Fiat 500 Abarth 'SS'

Following the introduction of Fiat’s retro-design 500 at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show and the release of the 180bhp Grande Punto Abarth Concept SS at the same time, we reckon this 500 Abarth SS pictured here undergoing testing at the Nurburgring will get the same hot engine when it hits the road in 2009.

Exterior modifications over the ‘standard’ Fiat 500 Abarth will be additional air-intakes at the front to ensure cooling for engine and brakes plus a pair of huge exhaust pipes at the rear whereas the 135-bhp version will get only one. With such a potent engine in such a small car, the target Fiat is pointing at is nothing less than the MINI Cooper S!