THE ABARTH NAME is set to adorn the convertible version of the Fiat 500, according to British automotive publication Autocar.

The 2010 Fiat 500C, due to arrive in Australian showrooms around the middle of next year, is expected to be available in both Abarth and Abarth Esse Esse (read ‘SS’) form, developing 99kW and 117kW via the same 1.4 litre Turbojet petrol engine that powers the Fiat 500 Abarth.

According to the report, a Fiat source said that production of the 500C Abarth is “very likely”.

Like the hardtop versions, both performance 500C Abarth models will be available with a range of customisation options, along with the standard additions found on the 500 Abarth and Abarth Esse Esse.

Despite the Fiat 500C’s expected debut in Australia next year, the delay of the Fiat 500 Abarth for the local market means that a similar delay will be likely for the hardcore version of the 500C.

With the 500C Abarth not expected to arrive in Europe until the middle of next year, it could be the same time in 2011 before Australian Fiat fans see it at their local dealer.

[via Autocar]