These days, Abarth is probably best known in the U.S. for its performance tuned Fiat 500s. This year, the brand will be bringing four specially-tuned units to the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

It’s part of an effort to promote its “Fuori Serie” service that allows owners to go hog wild customizing their cars with appearance and performance modifications. Customization parts from original equipment manufacturers is becoming something of a hot trend with brands including MINI and Mopar both offering buyers ways to make their cars unique.

But the Fuori Serie program takes that idea a little farther than most by offering buyers the chance to consult with Abarth designers and engineers. Should someone so choose, available engine upgrades will deliver a 20 hp boost, taking the 1.4-liter turbocharged powerplant to 180 hp.

It isn’t clear if the Fuori Serie service will be offered in the U.S., but given the Abarth’s popularity it seems unlikely — especially because it would drive the price up in a market where small cars are unusual.

Furthermore, the first car serving as an example debuted during September’s Paris Motor Show and the second will take place with four special cars next week in Geneva.

GALLERY: Abarth 695 “Fuori Serie” cars

Fiat has unveiled two design studies that will make their official debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show tomorrow.

Though they’re officially labeled as concepts, there’s a good chance these two models will become variants that could be specially ordered from a Fiat dealership.

The first is the Fiat 500 Abarth Tenebra concept that features a matte Grigio gray paint with Nero black chrome exterior accents. All the lighting on the vehicle also receives a gloss Nero treatment while 16-inch Hyper Nero Chrome wheels have been fitted on each hub. Fine touches on the exterior include a bodyside stripe, while the mirror covers get a contrasting gloss Grigio finish, just like the giant Abarth scorpion on the roof. The interior also gets overhauled with the seats, steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake with Grigio piping and stitching. Lastly, matte carbon fiber trim finishes off the dash.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

The second concept is the Fiat 500 Cattiva, which is based on the 500 Turbo model. On the exterior, the Italian automaker gave the 500 a Rame paint job that’s been contrasted by a gloss Nero roof and rear spoiler. Similar to the Tenebra, the Cattiva also gets blacked-out Nero headlights, taillights, and parking light bezels. The factory 16-inch wheels receive a satin gray finish.

Interior upgrades include a matte Nero instrument panel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake feature Argento silver stitching.

Both Fiat 500 concepts will sport Beats Audio sound systems.

GALLERY: Fiat 500 Concepts

Discuss this story at Fiat500Owners.com

Abarth is no stranger to the Tokyo Auto Salon, being a regular attendee for many years now. At this year’s show the Italian automaker showed off its 595 Competizione and 695 Edizione Maserati models.

The limited production 695 Edizione Maserati is quite the expensive compact, chiming in at around $50,000. Featuring a “Bordeaux” red exterior paint job, the convertible Abarth packs 180 hp along with special 17-inch wheels, Brembo brake calipers and Maserati-inspired accents. Though it features 40 hp and 33 lb-ft of torque more than the standard 500C, it’s price tag leaves much to be desired.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon Coverage

As for the 595 Competizione, 17-inch wheels pack a more track-oriented vehicle. It features cross-drilled front and rear brake rotors, a Monza exhaust upgrade, and Sabelt seats in fabric upholstery. The 595 Competizione is priced more competitively – and realistic – at around $23,000 while the convertible starts at around $25,000.

GALLERY: Abarth 595 Competizione

GALLERY: Abarth 695 Edizione Maserati

Discuss this story at FiatForums.com

If the Fiat 500 Abarth has one signature feature, it’s the tiny car’s rather un-tiny exhaust note. And now with the new 500C Abarth model you’ll be able to hear that droning buzz a few decibels louder courtesy of a folding soft-top.

The down-side of course, is that you’re now much more visible to your neighbors who no doubt curse you, and your Italian machine every time you turn it on.

Set to be unveiled later today at the 2012 LA Auto Show, Fiat has released details and photos of its newest Scorpion-branded toy early – and with no surprises. Much like the hard top model, it is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine making 160-hp and 155 lb-ft of torque (170 lb-ft in overboost). Fiat claims that’s enough to deliver a 0-60 time of just over seven seconds.

In addition to the engine and wild exterior graphics, the Abarth model gains a lower and stiffer suspension, a tighter steering ratio, upgraded brakes, 17-inch wheels and a three-stage stability control system with a full-off setting.

