Abarth 500
The Abarth 500 is a high-performance hot hatchback variant of the Fiat 500 subcompact car, manufactured by the Italian performance division Abarth since its debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter T-Jet inline-four engine producing between 135 and 180 horsepower depending on the trim, it emphasizes agile handling, tuned suspension, and a signature raspy exhaust system derived from Abarth's racing legacy, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in as little as 6.7 seconds and top speeds up to 225 km/h in top variants.[1][2] Founded in 1949 by motorsport enthusiast Carlo Abarth in collaboration with Fiat, the Abarth brand initially specialized in tuning and racing small-displacement Fiat models, setting numerous acceleration records in the 1950s and 1960s with modified versions of the original Fiat 500 "Cinquecento."[3] The modern Abarth 500 revived this tradition in the 21st century as part of Fiat's effort to infuse the retro-styled 2007 Fiat 500 with sporty credentials, transforming it from a city runabout into a track-capable pocket rocket while retaining its compact dimensions of approximately 3.66 meters in length.[4] Production began in 2008 at Fiat's Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, with the model marketed under designations like 500, 595, and 695 to denote escalating performance levels, and it has appealed to enthusiasts seeking affordable performance. Production of the internal combustion engine variants ended in 2024, with the brand shifting focus to electric models.[1] Key variants include the entry-level Abarth 595 Turismo with 165 horsepower, featuring 17-inch alloy wheels and Koni suspension for balanced road use; the sportier 595 Competizione, adding a limited-slip differential and Sabelt carbon bucket seats; and the top-tier 695 Biposto, limited to two seats for weight reduction and equipped with 190 horsepower in later iterations, Brembo brakes, and a sequential gearbox option for enhanced track performance.[2] The U.S. market received the model starting in 2012 with a MultiAir turbo engine tuned to 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, priced from around $20,745 for base models.[4][5] Notable features across trims encompass a quad-tip "Record Monza" exhaust for an aggressive soundtrack, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheels, and Uconnect infotainment, while special editions like the 695 75° Anniversario celebrate Abarth's milestones with unique styling. In 2023, Abarth introduced the electric 500e variant with a 113.7 kW motor and 42 kWh battery, delivering 155 horsepower and preserving the brand's fun-to-drive ethos in a zero-emissions format.[6]History and Development
Origins and Initial Launch
The Abarth 500 traces its origins to the revival of the Abarth brand under Fiat in 2007, drawing inspiration from Carlo Abarth's legacy of transforming compact Fiat models into high-performance vehicles during the 1950s and 1960s. The original Fiat Nuova 500, launched in 1957, served as a foundation for early Abarth tunings, such as the 1958 Fiat-Abarth 500 Record, which achieved multiple speed records to demonstrate the model's potential. This historical collaboration between Abarth and Fiat, spanning over 45 years by the 2000s, emphasized lightweight engineering and agile tuning, setting the stage for the modern iteration.[7][8] The contemporary Abarth 500 emerged as a direct response to the successful relaunch of the Fiat 500 in 2007, which revived the iconic city car design for a new era. Fiat aimed to infuse the model with Abarth's performance ethos, creating a "scorpion" variant that honored the brand's racing heritage while appealing to urban drivers seeking spirited dynamics. Development focused on enhancing the base Fiat 500's 1.4-liter T-Jet turbocharged engine to deliver 135 horsepower, paired with sport-tuned suspension and brakes, to achieve a 0-60 mph time of around 7.7 seconds. This project marked Abarth's return as an independent entity within the Fiat Group, with production allocated to the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy.[9][10][11] The initial public debut occurred at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show in March 2008, where the Abarth 500 was unveiled as the brand's flagship road car, symbolizing its resurgence after a period of dormancy. Priced starting at approximately €17,900 in Europe, it quickly garnered attention for its aggressive styling cues, including a rear spoiler, 16-inch alloys, and the signature scorpion badge. Sales commenced in mainland Europe shortly after, with the UK market following in late 2008, establishing the Abarth 500 as a benchmark for hot hatches in the subcompact segment. This launch not only boosted Fiat's performance lineup but also revived interest in Abarth's record-breaking past, leading to over 10,000 units sold in its first year.[9][10][12]Model Evolution and Facelifts
