Fiat To Create Hot Abarth Version of 124 Spider

2016 Mazda Miata (Credit: Mazda)

Mazda has heard people’s cries for a more powerful version of the new Miata, and told them to deal with the roadster as is. The good news is those who want to feel more get-up-and-go on the same platform only need to look to Fiat as a savior of sorts.

Many of you are already aware that Fiat is using the same platform as the Mazda Miata to revitalize the 124. While the Japanese feel that the car is fine with a small amount of horsepower and torque, not everyone agrees. Fiat is getting ready to provide a hot Abarth version of the roadster, satisfying the pleas for the ability to not stay in the right lane whenever climbing a hill. The Italians spilled the beans to Auto Express, a car publication based in the United Kingdom.

Don’t get too excited and think that Fiat is going to put out a 330 horsepower beast, because that simply won’t happen. Instead, the automaker will put out something that it claims will be “extreme” instead of “comfortable” like the regular version of the car.

For now, Fiat is letting everyone speculate on what the 124 Spider Abarth will be packing under the hood. One of the more popular theories is that it will use the 1.75-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that already powers the Alfa Romeo 4C. If true, that would peg output at somewhere around 237 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, depending on how it’s tuned for the roadster. That engine has earned a reputation for being high-strung, like a jackrabbit that’s been fed a steady diet of roasted espresso beans every meal, making it a blast to drive the 4C. It would be a good option for the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth as well, but nothing’s for sure right now.

There will always be complainers. The 1.75-liter engine’s output is a far cry from the BMW Z4 M’s 3.2-liter straight-six engine power figures, but some like their roadsters a little less insane. And people who want a nice tame car can go for the Miata, keeping pretty much everyone happy.