In a bid to better take on the MINI Cooper, Fiat is reportedly readying at least two Abarth versions of its 500C convertible. Fiat is said to be putting the finishing touches on the hotter drop tops, with a launch date likely in time for next spring’s driving season.
Thanks to Fiat 500C’s canvas roof setup, the Abarth versions were a rather simple conversion: The 500C retains the coupe’s roof rails and pillars, making it rigid and light enough for a performance setup.
The base model 500C Abarth will come sporting a 133 horsepower 1.4L powerplant. A step-up Abarth Esseesse model will also be available, producing 157 horsepower. Like all 500 models, the 500C Abarth models will be available with a wealth of customization options.
Although the standard 500 is priced below the MINI, the 500C Abarth models will likely be on par with their British counterparts. According to Autocar, the base 500C Abarth model will list from the equivalent of $26,000 in the UK.
No word if the 500C Abarth models will make it to the U.S., but there is a strong possibility.
07/24, 12:00 PM
posted by:
Uncle Butch
Dis is great!!! I needed a car to drive around my Barbis in and dey made me one!!! Dose Italians are da best! First spaghetti and now dis!!! My Barbi dolls will be thrilled.
07/24, 12:02 PM
posted by:
Cousin Clem
I got da Abarth treatment for my skin once. Da Doc made me put cream all over and it was itchy!
07/24, 12:06 PM
posted by:
Uncle Butch
Party on wayne, Party on Abarth!
07/24, 1:05 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Those were actually pretty funny.
If this comes here, I’ll test drive it.
07/24, 1:45 PM
posted by:
orangecones
I will test drive, and a few years maybe even buy one (hard top, not C) if the initial quality proves itself. Its great that Fiat is giving MINI a good run for its money.
Now we need a Hyundai Accent Cabrio Type – R (or something….) to be launched to really shake up the segment with value for money.
07/24, 2:08 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
I don’t know, OranceCones, I don’t think I’d want to see a convertible Hyundai.
07/24, 2:16 PM
posted by:
Sgt Pepper
Initial quality??? Fiat ranks among the worst in that category and who can forget the Fiat of the 80’s. No thanks.
07/24, 2:29 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Abarth on a Fiat = lipstock on a pig.
07/24, 2:52 PM
posted by:
orangecones
Sgt Pepper…. the “80s Fiat” arguement is invalid. Hell, take a look at a early 90s Hyundai Excel vs an 09 Elantra (or even Accent)…. the quality (initial and lifetime) is night and day difference. Until proven otherwise, you cannot assume modern Fiats are the cr*p they used to be. That said, I know by EU standards, Fiats are about “industry average” on quality, which actually puts them right in line with brands like Chevy for quality, which isn’t too bad.
@ beatusmongous…. I was just making a point. Ok, A convertable (or performance) version of the Accent is a bit of a joke, but a Genesis Coupe Convertable would spank all kinds of @ss.
07/24, 3:27 PM
posted by:
The Tuga
howsmydriving
if you dont mind, please tell me where abarth should be other than a fiat??
07/24, 3:32 PM
posted by:
Cousin Clem
Porsche 356B Carrera GTL Abarth finished 1st in class at the 1960 Targa Florio among other distinctive and successful races.
07/25, 1:49 AM
posted by:
asb81689
That really got me thinking, I would really like to see a convertible Hyundai, haha
07/25, 11:48 AM
posted by:
ahnuconun
@asb81689: I got the inside scoop from Hyundai: You no can haz convertible!!!
07/25, 6:26 PM
posted by:
reedfast
a convertible, hyundai would collapse at highway speed.