One of our readers caught the Fiat 500 Abarth out testing on a Michigan freeway, cleverly disguised as a 500 Sport model. We’ve already sampled the Abarth, so the giveaways were easy to spot, namely the dual exhaust outlets and the blacked-out Abarth front fascia with inset fog lamps, distinct badge frame, and air inlets just ahead of each front wheel. Also, upon noticing our attempts to photograph the car, the 500’s driver engaged in a little game of hide-and-go-seek behind a Silverado pickup.
The hot-roddiest 500 will pack a 135 hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a lowered suspension, 17-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and a slew of exterior badges bearing the Abarth scorpion. It will go on sale here in the U.S. sometime in 2012, but seeing it out and about on U.S. highways this far ahead of its proposed launch is a pleasant surprise, and would seem to confirm that it’s still on track. The regular 500 just lost in a comparison test with the Mini Cooper, but we’ve called the Abarth version “a riot.” We look forward to testing one on our home turf.
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