By Drew Johnson
Wednesday, Mar 3rd, 2010 @ 5:23 am
 
After the successful launch of the 500C convertible, Fiat has handed the keys over to its performance Abarth division. The Italian tuner's latest creation -- the Abarth 500C -- is based on the topless 500, and has taken to the show stage at the Geneva Motor Show.

To set the Abarth 500C apart from its standard counterpart, the performance version of the drop top features a unique two-tone paint job - in either black/race white or "two elegant shades of grey" - as well as an appropriately-sporty body kit. Dual exhaust outlets are also part of the Abarth treatment.

Other tweaks for the Abarth label include new design 17-inch wheels and a fully-functional spoiler.

Powering the Abarth 500C is a 140 horsepower version of Fiat's 1.4L Turbo T-Jet engine. Pressing the vehicle's "Sport" button adds even more juice, thanks to a built-in overboost function. Power is routed to the car's front wheels via the "ABARTH Competizione" electro-hydraulically actuated six-speed gearbox.

According to Fiat, the Abarth 500C can sprint from 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 127mph. Fiat has yet to comment on U.S. availability, but we fully expect to see the Abarth 500C on our shores in the not-too-distant future.

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