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500 Abarth gets more power in the US!

Tue, 01/12/2010 - 19:24 — rob

The good folks at Chrysler have released the new specifications on the 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine that will reside in the 500 Abarth here in the states. Announced at the Detroit autoshow, and thanks to Fiat and Chrysler for searching the Alfa (mito) parts bin, the 1.4L will be rated at an astounding 170 horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque!
This is an increase over every street going version of the car to date, even 10 more hp and 20+ more torque than the Abarth EsseEsse in EU land.

The US version 1.4-liter turbo

Abarth in the snow

Sat, 01/09/2010 - 14:37 — rob

Craig from Portsmouth (UK) was kind enough to share a nice pic of his hot hatch being cooled in the snow. Only one more year before us yanks can take such pictures! We're fortunate enough here to not get snow that often, but with its electronic limited slip I think it should be just fine.

Is the Fiat or Abarth going to be your daily driver when you get one? If so would you take it out in the snow? We're of the firm impression that cars are meant to be driven, snow or not!

Fiat Bikini car marketing

Mon, 12/28/2009 - 02:40 — rob

I'm a bit late to the party with this one, but talk about an unconventional car advertisement! It'll be interesting to see if FIAT pulls out any stops during the super bowl this year. It'd be great to see something like this during the half time show!

Fiat to build 1.4L Multiair engine in Michigan

Fri, 12/18/2009 - 07:00 — rob

Some good news where none has been in a long time. Fiat sourced 1.4L engines will be produced for both the upcoming US release Fiat 500 as well as for future Dodge and Chrysler vehicles yet to be announced.

Fiat Abarth 600 for sale in the USA - Bringatrailer.com

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 12:44 — rob

The good folks at bringatrailer.com have stumbled across an Abarth 600. The exceptional thing about this one is not only the condition its previous owner has kept it in, but the fact its located in Florida and ready to be registered! The complete modified engine specs of this vehicle are unknown, but it still wears Abarth badges on the valve cover, dash plaque. Much to Jeremy Clarkson's delight as well, the car maintains its original permanently open bonnet lid.

Fiat releases new 500 Diesel variant - America Bound?

Fri, 11/27/2009 - 04:49 — rob

Fiat Doblo to be sold in America under Ram's new brand

Wed, 11/18/2009 - 12:50 — rob

For nearly 9 years Fiat has been selling the Doblo compact van in Europe. However since the announcement of Chrylser's new Ram brand, there have been questions about adding to (formerly) Dodge's van line up. The Doblo is aimed to compete with Ford Motor Co.’s Transit Connect, which went on sale in the US this past summer. In their press release a few weeks ago Chrysler announced the separation of Ram from the Dodge brand for trucks and vans.

Abarth 500 on track action

Sun, 11/15/2009 - 03:23 — rob

Our good friends at Autocar in the UK have some footage of the Abarth 500 circling the track. The video clearly illustrates how composed the Abarth is under heavy braking and track cornering. While these are the 180 hp/221 torque Corsetta versions, the US version of the Abarth esseesse should prove equally is fun. Our only concern is possible dampning changes for US roads that might eliminate the fun.

What will be even more interesting to see, is whether or not the US gets a clone of the Trophy cup series they have in the UK for this vehicle. Only time will tell.

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