Unique 2012 LBWK Fiat 500 Abarth: A Turbocharged Masterpiece

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Dale Lepp

2012 LBWK Fiat 500 Abarth

Instagram: @flysquasher

Photographer: Tanner Sparrow

Instagram: @tanner_sparrow_

Performance Stats: 210 WHP

Listen To The Stance Auto Audio Book Of Dales LBWK 500 ABARTH

From Mopar Muscle to Turbo Hot Hatch: Dale Lepp’s Car Journey

I’ve spent my life working in the bath fixture industry and currently manage a plant for Kohler in Brownwood, Texas. However, my passion for cars runs just as deep as my professional career. Born on a military base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, I grew up in Ohio with a fascination for all things automotive. Now, living in Texas since 2017, I balance my love for cars with a busy family life—married, with four kids, three dogs, and a cat (though I’m still in denial about the cat).

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My car story isn’t just about horsepower and parts; it’s about family and legacy. My grandpa was a Ford guy, and we were best friends. I used to stand next to him at his workbench as he tinkered with model cars. He passed away before I could drive, but his passion for cars never left me. He sparked my love for Mopar muscle—Roadrunners, Cudas, Hemi engines, and Six Packs. But life has a funny way of shaping your preferences. Over time, I found myself drawn to small turbocharged cars, which led me to my current pride and joy: a 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth.

My First Cars: From Tercel to Turbo

My first car was a 1982 Corolla Tercel, lovingly purchased by my grandma at my grandpa’s suggestion. It wasn’t exactly the Mopar beast I had in mind, but it got me on the road. A year later, I upgraded to a 1986 Dodge Shelby Charger, which I immediately modified with 12” subs, component speakers, and a classic Alpine head unit (with those iconic six green buttons). Soon after, I checked off my first bucket-list car, a 1972 Duster 340 in Basin Street Blue. From there, I owned an array of cars—Turbo LeBaron Coupe, ’68 Dodge Coronet, ’76 Plymouth Roadrunner, ’93 Honda Civic SI, and more. But the theme that always stayed with me was my love for small, turbocharged vehicles.

Discovering the Fiat 500 Abarth: A New Obsession

When Fiat reintroduced the 500 Abarth to the U.S. in 2012, I knew I had to have one. It was a small, turbocharged, Italian hot hatch, ticking all my boxes. In 2013, I drove from Ohio to Indiana to purchase a slightly used 2012 Abarth in Rosso, complete with red leather seats and 17” forged wheels. At first, I thought I’d keep the modifications simple—lowering springs, cold air intake (CAI), and an upgraded shifter. But, as many car enthusiasts know, that was just the beginning.

Over the past 11 years, this little Abarth has undergone several transformations. What started as a mild build quickly evolved into something far more elaborate.

The Build: A One-of-a-Kind Abarth for Both Show and Track

Engine Modifications

My Abarth is equipped with a host of bolt-on mods, supporting a Eurocompulsion Phase 2+ tune. Turbo management comes courtesy of a Turbosmart Wastegate Actuator and a GoFastBits Diverter Valve+. To control heat, a RoadRace Motorsports Turbo Blanket covers the turbo, while a DNA Cowl Induction Cold Air Intake and an ATM Front Mount Intercooler feed cool air into the engine. A custom TBF Performance Air Oil Separator and a catch can keep the crankcase properly ventilated, and a handmade SuperSprint stainless-steel exhaust ensures that hot gases exit efficiently. With Alfa Romeo 4C coil packs delivering strong spark, I’m pushing over 25 PSI of boost, resulting in a solid 210 WHP.

LBWK Fiat 500 Abarth Exterior Customization

One of the most eye-catching aspects of the build is the Liberty Walk Abarth 595 body kit—the first of its kind in North America. This Euro-spec kit wasn’t a straightforward bolt-on; I had to modify the fuel cap recess and widen the rear diffuser to make it fit. The exterior also features Euro-spec Series 4 taillights, carbon fiber accents, and a LowGlow underglow system for added flair.

