Reborn Fiat 124 Spider to get Abarth version

This Autocar image shows how the new 124 Spider could look

New Fiat 124 Spider is scheduled to be unveiled before the end of the year, and will spawn a hot Abarth version too

Fiat’s new rear-drive 124 Spider could make its debut this year, according to company sources.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is said to be considering bringing forward the unveiling of the new roadster to either the Frankfurt motor show in September or, more likely, the Los Angeles show in November. The US was by far the biggest market for the original 124 Sport Spider.

The new 124 Spider is a restyled version of the new Mazda MX-5 and will be built at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant. The latest spy shots show that the new Fiat has been completely reskinned, with only the windscreen and windscreen surround shared by both roadsters.

The Fiat also looks to have longer overhangs front and rear. This ties in with quotes from Roberto Giolito, head of design for Fiat and Abarth, who said the new Fiat would be “very masculine”.

This look will also be a base for a more extreme Abarth-badged version. Future Abarths will be genuine performance models, with the Abarth 695 Biposto version of the humble 500 hatch marking the future intentions of the sub-brand.

As a result, the Abarth-badged version of the roadster could have the forthcoming update of the 237bhp 1750 TBi engine that powers the Alfa Romeo 4C.

If that is a step too far for this lightweight rear-wheel-drive roadster, another possibility is a new development of the familiar turbocharged 1.4 Multiair engine, which is likely to have between 180bhp and 190bhp.

Fiat and Abarth could also exploit the Abarth 124 Rally. This model was launched in 1972 and built on the success of the standard car, which won the 1972 European Rally Championship. It was distinguished by its matt black bonnet and wheelarch extensions.

The competition model had wider tracks, air scoops in the bonnet and in front of the rear wheel arches and four nose-mounted spotlights.

The Fiat version of the new 124 will be much more mainstream than the Abarth one to maximise its appeal. Multiair engines with around 130bhp and 150bhp are expected.

The new car is due to go on sale in late spring next year.

The original 124 Spider - what Fiat's new roadster must live up to 

The original fiat 124 Sport Spider remained in production for a remarkable 19 years.

Designed by Pininfarina and related to the rear-wheel-drive Fiat 124 family, it was launched in 1966, survived the introduction of new emissions and safety regulations in 1974 and was sold as a Fiat until 1982, when the brand pulled out of North America.

Between 1983 and 1985, it was sold as a Pininfarina, which was a fair reflection of the fact that the Italian design house founded by Sergio Pininfarina (left) had built the car since its launch. Production ended in 1985 after an estimated 200,000 had been built. About three-quarters of them were sold in North America.

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