http://www.insideline.com/fiat/500/fiat-500-makes-list-of-hottest-vehicles-at-2011-sema-show.html
Finally some testosterone! I like the Abarth site and video.......seems like they`re getting better at this.
Maybe I missed it earlier in the thread but you can now build and price a Gucci model on FIAT's site.. Apologies if this has been posted earlier but it is new to me!
Yep, it's been mentioned. I'm holding out for the Gucci Mane edition; I think Bart would make a great front end badge. Image Unavailable, Please Login
If Ford starts selling a 180 hp Fiesta ST, I think Fiat has to bring the Abarth with at least 180 hp too. http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/ford-bringing-five-door-fiesta-st-concept-to-la-auto-show/
I don't want to stray off topic, but I have to give a brief shout out, to my old deuce. I had a '93 Steel Mist Grey and told myself I would never get rid of it for anything other than a '95. Then in late Summer 2000 I found the one. A Dark Emerald Pearl (rare & GORGEOUS) on Ivory leather, bonifide 1995 Turbo with 22,000 miles on it. It had a sonorous Greddy exhaust, Tokico adjustable shocks with TRD lowering springs and a K&N filtercharger, but was otherwise stock. Damn, do I miss that car. Best cockpit ever. The upgrades were tastefully hidden from view, save the slightly larger exhaust outlets. What a beautiful (entirely stock in appearance) car from every angle and the handling was just fantastic. If I recall correctly, which I probably don't, I think 192 1995 MR2's were imported of which 74 were Turbos. They didn't even make a brochure IIRC. I'll try to dig up some pics. Nice Summer days make me ache for that MR2, man. Sold it and bought an E320 when my son was born, dammit. Trying to keep in touch with the new owner to maintain right of first refusal if and when he ever decides to sell her. Peace in the Southeast, Nick
Some pics of Fiat 500 stuff at the Sema show in Las Vegas. I love the aftermarket red and green striped seats! You can see that the performance parts are Mopar. No Abarths there at all.... we have to wait for the LA Auto show. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Katzkin is great for aftermarket leather. (Off-topic) I bought an MR2 Spyder new in '02 and had the dealer put in Katzkin red leather seats...silver exterior, red interior, just like 1950 Porsche Spyders, etc. The conservative Toyota dealer kept trying to push me to get tan or black leather, and had me sign a form saying I'd accept the red leather, as they couldn't picture it working, and they didn't want to be stuck trying to sell such an "odd" combination if I rejected it...once the car arrived, I heard one of the dealership principals say, "Oh! Now I get it!"
I finally sat in few 500s today at the local dealer. Amazing how much headroom the sunroof eats up; definitely not an option I can go with. Otherwise a comfortable amount of space and I like the overall feel.
Out of curiosity, how tall are you? I am 6'5" and have yet to sit in one so I'm curious if the sunroof would be doable.
I'm 6'2'' with ~ 34" inseam. Unless you have a short (relatively speaking) torso I doubt you can sit comfortably in a sunroof equipped 500. Also, whether sunroof or not there is not much space b/w my head and the leading edge of the roof where it meets the top of the door frame. In other words it could be pretty easy to whack your head getting in/out.
Wife had me test drive the 500c tonight. While she was deciding on whether to go for Bianco with red seats, or Verde Charo with brown seats, friggin dealer starts to talk about the Gucci edition! I think she's leaning towards the Gucci but every dealer in town is saying that they have the only single black cabrio alloted.
I asked the local dealer and they were hinting at $40,000'ish CAN for the Abarth. Said something about flying down to L.A. for the launch in late winter.
I spoke to my dealer yesterday. 170 HP @ $25,000 is what they told me for the hotrod version. Delivery in early 2012. I'm in!
I hope that's the case. Anything more than $25k and my desirability for the car drops big time. Too many deals on the used car market at that price. I have heard the same "delivery in early 2012" too. Seems a bit optimistic since the car won't be revealed until next week and 2012 is in a month and a half. Sorry, just a little cynicism
