Fiat 500C

The Los Angeles Auto Show has just started, and automakers from around the world are unveiling their vehicles like crazy. Leaving others aside, for the moment, Fiat has taken the opportunity to present its new 2013 500C Abarth. The vehicle is programmed to go on sale early next year with a base price of around $22,000.

The new convertible features an aggressive front fascia, new side skirts, a power-operated soft top with an integrated spoiler and, seen from the back, there’s a new rear diffuser fitted on the ride. Also, the 2013 500C Abarth sits on a set of 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels wrapped in Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires.The car also received a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs, cast-iron lower control arms, KONI twin-tube struts and a solid rear stabilizer bar. More to it, there’s a modified electronic stability control system and new high-performance brakes with larger discs and red calipers.

Interior changes aren’t so impressive, as the only notable changes are a set of sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminum pedals and a black shifter with red contrast stitching. Furthermore, customers can also opt for a navigation system and a Beats Audio system with six speakers, an 8-inch subwoofer and eight-channel amplifier.

Under the bonnet, the nasty Fiat is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir engine that generates 160 HP – 119 kW and 230 Nm of torque. All that power goes to the asphalt via a five-speed manual transmission which also enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 100Km/h (60 mph) in the “low 7 second range.”