At this point, this is no longer about being cute.

Fiat is unveiling its 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth minicar.

The Fiat 500 Abarth incorporates performance improvements for superior acceleration, braking, and handling. The current Fiat 500 Sport model blends suspension modifications with a bit of distinctive trim, but it does not have any powertrain adjustments.

The Abarth name is legendary among Italian car enthusiasts – it could be regarded as very similar to “Cooper” for the British MINI line. Abarth was initially an Italian tuning shop that additionally constructed low-volume cars; it’s now turned into a factory brand.

Abarths can be identified by their scorpion artwork, signifying plenty of sting bundled inside tiny vehicles. Founder Karl Abarth said 50 years ago: “small, but wicked.”

The 2012 Abarth model will add a turbocharger to the 1.4-liter four-cylinder power-plant found in every North American 500, plus a six-speed manual gearbox. Fiat hasn’t provided specs yet, but they will likely be near the European figures of 135 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.

Additional modifications consist of a stiffer “track-tuned” suspension, larger and superior brakes, and body transformations that integrate a more substantial front air dam and a rear air diffuser.

The 500 Abarth is clearly expected to be the costliest member of the Fiat 500 stable, beginning higher than the $19,500 base price of the existing top-of-the-line Fiat 500 Lounge in its three-door hatchback form.

You will be able to see Abarth models appearing at Fiat dealers after the first of the coming year.

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