Fiat's 124 Spider Abarth Comes Power-Boosted

The roadster has the same 1.4-liter, turbocharged gasoline engine found in the Fiat 500 Abarth, but power is boosted to 170 hp and 184 pounds-feet of torque in the roadster.

The standard version of the Mazda MX-5 Miata-based 124 Spider arrives in U.S. showrooms this spring. The Abarth model is expected later.

The Abarth roadster is fitted with either a six-speed manual or the Sequenziale Sportivo automatic transmission with paddle shifters. A sport mode can be selected to enhance the car's responsiveness.

It has a top speed of 230,136 km/h and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, Fiat said in a statement.

The Abarth version is tuned for "greater braking and cornering stability" and comes with a full traction control system that can be turned off completely for track days, Fiat said. A special exhaust is standard, as is an anti-glare kit.

Outside, the Abarth gets a larger air intake and rear spoiler to direct airflow, 17-inch alloy wheels, hood humps (a direct reference to the original Spider) and LED lights. Five colors will be offered: white, red, metallic blue, gray and black.

A 7-inch infotainment system, satellite navigation, digital tuner, two USB ports, auxiliary input, Bluetooth and a reversing camera are optional. The car will be available in September in Europe, Fiat said.