Fiat 500 comes to the US with 170hp

[soup070]

All the talk about large 4 door sedans how they have led to disappointing us in the last year like the Non-allwheel drive GS Regal, Chevy's tiptoe around bringing back the Commodore (G8) that has/will go on for years, or GM just being a back-stabber when they Xed Pontiac (used the econmic downturn as a blame to release the brand when the damage was correcting themselve with the G8). Well here is you savior to those who want a fun, easy to drive car that has as much bph/ton as a Camaro (but you can see where you are going), looks pretty good, and some say will sell for less than a Mini.

How about trying out a Fiat 500. Smaller than a Mini, yet ALOT more grunt in UK the base 500 comes with 101hp reports state that the turbo version for the US will come with 170hp with prices less than a Mini - what a cool car. The Abath version on Top Gear - Season 12 episode when they went to the US has Jeremy driving it, and what a great looking car when you don't have to carry anything or more than just two.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpAFi9nIJVQ
http://fiat500usa.blogspot.com/2010/...orsepower.html

I've always been impressed with Italian cars I had a coworker who had a early-90s Alfa sedan and it drove great, now I would like to say as a like all Italian/British cars will brake. Yes, reliablity is an issue, but like everyone I really want a Land Rover LR3 even though I know the trany will lock up, suspension will deflate, skylights will leak, switches will fall through the dash ... OK I'm sure theres more but this what makes them unique. Just like LR, Fiat and Alfa look great - understatment, went to the Brisbane Auto Show in 2007 and wow these cars have something US & some Asian automakers refuse to put into most of there cars (those that carry people on HP) heart. Not to attack or hurt the US big 3 automakers, owners, workers, or people who buy their products - but there is more out there.

So if any discruntled Big 3 owners are looking for a econ car that would kick the crap out of Mini, Focus, or Spark - and would draw more looks than a GTR take a look at the 500. If I didn't need an SUV I would really would have signed up to on the list for the first few (I think 500 or so) will come with only a manual.

[soup070]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eVRy...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZmGv-ecm3I

[GeorgeInNePa]

That Abarth500 looked like fun, but the only problem is it will be something stupid like $30K.

I'll be shocked if it's afforable.

[Panzer Leader]

Had a FIAT once a 124 Coupe, not the Spyder. Great car to drive, well ahead of its time. 4 wheel independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, 5 speed MT, dual overhead cam engine (I added webers). Bad thing is, I found out that FIAT stood for Fix It Again Tony.

[soup070]

Had a FIAT once a 124 Coupe,... I found out that FIAT stood for Fix It Again Tony.

LOL, I've heard of that saying before, but like all Italian cars Fiat, Alfa, Farrari, Lambo, Pagani, etc. they all have frequent and expensive repair bills. Well growing up how may boys had a poster of a AMC Grimlin on their wall, nope, F40 or a Countach was there instead - there all loved in you dreams but endup being headaches in the end. If I had an Italian car on my wall it would probably be a Alfa Romeo Spider 8C or a GT wow some of the sexiest cars I've ever seen, however like all great loves they will end up breaking your heart.

[soup070]

That Abarth500 looked like fun, but the only problem is it will be something stupid like $30K.

I'll be shocked if it's afforable.

You can go to http://www.fiatusa.com/en/build_your_own.html and you can build your own. Base price starts over $15K for a Pop version and under $20K for a premium ED. Maybe not the Abath version, but it does make the new Spark/Aveo look like crap.

[Pugaracer]

Any idea when they will be available? and where they will be sold?

[soup070]

Just came back from test driving a 2012.5 Fiat 500 Abarth turbo - black with 17" black rims, red leather, red stitched leather steering wheel, and red Abarth decals. What an awesome ride, the exhaust hummed through a straight pipe with 161hp. Its basically the first in the midwest, they sold 3 today. It would have be perfect, but way too small for my family ride and no incentives like their other models. I would have to say that everyone was looking harder at it more than I've seen look at my G8. If your looking for a small runaround this would have to be it. Would recommend it, base price is around $22,300 w/16" & w/o leather - model today msrp at $25K.

[soup070]

Check out Jay Leno's garage with the Abarth, look just like this one.
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/...part-2/1392480

[Slizzo]

I like the 500 Abarth.

But give me a Brera or Giulietta any day. Alfas are just dead sexy.