Few cars project as much personality as the FIAT 500. You increase that personality with a zippy, turbocharged, 160 horsepower 1.4-liter engine that makes 150 lbs-feet of torque (170 lb-ft when the “Sport” button is pressed). Add a sport-tuned suspension with a roll-back convertible top and you have the 2013 FIAT 500c Abarth Cabrio – the most charismatic 500 of the family.
The 2013 FIAT 500c Abarth Cabrio supplies fun in the sun and fun on the run.
Sorry, I get taken in by the PR jargon just like you. Still, this is an immensely satisfying vehicle that Roman Mica (TFLCar’s top-o dog-o) got to experience. You can read and view that review (here).
About that Abarth-tuned “Sport” mode:”
“The Fiat 500c Abarth features a standard-equipped “Sport” mode calibration for more engaging driving.Should the driver select Sport mode on the instrument panel, the Abarth-tuned PCM unleashes the full power of the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo (torque increases from 150 ft.-lb. to 170 ft.-lb.) with linear throttle response and a more performance-weighted steering feel. When Sport mode is not engaged, the Cabrio returns to “Normal” mode and limits the torque in first and second gears to enhance fuel
efficiency and minimize CO2 emissions.
Compared with the Fiat 500c’s naturally aspirated 1.4-liter MultiAir engine, the boost to 160 horsepower on the Fiat 500c Abarth is largely due to its single turbocharger that operates off engine exhaust and utilizes energy that would normally be wasted through the tailpipe. The turbocharger spins up to 230,000 rpm to convert exhaust heat and pressure to a rotational force that drives a compressor. The compressor draws cool air and pumps it into the intake manifold at increased pressure (maximum 18 psi / 1.24 bar) that results in a greater amount of air in the cylinder and, hence, more power.” – – FIAT Media
What differentiates the 2013 FIAT 500c Abarth Cabrio from it hardtop sibling is a clever, sliding fabric top. By leaving the upper sills that connect the pillars intact, FIAT is able to maintain much of its rigidity.The top can open like a sunroof, a partial convertible or slide all of the way back behind the rear sets.
Check out this video supplied by FIAT for lots of slick looking driving shots!
