This is the first video of what Italian media is suggesting to be the Abarth version of the Fiat 500X. That's right, Marchionne's merry men are planning a car to rival the MINI JCW Countryman.
There aren't many signs that this is an Abarth, except for the 19-inch wheels and dual exhaust to the side of the car. However, they've covered up the badge, which clearly indicates this is a test prototype. We have no way of knowing for sure if the Scorpion badge is being used, but Fiat officials have already hinted at a faster version of the car.
So what's under the bonnet? Well, US-spec 500X models already come with a 160 horsepower version of the 1.4 turbo, the same engine as in the 500 Abarth. So we need something a lot more potent, especially when you consider what the competition offers. MINI's JCW Countryman gets you 218 horsepower while the Nissan Juke Nismo RS has the same amount poking from its 1.6 turbo.
Car Passion is the Italian publication that released this Youtube video. They suggest the 1750 TBI 16V engine will be adopted. You might know it from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV, but its most famous application is the 4C sportscar.
With about 240 ponies, Abarth would have a very nice pocket rocket. It would be expensive, but that doesn't seem to worry the majority of current 595 and 695 models, which retail for extra-high prices. We'd like a manual, but most people who spend upwards of €40,000 on a car want it to take care of the gears.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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