Fiat 500 Abarth, as you know, is a hard-core version of the ultra-popular city car built for the enthusiasts. It comes with a powerful turbo engine, sport exhausts, stiffened suspension, and a manual gearbox. Now though for the 2015 version fiat is softening the Abarth a bit by offering an automatic transmission option.

While die hard Abarth fans are going to scoff at the new automatic version, Fiat believes it will attract a lot of new buyers in America, where most people don’t even know how to drive stick. “Abarth and Abarth Cabrio accessible to an entirely new group of customers who want to enjoy the thrilling driving experience of the Fiat 500 Abarth with the convenience of an automatic gearbox,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand for North America.

The 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth automatic features a six-speed Aisin AW6F25 transmission, reinforced for use in the Abarth with more clutch plates and a more robust heat treatment to allow for higher torque capability. Complementing the sporty character of the car, the transmission also features more clutch plates and a more robust heat treatment to allow for higher torque capability.

The new automatic gearbox will also be offered with the 2015 Fiat 500 Turbo, which is like the Abarth 500 but more comfortable and less aggressive to look at. It features bespoke front fascia, bolder side skirts and unique 16-inch aluminum wheels.