Inside the cabin there’s added sport thanks to custom seats, with custom detailing added to the already premium equipment.

Worth noting is that because of its unconventional “convertible” design, the rag-top Abarth can raise and lower its roof at speeds up up to 50 mph.

GALLERY: 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth

Fiat has produced its one millionth 500 model after five years of being on the market, symbolizing the compact car’s continued growth in over 100 countries around the world.

The Italian automaker’s milestone vehicle was a Fiat 500 Lounge featuring an elegant three-layer Funk White exterior and equipped with the 1.2-liter, 69-hp engine. The iconic model launched in 2007 with production kicking off in Poland. The compact city car has also been produced in Mexico since 2011.

Over the last five years, Fiat has continued to expand its 500 lineup including the new 500e which will make its debut at the 2012 LA Auto Show. The Italian automaker has also added convertible and sedan variants in other markets along with its high-performance Abarth models.

SEE ALSO: Fiat 500e Photos Revealed: 2012 LA Auto Show Preview

The Fiat 500 launched in the US in late 2010, and this past October, the Italian automaker marked its eighth straight month of continued growth in sales.

As expected, Fiat unveiled several modified 500 models at the 2012 SEMA Show: The Fiat 500 Beach Cruiser, Fiat Abarth Cafe Racer, and a modified Fiat Argento from Magneti Marelli.

Featuring a massive one-foot widebody, the Fiat 500 Beach Cruiser gets a charcoal matte finish grey paint further accented by bright red-painted wheels. Additional performance comes from a collection of Mopar goodies including its cat-back exhaust, cold air intake, front strut tower brace, and new suspension.

Inspired by the stripped-down, exposed look of hot rods and motorcycles, the Fiat Abarth Cafe Racer gets a shaved interior, chopped roof, and very little interior amenities. The entire body has been finished in polished aluminum with custom disc wheels and rear spoiler. What is left of the interior comes courtesy of Katzkin Leather.

Lastly, is the Magneti Marelli Fiat Argento, inspired by the great racing heritage of Mopar brand’s all-makes parts partner. A custom cold air intake feeds in air that exits through a Bombardone 2.0 exhaust system, while lowering springs give the Fiat a more aggressive stance. On the exterior, plenty of carbon fiber adorns the 500 while 17-inch wheels and an exterior wrap gives it the look it deserves in Las Vegas.

GALLERY: Fiat 500 Beach Cruiser

GALLERY: Fiat Abarth Cafe Racer

GALLERY: Magneti Marelli Fiat Argento

“Do you come with the car?” Sadly, no, but you can now get an Abarth with more accessories than ever before.

Abarth’s contribution to the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the 695 Fuori Serie (meaning “special production”) is just one example of the level of customization the Italian performance brand is now offering.

The display model is based on the Tributo Maserati and gets a 178-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder, 17-inch wheels and Brembo brakes. Custom upgrades include the wild matte-blue and yellow paint scheme, carbon fiber accessories, sports seats, racing pedals and an upgraded audio system.

Enjoy the gallery below and see our complete Paris Motor Show coverage here.

GALLERY: Abarth 695 Fuori Serie

Abarth will be adding two new models to its lineup in the UK market, with the 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione heading to dealerships sporting a turbocharged 1.4-liter, T-Jet powerplant with 160-hp.

The original Abarth 500 will get an additional color for the new model year, while the price will see a slight decrease to £13,975 ($17,186) for the manual-equipped coupe. The convertible model is priced at £15,875 ($19,523) for the manual. The standard Abarth 500 model is powered by a 1.4-liter T-Jet engine with 135-hp for the standard manual, while the MTA semi-automatic gearbox-equipped model has 140-hp. The Abarth 500 now includes the ‘Corsa’ pack as standard, which outfits the compact sports car with Inox pedals, footrest, and door kickplates.

More exciting however is the introduction of the 595 Turismo model which starts at £17,725 ($21,798) for the coupe and £19,625 ($24,134) for the convertible (manual transmission). In addition to the turbocharged engine, the Turismo model receives new pedals, footrest and door kick-plates, bespoke floor mats, machined aluminum fuel and oil filler caps. 17-inch, 10-spoke wheels are standard on the 595 Turismo along with red brake calipers, and a choice of 10 different exterior shades.

