Friday, August 17, 2012

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

2 comments:

rubicon4wheeler said...

This is exactly what FIAT needs. The standard models are quite anemic, and dealers are pricing the Abarth way above market value. This middle-of-the-range model should hit the sweet spot of price & performance.

Anonymous said...

I've read some Fix It Again Tony consumer reviews, and they seem pretty scary in terms of reliability. I wouldn't buy one....