Just got a Red Stick Abarth - DC area
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Oh, man... these new "I got my Abarth" threads are killing me!
Until the pics arrive, how about some first impressions?? Details, man. Details already!!
Don't make us beg.
Until the pics arrive, how about some first impressions?? Details, man. Details already!!
Don't make us beg.
Felt the love right from the test drive - had driven a Classica a couple of weeks ago, with a slushbox, which was fun - but the abarth wasjust... wow. You can feel the tighter suspension right from the outset, and the burble of the exhaust... mmmm 
You can hear the change when switching to Sports mode, especially around 2.5k RPM - guess the valves open a bit more at this point? Need to check to make sure the LSDis in place which is what pushed me to the Abarth along with that exhaust note . The color scheme is definitely more aggressive - loving the gunmetal on the mirrors and the a-pillar (is that even the right term for a convertible? lol). However, I did not get the heritage stripe, but I am thinking of plastidipping it soon. And the contrast stitching makes the black Alcantara seats pop.
It doesn't have the Brembos (I might wait for the goodwin racing updates) or the Sirius/Nav/beepy reverse, but I can live without those. Since there is no Sirius, there is no sharkfin. I actually like the oldschool antenna that sticks out from the back!
However, a few concerns from my side, although it was obviously not a dealbreaker for me to pick it up. The badging is not as extensive as the Euro spec - which was a little confusing at first. The steering wheel says FIAT instead of the Abarth scorpion. The center storage area behind the stick has no Abarth badging, and there is no plaque like some of the videos have shown. Also, the red RPM gauge is not visible at night (no backlighting) - I might get in there soon and put some LEDs in.
Gotta figure out a few things - How to get the RED on the RPM meter to light up at night, and what all weather mats are available for the car. Lastly, I need to figure out how the front number plate mounts work - any tips?
You can hear the change when switching to Sports mode, especially around 2.5k RPM - guess the valves open a bit more at this point? Need to check to make sure the LSDis in place which is what pushed me to the Abarth along with that exhaust note . The color scheme is definitely more aggressive - loving the gunmetal on the mirrors and the a-pillar (is that even the right term for a convertible? lol). However, I did not get the heritage stripe, but I am thinking of plastidipping it soon. And the contrast stitching makes the black Alcantara seats pop.It doesn't have the Brembos (I might wait for the goodwin racing updates) or the Sirius/Nav/beepy reverse, but I can live without those. Since there is no Sirius, there is no sharkfin. I actually like the oldschool antenna that sticks out from the back!
However, a few concerns from my side, although it was obviously not a dealbreaker for me to pick it up. The badging is not as extensive as the Euro spec - which was a little confusing at first. The steering wheel says FIAT instead of the Abarth scorpion. The center storage area behind the stick has no Abarth badging, and there is no plaque like some of the videos have shown. Also, the red RPM gauge is not visible at night (no backlighting) - I might get in there soon and put some LEDs in.
Gotta figure out a few things - How to get the RED on the RPM meter to light up at night, and what all weather mats are available for the car. Lastly, I need to figure out how the front number plate mounts work - any tips?
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36 Posts
Congrats! Hope to see you on the local roads soon. A few posts have mentioned the downgrades on the US vs. Euro Abarth. I'm also disappointed in those too. Still sounds like a great car. Hope to join you soon. Thanks for the review!
I am super exited for you. Please post some pictures of your red stick shift Abarth!
As for that 6hp downgrade from the Euro model, we will have that figured out pretty soon. It may not even be a real difference and just a difference in the way the ratings were done.
Greg
As for that 6hp downgrade from the Euro model, we will have that figured out pretty soon. It may not even be a real difference and just a difference in the way the ratings were done.
Greg
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36 Posts
Thanks Greg! I was actually talking about the aesthetic downgrades between the Euro an US Abarths, like the FIAT vs. Abarth steering wheel for me. I realize some buyers may be indifferent or prefer these changes, while others have mentioned the lack of these items as disappointments:
1) Identity plate (plaque) above arm rest
2) Abarth lighting badges on front quarter-panels
3) Abarth embroidery on seat headrests
I probably missed something, but I'm also interested in the 6HP difference.
Another thing I realized today - the instruction manual seems to be for the other trims. For example, it says nothing about the Sport button. Hmmm. The morning drive was a blast - Heads kept turning, and I had a few people honk and wave. Not used to such attention lol! Can't wait for all of you to join in the fun
Question: Has anyone seen a 124 with the front plate on the tow hook mount? Wondering how it looks.
Here is a first look of the car. I promise more pictures once I get out of work! Hope the weather doesn't turn to **** though.
Question: Has anyone seen a 124 with the front plate on the tow hook mount? Wondering how it looks.
Here is a first look of the car. I promise more pictures once I get out of work! Hope the weather doesn't turn to **** though.
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I'm dying from anticipation. Congrats!
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Mmmm, beautiful!
Greg
Thanks Greg for showing me how to insert images... still learning this forum
I'm looking at picking up a couple of things from EuroCompulsion but I have a question - do you carry front mount plates that will fit the towhook for my car? Cravenspeed has some available for Mazda models (http://www.cravenspeed.com/mazda-platypus-pro-series-license-plate-mount/).
So you can't see the RPM gauge at night, or is it lit in another color other than red?
Seems to just be lit white.
Unlit:
Lit - the camera shows the red, but that seems to be only from reflecting the white light :
Got it at MSRP - nothing more, nothing less. The wheel has the FIAT logo :-/
Yes, that's right. From your earlier posting it sounded like your tach wasn't lighting at all. Just the numbers should light up. The red color is a painted dial, not part of the lighting, although it looks from your picture like you still get a hint of red around the numbers.
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