Fiat Archives

Fiat has announced that the Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition will return with a new discrete appearance inside and out while continuing to meet the popularity and market demand of the previous edition. For 2013, the Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition models now offer a new black monotone interior environment that complements Gucci Nero or contrasts Gucci white exterior paint and Gloss black lighting bezels.

For buyers that love the Fiat 500, but need more room, Fiat is introducing the longer 2014 Fiat 500L. The 2014 Fiat 500L expands the 500's appeal by offering 42 percent extra interior space with seating for five and a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine. The 2014 Fiat 500L starts at $19,100.

This summer the electric 2013 Fiat 500e will go on sale in California. Fiat has announced that buyers can purchase the 500e for $32,500, which drops as low as $20,500 after the available federal and tax credits, which is about $200 less than a comparably-equipped Fiat 500 Lounge. If you dont want to actually buy the 500e, Fiat is also offering a cheap $199 a month/ $999 due at signing 36 month lease.

When the electric version of the Fiat 500, 500e arrives this summer buyers will get free access to rental cars as part of the package. A national auto rental chain program called ePass will give buyers access to rental cars for up to 12 days a year to help ease range anxiety.

Fiat is going to bring two new design concepts of the 500 to the 2013 Detroit Auto Show next week. The two concepts are meant to expand the appeal of the Fiat 500 Abarth and the Fiat 500 Turbo. The Fiat 500 Abarth "Tenebra" design concept displays unique Matte Grigio paint and special appointments including a roof-size Abarth scorpion logo, while the Fiat 500 "Cattiva" design concept is based on the 500 Turbo and features a sporty bi-color look and blacked-out appearance.

The 2013 Fiat 500e electric vehicle is slated to arrive in the second quarter of this year. Fiat has just announced that the Fiat 500e has an EPA rating of 108 MPGe on the highway, 122 MPGe rating in the city and a 116 MPGe combined rating. Its highway rating is higher than other electric models like the Honda Fit EV and Nissan Leaf, but the Fit EV has a higher combined and city rating.

Fiat's lineup is getting bigger, literally. Fiat has unveiled two new models that will arrive for the 2014 model year, the 2014 Fiat 500L and 500L Trekking. The 500L models expand the 500 lineup with 42 percent more interior space and room for five passengers. The "L" sums up the six dimensions of the 500L : leveraging, large, loft, lifestyle, light and liters.

Fans of the Fiat 500 Abarth, now another variant to choose from. Fiat has unveiled the 2013 Fiat 500c Abarth, which combines the style and open top design of the 500c, with the more powerful engine from the 500 Abarth. With 160 horsepower under the hood, the Fiat 500c Abarth will reach 0-60 mph in the low second range and with the push of a button the cloth top retracts at speeds up to 60 mph.

Fiat has taken the wraps off the electric version of the Fiat 500, the 2013 Fiat 500e. On the outside the Fiat 500e looks almost identical to the standard 500, but under the hood it's powered by an 111 horsepower electric motor and 24 kWh lithium-ion battery. Fiat has dubbed the electric drive system, "e-Drive", which is showcased by a studded, logo-adorned engine cover.

Since its re-launch in 2007, Fiat has sold the 500 in more than 100 countries around the world and now the one-millionth Fiat 500 has rolled off the Fiat Auto Poland production line. The one-millionth Fiat 500 is a Lounge model 'dressed' in three-layer Bianco Perla exterior paint.

Fiat is going to unveil the electric 2013 Fiat 500e at the 2012 LA Auto Show later this month, but in the meantime Fiat has released two photos of the new EV.

This year's 2012 2012 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show kicks off in Las Vegas on Oct. 30. Chrysler is bringing 24 custom "Mopar-modified" models to the show. Unique Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT and FIAT brand vehicles outfitted with more than 500 Mopar performance parts and accessories will be on display.

Chrysler has released sketches of the Moparized vehicles that it is bringing to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas at the end of next month.

For the 2013 model year the Fiat 500 lineup has been expanded with the introduction of the Fiat 500 Turbo that packs a 135 horsepower engine and gets other styling and performance upgrades over the lesser powered 500 models. Fiat has just announced that the 2013 Fiat 500 and 500 Cabrio models are also getting a few updates for the new year.

Well we new this was coming, but Fiat has now made it official. What you have here is the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo, which is more powerful than the standard 500, but doesn't pack quite as much power as the 500 Abarth.

The 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo is powered by a 1.4L turbocharged engine with 135 horsepower and 150 lb-ft. of torque. That means that the 500 Turbo has 34 more horsepower than the standard 500, but 25 less than the 500 Abarth. The 500 Turbo also gets a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes and a unique exterior to set it apart.

Fiat is set to increase the 500 lineup with new models like the 500L and the 500X crossover. Fiat gave us our first look at the 500L at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year and now we have a preview of the 500X crossover, that arrives sometime in 2014.

