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2012 Fiat 500 America
 
If there was ever a point when milking a car for all its worth becomes a tad too much, Fiat may have just crossed that line with the 500 hatchback. Now, it’s completely understandable to produce special variations of certain cars; everyone is doing it and will continue to do it in the future. Unfortunately, we have a car like the Geneva-bound Fiat 500 America, which is a cutesy 500 with some unique details, including a metallic shade America Blue exterior paint finish, a dedicated beltline, mirror covers with the "Stars & Stripes" graphic, a red cap edge, badges on the door pillar, and a new set of 16" alloy wheels. All these details sound cool, except that we’ve actually seen something like it in the Fiat 500 Nation Limited Edition, right down to the "Stars & Stripes" graphic. Seems like this Fiat is a renamed model of a pretty similar special edition model. Confused already? In any case, the Italian automaker will be building 500 three-door versions of this model to go with 500 cabriolet versions. TopSpeed is giving away Abarth scorpions
 Fiat is promoting their new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth with a scorpion hunt/giveaway. Find eight Scorpion (symbol of Abarth) scattered around the web and you will enter to win one for yourself! To show your investigative skills, you need to go to the Abarth Facebook giveaway page, and you will be provided with clues to find your lethal friends. The clues are tough to crack, but if you read this, you are in luck because TopSpeed is giving away one of the 8 scorpions. Check out our homepage and you should be able to grab that one easily. Be fast or they will be gone by March 4th 2012. Happy scorpion hunting ! Update: Some of you asked us why they could not see the scorpion on our homepage. The Abarth scorpions are only showing their menacing logo if you are connected to internet from the USA. If you are using ad blocker, you will need to disable those to see the scorpion. Here is a link to how it should look like 2012 Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati
A few years after Abarth brought the 695 Tributo Ferrari to the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Italian automaker is set to head to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with another commemorative, limited edition model that pays homage to another Italian contemporary - the 695 Tributo Maserati. According to Abarth, the 695 Tributo Maserati is the confluence of the things we love about Abarth and Maserati, particularly the combination of "the highest level of elegance combined with the comforts of a car, but with the handling that’s suitable for everyday driving. " In terms of its design, the Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati comes with a "Pontevecchio Bordeaux" paint finish and matched with upholstery dressed in Poltrona Frau leather beige sand. True to its name as an elegant iteration of the popular Italian hatch, the 695 Tributo Maserati also comes with carbon inserts, as well as a matte finish and trim on the dashboard, a black tricolor leather steering wheel, door panels and rear panels that have been given a gray track treatment by UV-LUX, and a new set of 17" alloy wheels. As far as powertrain is concerned, the Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati will be powered by a 1.4-liter Turbo T-Jet engine that produces 180 horsepower and mated to an electro-mechanical Abarth Competition transmission with steering wheel controls. UPDATE 05/20/2012: Fiat has heard your pleas, people. When the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari was first introduced at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, it was pegged as a prototype model. The Italian automaker didn’t say anything about the car’s production future, but now, they’ve finally come out and said that a production future - a limited one at that - for the Abarth 695 Maserati has been officially announced. 2012 Fiat 500 ID Special Edition
Fiat is adding a new special edition to its 500 line-up. Called 500 ID the new version will only be offered to the German customers and will be limited to only 500 units. Prices will start at €13,500 (or about $17,600 at the current change rates). The new 500 ID will be offered in two-tone exterior color theme combined with matching interior items. For the exterior customers can choose between three exterior combinations: white and red exterior with ivory and red interior, white and light blue exterior with ivory and blue interior, and light grey and gunmetal grey exterior with ivory and grey interior. The model will be offered with a 1.2-liter petrol engine that delivers a total of 69 HP and sits on a new set of 15" alloy wheels. The list of standard equipment will include: air conditioning, leather steering wheel, a chrome kit, and Bluetooth-controlled hands-free Blue & Me with USB port. 2012 Fiat 500 ’Stinger’ by Mopar
