i think this will be our next car. the next generation pocket rocket i would like to wait for the Dart as it will share the same motor but i can get into this car now as they are just hitting the dealerships now.

the plan as of now is to find the GLH and TT stealth a new home to make room. i wish i could time capsul them, but as of now they still cost me money sitting and they deserve to be enjoyed instead of being parked.

anyways, back to the abarth, i think its going to rock, anyone else got their eye on one?

im thinking grey with black mirrors/graphics, the black/red combo's are pulling me in but i dont think i want such a loud looking micro car.

 

I'm a HUGE Abarth fan... I think it's a great direction for you. Look up a guy on YouTube, his channel is marchettino... He has a wicked Abarth... Italian model with some nice goodies. Exhaust on these sounds superb.

 

I saw one in person at the NY Auto Show and I must say that it definitely stood out.. definitely a Mini Cooper alternative... I also do love their commercials with the Italian model...

 

I heard that with every Abarth sold, you get a week long all expenses paid vacation in Italy with HER !!

( well, we can dream, can't we ? )

 

In that case, sign me up for 3

 

I like, Lots.....

 

Good looking little cars, but still have not been able to drive an abarth.

I assume you are going to start making some go-fast goodies for these things as well?

 

I rented a base model Fiat 500 with an automatic while in Florida for the Barrett-Jackson Auctions last month. That little car, in base trim with an automatic was a hoot - I can only imagine that the Abarth would be a riot. No, it's not the fastest thing on earth, and even a MINI JCW is faster (according to the current comparo in Car & Driver) but I think I'd still have the Abarth. It's got so much character, so much personality, and with the narrow canyon roads we have here in SoCal it would be a full on blast. If it could carry all my detailing equipment like my PT Cruiser Turbo can it would be on my short list to replace that car in the near future. But I hear Chrysler Group, LLC is coming out with a hatchback in the Dart's sizing, most likely based on an existing Alfa/Fiat platform just like the Dart is, and I'll probably wait for that. But if I didn't have that need to haul so much stuff, this little Abarth would be really high on my want list for a new daily driver.

 

~ it is indeed a cool looking little ride!

 

At Fontana Lodge this past weekend, several Fiat Abarths were "tagging along" with the Mini group. We saw 2 of the cabin units with Abarths parked all around. If my 1993 Suzuki Swift GT were to "bite the dust", I'd replace that "pocket rocket" with a new Fiat Abarth.

Heck, my SSGT average 35+ mpg driving nearly 500 miles from SC to MD earlier this week, running 75 mph wherever I could. That's pretty hard to top even these days and my car was built 20 years ago!

 

Yep, don't discount the "oldies, but goodies". I have a 1989 Ford Probe LS that I bought new, at 110,000 miles it will still do 42 MPG at 70 on an interstate. It shares the same valve design as the W112 engine : 2 intake & 1 exhaust per cylinder. I was somewhat worried by the totally digital dash when I bought it, but 23 years later there have been absolutely no issues.
( For those not up on Probes, it is a Mazda MX6 in a Flat Rock Michigan body ..... )

 

To each his own I suppose.

Yesterday I was in my Jeep and I saw a white Fiat 500 speed up behind me and then pass me. Since it was moving aggressively, I was keeping an eye on it, and sure enough when it passed it was an Abarth model - not only that, it had Michigan manufacturer tags!

Now I don't know why a manufacturer Abarth was down in Northern VA driving around rush hour, but it was still pretty cool.

That all said, I would never buy one. I can think of about 10 small used cars I would pick before the Abarth without giving it a second thought. Its too small for me to feel safe, too cute for my like (I am comfortable with my masculinity, but really, driving a Fiat 500 variant is still pushing it for me personally if I am going to spend that type of coin on a vehicle) - the Crossfire already gets called "cute" by ladies enough, and for the price - there is just so much more I would rather buy.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Agreed completely. The Abarth isn't exactly cheap, and while it's a soulful Italian, it's more quirky than "classic Italian beauty".

I simply refuse to buy new, regardless of the brand. I still salute Rob for adding the Abarth to his sphere of influence... Rob will do this platform proud. In five years, I will likely be picking up an Abarth for the daily duty, and modding it with some NW goodies.

 

Amen!

People will tell me, "There is nothing like a brand new car." and I simply respond, "I am so ****, I would rather have someone else put the first scratch in it (that I will repair) and take the 20-30% hit on it, but I always buy a 'car guys' used car, when possible."

 

According to Europeans, you have to be under 20 yrs of age to drive it. Otherwise it looks like you have stolen your kids car. Looks good but I'd rather go for the Juke that costs $600,000 USD instead.. Just juking... Go for the BMW 1M instead.

 

They're right -- there is nothing like a brand-new car. Nothing else on earth will give you a fiscal **** whooping in a quicker timeframe.

Well, maybe a night partying with Charlie Sheen in Vegas. But that's beside the point.