Faithful to the "small but wicked" saying coined for Karl Abarth's
cars in the 1960s, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth arrives to America with
the racing traditions that have made it a success on European roadways
and racetracks — world-class performance and precision, purposeful and
aggressive styling, high power-to-weight ratio and limited-production
volume.
Building on the excitement of the new 2012 Fiat 500
(Cinquecento), the new Fiat 500 Abarth is designed for track-day
enthusiasts and driving purists who want the ultimate high-performance
small car with the pedigree of an exclusive Italian exotic.
With
its all-new 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 new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
unleashes the brand's legendary performance heritage to American
streets.
Design
The aggressive styling of the new 2012 Fiat
500 Abarth embodies the Abarth 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.
Aggressive, functional styling
The
new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth takes the city-friendly proportions and iconic
Cinquecento cues of the new Fiat 500 hatchback model further, with a
stylistic approach to exterior aerodynamics and high-performance
functionality.
To improve aerodynamics — while creating the
necessary engine compartment space for the all-new 1.4-liter MultiAir
Turbo engine — the Fiat 500 Abarth's front fascia is more pronounced and
pushed 2.7 inches (69 mm) ahead of its signature "whiskers and logo"
face, recalling the Abarth stylistic treatments from vintage 850 TC and
1000 TC models.
Continuing the Fiat 500 Abarth's unique front
aerodynamic design treatment, the signature "Abarth" shield floats on a
finned surface that serves as an additional air intake. Below, the
"triptych" of air intakes consists of three inlets with broader openings
than the Fiat 500. For a more aggressive look, a blacked-out fascia
accent integrates projector-beam fog lamps and helps direct air for
engine cooling. Twin "nostrils" are precisely positioned on the front
fascia to maximize airflow in and out of the two engine intercoolers
(both intercoolers are visible through the "nostril" inlets).
More
aggressive Abarth-designed side skirts provide a vertical and athletic
profile, while highlighting the iconic curves of the Fiat 500 Abarth.
Abarth-designed 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels, or optional 17-inch
lightweight forged-aluminum wheels, fill the flared wheel arches and
provide ventilation for the performance brake system. In addition, both
wheel designs allow visibility of the lacquered Rosso (red) brake
calipers.
From the rear, a large liftgate-mounted spoiler extends
the roofline of the Fiat 500 Abarth and improves the vehicle's
aerodynamic behavior by creating additional down force. Below, the
two-piece Abarth-styled rear fascia accentuates the road-holding stance
of this high-performance 500 and optimizes airflow output with its
black-accented rear diffuser. In addition, symmetric, twin exhaust
cutouts deliver a powerful look, while large concentric "double tip"
exhausts provide a tuned sound and Abarth-exclusive look.
Bold exterior elements
Paying
homage to the brand's racing heritage and vintage Cinquecento-based 595
and 695 Abarth models, iconic Abarth shields are once again positioned
on both driver and passenger rear-quarter panels and feature a "shot
through" Rosso-Bianco-Verde (red-white-green) tri-color arrow.
For
even more Abarth style, optional bodyside exterior decals pay homage to
the historic models and provide the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth with a
track-ready look. Available in Rosso, Nero and Bianco, the signature
Abarth triple-stripe logo runs horizontally along the lower bodyside and
dissipates into a gradient rearward. Rosso, Nero or Bianco exterior
mirror caps also are included to match the stripe.
For maximum
customization, the Abarth-designed 17-inch forged-aluminum wheels are
available in Hyper Black or optional Bianco paint.
Enthusiast-designed cockpit
Expanding
on the no-nonsense design and high attention to detail found on the
2012 Fiat 500, the new Fiat 500 Abarth features a performance-designed
cockpit with unique appointments.
The interior design theme of
the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is an artistic blend of clean lines 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.
For easier operation, and to keep the driver's eyes on the road ahead,
the Fiat 500 Abarth's steering wheel includes cruise, audio and
BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technology controls.
Behind
the steering wheel, the Fiat 500 Abarth features a large concentric
instrument cluster with 160-mph speedometer, tachometer and trip
computer. For a touch of sophistication, the instrument-panel cluster
brow is wrapped in Nero leather with Rosso accent stitching.