There doesn’t appear to be a sports compact car that’s been the subject of more tuning programs than the lovable Fiat 500. Now, Chrysler’s in-house tuning arm, Mopar, is joining in the fun with the 500 "Stinger." Built as one of Mopar’s 75th anniversary models, the Fiat 500 Stinger comes to the party packed with a two-stage Mopar program that combines a unique styling upheaval with a bold, high-performance engine modification. The Stage 1 program deals with plenty of exterior and interior enhancements. For the former, Mopar gave the 500 Stinger a more aggressive appearance, highlighted by a special "Giallo" exterior paint with a matching "whiskers and logo" face and circular Black Chrome projector headlamps. In addition, the head and tail lamps have been tinted while the bodyside was wrapped in vinyl with complimenting black checker roof graphics. Finishing off the exterior details are a new set of 17" Abarth Hyper Black aluminum wheels wrapped in wider 205/40 R 17 performance tires. As for the latter, the interior of the 500 Stinger continues the Giallo-and-black two-tone treatment of the exterior with Katzkin leather seats. Speaking of the seats, Mopar also added Alcantara seat centers with Giallo black leather bolsters and Giallo accent stitching. A carbon-fiber instrument panel decal has also been added, as was a Mopar shifter ball finished in Gloss Black, completing an interior look that’s a far departure from the usually mild-mannered 500. While no specific numbers were given on the 500 Stinger’s performance boost, we know that Mopar’s Stage 2 kit ensures all that and more. Included in this program kit are a cold-air intake and free-flowing cat-back exhaust and performance brakes with cross-drilled rotors, allowing the 500 Stinger to deliver even more power and torque, as well as serious track-ready brake performance. Just like the rest of Mopar’s 75th Anniversary models, the 500 Stinger will be proudly displayed at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show this coming February. 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
Following the 500 (Cinquecento) and the 500 Cabrio, Fiat has also brought the 500 Abarth - otherwise known as the most powerful 500 currently available - to the American market. The American 500 Abarth made its debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. It brings world-class performance and precision, purposeful and aggressive styling, and high power-to-weight ratio. The model will be offered in a limited edition. The new Fiat 500 Abarth still maintains all of the elements from its European version, designed for track-day enthusiasts and driving-purists who want the ultimate high-performance small car with the pedigree of an exclusive Italian exotic. It is powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine that delivers a total of 135 HP and a peak torque of 152 lb-ft of torque. The list of standard equipment includes an Abarth-tuned suspension and brake system, a race-inspired design, and technology features not traditionally included on a small car. "Bringing the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth to the U.S. enables us to reach out to driving enthusiasts who want Italian performance at an attainable price," said Olivier Francois, Head of FIAT Brand and Chief Marketing Officer — Chrysler Group LLC. "With its lightweight, track-tuned handling and purpose-built design, the Fiat 500 Abarth brings to life the legendary racing heritage of the brand and becomes the Italian high-performance car for everyday driving." UPDATE 12/06/2011: Before its official market launch, the new 500 Abarth made its first stop at Jay Leno’s Garage. Find out what he thinks about the car by watching the video after the jump! UPDATE 01/12/2012: Chrysler has announced prices for the American version of the Fiat 500 Abarth. The model will go on sale at a starting price of $22,000 (not including destination). UPDATE 05/02/12: Romanian model Catrinel Menghia is back, only this time, it’s three times bigger, better, and hotter than before. Fresh off of the success of their Super Bowl collaboration, Menghia and Fiat have returned with three new commercials featuring the smoking hot super model and the equally lovely Italian hatch. Check out the ads and enjoy them! Full story Playboy’s Cars of the Year 2012
