To Dan Younes,
I know all about the rear end sliding from an old car that I used to own that had a 65% to 35% weight distribution front and rear respectively (BMW) and boy was that a lot of fun at times, especially when it rained, but I won't be doing that with the 500 if I get it.
This car is exactly as it was in Germany, so if it didn't have cats there than it doesn't have them now.
I'm glad to hear that you have had a positive experience with yours.