Unique
to the Fiat 500 Abarth is the addition of an analog turbo-boost gauge
with integrated LED shift light in the center that illuminates to
optimize gear changes.
Integrating the latest in portable vehicle
navigation on top of the instrument panel, the available TomTom®
navigation with BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technology features
a 4.3-inch touchscreen display.
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, racing-harness pass through, accent stitching
around the perimeter and integrated side-thorax air bags. The Fiat 500
Abarth's rear seat is designed to be comfortable for two adults and
delivers the high-quality, comfort and craftsmanship executed on the
front seats. To highlight that this hatchback is roomy, the rear
passengers' upper seatbacks are raised and bolstered for added back
support.
For a contemporary and technical look, the Fiat 500
Abarth features the center stack, radio and climate control system, as
well as the headliner and pillars finished in Nero, while the
four-passenger seating is available in Nero (cloth or leather) or
Rosso/Nero (leather) color combinations.
Intelligently designed cabin provides maximum interior space
Thanks
to careful analysis of the interior space, designers of the new 2012
Fiat 500 Abarth made an amazingly roomy and capable cabin within its
city-friendly size. With built-in storage spaces, including two in the
instrument panel, map pockets in the door panels and another below the
center console's shifter bezel, this high-performance Cinquecento can
quickly and conveniently store mobile devices and travel gear. In
addition, the luggage compartment is spacious, providing a maximum of
26.8 cubic feet for gear with the rear seats folded.
Engineering
Like
the European model, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is designed,
engineered and tested to deliver the high-performance driving and
enduring capabilities needed for track use. And to make sure the 500
Abarth provides the highest levels of driving thrill, every piece of
hardware and every mile of development tuning has been thoroughly
examined to ensure the European model's DNA is delivered to North
American driving enthusiasts.
Like the European-spec 500 Abarth
derived from the standard Cinquecento, the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth builds
off the North American adapted Fiat 500 Sport - and adds the legendary
performance and handling capabilities that have made Abarth models an
international success both on and off the track.
Track ready, precision-tuned chassis
The
new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth features an enhanced front- and
rear-suspension design to deliver the precision handling, steering and
refinement needed for high-performance driving.
Compared with the
front-suspension design of the Fiat 500 Sport model, the new 500 Abarth
features a unique MacPherson suspension design with a 40 percent
stiffer spring rate and 0.6-inch (15 mm) lower ride height for improved
handling and minimal body roll. Abarth-designed cast iron front-lower
control arms provide improved lateral stiffness, while an increase in
negative camber to -1.5 degrees delivers improved grip and steering
precision.
New dual-valve Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) KONI®
front-shock absorbers replace standard twin-tube units and deliver an
innovative two-in-one solution. This patented technology provides the
road-holding and handling characteristics needed for maximum grip and
performance. In addition, the FSD system actively filters out
high-frequency suspension inputs from uneven road surfaces and adjusts
for improved comfort and smoothness.
The beefier rear-suspension
design of the Fiat 500 Abarth takes the Fiat 500 Sport model's (already
300 percent stiffer than the European Fiat 500) twist-beam design
further, with a reinforced rear axle with strengthened coil-spring
supports for greater durability. A new Abarth-specific rear-stabilizer
bar increases cornering grip. For improved handling, minimal body roll
and ride-height control (when fully loaded), the new Fiat 500 Abarth
features 20 percent stiffer rear springs with 0.6-inch (15 mm) lower
ride.
Abarth-tuned steering
The new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
features a 15.1:1 (up from 16.3:1) steering-gear ratio for 10 percent
quicker steering to enhance responsiveness, maneuverability and
high-performance feel. Compared to the Fiat 500 Sport, the 500 Abarth
features a uniquely tuned electronic power steering (EPS) calibration
for increased steering response and feedback.
Track-proven brake system
The
Fiat 500 Abarth features a high-performance brake system with an
Abarth-tuned electronic stability control (ESC) system designed for
at-the-limit driving.
At the front, the Fiat 500 Abarth features
2.1-inch (54 mm) diameter single-piston front-brake calipers with
semi-metallic brake linings for greater stopping power. Larger 11.1-inch
(282 mm) (up from 10.1-inch; 257 mm) diameter ventilated rotors provide
additional surface-heat dissipation. The 9.4-inch (240 mm) rear
disc-brake system features single-piston brake calipers with
semi-metallic brake linings to mitigate brake fade at higher
temperatures. Both front- and rear-brake calipers are lacquered in Rosso
paint for an athletic look.
An Abarth-tuned ESC system features a
three-mode calibration to maximize the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth's
handling capabilities on and off the track. When ESC is selected from
"On" to "Partial Off" or "Full Off" on the instrument panel, the 500
Abarth's innovative Torque Transfer Control (TTC) system maximizes
throttle performance during on-throttle cornering.
Lightweight wheels with high-performance tires
Standard
on the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth, 16 x 6.5-inch cast-aluminum wheels feature
a race-inspired design and are fitted with 195/45 R16 Pirelli®
Cinturato P7 tires that deliver all-season traction and low-noise
characteristics. These tires are inflated with a higher tire pressure to
optimize the 500 Abarth's suspension tuning.
For even more
performance, larger and wider 17 x 7-inch wheels are available on the
Fiat 500 Abarth. With forged-aluminum construction, these race-inspired
wheels keep this Cinquecento lightweight at each corner (18.9 lbs.
compared to the standard 16-inch wheels at 18.3 lbs.), while delivering
strength and track-tested durability. When equipped with these larger
wheels, high-performance three-season Pirelli P-Zero Nero tires feature a
205/40 R17 sizing for a wider stance and a reduced profile for improved
handling.
Putting the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth to the test
Public
road and race track reliability and durability testing, initially done
by FIAT prior to the Fiat 500 Abarth's European launch, was conducted
again in North America to validate the recent engineering changes, as
well as to collect feedback from American drivers.
In addition to
the 4 million development miles (6.4 million kilometers) of the North
American Fiat 500, plus the quality-proven engineering of the European
500 Abarth, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth added more than 2 million
additional miles (3.2 million kilometers) during its reliability and
durability evaluations at the Chrysler Group's scientific labs, proving
grounds, race tracks and on public roads in various climates.
The
fleet of early production Fiat 500 Abarth vehicles was tested day and
night on various public road surfaces in different North American
climates to identify any potential reliability issues. Chrysler Group's
trained drivers also scrutinize functional aspects of each vehicle, such
as heating and ventilation systems, storage compartments and window
operation. The development team reviews the test results each day and
makes any necessary adjustments to ensure the quality of customer
vehicles.
Taking a page out of Chrysler Group's SRT® brand's
durability test manual, engineers subjected Fiat 500 Abarth prototypes
to 24-hour endurance events on the harsh surfaces of the Nelson Ledges
Road Course in eastern Ohio. Even with a high-end performance car, many
race drivers consider it a feat to finish a 24-hour endurance race
without brake system, engine or suspension failures. The Abarth
prototypes not only survived the challenge, but delivered dependable
performance as they clocked consistent lap times from start to finish.
Powertrain
Taking
a page from Karl Abarth's extensive experience to increase the power
and durability of the original Cinquecento's engine for racing use, the
new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth debuts a turbocharged variant of the proven
1.4-liter MultiAir® engine for increased horsepower, torque and
performance.
"With the addition of a turbocharger to the
1.4-liter engine, advanced intake technology including FIAT's exclusive
MultiAir system, a heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission and a host
of other internal refinements to the powertrain, the 2012 Fiat 500
Abarth transforms the Fiat 500 into a high-performance precision driving
machine that every enthusiast will appreciate," said Mike Vincent,
Platform Manager for the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine.
Behind
the unique Rosso (red) Abarth engine cover and Abarth-designed front
fascia with twin "nostrils," lies the heart of the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth -
the all-new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine backed with a stronger,
manual five-speed transmission, equal-length half shafts, 3.35
final-drive ratio, and a Torque Transfer Control (TTC) system that
delivers power to the pavement.
High-performance engine design with high output
Selected
as the "Best International Engine in 2010," by a panel of 72
journalists from 36 countries, the new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine
in the Fiat 500 Abarth is designed to meet the rigorous demands of
performance driving throughout its 6,500 rpm range.
Structurally,
the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine starts with a cast-iron block and
an aluminum bedplate. Bore is 72 mm (2.83 inches) and stroke is 84 mm
(3.31 inches) for a total displacement of 1368 cu. cm (83.5 cu. in.).
At
the bottom end, a forged-steel crankshaft with select-fit main bearings
is supported across four main journals. The crankshaft has been
designed with lightened counterweights to reduce overall mass for high
engine rpm operation.
Durability is ensured with the use of
lightweight forged-steel connecting rods that have been designed with a
unique cross section to minimize the longitudinal and lateral bending of
the rod.
Lightweight pistons contribute to the overall strength
of the reciprocating assembly and the engine's high rpm capability.
Full-floating piston pins are used for added strength. Piston cooling
jets, located at the bottom of each cylinder, contribute to fuel economy
by squirting oil on the bottom of the pistons to help maintain cylinder
temperatures and reduce the possibility of hot spots along the cylinder
walls or at the top of the piston that could lead to detonation.
Compression
ratio of the Fiat 500 Abarth's 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine is
9.8:1. For optimum fuel economy and performance, fuel with a 91 octane
rating is preferred and regular 87 octane is acceptable.
This
high-performance 1.4-liter engine also is fitted with a structural
aluminum oil pan. Crankcase capacity is 4.0 quarts with a dry filter.
Synthetic 5W-40 engine oil is recommended, due to higher overall
temperatures with the turbocharger. And to maintain a lower ownership
cost for the Fiat 500 Abarth, oil change intervals are set at 8,000
miles.
Innovative MultiAir cylinder head
The valve
train for the high-performance 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine features
FIAT's exclusive MultiAir fuel delivery technology. Unlike engines that
rely on direct action from fixed lobes on the camshaft to control intake
valve opening and closing, MultiAir is an electro-hydraulic system that
can control intake air, cylinder by cylinder and stroke by stroke
depending on the demands from the standard electronic throttle control
(ETC) system.
Actual opening of the valves is controlled by
hydraulic fluid running through a narrow passage that is controlled by a
dual-action solenoid. When the solenoid is closed, under highway speeds
or full acceleration, intake valves are fully open much like a
traditional engine for maximum power. At lower speeds, the solenoid
opens, allowing oil to bypass the passage, decoupling the valves. This
allows for infinite control of the valves and controls the amount of
fresh air into the cylinders, reducing wasted energy that is common with
fixed intake lobes on a camshaft.
Spent exhaust gases are
released through traditional lobes on the camshaft and exit through a
cast stainless steel exhaust manifold.
Ignition is through a single output, coil-on-plug system. Spark plugs are dual precious metal for durability.
Fuel
delivery is sequential, multi-port, electronic, with injectors located
to direct the fuel spray at the intake valves in a wide spray pattern
that increases fuel atomization and enhances complete combustion for a
smooth driving experience.
MultiAir technology on
normally-aspirated 1.4-liter engines provides 15 percent increase in low
engine rpm torque, 7.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a 10
percent reduction in CO2 emissions.
Turbo and twin intercoolers provide 160 horsepower
Compared
with the Fiat 500's natural-aspirated 1.4-liter MultiAir engine, the
boost to an estimated 160 horsepower on the new 2012 Fiat 500 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 that results in a greater amount of air in the cylinder and
hence more power.
The 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo's induction system
includes two intercoolers located behind the driver- and passenger-side
air inlets of the Abarth-styled front fascia. The intercoolers are
designed to remove heat in the air charge that the turbocharger
generates while compressing incoming air (higher air density for more
power). Reducing heat provides a cooler, denser air charge that helps
increase the potential for more power. A cooler air charge also reduces
the potential for engine knock.
High-performance engine system components
The new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth features several engine system component upgrades needed for high-performance driving.
On
the intake side, the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo features an
Abarth-designed fresh-air intake system with high-flow air filter,
redesigned air box for improved air flow and smooth-flowing plumbing for
maximum power and low induction noise.
An Abarth-designed
concentric "double tip" dual-exhaust system delivers a high-performance
look with menacing Abarth-tuned sound and minimal exhaust gas
restriction for maximum power.
