Apparently sex does sell.
Fiat is sold out of the high-performance Abarth version of its 500, according to The Detroit News. The sporty little hatchback made famous in a Super Bowl advertisement called “Seduction” that stars Italian-speaking Romanian supermodel Catrinel Menghia as the human incarnation of the minicar.
The newspaper reports that dealers are no longer able to order 2012 models, which just went on sale in late April, and that new customers will have to wait until the 2013 edition comes out in September.
The 500 Abarth has a starting price of $22,000 and a turbocharged engine producing 160 hp, compared to $15,500 and 101 hp for the lowest priced 500. Fiat is only building 3,000 or so of the Abarths for 2012.
After a disappointing launch last year, Fiat 500 sales are quickly picking up steam thanks to a combination of high gas prices, an expanding dealer network and effective new advertising campaign that, along with the Super Bowl advertisement, also features one with Charlie Sheen playing to type by racing a 500 Abarth through an all-female party in a mansion while he is under house arrest.
In addition to the Abarth, a special edition 500 by Gucci is also available for $23,500 decked out in special paint and upholstery designed by the Italian fashion company. Just the thing for an Italian-speaking Romanian supermodel, no?