Fiat 500 Abarth coming to the US!

We finally get a good version of a European staple:

According to Fiat's twitter feed it will be introduced at the LA auto show. Some autosites have even speculated a power bump for the US Abarth. Why is the Abarth's introduction to the US so noteworthy? As Americans we always get the dumbed down version of nicer European cars, due to tough emission and safety standards. With automakers like Fiat and Alfa Romeo just now beginning to re-dip into the American market, it's slightly worrying that they would not bring their A game and eventually 'cede from these shores again. The Abarth is Fiat's A game. By sheer fact that it is going to be introduced, gives hope for enthusiasts to maybe see other staples on these shores. The future seems positive. Now at last, we can start the long healing process and maybe forgive Ford for not introducing this:

Bastards. Here are some other superfluous shots, but of the Fiat 500c:

Mini should be very worried.