The Abarth 500, introduced in 2008 as a high-performance variant of the Fiat 500, evolved through a series of updates that enhanced its sporty character while maintaining its compact, retro-inspired design. Initially launched with a turbocharged 1.4-liter T-Jet engine producing 135 horsepower, the model featured aggressive styling elements such as a prominent front bumper with integrated fog lights, a roof spoiler, and dual exhaust tips, achieving 0-62 mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 127 mph.[13] This debut version, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, marked Abarth's return to performance tuning after its revival in 2007, drawing inspiration from the brand's historic 1950s and 1960s models.[1] In 2009, Abarth expanded the lineup with the Esseesse kit, adding 17-inch wheels, a quad exhaust system, and a shift-light tachometer while boosting output to 160 horsepower for improved acceleration and sound. The limited-edition 695 Tributo Ferrari followed, boosting power to 180 horsepower with a robotized manual transmission and Ferrari-derived red accents, limited to 1,000 units. By 2012, the model was rebadged as the Abarth 595 to homage the original 1963 595, introducing a five-speed manual gearbox, revised side skirts, and power options ranging from 160 to 180 horsepower in Turismo and Competizione trims, respectively. The convertible 595C variant debuted simultaneously, offering similar performance with a retractable soft top.[1][14] A significant facelift arrived in 2016, aligning with broader Fiat 500 updates and incorporating over 1,800 changes across the range. Exterior revisions included redesigned headlights and taillights with integrated LED daytime running lights, a more aggressive front grille, and updated bumpers for better aerodynamics. Interior enhancements featured Alcantara-trimmed seats, a revised instrument cluster, and optional Uconnect infotainment with a 7-inch touchscreen. Power outputs were recalibrated: the base 595 gained 5 horsepower to 145, the Turismo reached 165 horsepower, and the Competizione hit 180 horsepower, with torque up to 184 lb-ft for sharper response. The 2014-introduced 695 Biposto, a two-seater track-focused model with 190 horsepower, continued production through this period without major alterations.[1][14][15] Subsequent minor updates in 2018 refined the exhaust for a louder note and added styling tweaks like new wheel designs, while the 2021 F595 edition introduced Formula 4-inspired graphics and maintained the 145-180 horsepower spectrum. The petrol-powered Abarth 500/595/695 lineup persisted until August 2024, spanning 16 years of production with cumulative enhancements emphasizing tunability, lightweight construction (around 2,392 lbs curb weight), and agile handling via tuned suspension and Brembo brakes. These evolutions solidified the model's reputation as an accessible hot hatch, with special editions like the 2024 695 75° Anniversario celebrating the brand's heritage at 190 horsepower.[14][16]Design and Features
Exterior and Interior Styling
The Abarth 500's exterior styling emphasizes aggressive, performance-oriented aesthetics rooted in the brand's racing heritage, featuring a bold front fascia with large air intakes for improved cooling and aerodynamics. From its 2008 debut, the model incorporated a pushed-forward nose design to accommodate the turbocharger, dual exhaust pipes on the left side with the scorpion logo, and side skirts that enhance the car's vertical profile and reduce drag coefficient.[17] Later iterations, such as the 2016 model, added Abarth shield badging, twin "nostrils" for intercooler airflow, and a rear diffuser, available in colors like Grigio Cenere light gray and Giallo Moderna Perla yellow.[18] High-performance variants like the 695 Biposto (2014-2020) further amplified this with 18-inch OZ wheels, carbon fiber elements, and quad exhausts in matte grey paint.[1] Wheel options contribute to the sporty stance, starting with 16-inch alloys on early models and progressing to optional 17-inch forged-aluminum wheels on the 2016 version, fitted with low-profile tires like 205/40 R17. The convertible 500c Abarth maintains these cues with a power-operated cloth top that retracts up to the rear spoiler at speeds of 60 mph.[18] In the 2019 model, the lowered suspension accentuates the feisty hot-rod appearance, complemented by LED daytime running lights and pronounced rear diffusers in later 595 updates.[19][1] The interior adopts a cockpit-like layout focused on driver engagement, with a flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather and featuring thumb rests, as introduced in 2008. Sport seats with large bolsters and integrated headrests provide support, often in black or red leather with racing-harness pass-throughs.[17][18] The 2016 update included a 7-inch TFT cluster display with Nero leather brow and Rosso stitching, aluminum pedals, and a Nero leather shift knob.[18] By 2019, standard leather upholstery and aluminum pedal covers were paired with optional heated front seats and a 5.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, though space remains tight for rear passengers.