2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Changes

2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Changes

The Fiat 500 Abarth combines the charm of an Italian car that is fun to drive in an affordable and fuel efficient package. With a year under it’s belt here in America, the 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth changes aim to keep all of the features customers loved from the 2012 version, while making some changes for greater performance, convenience and comfort.

New features to the 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth include:

  • More racing-inspired design such as new carpets, a thicker steering wheel, red and black coloring inside the vehicle and a leather-wrapped gauge cover.
  • Addition of tire pressure monitoring to the EVIC system. The system now displays pressure values so that drivers are always aware of their tire pressure.
  • A fully configurable door locking strategy for the EVIC system. Drivers can push one button to lock/unlock all doors or set the door locks so that the first push only unlocks the driver’s side door and a second push is needed to unlock the other doors.

The 2013 model also includes the option of heated seats. While owners of the 2012 model could purchase and install heated seats at their dealer, the 2013 model can be purchased with heated seats already installed.

New Sound System

By far, the most anticipated change is that of the audio system. The BOSE audio system has been replaced with a FIAT branded premium six speaker setup with a 276-watt amplifier for surround sound experience.

As an optional feature, the Premium Beats Audio Package is also available. This package, licensed by Beats by Dr. Dre, also includes six speakers. It also includes an 8-inch dual voice coil sub that is secured in a trunk mounted enclosure. The 8 channel amp uses Beats Audio digital sound processing algorithm and pushes it out at 368 watts of sound. Finally, the premium package includes a speed sensitive audio volume control that automatically changes the volume of drivers’ audio to compensate for background noise or other effects on sound at high speeds.

Fiat has not released any details about a possible price change because of the new features. In addition, exterior color choices are expected to remain the same for the 2013 model as they did for the 2012 model. There is also a rumor that a convertible version of the Abarth, the Abarth 500C, will make it stateside as a 2013 model.

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  • http://twitter.com/Fortran Matt Thompson

    So I guess they still couldn’t fit an automatic in it? Sigh. Oh well.

    • http://www.simpixelated.com/ Jordan Kohl

      Unfortunately no, not for 2013. Maybe for the Fiat 500 Turbo?

    • ENZO4RE

      The Abarth is intended as a niche car for track day enthusiasts. I only know 3 other owners, and we’re all Ferrari guys who bought these as daily drivers, so I suspect that few potential buyers want/need an auto-box.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Scott-Miller/1092524900 Scott Miller

      Jeez, Matt, you’re a grown man. Time to learn a stick, don’t you think?

  • Big PaPa

    Though I do enjoy a good manual transmission, I would have liked to see a paddle shifter option.

  • DT

    Matt T you are joking right – ha ha – thats funny

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Bud-Baker/1842432651 Bud Baker

    Got my 2013 graphite ABARTH—-and I could not be happier—So far only 250 miles on it—and for the first time today I drove it without my wife ;o} —–The back seats were folded down and as I entered an on ramp in 2nd gear I let off the gas and pushed the “sport” button….then floored it—-the coke and ice that was in the cupholder bounced off the back glass and my head was pushed against the seat—–WOO-HOO!!!!! THIS is a pocket rocket!!! ——I got it all cleaned up before I got home.

  • http://www.facebook.com/darryl.dsa.3 Darryl Dsa

    hmmm… a race – inspired carpet? really?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Scott-Miller/1092524900 Scott Miller

    Sweet Lord, I’ve never had so much fun driving a car.