers and logo" face, recalling the Abarth stylistic treatments from vintage 850 TC and 1000 TC models.

The signature "Abarth" shield floats on a finned surface that is actually an additional air intake. Below, the "triptych" of air intakes consists of three inlets with broader openings than the Fiat 500. For a more aggressive look, a blacked-out fascia accent integrates projector-beam fog lamps and helps direct air for engine cooling. Twin "nostrils" are precisely positioned on the front fascia to maximize airflow in and out of the two engine intercoolers (both intercoolers are visible through the "nostril" inlets).

More aggressive Abarth-designed side skirts provide a vertical and athletic profile, while highlighting the iconic curves of the Fiat 500 Abarth. Abarth-designed 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels, or optional 17-inch lightweight forged-aluminum wheels, fill the flared wheel arches and provide ventilation for the performance brake system. In addition, both wheel designs allow visibility of the lacquered Rosso (red) brake calipers.

From the rear, a large liftgate-mounted spoiler extends the roofline of the Fiat 500 Abarth and improves the vehicle's aerodynamic behavior by creating additional down force. Below, the two-piece Abarth-styled rear fascia accentuates the road-holding stance of this high-performance 500 and optimizes airflow output with its black-accented rear diffuser. In addition, symmetric, twin exhaust cutouts deliver a powerful look, while large concentric "double tip" exhausts provide a tuned sound and Abarth-exclusive look.

Iconic Abarth shields are on both driver and passenger rear-quarter panels and feature a "shot through" Rosso-Bianco-Verde (red-white-green) tri-color arrow. Optional bodyside exterior decals pay homage to the historic models; available in Rosso (red), Nero (black), and Bianco (white), the signature Abarth triple-stripe logo runs horizontally along the lower bodyside and dissipates into a gradient rearward. Exterior mirror caps match the stripe.

17-inch forged-aluminum wheels are available in Hyper Black or optional Bianco paint.

Behind the steering wheel, the Fiat 500 Abarth features a large concentric instrument cluster with 160-mph speedometer, tachometer and trip computer. The cluster brow is wrapped in Nero leather with Rosso accent stitching. Aluminum pedal covers have rubber trim.

Unique front seats have a one-piece design with large side bolsters, racing-harness pass through, accent stitching around the perimeter, and integrated side-thorax air bags. The rear passengers' upper seatbacks are raised and bolstered for added back support.

The Fiat 500 Abarth center stack, radio and climate control system, headliner, and pillars are finished in Nero, while the four-passenger seating is available in Nero (cloth or leather) or Rosso/Nero (leather) color combinations. The luggage compartment provides a maximum of 26.8 cubic feet for gear with the rear seats folded.

The FIAT 500 Abarth was officially unveiled on November 16th at the LA Auto show  and is currently available for pre-orders only at Eastside Fiat. To do so, please use the form to the right and the sales manager will be in touch with you. Pre-orders require a $1000 deposit at the time of order.