Fiat Considering an Abarthified 500X Crossover

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When the storied red and yellow Abarth shield appeared on the 2012 Fiat 500 at the L.A. auto show, we had high hopes it signaled an upcoming scorpion-led renaissance for the brand. Our initial enthusiasm was quickly tempered, however, with the realization that the 500 was the only car Fiat sold in the U.S. But Fiat has fleshed out its U.S. lineup with the 500L, 500X, and upcoming Fiat 124 Spider—the latter of which already rumored to be receiving an Abarth edition. The next in line? It seems that’s the 500X.

The word comes from Auto Express, where Alfredo Altavilla, Fiat-Chrysler’s chief operating officer, was quoted as saying, “Besides the 124 and 500, we are thinking about an all-new addition to the lineup,” adding, “The 500X is one of the options being considered.” Hoping to assuage any fears that a new Abarth model might be more focused on looks than actual performance, Altavilla was quoted saying: “We went a bit too far with the [European] Punto Abarth,” he said. “Now our customers won’t buy a fake. If the 500X becomes the addition to the Abarth lineup, it will be everything but a family version.”  We reached out to Fiat here in the U.S., but they could not confirm or elaborate on Mr. Altavilla’s remarks.

Should Fiat go ahead with plans to add a hotted-up version of the agreeable 500X, it would set its targeting reticles on the Mini Countryman JCW and Nissan Juke NISMO. To give it a fighting chance, it’s a given that Fiat would run any 500X Abarth through the sporting goods department, adding flares and bulges, a spoiler, and more aggressive front and rear fascias. The interior would also likely get heavily bolstered sport seats and special trim. Should the 500X Abarth send its power to all four wheels, it would give the Italian brand front- (500), rear- (124), and all-wheel-drive high-performance vehicles in its stable. No matter what, though, count on a delightfully aggressive exhaust note.