This is a commercial for the new (as yet unreleased in the U.S.) Fiat 500 Abarth. So far, it has aired on television zero times. Yet, it already has over 2.5 million views.
Hit the jump for the omg-she’s-hot video.
We can glean a few things from the high view count. First, sex sells. It stars Catrinel Menghia, who is actually Romanian, but fills the role of a fiery Italian admirably. Second, the car itself must carry some interest in the U.S. market. Finally, we learn that it’s ok to be a straight American male and lust after a tiny Fiat.
Abarth is to Fiat as AMG is to Mercedes or Shelby is to Ford. It is a racing/tuning division. The Abarth 500 will reportedly perform very similarly to the Mini Cooper S, which doesn’t have a ton of competition right now. It will produce 170 hp from a 1.4 liter turbocharged engine. Estimates put the U.S. spec version at about 6.5 seconds from 0-60 MPH while delivering 30/39 MPG. It also upgrades the braking system and adds an appearance package. MSRP is targeted at somewhere between $20k-$25k which promises to be less than the Cooper S.
Oh, and it’s ridiculously cute.
NeedThatCar 
I’m a huge fan of the Fiat. Very cool car. I’ve been trying to talk myself into buying one for a few months. I can’t seem to make the practicality work in my mind though. 🙂
I want the 2013 Abarth but the closest Fiat dealer is 140 miles away in another State ! The closest in State dealership is over 200+ miles away! If Fiat wants to increase sales then they absolutely have to expand their dealer network ! Is anyone @ ChryCo/Fiat listening ? One can only hope!
Well, for the meantime, perhaps you can feel better about it because the Abarth isn’t actually on sale yet?
I know that, but when it’ s released to market; I’m still in the same dilemma!
Well, I didn’t say it was a permanent fix. 🙂