The Reason for the 5 Speed

[sptcoupe]

For those (like me) who are wondering why the Abarth is coming to America with a 5 speed.

http://rumors.automobilemag.com/los-ang ... 89141.html

[maytag]

For those (like me) who are wondering why the Abarth is coming to America with a 5 speed.

http://rumors.automobilemag.com/los-ang ... 89141.html

I wasn't wondering about the 5-spd, but THIS commenet makes no sense to me:

Although both the European and American 500 Abarth have a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-four engine, the two mills are not the same. The European version is based on Fiat’s T-JET engine, and produces just 135 hp in the regular Abarth. The American model uses Fiat’s MultiAir valve control system, which is more efficient and allows the engine to produce 160 hp. Europeans, however, can upgrade the 500 Abarth to 160 hp with the Esseesse performance package.

[sptcoupe]

Poorly written. The Abarth in 135 HP trim came out in Europe several years ago, using the T-jet engine and a turbo. It was followed by the Abarth SS, or Essess, about a year later (in Europe). The SS uses the multi-air motor with a turbo and produces 160 HP, so the europeans have had two models to choose from for a few years now - the Abarth and the Abarth SS.

I have heard through the media that the US Abarth will only come in the 160HP version, but that the 135 HP version may be badged sold as a Sport SS model, to offer a car in betwen the Sport model (naturally aspirated, 101 HP) and the Abarth (160HP).

[maytag]

ah-a. gotcha.

[Snoopy]

The european 500 esseesse dont use the multiair engine. We are waiting for this...
From 135 to 160 the esseesse use another ecu.