At a recent launch event for the 500L, Fiat gave journalists a quick preview of the 500X. Fiat boss Olivier Francois showed a full-size styling model of the 500X during the media launch on the 500L in Turin on Wednesday. The 500X will be the fifth 500 model and will also be the longest. The 500X, like the 500L will ride on the Fiat Punto platform.

The high-performance 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth has only been in showrooms a little over a momth and it looks like Fiat is pretty much out of the 2012 models. Company sources told The Detroit News that Chrysler Group LLC is no longer taking wholesale orders for the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth.

The 500 Abarth is selling so fast that if you want one now, you will be put on the waiting list for a 2013 model, that will arrive this fall. The 500 Abarth only went on sale a month ago, but by the time the first units arrived, there were already a thousand customers on the waiting list. Fiat-Chrysler only originally planned on building 2,000 units this year, but has raised that total to about 3,000 units, which is all that the Toluca, Mexico plant can produce.

Mazda and Fiat, Alfa Romeo's parent company have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and manufacturing of a new roadster for the Mazda and Alfa Romeo brands based on Mazda's next-generation MX-5 rear-wheel-drive architecture.

Mazda and Fiat will develop two roadsters that will share the same basic platform, but their styling will be different. The Mazda and Alfa Romeo roadsters will each be powered by specific engines unique to each brand. Both roadsters will be built at Mazda's Hiroshima, Japan plant starting in 2015.

It's being reported that Fiat is working on another turbocharged version of the Fiat 500, dubbed the 500T and a convertible 500 Abarth thanks to documents that Fiat has filed with NHTSA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Fiat is going to release a crossover version of the 500 minicar next year, according to sources that spoke with Automotive News Europe. The new 500 crossover will be dubbed the 500X, with the letter X standing for cross.

The 500X will be sold alongside the 500 hatchback, 500 Abarth, 500C convertible and 500L four-door models when it enters production in December 2013. The 500X will be the longest version in the 500 family, which will use a widened version of Fiat's small vehicle architecture that is also the basis for the 500L and Punto subcompact.

The 500X will be offered with front and all-wheel-drive and will also be built alongside a new Jeep small SUV, codenamed B-SUV. The new Jeep SUV will be smaller than the Jeep Compass and Patriot models and will be sold both in the U.S. and Europe.

In Europe the 500X will replace the Sedici in Fiat's lineup.

Now this is odd. Fiat has unveiled a limited edition version of the Fiat 500, dubbed the "500 America." What's odd is that Fiat makes no mention of offering the model in the U.S. as it will only be available for buyers in Europe.

According to Fiat, the "500 America" emphases the global soul of the Fiat 500, which will be unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show next month. The Fiat 500 America is a tribute to America, even if it's not going to be sold here.

Only 500 coupes and 500 convertibles will be produced and according to Fiat, "the new Fiat 500 America is celebrating the country where the model was sold in 2011 and where its collaboration with the American pop singer Jennifer Lopez started."

The 500 America coupe will be offered in the exclusive metallic shade America Blue and it is distinguished by mirror covers with "Stars & Stripes" graphics, stickers and 16" alloy rims with red cap edge. The 500 America convertible will come in white with a red top and alloy wheels with a blue rim edge.

Fiat has unveiled a special limited edition 500, dubbed the Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati, which represents the bond between Abarth and Maserati. According to Fiat, the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is the utmost expression of Abarth's sporty character and racing spirit, this new Limited Edition epitomizes sheer elegance united to the comfort of a "GranTurismo", but with the handling of a car fit to take to the road every day.

The Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati is powered by a 180 horsepower turbocharged 1.4L engine that is mated to an electrically-operated manual Abarth Competizione gearbox with paddle shifters. The limited edition model also gets 17-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, a Brembo braking system and a "Record Monza" variable back-pressure "dual mode" exhaust.

The exterior of the Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati is painted in Pontevecchio Bordeaux, while the electrically controlled soft top is made of grey fabric. Inside the seats are covered in sand beige Poltrona Frau leather.

The Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati will be officially unveiled next month at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Only 499 units will be produced.

The 2012 Geneva Motor Show is only a few weeks away. Fiat is going to officially unveil its all-new 2013 Fiat 500L at the show, but until then Fiat has released a few more photos of the "larger" Fiat 500.

The 2013 Fiat 500L will arrive in the U.S. next year, but stay tuned for its official unveiling on March 6th.

Fiat has decided to unveil the 2013 Fiat 500L ahead of its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The 500L is a larger version of the 500, with the L standing for "Large."

Although the 500L is being labeled as a larger version of the small 500, the 500L shares its platform with the Fiat Punto. The five-door model has room for up to 5 passengers and is 23-inches longer than the three-door 500.

