New Fiat 124 Spider and the hot Abarth version will be clearly defined and different models, say sources
The Fiat 124 Spider and its Abarth offshoot will be much further apart than first thought, senior company sources have revealed.
The new Mazda MX-5-based sports cars, which are due in 2016, were among 30 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles products shown at a global dealer conference in Las Vegas last week.
While it was known that the 124 Spider would spawn an Abarth version, as with other Fiats in the range, what has become clear is just how different the pair will be.
Rather than the Abarth getting the usual performance makeover of more aggressive front and rear ends, the sports car will actually get different sheet metal to the donor car for a completely different look.
Previous artist’s impressions of the 124 Spider are also understood to have been very wide of the mark. There will be no 500 references in the 124 Spider; instead it will be unashamedly a modern version of the 124 Spider with associated styling cues, in the same way the new 500 is a modern version of the original.
Sources have also shed light on the engines the pair will use. Mazda engines will not feature in the car, meaning the 1.4-litre Multiair turbo from the Fiat range will be adapted for a longitudinal, rear-wheel drive application.
The aluminium 1750 engine from the Alfa 4C had been hotly tipped to power the Abarth version. However, this engine is considered an Alfa engine so will not appear in the Abarth in this form. Instead, it is likely to have the bore and stroke adapted to give it a unique capacity from its Alfa application.
Also due next year is an Abarth version of the recently revised 500. This will be more extreme than the current model, in line with Abarth’s desire to make itself a more credible performance brand.
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 the United States.
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 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 the US.
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