Fiat has announced it will be offering the 2015 500 Abarth with a specially-tuned optional six-speed automatic transmission.

The six-speed automatic transmission has been paired with the 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine, tuned to deliver up to 117 kW and 248 Nm of torque.

The transmission has been further reinforced with more clutch plates and a more robust heat treatment allowing higher torque capability. The Sport mode calibration allows for an even more engaged driving experience with special features such as fuel-cut upshifts, rev-matching downshifts, brake-assist downshifts, corner gear hold and fast-off gear hold, as well as a more aggressive pedal map.

“Accessible performance has always been a hallmark of the Abarth name,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC.

“Now, with the addition of an optional automatic transmission, an entirely new group of customers will be able to experience the thrill of driving the Fiat 500 Abarth lineup. Fiat 500 Abarth sales increased more than 16 percent during this year, and we expect this sales success to continue with the launch of this new automatic transmission.”

Fiat says production of the US-spec 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio started this week in Toluca, Mexico. The 2015 500 Abarth is scheduled to go on sale later this year.