[19] In premium trims like the 2016 595 Competizione, Alcantara and carbon-fiber accents elevate the cabin, alongside Corsa bucket seats. The 695 Tributo Ferrari (2009) added carbon fiber dashboard elements and Ferrari-inspired bucket seats with red inserts.[1] The all-electric Abarth 500e (2023 onward) adapts this heritage with scorpion-themed styling, including a dedicated front bumper for a bolder profile, electrified scorpion logos on the sides, and Matt Grey mirror caps. Available in vibrant colors like Acid Green and Poison Blue, it features 17-inch alloys standard or 18-inch diamond-cut titanium grey wheels on the Turismo variant.[20] Inside, the 500e offers dark ambience with fabric seats embossed with scorpion stripes, a black vinyl steering wheel, and a 7-inch TFT cluster displaying Abarth graphics; the Turismo upgrades to Alcantara seats with lasered Acid-Green scorpions on headrests and a premium dashboard fascia. Full LED headlamps with Abarth light signature and a 10.25-inch touchscreen maintain the sporty, technical feel.[6][20]Chassis and Suspension
The Abarth 500 is built on a unibody chassis construction shared with the Fiat 500, integrating the body and frame into a single steel structure for reduced weight and enhanced rigidity, which contributes to its agile handling characteristics.[21] This design, measuring 3.67 meters in length with a 2.30-meter wheelbase, optimizes the car's compact footprint for urban maneuverability while providing a stable base for performance modifications.[22] The suspension system employs a front MacPherson strut setup with coil springs, anti-roll bars, and frequency-selective damping (FSD) shock absorbers from Koni, which adapt to road conditions by varying stiffness for better comfort and control.[23] [24] At the rear, a torsion beam axle with integrated anti-roll bar and matching Koni FSD dampers ensures consistent traction, particularly in cornering scenarios.[23] The overall setup is lowered by 15 mm compared to the standard Fiat 500, with performance-tuned components including stiffer anti-roll bars and recalibrated dampers to minimize body roll and enhance responsiveness.[25] This configuration delivers sharp steering feedback and high cornering grip, aided by wider track widths and optional lightweight alloy wheels up to 17 inches.[26] In higher-performance variants like the 595 and 695, the chassis receives additional reinforcements such as subframe braces to further stiffen the structure against torsional flex, improving precision during aggressive driving.[27] The electric Abarth 500e retains the unibody platform but features a tauter suspension tune with increased spring rates and unique strut/shock valving to accommodate the instant torque from its electric motor, resulting in immediate responses and reduced dive under braking.[28] Overall, these elements prioritize dynamic balance, enabling the Abarth 500 to achieve lateral acceleration figures around 0.85-0.90 g in testing, while maintaining everyday usability.Powertrain and Performance
Engine Specifications
The Abarth 500 employs a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-four petrol engine, designated as the T-Jet, which features a cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder head, and a Garrett GT1446 turbocharger for enhanced boost response. This engine, with a displacement of 1,368 cm³, incorporates a 72 mm bore and 84 mm stroke, a compression ratio of 9.8:1, and multi-point fuel injection, delivering a balance of high-revving performance and efficiency in a compact package.[23][29] Power outputs across Abarth 500 variants are tuned for escalating performance levels, with maximum power achieved between 5,500 and 5,750 rpm and peak torque available from 2,500 to 3,000 rpm to optimize low-end acceleration. The base Abarth 595 models produce 165 hp (121 kW) and 230 Nm of torque in sport mode, enabling a specific power density of approximately 120 hp per liter.[30][31] Higher-output configurations in the Abarth 695 lineup increase this to 180 hp (132 kW) and 250 Nm, incorporating revised engine mapping and an upgraded "Record Monza" exhaust system for improved flow and sound.[23][32] Specialized variants push the engine further, such as the 695 Biposto, which delivers 190 hp (140 kW) at 5,750 rpm through enhanced turbo boost and lightweight components, achieving a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 192 hp per tonne (5.2 kg/hp).[33] These specifications reflect iterative developments since the model's 2008 debut, where initial versions offered 135 hp, evolving through ECU remaps and hardware upgrades without altering the core architecture.| Model Variant | Power | Torque | Peak Power RPM | Peak Torque RPM | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 595 Turismo | 165 hp (121 kW) | 230 Nm | 5,500 | 3,000 | [30] |
| 695 Competizione | 180 hp (132 kW) | 250 Nm | 5,500 | 3,000 | [23] |
| 695 Biposto | 190 hp (140 kW) | 250 Nm | 5,750 | 2,500 | [33] |
Transmission and Drivetrain
