Fiat Abarth 230hp Venom With Ferrari Tribute Badging on 2040-cars

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Classic Fiat 500 Abarth, a one-of-a-kind creation, goes on show in Milan

It’s a little car with a big name: the Fiat Abarth Classiche 500 Record Monza '58. Based on the much-revered Fiat 500, specifically the 1970 edition of the “Cinquecento,” this one-off model was assembled by the Stellantis Heritage team to celebrate the centenary of the Autodromo di Monza, the Formula 1 track located in a park just outside of Milan, It was Carlo Abarth who, in 1958, shattered six records at Monza in Abarth's first-ever tuned 500. This miniature classic, colored in a subtle shade of grey/green, was displayed earlier this month at the 12th Milano AutoClassica motor show, an event focusing on classic and sports cars. The two-cylinder engine has been tuned, with displacement increased to 595cc thanks to the Abarth Classiche 595 Tuning Kit. The company says this is inspired by the original kit offered by Abarth in the 1960s. There are several cosmetic applications as well to the car: cream-colored door trim and the single racing seat — another nod to the original — trimmed in a light cream upholstery. An elegant wooden steering wheel and Jaeger dials dominate the dashboard. Besides the display in Milan, Fiat also took to the stage last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing the CinquecentoÂ’s return to the United States in an updated package: powered by battery. The electric 500e hatchback, which will apparently stay true to the CinquecentoÂ’s essence of cute, will likely be powered by a 117-hp electric motor. The U.S. version will be similar to a setup already on sale in Europe, where it carries a driving range estimate of up to 199 miles per charge. Its expected in North America in early 2024. There will even be an electric Abarth version, but whether the U.S. will get that remains to be seen.

Ram and Fiat working on possible midsize pickup for global markets

The midsize pickup segment is enjoying a recent boom globally, with updated models like the new Ford Ranger on the way and a revised Toyota Hilux already testing. The next automaker to take the plunge into the market might be FCA with this recently spotted, highly camouflaged truck. Click through the gallery to see the pickup wearing two different disguises during cold-weather testing. Unfortunately, they keep the truck very well hidden, and even the bed is covered in both of them. Still, it appears that the front end wears a fairly upright design, and the four-door cab is obvious. Also, take a look at the rear to spot coil springs for the suspension, rather than leaf springs. According to our spies, this vehicle's size is larger than the current front-wheel drive Fiat Strada and is closer in dimensions to models like the Ranger and Hilux. Of course, the most intriguing question is whether FCA might bring this vehicle to the US as a Ram competitor against the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. The company's five-year plan makes no mention of such a model here through at least 2018, though. However, Europe and South America are set to receive a midsize pickup in 2016. Perhaps, that's what we are seeing here. Related Video: Featured Gallery Fiat-Ram Pickup Spy Shots View 14 Photos Image Credit: CarPix Design/Style Spy Photos Fiat RAM Truck FCA

2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth is lacking its sting

After seeing the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth at the New York Auto Show, we're starting to understand the convertible is essentially Fiat's take on the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club trim. Thing is, the Abarth name is synonymous with big performance out of tiny engines, and that's exactly what the latest Fiat 124 Abarth gets in Europe. We want it here, too. Despite the scorpion badge on the fender, this model makes the same 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet as the standard 124 Spider. By way of comparison, the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 170 horsepower in Europe. Customers here can choose between a six-speed manual or automatic to route power to the rear wheels through a limited slip differential. The Elaborazione Abarth isn't completely without improvements, though. The droptop gets a stiffer suspension with Bilstein shocks, and a Sport Mode button adds an extra edge when drivers want it. Brembo four-piston calipers are optional, and the US model keeps the European Abarth's retro touches like the black hood. Unfortunately, Abarth's performance legacy holds the Elaborazione Abarth back, rather than helping it. The Mazda MX-5 Miata Club gets most of the same upgrades, including a limited-slip differential, Bilstein shocks, and optional Brembo brakes. However, the Miata's sporty trim is easy to accept because it's just part of the regular lineup; Mazda doesn't attach a brand name with racing history to the sharper model. In contrast, the scorpion badge on this 124 Spider makes the convertible hard to accept as a real Abarth. Related Video: