Although FIAT’s commercial for the FIAT 500 Abarth convertible has been around for awhile, they decided to feature it again for the 2013 Super Bowl. The ad features model/actress Catrinel Menghia, who has been in the last several Fiat 500 Abarth commercials. Is it better than last year’s Super Bowl commercial?

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New features to the 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth include:

• More racing-inspired design such as new carpets, a thicker steering wheel, red and black coloring inside the vehicle and a leather-wrapped gauge cover.
• Addition of tire pressure monitoring to the EVIC system. The system now displays pressure values so that drivers are always aware of their tire pressure.
• A fully configurable door locking strategy for the EVIC system. Drivers can push one button to lock/unlock all doors or set the door locks so that the first push only unlocks the driver’s side door and a second push is needed to unlock the other doors.

The 2013 model also includes the option of heated seats. While owners of the 2012 model could purchase and install heated seats at their dealer, the 2013 model can be purchased with heated seats already installed.

New Sound System

By far, the most anticipated change is that of the audio system. The BOSE audio system has been replaced with a FIAT branded premium six speaker setup with a 276-watt amplifier for surround sound experience.

As an optional feature, the Premium Beats Audio Package is also available. This package, licensed by Beats by Dr. Dre, also includes six speakers. It also includes an 8-inch dual voice coil sub that is secured in a trunk mounted enclosure. The 8 channel amp uses Beats Audio digital sound processing algorithm and pushes it out at 368 watts of sound. Finally, the premium package includes a speed sensitive audio volume control that automatically changes the volume of drivers’ audio to compensate for background noise or other effects on sound at high speeds.

Fiat has not released any details about a possible price change because of the new features. In addition, exterior color choices are expected to remain the same for the 2013 model as they did for the 2012 model. There is also a rumor that a convertible version of the Abarth, the Abarth 500C, will make it stateside as a 2013 model.

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Standard 16 inch wheels

TPMS

The Abarth comes with tire pressure monitor sensors (TPMS). Some wheels are compatible with the TPMS and some are not. Some states require that the wheels be TPMS compatible, so check your state’s regulations before investing in new wheels for your Abarth.

Lug Pattern

The Fiat 500 Abarth wheels have a 4×98 lug pattern. This lug pattern isn’t as common as others, but there are manufacturers who make some pretty hot wheels to these specs. If you wan’t more choices, you can go with the more common 4×100 lug pattern and use wobble bolts to fit the wheels to your Abarth. Although, true custom fitting wheels are always better than using wobble bolts. So, I am going to point you in the right direction to find true fitting wheels in the 4×98 lug pattern.

Optional 17 inch wheels

Size

The Fiat 500 Abarth wheels that come stock from the manufacturer are either the standard 16″ aluminum or the optional 17″ forged aluminum wheels. You can go larger, likely up to 18″ without modification, but in order to clear the front brakes, you will need at least 15″ wheels.

Buying Wheels

Your best bet when looking for some slick wheels for your Abarth is to shop online.

Road Race Motorsports sells Stance Mindset wheels that are designed specifically for the Fiat 500 Abarth in the 4×98 lug pattern. The Stance wheels are lighter weight than the factory ones, giving you better handling and performance. The wheels are available in 15×8 gold, matte black and polished; 16×8 matte black and polished; and 17×7.5 in silver or black.

The 17×7.5 wheels, which are the newest in their lineup, are sweet wheels. They are compatible with the Abarth’s factor TPMS brake sensors and have an offset of +35 so you can have the thin wheels without needing spacers or adapters. The best part is these wheels are only $899 for a set of 4.

500 Madness is another online supplier that sells custom wheels for the Fiat 500 Abarth in the 4×98 bolt pattern. 500 Madness has 48 wheel choices for the Abarth in 15”, 16”, 17” and 18” sizes, although, minor modifications are needed to make the 18 inchers fit.

These Competizione 17×7 wheels in a red satin powdered coated finish really stand out. They have a 30MM offset for the perfect fit. Get a set of 4 for $1,149.99.

Tire Rack has a huge variety of wheel sizes, styles and colors, many at low prices. Tire Rack sells the popular American Racing wheels, among other brands. Tire Rack also sells optional TPMS that are compatible with the Abarth and the new wheels.

These American Racing AR895 wheels are only $130 a piece. The wheels are machined with an Anthracite accent for a classic look. They are 16×7 and have a 4×98 lug pattern.

Are there any other wheels you are drooling over for your Fiat 500 Abarth? Tell me about them in the comments!

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Persistent or lucky shoppers might be able to find a few stray Fiat 500 Abarths sitting in the lots and showrooms of their local dealerships. Be sure to call your nearby dealers to see if they have any Fiat 500 Abarths available, but don’t hold your breath: The head of the Fiat brand told MSNBC that most Abarths sold the day they came onto their lots. If you’re really struggling to find a Fiat 500 Abarth, try the dedicated Fiat dealerships first. Many of the incorporated Chrysler dealerships around the country do not carry the Fiat brand.

Followers and analysts of the automotive industry could have guessed that the demand for the Fiat 500 Abarth would have outstripped its supply: When the sporty versions of the Mini Cooper hit America, it was equally hard for people to get their hands on them. One of the most fun compact cars in recent memory, the Fiat 500 Abarth provides American consumers with a manual transmission and a significant amount of power considering the car’s size.

Although you might not be able to find a Fiat 500 Abarth this year, don’t worry! Chrysler plans to raise their production levels of the Fiat 500 Abarth in order to meet this tremendous demand. Most Fiat and Chrysler dealers will start accepting Fiat 500 Abarth orders as summer starts to wind down, so be sure to check with your local dealer as to when you might be able to get your name on the list! New 2013 Fiat 500 Abarths will start shipping at the end of the year, so don’t miss out on all of the fine Italian performance and style that the Fiat 500 Abarth has to offer. And if you’re looking for a standard-sized car, Fiat will also offer larger versions of the car, the Fiat 500L, during next year.

