BUSINESS

2015 Fiat 500 Abarth balances cute and mean

The Fiat 500 Abarth brought performance, aggressive styling, higher power-to-weight ratio and limited-production volume to the small-car segment in North America.
The Fiat 500 Abarth brought performance, aggressive styling, higher power-to-weight ratio and limited-production volume to the small-car segment in North America.
Webb Bland
Abarth-tuned hardware delivers a sportier driving experience than the 500 with a lowered ride height, beefier suspension, larger brakes and wider tires.
Abarth-tuned hardware delivers a sportier driving experience than the 500 with a lowered ride height, beefier suspension, larger brakes and wider tires.
Henry Payne/The Detroit News
The standard five-speed manual transmission is mated to the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine for 160 horsepower and up to 170 ft.-lb. of torque. The optional six-speed automatic transmission is also paired with the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, delivering 157 horsepower and up to 183 ft.-lb. of torque.
The standard five-speed manual transmission is mated to the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine for 160 horsepower and up to 170 ft.-lb. of torque. The optional six-speed automatic transmission is also paired with the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, delivering 157 horsepower and up to 183 ft.-lb. of torque.
Henry Payne/The Detroit News
The 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio are available with an optional six-speed automatic transmission, helping to broaden the customer base for the high-performance version of the Fiat 500.
The 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio are available with an optional six-speed automatic transmission, helping to broaden the customer base for the high-performance version of the Fiat 500.
Henry Payne/The Detroit News
The Sport mode calibration allows for an even more engaged driving experience with special features, such as fuel-cut upshifts, rev-matching downshifts, brake-assist downshifts, corner gear hold and fast-off gear hold, as well as a more aggressive pedal map.
The Sport mode calibration allows for an even more engaged driving experience with special features, such as fuel-cut upshifts, rev-matching downshifts, brake-assist downshifts, corner gear hold and fast-off gear hold, as well as a more aggressive pedal map.
Fiat
An Abarth-designed fresh-air intake system features a high-flow air filter and smooth-flowing plumbing for maximum power.
An Abarth-designed fresh-air intake system features a high-flow air filter and smooth-flowing plumbing for maximum power.
Henry Payne/The Detroit News
To improve aerodynamics and the necessary engine compartment space for the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, the Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio feature a more pronounced front fascia.
To improve aerodynamics and the necessary engine compartment space for the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, the Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio feature a more pronounced front fascia.
Henry Payne/The Detroit News
To make sure the engine is operating with minimal exhaust restriction, an Abarth-designed concentric "double-tip" dual-exhaust system delivers a high-performance look with menacing Abarth-tuned sound.
To make sure the engine is operating with minimal exhaust restriction, an Abarth-designed concentric "double-tip" dual-exhaust system delivers a high-performance look with menacing Abarth-tuned sound.
Henry Payne/The Detroit News
16-inch or optional 17-inch (shown) lightweight forged-aluminum wheels fill the flared wheel arches and provide ventilation for the performance brake system.
16-inch or optional 17-inch (shown) lightweight forged-aluminum wheels fill the flared wheel arches and provide ventilation for the performance brake system.
Fiat
Interior improvements for 2015 include a 7-inch, high-definition color cluster display, Bluetooth streaming audio and a revamped center console.
Interior improvements for 2015 include a 7-inch, high-definition color cluster display, Bluetooth streaming audio and a revamped center console.
Fiat
The center console has been redesigned for 2015 to make it more useful for drivers. The revamped console includes a new cup holder design and an additional, conveniently located USB port that is fully functional and integrated with the radio. The 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth models also include Bluetooth streaming audio in addition to the already standard Bluetooth phone connectivity.
The center console has been redesigned for 2015 to make it more useful for drivers. The revamped console includes a new cup holder design and an additional, conveniently located USB port that is fully functional and integrated with the radio. The 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth models also include Bluetooth streaming audio in addition to the already standard Bluetooth phone connectivity.
Henry Payne/The Detroit News
Unique Abarth-styled front performance seats feature a one-piece design with large side bolsters, a racing-harness pass through, accent stitching around the perimeter and integrated side-thorax air bags.
Unique Abarth-styled front performance seats feature a one-piece design with large side bolsters, a racing-harness pass through, accent stitching around the perimeter and integrated side-thorax air bags.
Fiat
The 500 Abarth hatchback features a rear cargo shelf panel and offers 9.5 cu. ft. of cargo space, 26.8 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded down. The Abarth C offers only 5.4 cu. ft. of cargo space and 23.4 cu. ft. with the rear seats flat.
The 500 Abarth hatchback features a rear cargo shelf panel and offers 9.5 cu. ft. of cargo space, 26.8 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded down. The Abarth C offers only 5.4 cu. ft. of cargo space and 23.4 cu. ft. with the rear seats flat.
Henry Payne/The Detroit News
Abarth models include the segment-exclusive full-day Abarth Driving Experience.
Abarth models include the segment-exclusive full-day Abarth Driving Experience.
Webb Bland
In the late 1950s, Karl Abarth believed that race cars with brilliant performance could be derived from small, lightweight, everyday driving cars, including the original Cinquecento (500). And his tradition of track-ready small cars continues today with the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio.
In the late 1950s, Karl Abarth believed that race cars with brilliant performance could be derived from small, lightweight, everyday driving cars, including the original Cinquecento (500). And his tradition of track-ready small cars continues today with the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio.
Fiat