The Abarth 500 utilizes a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration across all its variants, leveraging the compact Fiat 500 platform to deliver agile handling and responsive performance in urban and track environments.[34][19] Transmission options for the Abarth 500 primarily consist of a five-speed manual gearbox as standard equipment, which provides precise gear shifts and direct driver engagement, contributing to the model's sporty character. This setup is paired with the 1.4-liter T-Jet turbocharged engine in models like the 595 and 695, enabling quick acceleration and efficient power delivery to the front wheels.[35][33] Higher-trim and performance-oriented versions, such as the Abarth 695 Competizione and Biposto, offer enhanced manual transmissions including a five-speed dog-ring gearbox for faster, more robust shifting under high-stress conditions. An optional five-speed automated manual transmission (MTA) is available on select 695 models, providing smoother operation for everyday driving while maintaining the FWD layout's traction advantages through features like electronic torque vectoring via Torque Transfer Control (TTC) in certain trims.[2][33][19] In limited-edition models like the 695 Biposto, the drivetrain incorporates a mechanical limited-slip differential to optimize torque distribution and reduce wheel spin during aggressive cornering, enhancing the overall dynamic balance without deviating from the transverse front-engine FWD architecture.[33]Variants
Standard Hatchback and Convertible
The standard Abarth 500 hatchback and convertible variants, launched in 2008, served as the entry-level performance models in the Abarth lineup, transforming the compact Fiat 500 into a spirited hot hatch with enhanced dynamics and styling cues inspired by Abarth's racing heritage. These models utilized a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with a turbocharged 1.4-liter T-Jet inline-four engine, producing 135 PS (99 kW; 133 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 206 Nm (152 lb-ft) of torque at 3,000 rpm in manual configuration, or 140 PS with the optional automated manual transmission (MTA). The powertrain included a sport mode that sharpened throttle response and exhaust note via valve-controlled mufflers, enabling 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 205 km/h for the hatchback.[36][37] Both body styles featured a three-door design with a wheelbase of 2,300 mm and overall length of 3,546 mm, prioritizing agility in urban environments while accommodating four passengers. The hatchback offered 185 liters of cargo space with seats up, expanding to 550 liters when folded, and included a sport-tuned suspension with lowered ride height, larger Brembo front brakes (284 mm discs), and 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with 195/45 R16 tires for improved grip and handling. Standard equipment encompassed air conditioning, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, and the "Corsa" pack with aluminum pedals, door sills, and footrests, all contributing to a driver-focused interior trimmed in fabric with Abarth-branded accents. Fuel efficiency stood at approximately 6.2 L/100 km combined (NEDC cycle), balancing performance with practicality.[36][1][38] The convertible, known as the Abarth 500C, retained the same mechanical specifications but incorporated a power-operated fabric soft top that retracted manually or electrically over the rear seats, allowing open-top driving without sacrificing the two rear positions. This added approximately 30-40 kg to the curb weight—1,065 kg for the hatchback versus 1,100 kg for the convertible—resulting in a slightly extended 0-100 km/h time of 8.1 seconds and reduced cargo capacity to 182 liters with the top up. The reinforced chassis maintained structural rigidity comparable to the hatchback, ensuring similar cornering prowess, though the open design amplified the engine's raspy soundtrack for an engaging al fresco experience. Both variants were produced until around 2016 in Europe, when higher-output 595 models assumed the base role, with tuned exhausts and scorpion badges distinguishing them from standard Fiat 500s.[36][1][38] In North American markets, the standard Abarth 500 adopted a detuned variant of the same engine rated at 160 hp (119 kW) and 170 lb-ft from 2012 to 2019, reflecting emissions and tuning adjustments, with curb weights of 1,140 kg for the hatchback and 1,154 kg for the convertible; acceleration improved to 6.9 seconds to 60 mph, paired with a five-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic. These regional specifications maintained the core appeal of nimble handling and playful character, though the model was discontinued in the U.S. after 2019 amid shifting market demands toward SUVs.[39][38]| Specification | Hatchback (135 PS Manual) | Convertible (135 PS Manual) |
|---|---|---|
| Curb Weight | 1,065 kg | 1,100 kg |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.9 s | 8.1 s |
| Top Speed | 205 km/h | 205 km/h |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 6.2 L/100 km | 6.4 L/100 km |
| Cargo Volume (Seats Up) | 185 L | 182 L |