If emerging reports are to be believed, Italian auto-maker Fiat will expand its Abarth brand portfolio in India with the Linea Abarth next year.

A report on Shifting Gears says the new Linea Abarth is likely to join Abarth's India line-up in 2016. However, Fiat India sources could not confirm this news to IBTimes India when contacted.

Little else is known about the specifications and features of Abarth Linea at this point. However, rumours suggest the Abarth Linea sedan will get the same 1.4-litre T-JET turbocharged petrol engine that does duty in Abarth Punto and Abarth Avventura. The engine in Linea is likely to make 140bhp of power and 212Nm of torque mated to five-speed manual transmission.

As for changes, the Abarth Linea is likely get contrasting ORVM, a "T-Jet" badge on the bootlid and sporty body decals at the bottom on both sides and on the bonnet. Apart from this, Abarh Linea is also expected to get Scorpion alloy wheels, which will add sportiness on the outside. At present, Linea is offered in two styles in the Indian market — the classic Linea and the new Linea sedan.

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Currently, Fiat Abarth has three modes in its line-up — 595 Competizione, Abarth Punto and Avventura, powered by Abarth. Both the high performance cars — Abarth Punto and Avventura — share the 1.4-litre T-JET turbocharged petrol engine. The engine develops 145bhp and 200Nm of torque mated to five-speed manual transmission in the Abarth Punto, whereas in Avventura it makes 140bhp of power and 212Nm of torque mated to five-speed manual transmission.