The small-but-wicked Fiat 500 Abarth
The name Abarth isn’t exactly a household name in the United States, but the brand is renown among enthusiasts in Europe. Abarth never built cars to challenge Ferrari or Maserati (or even BMW); instead, Abarth built parts to make commonly available Fiats go faster. By focusing on small cars, like the Fiat Topolino or the Fiat 600, Abarth earned a reputation and a nickname of “small but wicked.”
We’ll soon get a chance to experience that in the United States, with the launch of the Fiat 500 Abarth. We’ve driven the milder Fiat 500 Sport, which handles like a go-kart but suffers from a serious lack of power. The 500 Abarth will address that, coming to the U.S. market with 160 horsepower driving the front wheels. Abarth models will also get a track-tuned suspension, up-rated brakes, a stability control program that can be disabled for track use and sport seats with serious bolstering. All Abarth models come only with a five-speed manual transmission.
Perhaps the most amazing thing about the 500 Abarth is its value. Dealer price gouging aside (and we’re sure there will be plenty), the 500 Abarth will sell for just under $23,000. To get the same level of stock horsepower from a Fiat 500 in Europe, you’d have to track down an Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari edition, which would cost you in the neighborhood of $47,500.
We’re betting that the Fiat 500 Abarth will usurp the MINI Cooper as the best-handling front-driver. In fact, we’ll tell you this: if you want to fill your shelves with autocross trophies, buy a Fiat 500, drop the ride height and add stickier tires. Talent or not, we’re pretty sure that’s all you’ll need.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