We don’t usually associate Playboy with cars, unless scantily clad women were somehow involved, but the American men’s magazine has just unveiled the top 11 hottest models people should buy in 2012. Now guys can really say they are picking up Playboy’s latest issue for the articles! The top spot for this honorable list goes to none other than the fastest production Jaguar ever built - the XKR-S! But next to this remarkable sports car is the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, the Fiat 500, the Range Rover Evoque, the Lexus CT 200h, the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, the Bentley Continental GTC, the Ford Mustang Boss 302, the Audi A7, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, and the Hyundai Veloster. There are certainly many fabulous vehicles to choose from on this list - and some not so fabulous vehicles - so do you agree with the top spot? Let us know in the comments section below! 2012 Fiat 500 Nation Limited Edition
The Fiat line-up that’s headed to the 2011 Bologna Motor Show will also include a special edition 500 model that has been designed to commemorate the car’s introduction to the US market. The special edition Fiat 500 model is called the "Nation Limited Edition" and it will come in hard-top and cabrio trims. As far as the former is concerned, Fiat dressed it up in an "America Blue" exterior paint finish and it comes with a bevy of unique trims, including a "Stars & Stripes" package on the sides and on the mirror casings, and a new set of 16" alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the 500C version will come in a "Tri-Coat White" exterior paint finish and will also feature the same "Stars & Stripes" package on the sides and the mirror casings, as well as a new set of 16" alloy wheels. A different wrinkle on the 500C is the red soft-top roof, further enhancing the color scheme of the car as a celebration of our beloved land. Powertrain figures for both the 500 and 500C remains the same - a 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir technology that delivers 101 horsepower and 98 lb/ft of torque - although customers who opt for the 500C will have to shell out more money to be able to buy one. Both models will be limited to 500 units apiece with the hard-top version coming with a price tag of €14,500, which is about $19,500 based on current exchange rates. As for the 500C, that one will cost you €18,000, which when converted, hits $24,200. 2012 Abarth 595 Competizione
In early 2011, Abarth unveiled the 695 Competizione - the first "street legal" Scorpion racing car. Now, at the 2011 Bologna Motor Show, the company revealed another Competizione model, this time called the 595. The model enters the same segment as the 500 Abarth Turismo, but is dedicated to the more extreme sports enthusiasts. The Abarth 595 Competizione is painted in a metallic Grigio Record livery combined with 17" titanium-colored alloy wheels whose design was borrowed from Racing, with yellow Brembo brake calipers. There are also 595 and 595 "competizione" logos, both in aluminum. The interior adds "Abarth Corsa by Sabelt" leather and natural leather-colored Alcantara seats with "595" logo embroidered on the integrated headrest. Also, the gear lever knob made of Ergal, kick plate, pedal unit and aluminum running board are all decorated with the Abarth motifs. Under the hood, there is a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet engine that delivers a total of 160 HP and 169 lbs-ft of torque. This is enough power to sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and up to a top speed of 131 mph. The engine is mated to a 5-speed MT (Manual Transmission) gearbox - a special elements for the 595 Competizione. As a standard feature Abarth is also offering TTC (Torque Transfer Control) device that improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels.
2012 Abarth 500 Turismo
Abarthos preparing to further expand its 500 line-up with the addition of the new 500 Abarth Turismo, making its world premiere at the 2011 Bologna Motor Show. The new model combines the sportiness of a standard Abarth 500 with new levels of comfort and personality. The first thing we noticed about the new 500 Turismo is its two-tone livery: a combination of Rosso Officina and Grigio Pista livery with white liner. The Abarth 500 Turismo will sit on a special set of Gran Turismo inspired titanium-colored 17" alloy wheels and will be distinguished by historic 595 logo in aluminum on the side panel and tailgate. The interior will combine a sporty black leather steering wheel and an electrically-operated manual Competizione gearbox with controls on the steering wheel. Another special feature is the special "flocking" treatment for the central tunnel and dashboard, as well as a pedal unit, kick plate, and gearbox trim made in Alutex aluminum glass fiber material. Under the hood, there is a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet engine that delivers a total of 160 HP and 169 lbs-ft of torque. This is enough power to sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and up to a top speed of 131 mph.
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