Fiat plans to launch its performance brand Abarth here in 2013. Abarth is to Fiat what AMG is to Mercedes Benz. Carlo Abarth started his long association with Fiat in 1952, and the Fiat later bought over the performance brand in 1971. Abarth is known for stuffing big engines into small cars to make them go faster, although the new cars are more subdued and more practical.
The cars will most likely be sold out of 'Abarth Studios' within existing Fiat dealers, but Fiat hasn't ruled out the possibility of having exclusive Abarth dealers either.
Initial offerings are likely to consist of the Grande Punto Evo with the possibility of the 500 Abarth as well. Fiat is also likely to be working on a diesel version for India.
The Grande Punto Evo comes with a turbo-charged, 1.4-litre 165bhp engine mated to a six-speed manual. With its max torque of 25.5kgm, it'll get to 100kph in 8.2 seconds and go on to a top-speed of 213kph. Even more entertaining is its handling which Abarth tweaks via a special sport setup and stiffer anti-roll bars. It will compete with the likes of the Mini Cooper S, but Fiat promises to price it more realistically than the Mini.
By launching Abarth, Fiat plans to use car enthusiasts to help pump the brand up.
Read our Fiat 500 Abarth review here
Fiat 500C Abarth photo gallery
Fiat Punto Abarth photo gallery