As soon as the Fiat 500 Abarth was previewed to a special press audience, the Italian automaker confirmed an even more powerful version was in the pipeline. The news came somewhat as a relief, we had expected the 500 Abarth to go head to head with the dominating 172hp Mini Cooper S, so when the initial power figure of 135hp came out, the dissapointment was plain to see.
This disappointment proved to be a little premature when the model's launching “Opening edition” possessed a more respectable 160hp, displaying a little more of the true potential of the model. This special edition model was undoubtedly a teaser for the Fiat 500 Abarth SS which has been caught out testing in these latest spy shots. The more powerful version is easily recognisable by its twin exhaust pipes poking out its rear end as a posed to the single one found on the regular version.
We should see the full unveiling of the model at the Paris Motor Show next month before it goes on full sale in November. A Big thanks goes out to Michael for sending in the pics.
