#NYIAS: Fiat 124 Abarth Spider Makes US Debut But Loses 10 HP In Translation

#NYIAS: Fiat 124 Abarth Spider Makes US Debut But Loses 10 HP In Translation
Since the introduction of the Fiat 500 Abarth at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, the DNA of Abarth has connected with driving enthusiasts in search of a sharp, wicked, fun-to-drive machine. Continuing the legacy of Karl Abarth's performance-inspired vehicles known for their rich racing heritage, the 2017 Fiat 124 Elaborazione Abarth will debut at this year's New York International Auto Show.

The Fiat 124 Elaborazione Abarth is the heir of the roadster that drove Fiat to its first European Rally Championship win in the 1970s. Applying the Abarth formula, the new 124 Spider is designed and built for thrills and performance. Key Abarth features include rear-wheel drive, a sophisticated suspension and a four-cylinder turbocharged MultiAir 1.4 Turbo engine with best-in-class 160 horsepower that is available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shift.

2016 New York Auto Show

The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth is the latest addition to the Fiat 124 Spider lineup, offering added performance features for a sportier, more spirited driving experience. While all Fiat 124 Spider models deliver responsive handling and excellent power-to-weight ratio in a robust rear-wheel-drive package, the Elaborazione Abarth model builds on the Spider's engaging driving dynamics to offer even more fun for performance enthusiasts.

"Our new Fiat 124 Spider is an iconic roadster that combines classic Italian styling with modern performance and technology," said Olivier Francois, Head of FIAT Brand, FCA – Global. "The addition of our new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth further enhances the driving experience and offers yet another head-turning, fun-to-drive vehicle to our customers."

Performance characteristics
The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth features the proven turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine, delivering 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The Elaborazione Abarth-exclusive Sport Mode changes the calibrations of the engine, automatic transmission, electric power steering and dynamic stability control system to ensure a sporty, responsive and performance-oriented driving experience.

A mechanical limited slip differential, featuring a low torque bias ratio, provides improved traction and handling, as well as improved launch performance and power delivery during cornering. The Elaborazione Abarth's unique sport suspension includes mono-tube Bilstein front and rear shock absorbers for increased traction and more precise handling. The available Brembo braking system with 17-inch alloy wheels offers monoblock aluminum calipers with four pistons, allowing for improved braking.

Aggressive appearance
With a streamlined silhouette and a stretched bonnet, the Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth has an aggressive appearance, with unique front and rear fascia, black side sills, 17-inch Gun Metal aluminum wheels and a sport-tuned, chrome quad-tip exhaust with a unique exhaust sound. The Gun Metal header, mirror cover and roll bar complement five available paint colors: Bianco Gelato (White Clear Coat), Rosso Passione (Red Clear Coat), Nero Cinema (Jet Black Metallic), Grigio Argento (Gray Metallic) and tri-coat Bianco Perla (Crystal White Pearl).

The interior design reflects the performance-oriented details for which cars sporting the Scorpion badge are famous. There is Rosso (red) stitching throughout, including on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, wrapped instrument cluster hood, lower instrument panel and parking brake. A matte black instrument panel bezel, unique instrument cluster, aluminum-accented sport pedals and unique gear shift knob help to differentiate the Elaborazione Abarth model. Unique Nero (black) leather/microfiber seats are standard, while leather seats in Nero (black) or Nero/Rosso (black/red) are available. For true performance enthusiasts, leather and Alcantara Recaro seats are also available in Nero (black).

2017 Fiat 124 Spider
The all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider revives the storied nameplate, bringing its classic Italian styling and performance to a new generation. Paying homage to the original 124 Spider nearly 50 years after its introduction, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic Italian design.

The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider lineup also includes the Classica and Lusso models. To celebrate the return of the classic nameplate, the first 124 vehicles will be offered as a limited-edition Prima Edizione Lusso, featuring an exclusive color combination and commemorative badging. The all-new Fiat 124 Spider will arrive in FIAT studios in North America beginning in summer 2016.

The 2016 New York Auto Show photo galleries are sponsored by Lexus.

2016 New York Auto Show


skytopskytop - 3/23/2016 9:49:39 AM
+1 Boost
Why did Fiat deliberately make this 124 hard to look at?
Italians are masters of design but not in this case.


MDarringerMDarringer - 3/23/2016 9:56:12 AM
+1 Boost
I so agree and on top of that why not be different than the Miata and bolt in some real power?


mini22mini22 - 3/23/2016 10:15:29 AM
+1 Boost
It does have more power than a Miata. That is specifically in it's torque.(184 Vs 148). Also the Euro version of the car is supposedly lighter than the regular 124 Spider. I hope this will translate into the US version. As for looks I think the revised front scoops and black hood make it look more like the original 124 and less like a Miata. Should be a pretty decent car to drive. I've read that it has significantly less body role even on the base 124 than the Miata does.


MDarringerMDarringer - 3/23/2016 11:34:42 AM
+1 Boost
It doesn't have enough of a power bump to be useful.


mini22mini22 - 3/23/2016 4:34:24 PM
+1 Boost
Darringer-As you know it will also depend on weight and gear ratio's.
I didn't see anything in the literature on final drive ratio's versus the standard 124 or what the curb weight is. Fiat can certainly play around with this a bit.


MDarringerMDarringer - 3/23/2016 5:15:58 PM
+1 Boost
The problem with a Miata is that while it can carry speed through a corner pretty well once there is a straight away, it's easily passed.

I say it needs 300 horsepower to be a bit absurd, yes, but 225 to 250 would give it the ability to own the straight away as well as the curves. A larger-displacement, ballsy, turbo four would be a delight.

I know we're talking about Fiat here, but I wish Mazda would ring up Ford for the 2.3 Ecoboost.

Gear and final drive ratios are their own compromise.

Then again it could be worse. We would be talking about the Toyota GT86 that slides through corners and is gutless on the straight aways too. LOL


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