About This Fiat 500 Abarth 2013 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Fiat 500 Abarth 2013 sits on a set of 17×8.25 / 17×10-inch BBS Rs wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose BBS for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Fiat 500 Abarth builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the BBS Rs creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: BBS Rs on the Fiat 500 Abarth 2013
Fitting a 17x8.25 front and 17x10 rear setup on a Fiat 500 Abarth feels like absolute madness until you see the final result. Most guys stick to 16s, but these BBS RS wheels push the boundaries of what this tiny chassis can handle. That 25 offset forces the wheels way out toward the edge of the fenders.
The front 8.25-inch width tests the limits of the Abarth’s inner clearance. You need to watch your strut housing, especially with those coilovers cranked down. Without a precise alignment, you will definitely kiss the inner liner on full lock.
That rear 17x10 is where the real drama happens. We see huge dish on these barrels, giving the back end a massive, aggressive footprint. You have to roll those rear quarters aggressively to tuck that metal without shredding your rubber.
The hub bore on these wheels needs a quality spacer or hub-centric ring to match the Abarth’s unique bolt pattern. We checked the caliper clearance and it is tight, but the classic BBS spoke design clears the factory Abarth brakes just fine. No grinding required here.
Running coilovers changes the geometry significantly by adding natural negative camber as you drop the height. This helps tuck the top of the tire inside the fender lip. Without that drop, these wheels would poke way too much for a clean street look.
Watch out for the rear beam suspension interaction. When the car loads up in a corner, the rear wheels shift slightly. If your tire sidewall is too square, expect some rubbing on the inner plastic splash guards.
The visual impact of the deep lips on a 17-inch wheel creates a perfect retro-racer aesthetic. We love how the 17s fill the arches without making the car look like a cartoon. It strikes the right balance between track-ready aggression and show-car polish.
What We Recommend for Fiat 500 Abarth 2013 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, start by sourcing high-quality adapters. Abarth bolt patterns are tricky, and you need reliable hardware to keep these wheels attached under load. Do not cheap out on the spacers if you value your life.
We usually recommend staying closer to a 7.5 or 8-inch width for a daily driver. A 10-inch rear is a massive commitment that requires serious body work. If you aren't ready to pull fenders, keep the widths more conservative to save your paint.
Stick to a square setup if you prioritize handling balance over pure looks. Staggering the width makes the car feel more tail-happy, which is fun but can be sketchy in the wet. Make sure your tire sizes match the rolling diameter closely to keep the electronics happy.
Tire stretch is a necessity when you push the offset this low. We like a mild stretch to clear the fender lips, but don't go so thin that you pop a bead on a pothole. Aim for a tire that protects the rim edge just enough.
Common mistakes include ignoring the fender liner clearance early on. People often mount the wheels, drive off, and immediately cut their tires on the sharp metal tabs inside the arches. Trim those tabs before you ever pull out of the driveway.
Always verify your coilover spring rates before choosing your wheel and tire combo. If your springs are too soft, the car will squat and rub under hard acceleration. Stiffer rates keep the geometry consistent through the turns.
Style and Build Analysis
The silver finish on these BBS RS wheels is a timeless choice that pops against the Abarth’s paint. Silver creates a bright, metallic contrast that highlights the intricate design of the mesh spokes. It feels sophisticated yet ready for a canyon run.
The BBS RS is the gold standard for a reason. Its multi-piece construction allows for that deep, stepped lip that makes the Fiat look wider than it actually is. It transforms the car from a cute commuter into a serious piece of machinery.
Stance is everything with this platform. By pushing the wheels to the fender edge, the owner has fixed the Abarth’s biggest weakness, which is its tall, narrow factory track. The car now sits with a purposeful, hunkered-down posture.
We compare this build to other stanced 500s, and most look incomplete. This one works because the proportions of the 17-inch diameter match the body lines perfectly. It doesn't look overdone; it looks like a factory special edition from an alternate universe.
The way the light plays off the polished lips while the car is rolling is mesmerizing. Every turn of the wheel shows off the depth of the barrel. It’s a masterclass in how to use classic wheels to elevate a modern hatchback.
Seeing this car parked at a meet proves that wheels define the build. You could have all the power in the world, but if your fitment is weak, the car won't turn heads. This Abarth commands attention simply because the geometry is spot on.
Why We Love This Build
I stood next to this Fiat at the last show, and I could not look away. The sunlight hit the silver BBS faces, making them glow against the dark, aggressive lines of the Abarth. It is rare to see someone commit to such a bold wheel choice on this specific car, but the risk paid off in a huge way.
The wheels tuck perfectly, filling the arches just enough to look mean without losing the car's soul. It is the kind of build that makes you want to go home, grab your wrench, and start working on your own project immediately. This car proves that size and offset are the most important tools in an enthusiast's kit.
Everything about this car screams precision and passion. It is small, loud, and looks absolutely perfect rolling down the street. You need to see this setup in person to believe how well it transforms the humble Fiat chassis into a genuine showstopper. This is exactly how you build an Abarth.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Fiat 500 Abarth 2013
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: BBS Rs
- Wheel Size: 17×8.25 / 17×10
- Offset: 25 / 25
- Wheel Finish: Silver
- Tires: Continental ContiCrossContact UHP 215/40 23.8″x8.5″ / 215/40 23.8″x8.5″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Fiat 500 Abarth owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 17×8.25 / 17×10-inch wheels fit my Fiat 500 Abarth? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Fiat 500 Abarth owners run 17×8.25 / 17×10-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
