New for 2015 is an automatic Abarth for people who want the excitement of driving but do not (or do not want to) drive a stick shift. One thing that is worth noting is that the automatic has six speeds while the manual remains with five. I still think it needs an extra gear for the highway but apparently space is an issue.
I think it is best explained by Allison Singer who is part of the design team.
This might be the perfect car for my 82 year old mother (LOL)…
Powerful Features
- 1.4L 16V MultiAir® Turbo Engine with 160 HP and 170 LB-FT of Torque
- Heavy-Duty Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Dual Exhaust System
- Dual Intercoolers
- Performance Suspension
- KONI Front Shock Absorbers with Dual Valve Frequency Selective Damping (FSD)
- 11.1-Inch Diameter Ventilated Front Rotors
- Single Piston Front and Rear Red Brake Calipers
- Three-Mode Electronic Stability Control (ESC)+ with ‘Full Off’ Capability
- Turbo Boost Gauge
- 16-Inch Performance Aluminum Wheels
- Fog Lamps
- Torque Transfer Control (TTC)
- High-Back Performance Cloth Bucket Seats with Racing Harness Pass-Throughs
- Leather-Wrapped Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel
- Aluminum Pedal Covers
- Full-Day Abarth Track Experience+ with Professional Instructors (Included with Vehicle Purchase)
- Bifunctional Halogen Projector Headlamps
- FIAT® Premium Audio System
- BLUE&ME® Hands-Free Communication with Bluetooth® Streaming Audio and an interface for a USB, MP3 Player and iPod® Mobile Device
- AM/FM Radio with CD Player
- Seven Airbags+