Interesting tid-bits from NYIAS

[Abarthlyness]

Hello everyone!

Was looking at one of my favorite web sites, Fiat500USA.com, and saw that there are some pretty interesting pics, and speculations in regards to the look, similarities and differences between the US and the Uero 500s

Check out this link!!

http://fiat500usa.blogspot.com/2010/04/new-us-version-of-fiat-500-spotted.html

[VilleV]

Interesting! The front bumber part seems to be totally different and there is something different about the headlamps too, not just the high beams. Also seems that Abarth 17" alloys are available on "normal" 500 too. And that dark red colour is something new! Tho these are just photoshop images and we wont know anything for sure until the car is officially launched in US.

[Fiat500USA]

Hi guys!

Thanks for checking out my site.:icon_thumleft:

I am thinking that Fiat might use one basic bumper for the regular 500 and the Abarth because of the cost of redesigning bumpers to meet the US specs.

The Abarth version could easily get a new lower grill and logo plus a vent could be cut into the side pretty easily.

What do you think of that idea?

[Fiat500USA]

About the headlight...

I have a thought that Fiat might move the high beam into the headlight housing and then make the old high beam lamp a combination turn signal and side marker.

In the US we need to have a side marker lamp that is on the corners of the front and rear fender that shows the ends of the car.

[Abarthlyness]

Hi guys!

Thanks for checking out my site.:icon_thumleft:

I am thinking that Fiat might use one basic bumper for the regular 500 and the Abarth because of the cost of redesigning bumpers to meet the US specs.

The Abarth version could easily get a new lower grill and logo plus a vent could be cut into the side pretty easily.

What do you think of that idea?

Oh, I LOVE your site!! I visit is two or three times a weel to check for updates:icon_thumright:

Also, any thoughts on final Abarth power numbers? I heard 170hp, then I heard 135hp-140hp... What's your best guess?

I would think 135 just wouldn't cut it in the states. The Abarht would need to compete with the likes of the Mini Cooper S, and the possible Mazdaspeed 2 on the way.

As far as the front bumper thoughts, from my experience, this happens often.

When I bought my 2002' Dodge Neon R/T, it had a :unique" front facia assembly. Then, later on, this facia was standard issue:mad:

But, that's okay with me. I just think of it as similar to the Mini situation in the states. The only real difference of the regular Mini to the "S" version (besides wheels and drivetrain), is a hood scoop, and some extra vents in and on the front facia of the "S" versions.

As long as eveything else is special too on the Abarth, I will be stoked!

[Abarthlyness]

About the headlight...

I have a thought that Fiat might move the high beam into the headlight housing and then make the old high beam lamp a combination turn signal and side marker.

In the US we need to have a side marker lamp that is on the corners of the front and rear fender that shows the ends of the car.

High beams... ? Is that what that other little lamp is below the head light on the Euro 500? I always wondered that... doesn't the Euro 500 has corner/side markers??

[VilleV]

In Europe the high beam housings also have the DRL´s, daytime driving lights in them, which are required by law in EU from 2011 onwards.

I think that fitting side markers to these existing lights could be something of a challenge but putting them on side of the bumbers could easily ruin the lines. It might be easier to fit them on the headlight housings actually!

And about the bumbers, I think the Abarth needs to have more agressive bumbers to separate itself from the base model.

[VilleV]

High beams... ? Is that what that other little lamp is below the head light on the Euro 500? I always wondered that... doesn't the Euro 500 has corner/side markers??

Yeah, they have the high beams and the DRL´s. And no side markers needed here, actually they were illegal since very recently and had to be removed from all American vehicles before registering, atleast up here in Finland. Luckily that stupid law is now history!

[Peter O]

I am thinking that Fiat might use one basic bumper for the regular 500 and the Abarth because of the cost of redesigning bumpers to meet the US specs.

I don't think the US Abarth drivers want a 500 that looks different from the European. But it's OK for the Fiat 500 drivers if their cars look a little bit like an Abarth 500. I don't exspect that both will have bumpers that you can't easily recognize.

As I'm now talking to you, I appreciate your site very much. I get a lot of information, photos and videos, and more your blog looks as stylish as a blog can. Thanks for your work!

[.Lefteris.]

Hi guys!

Thanks for checking out my site.:icon_thumleft:

....................
We, on 500fans.com always support our friends and members, especially for their fine doings! :icon_thumright:

[Fiat500USA]

Thanks guys :thanks2: :sLo_grouphug3:

As far as HP goes, Chrysler says 170hp, but exactly how they give us it is still unknown. Could it be an option like the esseesse kit? We just don't know.

Horsepower is relative to price. A 135hp Abarth for $18,000 would be great, a 135hp Abarth for $24,000 would be tough in the US market. We'll have to wait and see.

Getting back to the bumper, the side marker lights will be the big question. I think if the bottom lights are shaped a little differently, you could see them from the side.


http://lh5.ggpht.com/_7IhKWjDc9wg/SsYUz6T3mSI/AAAAAAAABaM/H5TXrg67j-w/s400/Fiat500USA-500%20Abarth%20front%20detail.jpg

[Abarthlyness]

Thanks guys :thanks2: :sLo_grouphug3:

As far as HP goes, Chrysler says 170hp, but exactly how they give us it is still unknown. Could it be an option like the esseesse kit? We just don't know.

Horsepower is relative to price. A 135hp Abarth for $18,000 would be great, a 135hp Abarth for $24,000 would be tough in the US market. We'll have to wait and see.

Getting back to the bumper, the side marker lights will be the big question. I think if the bottom lights are shaped a little differently, you could see them from the side.


http://lh5.ggpht.com/_7IhKWjDc9wg/SsYUz6T3mSI/AAAAAAAABaM/H5TXrg67j-w/s400/Fiat500USA-500%20Abarth%20front%20detail.jpg


That's exactly right... about the price point for the horse power.

135 hp is a lot of power for such a little car, but we greedy Americans only look at the number. We aren't used to such a small car... yet.

Whatever combo of power options we get, they'll sell every last one (especially the Abarths), I just know it.

BTW... a 2010 Mini Cooper S with absolutely ZERO options added, not even an extra cost color... the price is $23,000 UDS (including destionation) and was able to get the price up to $39,378 USD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The $39,378 USD included every single option, including the JCW (John Cooper Wors) suspension and supercharger... But DANG! Forty Grand!!

I'll stick with my Abarth thank you very much. If I can get the SS equivelant for under $23-$24K USD, I'll be happy:icon_thumleft: