I came away from the dealer more confused on how it's supposed to be pronounced. Everyone there pronounced it "Ah-barT", they said the "h" is silent....

Yes, it is. AH-BART

I had Abarth exhaust systems on lots of cars years ago...the import parts guys always said "Ay-barth" so that's what I have imprinted in my brain. I know that the Fiat people and the commercials say "Ah-barth"...maybe they were taught by someone who knows. Drive one and you'll say, "Wow!"

Cool little cars, it's nice to see the real world feedback. I recall reading one review that compared the exhaust note to that of an old 911, can't go wrong with that. Lots of good hot hatch options out there, I also dig the Fiesta ST. My biggest problem with these cars is that every time I consider spending $20k+ on a car, I look at the 986/996/987 that the same money could buy.

For the same money you get everything better with a MCS than the Abath. Well, except the trunk performance.

Step up to the JCW and it's no contest.

The Fiat is cute but, anemic.

Wow. I have never heard of a car rolling on the T5 bypass.

From the looks of things, he was way too far to the right, and seems to have landed with the wheel turned.

On edit: "Landed" is not really the right word, but it sure looked like he was out of sorts and cut the wheel while the car was still light/unloaded from the crest. It would be interesting to see that from inside the car, where you could see his steering input.

Off topic, but I've seen one of the vintage (1965?) Fiat 595 Abarths do a solo spin and roll in the Esses at Lime Rock. :( Short wheelbase/narrow track, and a relatively high center of gravity...

Amazing for a new car how much it can be customized. I would think a wide body would help with the rollover problem.

Store » 500 MADNESS - FIAT 500 Parts and Accessories

i like the chick that did the commercials.. not so much the car.

I know I am being silly... but seems even more silly to drop +$20K on a new car then talk about updating suspension/shifter kits/body kits.

I like the 500 but if you want a sports car as Matt said a stock used $20K Porsche is a better deal IMHO.

I can't tell you how many forum posts I've seen regarding the BRZ/FRS that justify the lack of power with "there's going to be a huge aftermarket".:rolleyes: Just another example.

$30, 000 is cheap? Wow. OH, I just saw what you paid. Well, that's a lot of smiles.

I recall he said he paid $23k.

You forgot the onboard espresso maker...


It doesn't look as odd in person as in photos. The Astonized one looks the best of the lot.

and now for a political question: should butt-ugly cars be taxed?

the monies collected could go for mental health treatments to those afflicted by not being able to avert their eyes in time...

I get over 30 MPG no matter how hard I beat it !
It avg about 33.5 here in the hills.
Its a fun car, no disappointments at all, (except for the beats audio so sucks)
Its exciting to drive, simple, lots and lots of safty features and about a 100 airbags. LOL

Is Lazzarini an Italian word for crazy?

Lazzarini Design 550 Italia, a Project of Fiat 500 With Ferrari V8 Engine


Lazzarini Design 550 Italia, a Project of Fiat 500 With Ferrari V8 Engine

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1376061789.jpg

Someting wary wong here.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1376062993.jpg
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So I ended up buying the wife a new 500 Sport. Early b-day/late anniversary present. I actually was shocked at how much I liked the car. They have the retro styling thing going, and enough power for her. Actually was much peppier than the Subaru VX (Impreza). Ended up getting the Beats stereo and sunroof as they had one like that on the lot in the celeste green she wanted and we got it for a fair chunk under invoice. The sunroof is a bit of a fail as there is no solid cover (mesh screen) but you can pop a $30 shield up there to cover it or tint it.

She hasn't had a new car since her '02 Tacoma TRD so she's a happy camper. I got a good price and cheap long term money so I'm happy and we can always dump it if push comes to shove. 4 year/50K miles warranty so at least should be fine for the next few years. We'll see how it holds up.

Enormous lack of HP.

My wife loves hers and she's had it a bit over a year and it's been flawless. I drive it once in awhile and I as agree that it's no rocket, it certainly has plenty of power to do what it is intended to do. Keep the sport button pressed and the revs up over 4500 and you'll have a little pistol that corners like it's on rails.

We love ours--pound for pound it's a heck of a deal.