Track Time: Fiat Abarth 500 and 124 Spider

The snap … the crackle … the pop. The hissing, growling, and popping that Fiat’s turbo-charged Abarth make is infectious. Their grunting and crackling sounds boost me as I swoop around corners, downshifting through all the gates in order to catch the steep downhill chicane successfully. Cornering in an Abarth makes me smile. Straightaways in an Abarth make me giddy. I didn’t want to leave the racetrack. I wanted to stuff my Abarth 500 and 124 Spider in my back pockets and run away forever.

Road Race Motorsports at the USTCC

Road Race Motorsports took its Fiat 500 Abarth Tallini Competizione to Miller Motorsports Park for last month's United States Touring Car Championship (USTCC). They also got some cool in-car footage while doing so.

I love the Fiat 500 Abarth, but RRM's Tallini Competizione is truly badass. Those flares. That sound. That spoiler. Molto bello! Someday I will have an Abarth. And you know RRM has a bunch of parts for them to make them sound better, look cooler, and go faster!

Fiat 500X SUV Leaked

Fiat's next model, the 500X, has been leaked. The SUV will ride on the same chassis as the upcoming Jeep Renegade. You can see a distinctive Fiat front fascia and a more rounded appearance vs. the ungainly 500L.

We don't know a whole heck of a lot about the 500X, but assume it'll be powered by the 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine found in the 500L and Jeep Renegade. The car is set for an October 2 debut at the Paris Motor Show.

While we haven't seen any other "real" photos than this, I'd say that if the Fiat 500L is controversially styled, the 500X is not. It's much more mainstream looking and should have mass appeal in crossover-crazy America.

Subcompact Supercar: Road Race Motorsports Fiat 500 M1 Turbo Tallini Competizione

Is this the most wicked Fiat 500 yet? It certainly may be. Built by Road Race Motorsports, the 500 M1 Turbo Tallini Competizione makes 247 horsepower, 250 ft/lbs. of torque, and will do 0-60 in under six seconds—and still displaces 1.4 liters.

Other goodies include a carbon fiber body kit, limited slip differential, improved brakes, tuned suspension, carbon-kevlar clutch, and host of other upgrades, such as stiffer bushings, upgraded sway bar, Bilstein shocks, and 16x9 wheels with 225/40/16 Toyo Proxes tires. Curb weight is down 120 lbs from stock, too.

Of course, in stock form the Abarth is a kick in the pants. This? This would be flat-out ridiculous in a totally awesome way. This amazing creation, which bears the last name of the company's owner, Rob Tallini, is limited to 50 units, with prices going all the way up to $100,000 for a fully built, customized model. This is one bad-ass subcompact supercar.

You can read the full press release about the car below after the jump.

Small Car Highlights From the 2014 Portland International Auto Show

2015 BMW i3

The 2014 Portland International Auto Show will be held February 6–10 at the Oregon Convention Center. Subcompact Culture attended the press day on February 5 to get a preview of some of the latest rides. And while there were exotics, sports cars, SUVs, pickups, and just about everything else there, we attended for the small cars ... of course.

2015 BMW i3 

One of the most notable and exciting small cars at the show is the 2015 BMW i3, which is an EV with an optional inline two-cylinder 650cc range-extending gas engine. The vehicle makes 170 hp and 184 lbs./ft. of torque and will weigh in at about 2,700 lbs. It's estimated the small front-drive BMW (a first for the brand) will get 125 eMPG. By the way, yes, it's got 20" wheels wearing 165/65/20 tires. That's a new one. The interior is simply stunning, to be frank. There's futuristic yet simple design throughout, including a gorgeous wood dash area in front of the passenger, and suicide doors. Made with scads of carbon fiber, the i3 will start out at $42,275.

2015 Subaru  WRX STI

Another highly anticipated vehicle at the Auto Show is the 2015 Subaru WRX STI. The standard '15 WRX isn't slated to go on sale until April, but Oregon is Subaru country, and Subaru was able to bring the hot- rodded WRX STI, which won't go on sale until June, to the Portland show for all to see. Making 305 horsepower out of its 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder mill and delivering power too all four wheels, the new STI will likely be a beast despite the somewhat toned-down sheet metal. However, the big wing and gold wheels are back, and are likely to appeal to the rally car crowd. Can't wait to drive this one.

