Video: Fiat to launch 2012 Abarth at $22,000

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Updated: January 12, 2012 2:44PM

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The FIAT brand recently announced U.S. pricing for its new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth. The starting U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $22,000 (not including destination).

Faithful to the “small but wicked” saying coined for Karl Abarth’s cars in the 1960s, the Fiat 500 Abarth arrives in America with the racing traditions that have made it a success on European roadways and racetracks: world-class performance and precision, purposeful and aggressive styling, high power-to-weight ratio and limited production volume.

“The Fiat 500 Abarth feels like a double shot of espresso straight to your veins,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of Fiat 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.”

The race-inspired Fiat 500 Abarth comes standard with many performance features, including the all-new 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine delivering 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, Abarth-tuned suspension, brake systems and dual exhaust, turbo-boost gauge with integrated LED shift light and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Driver and passenger performance seats feature a one-piece design with large side bolsters, racing-harness pass-through and accent stitching. The Fiat 500 Abarth also comes standard with BLUE&ME hands-free communication, Bose premium audio system and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

Included in the price of each 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is the opportunity for new owners to attend a driving experience at no additional charge. The Abarth Driving Experience is an entire day of full-throttle training, guided by professional instructors from the Richard Petty Driving Experience to ensure fun and top-level instruction in a safe and structured setting.

The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth and its digital spot titled “Seduction” made their debuts at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The 60-second social media spot promoting the 500 Abarth has reached nearly 3 million views. It showcases the unique characteristics of the Fiat 500 Abarth and takes a peek at what happens the first time a customer encounters the race-ready vehicle.

The “Seduction” digital spot can also be viewed at the Fiat’s YouTube site or at youtube.com/fiatusa.

PRNewswire