New Fiat 500 Abarth Priced from $22,000* in the U.S., or about as Much as a 305HP Ford Mustang

Just because it's tiny and made from Europe's equivalent of Chevrolet, doesn't mean that the new 160-horsepower 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth comes in cheap. In fact, it's US$22,000 price tag (*not including destination and handling charges) is sure to raise some eyebrows.
And this not only because it costs $6,500 more than the standard 101-horsepower 500, but also because it brings it in the same price range as sports cars like the 210HP 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe ($22,250) and even the 305HP 2012 Ford Mustang V6 ($22,310)!
Naturally, Fiat's American representatives believe otherwise and point towards 500 Abarth's Italian heritage, though someone should tell them that while Fiat and Ferrari belong to the same group, they are not the same…
"The Fiat 500 Abarth feels like a double shot of espresso straight to your veins," said Tim Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC. "With its wicked attitude, it will reward adrenaline fans who no longer need to pay six figures to feel the rush of true Italian performance."
On the other hand, the 181HP MINI Cooper S has an MSRP of $23,800, so Fiat may have a chance of snagging some buyers that are into small GTIs.
The fastest 500 in the States is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine pushing out 160-horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 170 lb-ft (230Nm) of peak torque between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm. A five speed manual gearbox along with an Abarth-tuned Torque Transfer Control (TTC) system drive the front wheels.
Fiat has not yet published performance numbers f or the U.S. model.

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Fiat Abarth 500 Takes on Subaru Impreza WRX STI on Italian Track

The Abarth 500, especially when fitted with the 'essesse' performance package that lifts the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine's output to 160-horses, is a capable little beast for its size and price, but is that enough to challenge a previous generation Subaru Impreza WRX STI on the racetrack?

Well, as any driver with some experience on the circuit will tell you, it’s as much about the car as it is about the person sitting behind the wheel. That said, the Abarth 500 shouldn't come close to an STI in the right hands but it's plausible under certain circumstances.
Youtube poster Marchettino says that he was able to chase the Impreza WRX STI –even though it was modded, which could potentially mean that it packed close to 300-ponies under its hood, with his Abarth 500.
"While driving at Franciacorta racetrack I played with a modified Subaru Impreza WRX Sti," said Marchettino. "I was also very surprised to keep up with such a fast car with my Abarth. Unfortunately, my GoPro HD [video camera] stopped to record the action for no reason!"

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