2015 Volkswagen Golf

Another popular car here in the Pacific Northwest is the Volkswagen Golf, and this is the new MkVII model. Complete with revised sheet metal, the new Golf also gets a new 1.8-liter turbocharged engine standard (vs. the past 2.5-liter five cylinder), as well as a revised TDI turbochraged diesel. The gas engine will make 170 hp and 184 lbs./ft. of torque. The new TDI makes 150 hp and a whopping 236 lbs./ft. of torque. Expect TDI mileage to be in the low 40s when it's released. By the way, 52% of all VWs sold in Portland, OR are TDIs—far more than any other market in the U.S.

2015 Ford Fiesta ST

Ford's sporty Fiesta ST has been out a few months now, but this was the first I'd seen one in the flesh. wearing stunning Molten Orange Metallic paint, the ST is truly a hot hatch. A turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine making 197 hp and 202 lbs./ft. of torque, a six-speed manual gearbox, unique alloy wheels, and different front and rear fascias make this the Fiesta to get if you're looking for a pocket rocket. This one had the optional and awesome Recaro seats, too. Love this thing, and can't wait to drive one. 

In addition to the above vehicles, there are a host of other new small car—and other cool bits—to check out at the auto show:

Fiat 500 Gucci

Kia Soul

Fiat 500L Trekking

Buick Encore

Folding paper Scion xB

Nissan Versa Note

Will Orders' twin-turbo Toyota GT86 rally car

Classic Volkswagen Bug

Custom Honda CRX

Brazuka Smart ForTwo

New Smart EV Bike

The Motherhood featuring the Fiat 500L busts out some British mommy rap, yo

Maybe you remember Toyota's Swagger Wagon ad campaign—it was pretty good. In fact, it was pretty freakin' awesome. A couple of parents, some rap music, and some gangster-ass parental lyrics, yo.

Well, Fiat has gotten on board the ironic parental rap scene to promote it's Fiat 500L. While I still maintain the car looks awkward, the mom rap above is pretty good.

Spied: Vintage Fiat 500L

My good friend, Melissa, spied this little Italian gem on a walk the other day. How sweet is that? Racy Italian red, a ragtop, and in awesome shape. I really dig the rear bumper tubes, too. Thanks for keeping an eye out, Melissa!

See something cool and compact? You can always send it in, as we're always looking for great subcompact content!

Road Race Motorsports' Urban Warrior Abarth 220 is one sexy Italian

The Fiat 500 Abarth is one fun little pocket rocket. Road Race Motorsports is a tuner on the forefront of Fiat stuff. Combine the two and you're bound to get something very cool. This is Road Race Motorsports' Urban Warrior Abarth 220.

RRM says each part of the car's name means something. Urban talks to the fact the car is streetable. Warrior means it'll go toe-to-toe with cars like the MAZDASPEED3 or even a Subaru STI. And 220 stands for the crank horsepower. It's got a bunch of goodies including power add-ons, carbon fiber bits, Bilstein suspension, and some great aero work. Of particular note, the ultra sexy rear splitter.

For more pics, check out the Road Race Motorsports website.

SEMA Show 2012: Assessing the small car quotient

It's only seven days until the SEMA Show—the world's largest bastion of customized automobiles in the world. It's the who's who of the automotive aftermarket. This will be my seventh consecutive year at the show, and just as excited as I ever was.

Fiat to show off flat black surf-inspired 500 at SEMA

The SEMA Show is right around the corner, and some of this year's show cars are being previewed before the actual show. For example, thie flat-black rat-rod-esque surf-inspired Fiat 500 called the Beach Cruiser. According to the Chrysler press release:

Quick Drive: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

I've driven the Fiat 500. I've driven the Fiat 500c. I finally got a chance to drive the Fiat 500 Abarth yesterday at the annual Northwest Automotive Press Association's Run to the Sun event. It almost goes without saying, but this 500 is a completely different animal from the non-turbo variants in most respects.

Review: 2012 Fiat 500c Lounge: It's all about the top

We reviewed the 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge hardtop back in November, 2011. The Fiat 500c is essentially the same car, but with a sliding rag top. It drives almost identically and has mostly the same features. It still darts in and out of traffic, has a very upright driving position, and makes plenty of racket when floored. However, the 500c allows you to do everything a regular 500 can do, but with the wind in your hair. You might want to put on an extra coat of sunscreen, though.

