Fiat’s performance division Abarth has only touched the 500, 500C and Punto models so far, turning them into more powerful and faster versions. Things are about to change, though, as Abarth is looking to expand its range by offering a performance version of the Fiat 500L small MPV.
Abarth CEO Marco Magnanini told MSN Cars that other Fiat models will follow the 500, 500C and Punto in Abarth’s stable in the future. Asked about the possibility of an Abarth 500L, he said: “The 500 family will offer us options. We want to take our brand values to other cars. In future it is possible.”
The exec didn’t provide further details, but it’s safe to say that the 180hp 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine would probably be fitted to the 500L in order to turn it into a rival for the Mini Countryman Cooper S.
Magnanini also said that the Fiat Panda may also benefit from the Abarth treatment in the future, but dismissed plans for a standalone Abarth model, as well as rumors about Abarth tuning Alfa Romeo cars.
Abarth has been a separate brand within the Fiat Group since 2008, with the company’s biggest market being Italy (closely followed by the United Kingdom). Its newest model is a special edition called the Abarth 595 50th Anniversary that was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The car is a modern interpretation of the original Abarth 595 and is powered by the same 180hp 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine as the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari.
By Dan Mihalascu
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