By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos FCA US
The Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio brings world-class performance, aggressive styling, high power-to-weight ratio and limited-production volume to the small-car segment in North America. The small but wicked Abarth models provide one of the most visceral driving experiences, inspired by the racing traditions that made Abarth a success on international racetracks.
Exterior
The aggressive styling of the Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio embody the brand tradition in full purposeful and intentional details, all designed to improve the car’s performance while enhancing the clean and simple design language of the Cinquecento.
To improve aerodynamics and the necessary engine compartment space for the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, the Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio feature a more pronounced front fascia. For additional air intake, the signature Abarth shield floats on a finned surface, and a larger intake below consists of three inlets with broader openings than the standard Cinquecento models. For a more aggressive look, twin nostrils are precisely positioned on the front fascia to maximize airflow in and out of the two engine intercoolers.
From the rear, an aggressively styled cloth-top-mounted spoiler extends the roofline and improves the Abarth Cabrio’s aerodynamic behavior by creating additional downforce. Below, the two-piece Abarth-styled rear fascia accentuates the road-holding stance and optimizes airflow with its rear diffuser.
Open-air freedom with an intelligent power cloth-top and rigid structural design
With the Fiat 500 Abarth’s high-performance DNA intact, the 2016 Fiat 500c Abarth delivers the same track-proven attributes that have made the hatchback model a success on European and North American roadways, but now brings even more fresh air and the unmistakable Abarth-tuned exhaust note into the cabin.
With just the push of a button, the power-operated cloth-top retracts up to the rear spoiler during speeds up to 60 mph. Press the roof button again, and the roof will fold all the way open and tuck neatly behind the rear head restraints.
For access to the Fiat 500c Abarth’s trunk, premium parallelogram liftgate hinges conveniently position the liftgate out of the way, while the power-operated cloth-top automatically retracts back to the rear-spoiler position to avoid any obstruction.
In addition to its cleverly designed multi-position power-retractable cloth-top, the Fiat 500c Abarth’s fully stamped body side silhouette retains the iconic Cinquecento form while delivering added structural rigidity.
Interior
The interior design theme of the Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio is an artistic blend of clean and functional performance appointments. An Abarth-designed steering wheel features a thick rim, perforated leather and flat bottom to provide the look, feel and increased roominess desired during at-the-limit driving.
The 7-inch high-definition color TFT cluster display sits behind the steering wheel and features a leather-wrapped cluster brow wrapped in Nero leather with Rosso accent stitching. The cluster display allows drivers to easily monitor data like g-forces, speed, fuel level and trip information. When the vehicle is in Sport mode, the TFT cluster display becomes more aggressive in appearance, complementing the Sport mode’s more engaged driving experience. Below the instrument panel, Abarth-designed aluminum pedal covers feature Nero rubber trim for a decidedly racing look, while the Nero leather shift knob with Rosso accent stitching provides a precise feel of the shifter; Unique Abarth-styled front performance seats feature a one-piece design with large side bolsters, a racing-harness pass through, accent stitching around the perimeter and integrated side-thorax air bags.
Track-ready performance
Like the Fiat 500 hatchback, the Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio feature an enhanced front and rear suspension design to deliver the precision handling, steering and refinement needed for high-performance driving.
Standard on the Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio are 16 x 6.5-inch cast-aluminum wheels with 195/45 R16 Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires that deliver all-season traction and low-noise characteristics. For even more performance, larger and wider 17 x 7-inch forged-aluminum wheels keep this Cinquecento lightweight at each corner and feature high performance three-season Pirelli P-Zero Nero tires with a 205/40 R17 size for a wider stance and reduced profile for improved handling.
The Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio feature a high-performance brake system with semi-metallic brake linings at all four corners and larger 11.1-inch ventilated rotors for greater stopping power. Both front and rear brake calipers are lacquered in Rosso paint for an athletic look. An Abarth-tuned electronic stability control system features three calibration modes to maximize handling capabilities on and off the track.
Engine and Transmission
Under the hood, the 2016 Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio feature the track-proven 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine for up to 160 horsepower, 183 lb.-ft. of torque and 0-to-60 mph performance in the low 7-second range.
Compared with the naturally aspirated 1.4-liter MultiAir engine, the boost in horsepower is largely due to its single turbocharger that operates off engine exhaust and utilizes energy that would normally be wasted through the tailpipe; Other high-performance engine component upgrades include an Abarth-designed fresh-air intake system with high flow air filter and smooth-flowing plumbing for maximum power. And to make sure the engine is operating with minimal exhaust restriction, an Abarth-designed concentric double-tip dual-exhaust system delivers a high performance look with menacing Abarth-tuned sound.
An optional six-speed automatic transmission is available, helping to broaden the customer base for the high-performance version of the Fiat 500; To ensure the 2016 Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio remain true to their high-performance and track-ready heritage, the six-speed automatic transmission has been reinforced with more clutch plates and a more robust heat treatment to allow for higher torque capability. The Sport mode calibration allows for an even more engaged driving experience with special features, such as fuel-cut upshifts, rev-matching downshifts, brake-assist downshifts, corner gear hold and fast-off gear hold, as well as a more aggressive pedal map.
Summary
With its 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, Abarth-tuned suspension and brake systems, race-inspired design, and technology features not traditionally included on a small car, the 2016 Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio unleashes the brand’s legendary performance heritage to American streets.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $26,695.00, the one I drove included the Giallo Moderna Perla Exterior Paint, Beats Audio Package, Comfort / Convenience Group, Aisin Heavy Duty 6 Speed Automatic Transmission, Nero Trimmed Lights, Nero Mirror Cap with Body Side Stripe and 17Inch x 7.0 Inch Forged Bronze Wheels, and it came in at $33,315.00 including destination charge. The EPA fuel economy estimates 24 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
