FIAT 500 Abarth 2008-Present Photos, engines & full specs

Fiat introduced the Abarth version of the 500 at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show as a pocket-rocket city car developed for fun.

The world financial crisis was about to begin in Europe. It was already known in the North American market, and Fiat definitely knew what would follow. And yet, it didn't back up and still offered this pumped-up version of the 500, and it did that in cooperation with Abarth, the company's motorsports specialist. The idea of re-connecting the Abarth with the 500 was made due to the success recorded by the 1960s 500 Abarths in races.

While the main body panels were left untouched, the front bumper was new, sporting a broad air intake in the middle flanked by two functional side scoops. Their role was to divert the air to the sides of the car and improve aerodynamics. From its profile, the little 500 Abarth boasted its 16" light-alloy wheels. In addition, the side skirts created an even sportier image of the car, while at the back, a wing adorned the top of the tailgate. Last but not least, the automaker added a new rear bumper that hosted the dual exhausts with chromed tips. More importantly, though, was that the automaker agreed to install Abarth front and rear logos instead of Fiats' round badges.

Inside, Abarth installed a pair of sport bucket seats at the front. They offered excellent side support due to their bolstering. In addition, the motorsport specialist added a flat-bottom steering wheel and a set of aluminum pedals.

But the most essential upgrade was under the hood. There, Abarth worked on the small 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and squeezed 135 ponies from it. All the oomph went to the front wheels via a six-speed manual and was tamed with the help of a new electronically controlled differential.