About This Fiat 500 Abarth 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Fiat 500 Abarth 2017 sits on a set of 17×8 / 17×8-inch Fifteen52 Tarmac wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Fifteen52 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 Fifteen52 Tarmac creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Fifteen52 Tarmac on the Fiat 500 Abarth 2017
I walked around this Abarth at the show and the stance honestly floored me. We see a lot of these cars, but the 17x8 Fifteen52 Tarmac wheels change the entire profile. That width fills out the arches perfectly without looking like a cartoon.
We measured the offset at 34 all around. This choice pushes the wheel right out to the edge of the fender. It creates a flush look that the factory wheels just cannot touch.
I checked the front calipers closely because that is always the first trouble spot. These Tarmacs clear the Abarth brakes with room to spare. You will not need any sketchy spacers to make these fit.
The hub bore on these wheels matches the Fiat platform spot on. We hate using hub rings if we can avoid them. This setup bolts right up without any annoying vibration issues.
The barrel lip depth gives the car a chunky, purposeful aesthetic. It feels like a rally car ready for the stage. The spoke design is flat and bold, which suits the angry little face of the 500 perfectly.
This car runs coilovers, and that makes all the difference here. The lowered height tucks the tires just enough to look mean. You do need to watch your clearance on the inner fender liners though.
Under hard cornering or big bumps, the rear might kiss the liner if you go too low. We recommend dialing in a bit of negative camber to keep things safe. Proper alignment keeps the rubber off the metal while you carve corners.
What We Recommend for Fiat 500 Abarth 2017 Owners
If you want this look, stick to the 17-inch diameter. Going up to 18 inches ruins the ride quality on these short-wheelbase cars. We think 17s offer the best balance of looks and actual performance.
A square setup is the only way to go for the Abarth. Staggered setups on a front-wheel-drive platform just add understeer. Keep the width consistent to maintain that nimble, go-kart handling we love.
Stay within the 30 to 35 offset range for your wheels. Anything lower than 30 will poke too far and spray rocks all over your paint. Anything higher than 35 will look tucked and weak.
Watch your tire choice carefully when you mount these. We suggest a 205 or 215 section width to keep the sidewall square. A little bit of tire stretch can help with clearance if you plan to slam the car.
Common mistakes usually involve buying wheels that are too wide. An 8.5-inch wheel will require way too much fender work for this chassis. Save yourself the headache and stick to an 8-inch width.
Style and Build Analysis
The red finish on these Tarmacs creates a massive visual impact. It screams for attention against the body color. We love how it pulls the eye immediately to the rolling stock.
Most people play it safe with silver or black wheels. This owner took a risk, and it paid off in spades. The red pops when the car is moving down the highway.
The Tarmac design looks industrial and tough. It mimics the style of vintage rally cars from back in the day. It gives the Abarth a sense of history and motorsport pedigree.
Proportions are the secret sauce of any great build. Because the 500 is so small, these chunky wheels make it look significantly more aggressive. It looks less like a city car and more like a street fighter.
We have featured many Fiats, but this one has the best presence. The color coordination feels intentional and high-end. It stands out in a crowded parking lot for all the right reasons.
Why We Love This Build
I stood back and watched the light hit those red Tarmacs as the sun started to set. The Abarth looks absolutely planted, like it is glued to the asphalt. Those wheels fill the arches just right, transforming the car into a total head-turner.
We love this build because it captures the spirit of the Abarth brand perfectly. It is loud, it is fun, and it is unapologetically bold. This is exactly how a hot hatch should look when it leaves the garage.
You need to see this setup in motion to really get it. It turns every commute into a show, making you smile every single time you look back at it. Get the wheels and start driving.
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 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Fifteen52 Tarmac
- Wheel Size: 17×8 / 17×8
- Offset: 34 / 34
- Wheel Finish: Red
- Tires: Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2 205/40 23.5″x8.1″ / 205/40 23.5″x8.1″
- 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 / 17×8-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 / 17×8-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
