I'm guessing they want to build upon the Fiat brand in the U.S. rather than introducing Abarth in its own right.
Fiat is cutting corners
I noticed in the Abarth, the steering wheel horn has Fiat written on it instead of Abarth
Even the seats with the Delux package, ABARTH IS NOT Written on the seat.
I don't know in other countries but it's 2 things they did cut.
Even the seats with the Delux package, ABARTH IS NOT Written on the seat.
I don't know in other countries but it's 2 things they did cut.
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
I've read that Fiat didn't get the Abarth wheel through the safety approval process yet and will add it to the US spec as soon as it's ready. They use it in Europe, so it's not like they didn't bother designing one.
Also missing fender shields, Alcantara lower dash/arm rest, red mirror caps/ front splitter/ 12 o clock marker.
What many of us have supposed, without confirmation, is that the North America cars don't actually make a trip to Abarth in Italy and that is why much of the Abarth regalia is missing from our vehicles and also why the Abarth option isn't as costly here as it is in the other countries.
Neither do Australian delivered vehicles (which are shipped directly from Japan), yet we still get all the Abarth bells and whistles. I go back to my original reply that it was clearly a marketing/branding decision.What many of us have supposed, without confirmation, is that the North America cars don't actually make a trip to Abarth in Italy and that is why much of the Abarth regalia is missing from our vehicles and also why the Abarth option isn't as costly here as it is in the other countries.
I'm not sure, but I thought that I had read that Australia doesn't get any models other than the Abarth 124 Spiders? If that is true, what is the base price in your market and how does that convert to US $?Neither do Australian delivered vehicles (which are shipped directly from Japan), yet we still get all the Abarth bells and whistles. I go back to my original reply that it was clearly a marketing/branding decision.
And just for fun for everyone here in the USA, you tell me if the Abarth package is worth the money: the 124 Classica with the tech package (7" screen, BU cam, prox entry) and auto trans has a msrp of $28,635. The 124 Abarth that has the tech goodies standard and with the auto trans has a msrp of $30,540. For the extra $1,905 for the Abarth you get; the SPORT button, limited slip differential, strut tower brace, heated seats, deluxe steering wheel, paddle shift, upgraded instrument cluster (red tach), fog lights, quad tip exhaust, bright foot pedal covers, leather and cloth seats, auto ac controls, rain sensing wipers, unique bodywork and upgraded wheels / tires.
Seems like a screaming bargain to me!
Seems like a screaming bargain to me!
True. The only options are whether you want the Launch Edition (there's 100 of them with a plaque) which has the highlighted mirror caps and front splitter. And the options are the Visiblity Package (LED lights and blind spot warning) and the seats (red or black leather or Recaros). What Americans call the "Luxury Package" seems to be standard here, as are the Brembos. Driveaway price (non Launch Edition non Visiblity package in a manual) seems to start at USD$33k through to around USD$37k for a fully loaded auto. That compares pretty favourably with what they charge for the top spec MX5 here.I'm not sure, but I thought that I had read that Australia doesn't get any models other than the Abarth 124 Spiders? If that is true, what is the base price in your market and how does that convert to US $?
$33k for all the appearance goodies and Brembos isn't out of line and I know I would have been willing to pay more of a premium for all of the Euro / Aussie trim bits to be on my car!True. The only options are whether you want the Launch Edition (there's 100 of them with a plaque) which has the highlighted mirror caps and front splitter. And the options are the Visiblity Package (LED lights and blind spot warning) and the seats (red or black leather or Recaros). What Americans call the "Luxury Package" seems to be standard here, as are the Brembos. Driveaway price (non Launch Edition non Visiblity package in a manual) seems to start at USD$33k through to around USD$37k for a fully loaded auto. That compares pretty favourably with what they charge for the top spec MX5 here.
Do you also have the Abarth engine cover like we have seen for Europe?
Yes. And that's one bit I don't understand the US not getting. It's sounding more like a marketing decision to retain more of the Fiat links in the US. I don't think I've seen the word "Fiat" appear anywhere on ours except for on the dealer sticker.Do you also have the Abarth engine cover like we have seen for Europe?
After owning mine for 8 days (bought while in FL, drove around Orlando for 7 days, drove home to NC) I can confirm the Abarth is worth it, particularly for the sport button. While each of us is different, I can easily spot the difference with it on and off. Plus I really like the quad exhaust and heated seats (as well as the other things, but those two in particular).
I'd have paid a little extra for all Abarth badging but I suspect the aftermarket will fix most of that. I have the Recaro seats so I doubt those would have had custom stitching (for inventory reasons).
I'd have paid a little extra for all Abarth badging but I suspect the aftermarket will fix most of that. I have the Recaro seats so I doubt those would have had custom stitching (for inventory reasons).
And just for fun for everyone here in the USA, you tell me if the Abarth package is worth the money: the 124 Classica with the tech package (7" screen, BU cam, prox entry) and auto trans has a msrp of $28,635. The 124 Abarth that has the tech goodies standard and with the auto trans has a msrp of $30,540. For the extra $1,905 for the Abarth you get; the SPORT button, limited slip differential, strut tower brace, heated seats, deluxe steering wheel, paddle shift, upgraded instrument cluster (red tach), fog lights, quad tip exhaust, bright foot pedal covers, leather and cloth seats, auto ac controls, rain sensing wipers, unique bodywork and upgraded wheels / tires.
Seems like a screaming bargain to me!
Always wondered at the value of heated seats in Australia. But on a cool morning, with the seat heaters on, and the air on 24C and directed at the torso, and with the roof down, I now get it.After owning mine for 8 days (bought while in FL, drove around Orlando for 7 days, drove home to NC) I can confirm the Abarth is worth it, particularly for the sport button. While each of us is different, I can easily spot the difference with it on and off. Plus I really like the quad exhaust and heated seats (as well as the other things, but those two in particular).
I'd have paid a little extra for all Abarth badging but I suspect the aftermarket will fix most of that. I have the Recaro seats so I doubt those would have had custom stitching (for inventory reasons).
Yep. My top ain't up unless it's raining and I recently took a shower.Always wondered at the value of heated seats in Australia. But on a cool morning, with the seat heaters on, and the air on 24C and directed at the torso, and with the roof down, I now get it.
If it rains the 124 stays home. Top comes up in heavy commuter traffic, to cut down on breathing exhaust fumes. Other than that, top is down.
Funny anecdote: my 15 year old hates getting his hair cut. When I asked him I got the expected response. But when I mentioned the opportunity to take the Spider for a ride on the way to get his hair cut, his attitude changed immediately. Sitting at the barber shop now ...
Funny anecdote: my 15 year old hates getting his hair cut. When I asked him I got the expected response. But when I mentioned the opportunity to take the Spider for a ride on the way to get his hair cut, his attitude changed immediately. Sitting at the barber shop now ...
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Fiat 124 Spider Forum
We invite you to join the largest Fiat 124 Spider forum community & owner’s club! Here you can discuss Abarth, turbo & tuning, service, specs, maintenance plus more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
Steele
125 Replies
2020 Nordamericano
105 Replies
124Scottish Abarth
75 Replies
Recommended Communities