An Abarth-tuned powertrain control
module (PCM) integrates all of the MultiAir Turbo's engine control
functions. The PCM provides specific engine calibrations to maximize
horsepower and torque in "Sport" mode, and syncs with the
LED-illuminated shift light for additional driver notification at the
redline.
An upgraded electrical system includes a high-output
140-amp alternator and 500 amp cold-cranking maintenance-free battery
for increased vehicle system charging.
High-performance transmission and driveline
Developed
by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) for high-output applications, the
Fiat 500 Abarth is equipped with the heavy-duty C510 five-speed manual
transmission. Proven on the European 500 Abarth models, this
transmission features a 3.35 final-drive ratio for quick acceleration
and faster top speed, while maintaining fuel efficiency.
Designed
to handle the increased torque loads, the Fiat 500 Abarth's C510
transmission includes an intermediate shaft with equal-length half
shafts to mitigate torque steer. Compared with the Fiat 500, the 500
Abarth features 23 percent larger half shafts (28.1 mm diameter vs. 22.8
mm diameter in the Fiat 500) for increased strength and to reduce
torsional stress in the driveline during performance driving on the road
or track. To handle the increased power and torque of the new 1.4-liter
MultiAir Turbo engine, larger constant velocity (CV) joints with 53
percent greater torsional strength (2600 N•m vs. 1700 N•m in the Fiat
500) deliver added durability and refinement.
Maximum track handling with Torque Transfer Control (TTC) system
Helping
the driver to utilize the power of the new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo
engine is an Abarth-tuned Torque Transfer Control (TTC) system. TTC is
designed to control and transfer the engine's torque to the drive wheels
for world-class performance and improved at-the-limit handling.
The
TTC system in the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth features a differential locking
system that uses the mechanical differential in the C510 transmission to
control torque via the electronic stability control (ESC) system.
Utilizing ESC enables the 500 Abarth to transfer torque from a front
wheel that slips, to one that grips.
In addition, when the Fiat
500 Abarth is in "Sport" mode, TTC automatically adjusts the degree of
differential locking depending on dynamic factors, including vehicle
speed.
Technology
State-of-the-art performance and
connectivity technologies are intelligently integrated into the
cockpit-designed interior of the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth.
Abarth-tuned "Sport" mode
The
new 2012 Fiat 500 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 powertrain control module
(PCM) unleashes the full power of the 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo with
linear throttle response and a more performance-weighted steering feel.
When
Sport mode is not engaged, the Fiat 500 Abarth returns to "Normal"
mode, and limits the torque in first and second gears to enhance fuel
efficiency and minimize CO2 emissions.
Abarth shift light with turbo-boost gauge
An
additional benefit of the Abarth-tuned PCM is the addition of a
driver's shift light with turbo-boost gauge mounted left of the
instrument cluster.
Should the driver choose to switch to "Sport"
mode, the Fiat 500 Abarth's LED-illuminated shift light flashes as the
engine speed approaches the redline - giving the immediate feedback
needed on the track or during high-performance driving.
Engine
information is critical during performance driving, and the Fiat 500
Abarth's turbo-boost gauge allows the driver to monitor the
turbocharger's pressure on the engine.
BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technology
Developed
as a collaboration between FIAT and Microsoft, BLUE&ME™ Handsfree
Communication technology is an in-vehicle, voice-activated communication
system that allows the Fiat 500 Abarth driver to operate a
Bluetooth®-compatible phone while keeping his or her hands on the wheel
and eyes on the road. Using a series of voice commands, the driver can
place phone calls, access the phone's address book or listen to MP3s.
BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology supports most mobile
phones with Bluetooth technology.
Innovative TomTom® Navigation
With
the available TomTom® Navigation with BLUE&ME Handsfree
Communication technology, the Fiat 500 Abarth integrates an innovative
4.3-inch (10.9 cm) TomTom portable navigation device that docks on top
of the instrument panel. With its large touchscreen, simple map displays
with available real-time traffic, weather and points of interests,
TomTom Navigation with BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology is
intuitive for the driver to use. And with its direct integration into
the Fiat 500 Abarth's interior system, the driver is able to use
steering-wheel-mounted controls to make operation even easier.