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Well, there are some big differences between the incandescent bulbs that are commonly used in your home and the bulbs that come with HID kits. HID stands for “high intensity discharge” and these bulbs put out a lot of power. Much of that power turns into heat in the process. Many of us have accidentally touched an incandescent bulb before it is cool and we learned our lesson quickly. Well, if you accidentally touched the bulbs used in HID kits when they were on you would never forget it. These bulbs get so hot that they are actually a danger to themselves.

Now we get to the meat of the issue. Do not touch the bulbs that come with HID kits. The oil on your skin will get stuck to the bulb if you touch them and, when the bulb is turned on, these soiled areas will collect heat and cause hot spots that could cause a critical failure. I have worked with these kinds of bulbs and I have seen a lot of them detonate when they have been handled improperly. It takes a long time for this failure to occur because it takes time for the concentrated heat to weaken that particular spot, but it will dramatically reduce the life of your bulbs. Most people install HID kits to increase the efficiency of their headlights and reduce their costs over time with longer lasting bulbs, but that goes right out the window when the lifespan of the bulbs is so reduced.

If you accidentally touched the bulbs in your HID kits, you have not ruined them. All you have to do is wipe down the bulb with alcohol and a clean, soft, cotton cloth to get it clean again.

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What is the 0 to 60 mph time? - mike S

What is the 0 – 100km/h acceleration speed? What is the top end of the car? Is it available in South Africa? - chris

The multi-air engine pushes out nearly 60 percent more hp than the standard car which helps the Abarth go from 0 – 60 in 7.1 seconds, with a top speed of 131 mph. Unfortunately, the Fiat 500 Abarth is not currently available in South Africa.

what is the curb weight? What is overall length? What is wheelbase? - Dave G

With a curb weight of 2512 lbs, a wheelbase of 90.6 inches and an overall length of 144.4 inches the Abarth is a perfect city car.

Will the Abarth 500c be sold in the US and if so, when (and for how much)? - Martin

any date on 500 abarth convertible? -  vito c

I wish I knew, because the Abarth 500C is by far my favorite version of the FIAT 500. Considering they already make a base Fiat 500C, I think it is likely they will make a convertible Abarth as well.

How many Abarth will be sell in the US? I heard about 2,000 cars only. Is that true? What’s happen if I decided to buy the car next year?
Thank you! - Guillermo C

how limited is this car? How many will be in the U.S.? Im already dissapointed that there might be a chance I will not be able to get one. I have been dreaming and drooling over getting one since i heard that they are comming here. I was picking out wheels and all kinds of carbon fiber aftermarket parts. Now im kinda bumbed. I hope you have some good news for me! - Daniel

The first Fiat 500 Abarth models are finally showing up at FIAT studios  around the country. Some of the first pre-order customers have already received their cars. It remains to be seen how many models FIAT/Chrysler will be making each year. They are being extremely tight-lipped about production numbers right now. Demand seems to be high, and their Teluca factory can easily handle 30,000+ cars a year, so I’m hoping there will be enough little scorpions to go around.

Since Fiat has a controlling interest in Chrysler Group LLC, there will be 130 Fiat dealers across the US that will have the privilege to be selling the Abarth. If you’re interested in purchasing one, your best bet would be to get in contact with your local FIAT dealer.

Hi, I am interested in the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari, is it available in USA? – Ming

Unfortunately you will not find the high performance Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari at any dealership in the U.S.

What is estimated gas mileage highway and city. - Trevor

What is the MPG?  - Laura G

The small, 4.1L engine helps with the fuel economy of 28 city and 34 highway combining at a very sufficient 31 mpg.

Wanted to replace the factory covers with a Katzkin or the like but they dont know if and when they will produce covers for the Abarth (they make covers for the 500) do you know any other co. that will make covers?? - holly

Katzkin will be making seat covers while Sabelt will be making the leather/suede and carbon fiber racing seats.

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The Venom owes its lightweight and power enhancements to Magneti Marelli, Fiat’s own part supplier, similar to Mopar for Chrysler in America. Magneti Marelli’s contributions to the Abarth Venom are extensive.

First, they reduced the weight of the car by approximately 200 pounds. They accomplished this feat by incorporating carbon fiber throughout the car and using new lightweight wheels in favor of the standard wheels. In the interior, the dashboard trim and seatbacks are made from the lightweight carbon fiber. On the exterior, the hood, fascia elements, and splitter are constructed of a more durable version of carbon fiber.

On the performance side, Mopar and Marelli managed to increase the Abarth’s horsepower by 25-percent, upping it from 160 to 200 HP. They accomplished this by adding an electronic boost controller and installing a dual-mode exhaust system that is reminiscent of the Record Monza system commonly seen in special edition Abarths like the Maserati and Ferrari Tributo.

Well as cool as a concept car is, the lingering question is will it make it into production? Well, the Abarth Venom as a production line model will not happen, but there is some hope that the parts used to make these modifications to the Abarth will find their way to an auto store near you. The parts will likely be branded as Mopar parts since Marelli is a Mopar supplier. There is no specific date for the release of these new parts, but none of the modifications seen on the Venom are out of the norm for Mopar or Marelli. They have introduced similar modifications to the market before.

Abarth lovers should hope that this accessories and modifications make it to the consumer market. As fun as the Abarth is to drive, an Abarth that is 200 lbs lighter and 200 HP would be even more fun.

Image source: Car and Driver.

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