Lastly, the 595 Competizione gets a similar accessory pack as the 595 Turismo model, but comes with 17-inch, five-spoke wheels as standard. The Competizione is more track-oriented however, with cross-drilled front and rear brakes, a Monza exhaust upgrade, and Sabelt seats in fabric upholstery. Pricing for the coupe model starts at £18,725 ($23,028) while the convertible is slightly more at £20,625 ($25,364).

There is no word on whether or not these special editions will make their way across the pond to the American market.

GALLERY: UK Abarth 500 and 595 Models

In an effort to make the most fuel efficient vehicles, automakers are looking at smaller displacement engines, which have made it into plenty of compact and subcompact vehicles.

The motors in these vehicles don’t pack much power, or torque, and are all aimed to use the least amount of fuel. These cars are all ranked in order, right down to the cubic centimeter from most displacement, to least, so take a look below, to see the list of smallest engines available today.

The subcompact Mazda2 is the first on our list, with the biggest engine here. Thanks to its 1498cc four-cylinder engine, the Mazda2 makes 100-hp at 6000 rpm. Of course, that’s not much but what else do you need in a 2300-lb city car? The Mazda2 starts at $14,530 which isn’t too much for a car that gets 29/35 mpg city/highway with the manual or 28/34 mpg city/highway with the auto.

We might have some fancy cars over here in the USA, but there are quite a few vehicles overseas that we can’t help but think are desperately missing from our shores. More than a few are niche market models perfect for auto-enthusiasts, while others are more stylish or practical than what’s currently available in the US. And some are both.

First up we have the Honda Civic. Sure, it might just be a Civic, but Honda’s European Civic is quite different from what’s in showrooms here. Take a quick look, and its hard to notice the Honda badge on the front. The euro-Civic’s stylish looks are far and away better than the bland car available in US. America also misses out on this specific body-style, which is a shame since hatchbacks offer a practical advantage over sedans and coupes.

Making the Civic even more appealing is its engines which range from a tiny 1.4-liter engine, to a 2.2-liter diesel. If its one thing Americans should be grateful for is that the more powerful, and sportier Civic Si is not yet available in Europe. Chances are, however, they’ll probably get an even cooler Mugen-tuned hatch or Type R model that we’ll never see here either.

Credit sex, swagger or supportive reviews from the automotive community. Actually, scratch that and credit them all for the Fiat 500 Abarth’s warm reception that demanded triple what the automaker originally expected to sell in North America.

Unfortunately for some of the people who put deposits down to get one of the hot miniatures, Chrysler announced that it will curtail wholesale orders for the Abarth for the year, leaving some accounts with deposits in limbo until next year. That announcement left a number of customers who already paid deposits bumped to the 2013 waiting list for the 160-hp track-tuned car.

Fiat struggled to sell cars in the U.S. initially. Skeptics saw the 500′s quirky styling, small size and nearly-forgotten name as outliers in the market that made it a tough sell. Much like Marlboro cigarettes, the little Fiat was initially branded as a woman’s car, but found its niche with male buyers. In this case, the Abarth is almost like the automotive equivalent to the Marlboro Man.

The key difference is that while smoking cigarettes is indisputably bad for your health, smoking tires probably releases endorphins. Customers picked up on that fact pretty quickly — something Fiat noticed when it bumped planned 2012 production from 1,000 to 3,000 units at its Mexico plant. That number was the cap for plant production, and a disappointing fact for eager buyers.

[Source: Detroit News]

Abarth has just unveiled its tuned up version of the Fiat Punto, called the Punto Super-Sport, a car which is not offered in the U.S. for now, but might make its way across the pond. 

The Abarth Super-Sport builds off of the Fiat Punto EVO, using the same 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. In the Punto EVO the engine is rated at 164 hp, but in the Super-Sport the same engine gets a bump up to 180 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is mated to the engine, and the whole package will propel the car from 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds.

For aesthetics, the Super-Sport gets a two tone paint job, offering either grey with black racing stripes, or glossy black with matte black racing stripe. 17-inch alloy wheels and “SuperSport” badges complete the look.

The interior has a long-list of standard features, such as leather seats, automatic climate control and Fiat’s Blue and Me connectivity setup.

Only 199 Super-Sport models will be made for European markets, making the car a rare sight. It should sell for around $27,000.