Fiat said today that the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth will debut at the L.A. Auto Show on Nov. 16, marking the introduction of Fiat's performance brand in the U.S.

The Fiat 500 Abarth is designed for track enthusiasts and driving-purists, the company said. The car will be equipped with a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, performance-tuned suspension and brake systems and race-inspired design and technology features not traditionally included on the Fiat 500.

Pricing details were not disclosed.

The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth will go on sale during the first quarter of next year, giving Fiat dealers a third version of the stylish micro car.

Chrysler majority-owner Fiat reintroduced the Fiat brand in March after a 28-year absence in the U.S.

Through September, 13,861 Fiat 500s were sold in the U.S., according to Autodata.

Laura Soave, head of the Fiat brand in the U.S., said in August that Chrysler probably will fall short of its initial goal of 50,000 Fiat 500s in North America this year.

Sales of the Fiat 500 were held-back by a slower than expected opening of Fiat dealers in the U.S. Fiat now has 124 U.S. dealers. The Fiat 500 is produced at Chrysler?s plant in Toluca, Mexico.

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