Fiat 500 Abarth drops its top
Geneva reveal for sun-chasing ragtop version of the high performance Fiat 500 AbarthFiat recently launched the open-roofed 500C in Australia, and the company is now set to reveal a go-faster Abarth version of the ragtop at the imminent Geneva motor show.
Propulsion for the 500C Abarth comes from a 1.4-litre Turbo T-Jet engine that ekes out 103kW and 206Nm (in overboost mode, which is activated by pressing a 'Sport' button), and drive is relayed to the front wheels by a new Abarth-developed 'Competizione' version of the Dualogic six-speed sequential manual gearbox.
The Abarth Competizione gearbox can either be left to its own devices, or it gives the driver the option of taking charge via steering wheel-mounted paddles.
The 500C Abarth has F1-inspired LED gearshift indicators, but when the car is in normal mode, these indicate the most economical time to change gears, while in Sport mode they indicate optimum upshift points for maximum performance.
Fiat quotes a 0-100km/h split of 8.1sec and a v-max of 205km/h, yet the alfresco Bambino consumes a modest 6.5 litres/100km on the combined cycle.
The pumped-up convertible is distinguished by the usual Abarth hallmarks -- a bespoke front spoiler and rear diffuser, 17-inch 'five-petal' alloys, an eye-catching two-tone paint job and a lowered stance.
Fiat claims the clever design of the 500C's roof means the car's performance may be equally easily accessed to the max with the roof up or down, and the fixed side windows and door frames are said to minimise buffeting even when the top is lowered.
The roof raises and retracts at the push of a button, and it features a glass rear window and a rear spoiler with mid-level brake light.
Standard safety gear includes seven airbags (dual front, side and window airbags plus one driver knee airbag), claimed to be a record for this class of vehicle, as well as ABS with EBD (Electronic Braking Distribution), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) traction control, Hill Holder to facilitate starting off on slopes, and HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) to help with emergency braking.
Australian Fiat importer Ateco Automotive is yet to announce a local launch date, but it says the 500C Abarth will follow the hard-topped 500 Abarth later this year.
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