Bose® premium audio system
For
high-performance sound, the 500 Abarth features a standard Bose® Energy
Efficient Series (EES) premium audio system with six premium speakers
and a subwoofer.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
For the best music,
entertainment and information from coast-to-coast, SiriusXM Satellite
Radio with more than 130 channels is available on the 2012 Fiat 500
Abarth.
Safety
State-of-the-art connectivity and more than 35
safety and security features keep passengers of the new 2012 Fiat 500
Abarth connected, comfortable and secure.
Seven standard air bags
The
new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth features an all-new air bag system to offer
unique protection for its passengers to meet all U.S. regulatory
requirements. Its seven standard air bags include: driver and
front-passenger advanced multi-stage air bags, driver's knee air bag,
full-length side-curtain air bags and standard seat-mounted side
pelvic-thorax air bags, all offer enhanced occupant protection to all
occupants in the event of a collision.
Abarth-tuned three-mode electronic stability control (ESC)
The
new Fiat 500 Abarth features a unique three-mode electronic stability
control (ESC) system standard for improved braking performance in wet or
panic conditions.
The Abarth-tuned ESC system features a three-mode calibration including "ESC On" to "ESC Partial Off" and "ESC Full Off."
When
the system is set "ESC On" (default) or "ESC Partial On," the ESC
system is ready to intervene by integrating key chassis control systems
including electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), anti-lock brake
system (ABS) and traction control systems (TCS) to control all four
wheels in response to yaw and steering input.
In effect, ESC
determines the driver's intentions and adjusts the vehicle's dynamic
forces to maintain the driver's intended course. Should the driver
exceed the performance limits of the road surface - such that the
vehicle starts to oversteer or understeer - ESC instantly analyzes input
from the wheel sensors and corrects the pending loss of control by
applying any one, several or all of the system's disc brakes.
More than 35 available safety and security features
The following is a list of the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth's more than 35 available safety and security features:
- Active turn signals: Turn signal flashes three times when stalk
is depressed for 1 second to indicate a lane change (standard)
- Advanced multi-stage air bags: Inflates with a force appropriate
to the severity of the impact. In addition, the Fiat 500 Abarth's
unique driver's air bag design includes tethers to shape the air bag.
The passenger air bag has a unique air bag venting system, allowing one
vent of the air bag to remain open while the air bag is fully inflating.
A secondary vent is actuated as the passenger contacts the air bag at
the end of a crash event, offering protection of passengers of all sizes
(standard)
- All-speed traction control: Helps to keep driving wheels from
spinning during acceleration from a stop or during all speeds by
applying individual brakes alone or in combination with engine torque
limitation to prevent wheel slip (standard)
- Anti-lock brake system (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup,
offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery
conditions (standard)
- BeltAlert: Activates a chime and/or illuminates an icon in the
instrument cluster to remind the driver and front passenger to buckle up
if the Fiat 500 Abarth is driven without belted front-seat occupants
(standard)
- Bi-halogen projector headlamps: Provides wider, more focused
light spread and improves forward visibility at night (standard)
- BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technology: Provides an
in-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows the driver
to operate a Bluetooth®-compatible phone while keeping his or her hands
on the wheel and eyes on the road. Using a series of voice commands, the
driver can place phone calls, access the phone's address book or listen
to MP3s (standard)
- Brake Assist: In an emergency brake situation, the system
applies maximum braking power, minimizing the stopping distance
(standard)
- Brake Override: When a disagreement exists between the throttle
and the brake, the brake signal causes the engine controller to reduce
engine power, allowing the operator to stop the 500 Abarth (standard)
- Brake-traction control system (BTCS): Helps to keep driving
wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or during slow
speeds by applying individual brakes to the slipping wheel(s) (standard)
- Child seat anchor system: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) is designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket
child seats (standard)
- Constant-force Retractors (CFR): Regulates the force exerted on
the occupant by the seat belt and then gradually releases seat-belt
webbing in a controlled manner. The system features a digressive load
limiter for the driver and adaptive load limiter for the front passenger
(standard)
- Crumple zones: Designed to deform during an accident in order to
absorb energy from an impact which decreases transfer of that energy to
occupants (standard)
- Daytime running lamps (DRL): Provides additional forward illumination for improved vehicle awareness (standard)
- Electronic stability control (ESC): Enhances driver control and
helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. Provides the
benefit in critical driving situations, such as turns, and is valuable
when driving on mixed-surface conditions, including snow, ice or gravel.