The Fiat 500L will be produced at the Fiat's plant in Kragujevac, Serbia and will arrive in the U.S. in early 2013.

Chrysler is celebrating Mopar's 75th anniversary with four custom vehicles, the Mopar '12 300, 2013 Dodge Dart "GTS 210 Tribute", 2012 Fiat 500 "Stinger" and the 2012 Mopar Jeep Compass "True North."

"Customization is king," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "These head-turning 'Moparized' vehicles show how we can go to the next level of personalization. With our best-in-class offerings of parts and accessories, we give our customers every opportunity to further enhance the appearance and performance of their vehicles."

Fiat is going to release its fourth variant of the 500, the five-door 500L at the Geneva Motor Show in March. We're still about a month away until it's officially unveiled, but some of the early details have surfaced.

The 500L will be a larger version of the small 500 that will get a similar front end, but will be built on a widened version of Fiat's small vehicle architecture that is also the basis for the Fiat Punto. The 500L will be about 2 inches longer than the 500. Fiat is going to release two versions of the 500L, a five-seat version that will debut first, then a longer seven-seat version. The U.S. will only receive the five-seat version, which will arrive early next year.

Fiat hasn't announced the official specs for the 500L, but it wil likely be powered by Fiat's 85-hp turbocharged two-cylinder, a 1.4L with either 77-hp or 105-hp and a 1.3L diesel with either 75-hp or 95-hp. The US-spec 500L will likely only be powered by the 1.4L.

The first model from the Chrysler/ Fiat marriage, the 2013 Dodge Dart will be hitting showrooms soon, but that model is only the first of many. It's been previously reported that Chrysler is going to kill off the Dodge Avenger after its current run, so that the automaker can focus its efforts on the better selling Chrysler 200 sedan, but that may not be the case.

USA Today is reporting that Chrysler is working on all-new versions of the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger, which will be based on the same Alfa Romeo platform that is the basis for the Dart. They are also reporting that the next Jeep Liberty and Compass models will also be built off the same platform in 2013.

Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne recently stated about the new Jeeps, "It's gonna be a trail-rated, full-blooded Jeep that has its origins in the architecture of a sports car."

Marchionne also stated that Chrysler is thinking about a new small hatchback dubbed the "Chrysler 100." If it gets the green light, it will be sold in Europe under as a Lancia.

Lastly Marchionne claims that plans to bring Alfa Romeo back to the U.S. are still in the works. The models slated to come here will be lightweight and powered by a 1.8L engine with 300 horsepower.

Fiat's return to the U.S. with the small Fiat 500 failed to meet the automaker's sales expectations, but a new 500 variant may help. Olivier Francois, head of the Fiat brand recently confirmed plans to unveil a new five-door wagon version of the 500 at the Geneva Motor Show in March, which will be sold in the U.S. starting next year.

A larger version of the 500 may be more appealing to buyers that like the styling of the 500, but need more space and utility. Fiat had hoped to sell 50,000 500 models in 2011, but only managed to move 26,000 units. The wagon version of the 500 has been developed specifically for the U.S. market, but no other details have been released.

The model that Fiat 500 fans have been waiting for is finally here, the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth. Fiat has announced that the high-performance version of the 500 will start at $22,000 when it arrives in showrooms this spring.

The 500 Abarth is powered by an all-new 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged engine that pumps out 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. of torque that is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It also gets an Abarth designed body kit, suspension and braking system and rides on 16-inch aluminum wheels. Inside the 500 Abarth gets Abarth performance seats and a turbo-boost gauge with an integrated LED shift light and a Bose premium audio system.

"The Fiat 500 Abarth feels like a double shot of espresso straight to your veins," said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Fiat Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC.

500 Abarth owners also get to attend a driving experience at no additional charge at the Abarth Driving Experience lead byinstructors from the Richard Petty Driving Experience

Uh Oh! Sales of the Fiat 500 are already lower than was expected and now the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Fiat 500 a three-star safety rating, which is the lowest rating of any new model tested.

The tiny Fiat 500 received a four-star rating in the frontal crash and rollover tests, but only received a two-star rating in the side impact test. To compare, the Ford Fiesta subcompact has a combined four-star rating, but the crash ratings for other small cars like the Mini Cooper and 2012 Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Chevy Sonic have not been released.

Although NHTSA has given the Fiat 500 its lowest score, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently named the 500 a Top Safety Pick.

Fiat has employed J. Lo for its Fiat 500 commercials, but for the 2012 Fiat Abarth, J. Lo has been replaced by a sexy Italian woman.

"You'll never forget the first time you see one."

The 2012 Fiat Abarth was officially unveiled at the LA Auto Show this week. It takes the standard 500 and dials up the performance to make it a total hot hatch. It's powered by a turbocharged 1.4L engine that packs 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. of torque.