Interior Upgrades

Inside, I’ve gone for a blend of style and functionality. British Tan Braum Racing seats are complemented by matching custom door inserts, dash panels, and various trim pieces. I added a custom roll bar that doubles as a mounting point for the air suspension system. The audio and control system includes a Sony XAV-8500 head unit with a floating 10-inch screen and a Vaitrix Boost Gauge, offering a seamless blend of aesthetics and performance data.

Fiat Abarth Interior Mods for Show and Performance

Suspension and Handling

Suspension is provided by a Prazis Air Suspension system, featuring the world’s first Fiat on Prazis with P4W Piano Key-style management. Additional DNA chassis bracing, race engine, and transmission mounts stiffen the car, while a heavy-duty rear sway bar keeps the handling tight. The factory brakes have been replaced with StopTech drilled and slotted rotors and Hawk 5.0 Street/Track pads for improved stopping power. The Abarth sits on staggered Autostrada Modena wheels (17x9.25 in the front and 17x10.25 in the rear), giving the car a “baby Ferrari” look.

How to Upgrade Your Abarth Suspension

The Unique Factor: LBWK Fiat 500 Abarth

What sets this car apart? It’s the only North American Liberty Walk Abarth and the only Fiat in the world on Prazis air management. Being unique has its perks—it attracts a lot of attention at car shows, and people love to talk about it. But being different also brings its share of haters. That’s why you have to build something you truly love, so when the criticism comes, it doesn’t bother you as much.

When I’m behind the wheel, especially on tight, curvy roads, it all makes sense. The turbo spooling, the exhaust burbling, and the way the car hugs the road create a therapeutic driving experience.

LBWK Fiat 500 Abarth Build Specs:

Engine:

• SuperSprint Exhaust

• Eurocompulsion Phase 2+ Tune

• Alfa Romeo 4C Coil Packs

• Turbosmart Wastegate Actuator

• DNA Cowl Induction CAI

• ATM Front Mount Intercooler

• GFB Diverter Valve+

• TBF Performance Air Oil Separator

Interior:

• CAE UltraShifter

• Braum Racing Seats

• Vaitrix Boost Gauge

• Custom Roll Bar

• Sony XAV-8500 Head Unit with Floating 10” Screen

Exterior:

• Liberty Walk Abarth 595 Body Kit

• LowGlow Underglow

• Carbon Fiber Trim

• Euro Spec Series 4 Taillights

Wheels & Suspension:

• Autostrada Modena Wheels

• Prazis Air Suspension with P4W Management

• DNA Chassis Bracing

• StopTech Slotted and Drilled Rotors

• Hawk 5.0 Street/Track Pads

Future Plans for the LBWK Fiat 500 Abarth

There’s still more in store for this little beast. Next up, I’m planning to install a big brake kit and build out an audiophile-level sound system—something crisp and clear, without the booming bass. The engine overhaul is also in the works: forged internals, a big cam, a larger turbo, a limited-slip differential, and a street/race clutch are all part of the plan. Every year, I make small tweaks to the car, so I always have projects lined up in the garage.

Who Did the Work?

I’ve always worked on my cars myself, and this build is no exception. The only jobs I didn’t handle were the paint and powder coating. Quality Body Works in Brownwood, Texas, took care of the paint, while Wheel Love in San Antonio rebuilt the wheels.

More on DIY Car Builds

Shout-Outs

I want to give a big shout-out to Prazis for their support, and to LTMK, Liberty Walk USA, Braum Racing, and Eurocompulsion for their partial sponsorships. Team Elevate has also been a huge motivator—being part of a team has driven me to push this build to the next level.

Dream Car: Ferrari F40

What’s the dream car? Always has been, and always will be, the Ferrari F40. Nothing else comes close.

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