If there is a discernible difference between driver input through the
steering wheel and the Fiat 500 Abarth's path, ESC applies selective
braking and throttle input to guide the vehicle back on to the driver's
intended path (standard)
- Energy management system: Three front load paths designed from
high-strength steel manage vehicle crush and minimize cabin intrusion
(standard)
- Express down windows: One-touch driver and passenger express down window button located on the center console (standard)
- Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Features a shut-off
valve and an inertia switch to immediately stop the electric fuel pump
to prevent fuel loss in the case of an impact, roll-over or damage to
fuel lines (standard)
- Full-length side-curtain air bags: Extends protection to all
outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. Each side air bag has its own
impact sensors that autonomously trigger the air bag on the side where
an impact occurs. This type of air bag is housed in the headliner just
above the side windows (standard)
- Head restraints: Includes all seating positions (standard)
- Hill-start Assist (HSA): Assists drivers when starting a vehicle
from a stop on a hill by maintaining the level of brake pressure
applied for a short period of time after a driver's foot is removed from
the brake pedal. If throttle is not applied within a short period of
time after the driver's foot is removed from the brake pedal, brake
pressure will be released (standard)
- Intelligent battery sensor (IBS): Continually measures the flow
of current into and out of the battery. If the battery is running low,
the system intelligently shuts off less critical electrical systems to
help prevent a customer being stranded due to a low or depleted battery.
When IBS conducts load shedding, an icon appears in the cluster display
(standard)
- Knee air bag (driver's side): Located below the instrument
panel, air bag deploys when the driver's air bag deploys and is designed
to properly position the occupant during impact and offer additional
lower leg protection (standard)
- Occupant restraint controller (ORC): Detects an impact and
determines whether a crash is severe enough to trigger air bag
deployment and whether the primary or secondary stage inflation is
sufficient. In addition, the controller detects side impacts and
determines whether the rail-curtain and side seat-mounted (pelvic-thorax
protection) air bags should deploy. Engagement of front-seat belt
pretensioners are also managed through the controller (standard)
- Remote keyless entry: Locks and unlocks doors and turns on
interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional security
alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system (standard)
- Safety cage body structure: Protects occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact (standard)
- Seat-belt pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors
initiate front seat belt pretensioners to remove slack in the seat-belt
system, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupant's head and
torso (standard)
- Sentry Key engine immobilizer: Uses a key fob that has an
embedded transponder with a preprogrammed security code to shut off the
engine after a few seconds and discourage vehicle theft (standard)
- Seat-mounted side pelvic-thorax air bags: Provide enhanced
protection to the driver and front outboard passenger in certain
impacts. Each side air bag has its own impact sensors that autonomously
trigger the air bag on the side where an impact occurs. Standard side
air bags are housed within the outboard side of each front seat
(standard)
- Side guard door beams: Provide occupant protection during a side impact (standard)
- Smart pedals: The pedal assembly moves out of the way in the
event of an impact to help protect the driver's feet and legs (standard)
- Three-point seat belts: Front seating positions and all rear seating positions have lap and shoulder belts (standard)
- Tilt steering column: Allows steering column to achieve a safe and comfortable driving position (standard)
- Tire-pressure monitoring (TPM): Informs driver when tire
pressure is too low. Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of
all four road wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a
receiver and the system. Individual tire pressure can be displayed in
the EVIC (standard)
- TomTom® Navigation with BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication
technology: This innovative navigation system adds a 4.3-inch
touchscreen TomTom handheld navigation unit to the standard BLUE&ME
Handsfree Communication system. The system features an instrument-panel
docking system for added driver convenience, real-time traffic,
real-time weather updates and more than 7 million points of interest
- Vehicle theft security alarm: Deters vandalism and theft,
frequently lowering insurance premiums. System protects the vehicle from
theft by monitoring door-ajar switches and the ignition circuit for
unauthorized entry