Fiat unveils 500 Turbo; slots between standard 500 and Abarth

Chrysler/Fiat announced today that there's a new model in the Fiat 500 lineup. Slotting above the standard 500 and below the Abarth is the 2013 500 Turbo. This model will use a detuned version of the 1.4-liter turbocharged MultiAir engine found in the Abarth, and is good for 135 horsepower and 150 ft./lbs. of torque. It will only come in a five-speed manual, and have a number of sport-tuned touches including steering, suspension, and the Abarth-like front fascia and side skirts. It will start at a price of $19,500 USD + $750 for destination.

Fiat 500: 101 hp.; 98 ft./lbs. torque
Fiat 500 Turbo: 135 hp.; 150 ft./lbs. torque
Fiat 500 Abarth: 160 hp.; 170 ft./lbs. torque

In the driveway: 2012 Fiat 500c Lounge

Last week's review model was the Prius c. This week, it's the Fiat 500c. This time, the "c" stands for cabrio. Our little Espresso-colored Fiat has a fabric top that can be lowered while driving, even up to 60mph. We've reviewed the '12 Fiat 500 Lounge with the hard top last November, and it drives pretty much the same as the 500c thus far.

The open air experience is fun, and this top is unique. It's supposed to be in the triple digits for temperatures here tomorrow and Friday, so the top will definitely be down in the mornings. We'll get to see how the little 1.4-liter MultiAir engine keeps up with the A/C on, too. Stay tuned.

Want a 2012 Fiat Abarth? Too bad: They're sold out.

The Fiat 500 Abarth is pretty much the definition of "pocket rocket." It's also the definition of "sold out," at least that's the case for the 2012 models. Apparently, the Chrysler/Fiat factory in Mexico can only make 3,000 of them this year, so buyers wanting a turbo Fiat 500 will have to wait until the 2013 model year. Fiat sales are up more than 400% year to date, and having every single Abarth spoken for helped the bottom line.

SOURCE:
Automotive News

Subcompact Supercar: GSX-R-powered Fiat 600

Yes, I would love to have an original Fiat 500 or 600 Abarth someday. I've always loved the rear engine cover that sits open, and the overall small but racy shape.  As witnessed in this video, someone in Europe has installed a 1,000cc Suzuki GSX-R motorcycle engine into a Fiat 600. The video's poster claims the car will do 0-62 in about 4.5 second. I don't doubt that for a second. What a sound.

Fiat 500L video emerges

You may have seen photos of the larger Fiat 500L that we posted in early February. Now comes a video of the bigger Fiat. Unfortunately, in my opinion, this video only highlights the car's awkward looks. The proportions are strange to me; tiny looking wheels, bulbous lines; weird stance. It really does nothing for me. Will this model replace the AWD Sedici (aka a Suzuki SX4 clone), or is this another model?

What do you think of the 500L?

Fiat previews larger 500L

Fiat is previewing its larger 500L ahead of the Geneva Motor Show. FYI, the "L" stands for "large." In Europe, it'll have two gas engines and a diesel option. No word on a U.S. arrival.

Personally, I think the L could stand for "L'ugly." I do not like the look at all. Its wheels look too small. The rear side glass gets that MINI Countryman treatment (which I don't like on either car), and the whole thing just looks awkward to me. Gone is the unique style of the 500 two door; this version looks much more generic to me. It could be sold by anyone.

I'd be willing to bet this model will show up in U.S. Fiat Studios, but it may be too understated and nondescript for major appeal.

2013 Fiat 500 Abarth: The classic hot-hatch recipe

After much anticipation, it's here: The Fiat 500 Abarth. Like any hot hatch, it follows the classic formula: small size, and big power. In this case, it's 160 hp and 170 ft./lbs. of torque from the 1.4-liter turbocharged Multiair engine. Power is routed through a five-speed manual transmission. Hells yeah.

Five-door Fiat 500 on the way. Will it broaden appeal?

It wasn't that long ago that if you wanted a hatchback in the U.S., the only five-door model was the VW Golf. Nowadays, it's basically the opposite: Most hatchbacks are five-doors, with the exception of the Toyota Yaris, MINI Cooper, and VW Golf, which are available in both configurations (yeah, the Smart ForTwo and Scion iQ city cars are only three doors, but who asked you anyway?). Then there's the Fiat 500, which is a three-door only. Fiat sold less than 20,000 units in 2011; well short of their goal of 50,000 cars. Now there's news that Fiat is going to debut a five-door 500 at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Will making the 500 just that much bigger solve its sales debacle? Fiat was working on a somewhat larger 500 (thought to be tailor-made for the U.S. market) some time ago. However, as Autoblog said, if it's debuting at Geneva, it's likely for world-wide consumption.