Fiat is unveiling the much anticipated high-performance version of the Fiat 500, the 500 Abarth at the LA Auto Show today. The 500 Abarth takes the tiny 500 and adds in a lot more fun.

For starters the 500 Abarth is powered by a turbocharged 1.4L engine that generates 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. of torque. The addition of the turbocharger delivers a 70 percent increase in engine rpm torque, 59 percent increase in power over base 1.4-liter engine. the 1.4L engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. A torque transfer control system, an upgraded suspension and braking system are also sure to put a smile on your face.

The 500 Abarth looks more aggressive than the lesser powered 500 models thanks to a more pronounced front fascia and an Abarth designed body kit. The 500 Abarth also rides on 16-inch wheels, with 17-inch wheels being optional.

Inside the 500 Abarth gets a thick-rim Abarth designed steering wheel and a pair of Abarth performance front seats.

The official pricing has not been announced.

Slower than expected sales of the Fiat 500 has prompted to Chrysler to suspend production of the 500's 1.4L engine at Chrysler's Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance Plant in Dundee, Michigan.

According to the UAW, more than 100 of about 400 hourly workers were laid off at the beginning of the month, although Chrysler claims that only about 30 workers are currently laid off.

Automotive News reports that Chrysler currently has a 184-day supply of Fiat 500 coupes and cabrios.

Chrysler spokeswoman Jodi Tinson stated that Chrysler is "very pleased with the progress we are making with the North American launch of the Fiat brand."

Chrysler originally wanted to sell 50,000 units this year, but through the end of October only about 16,000 units had been sold. The third 500 model, the 500 Abarth will be unveiled this week at the LA Auto Show.

Fiat has unveiled the version of the Fiat 500 that we've been waiting for here in the U.S. The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth takes the standard 500 and dials up the performance to create what Fiat states is "designed for track-­day enthusiasts and driving-­puristswho want the ultimate high-­performance small car with the pedigree of an exclusive Italian exotic."

The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth will be officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in a few weeks. Fiat hasn't released the official specs other than stating that it will be powered by an all­‐new 1.4-­liter MultiAir Turbo engine. It will also get an Abarth-­tuned suspension and brake systems. In Europe the 500 Abarth puts out either 130 or 160 horsepower. Hopefully the US-spec version will get closer to that higher number.

Stay tuned...

The 2012 Fiat 500 is the latest model to receive the Insurance Institute for Highway Dafety's Top Safety Pick award for good performance in front, side, rollover, and rear impact evaluations, and for having electronic stability control as standard equipment.

The award only applies to Fiat 500 models that were built after July 2011 because the driver's seat structure was modified to improve occupant protection in both frontal and rear-end crashes.

The only other mini-car to receive the top award is the Ford Fiesta.

Fiat has released its second commercial that features Jennifer Lopez driving around in a Fiat 500C.

The commercial, titled "My World," is voiced-over by Lopez, who is seen driving a Fiat 500 Cabrio as she travels through the streets of Manhattan to the Bronx. The commercial is voiced over by Lopez and "explores her personal take on how life in the New York City borough continues to inspire her to be tougher, to stay sharper and to think faster."

Olivier Francois - Head of Fiat and Chief Marketing Officer and Brand Marketing Communications, Chrysler Group LLC stated, "The commercial tells the story of how the simple elements of our upbringing can help explain who we are, where we're going and serve as a source of inspiration to achieve our goals in life. That drive and determination is the common thread that is shared with the Fiat brand and our philosophy that 'Life is Best When Driven.'"

Does this commercial make you want to go out an buy a Fiat 500?

Fiat has announced plans for a new 1.8L turbocharged engine for the Alfa Romeo brand. According to Fiat the new high-performance engine will employ direct-injection and turbocharging technologies to put out a peak 300 horsepower.

The first model to get the new 1.8L engine will be the Alfa Romeo 4C coupe that is slated to be released in mid-2013. We were given our first preview of the 4C at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. After the 4C, the engine will be used in Giulia midsize sedan and wagon. The exciting news is that the engine has been designed to be complaint with both Europe and the U.S. emissions standards.

Harald Wester, Fiat's chief technology officer and head of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands stated, "This is an extremely important step for Alfa Romeo, as we continue to reposition our brand and prepare it for global distribution. The United States remains our primary objective as we prepare for a 2013 introduction of our models."

Fiat has announced the 2012 Fiat 500 "Pink Ribbon" edition model. Fiat has teamed up with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to produce 250 "Pink Ribbon" models. The collaboration allows breast cancer awareness advocates to express their support for the cause in modern iconic Italian style.

Fiat will donate $1,000 for each of the special Fiat 500 Pink Editions that are sold, with a minimum $50,000 contribution to BCRF.

"We are honored to partner with an upstanding organization like The Breast Cancer Research Foundation that supports a cause so important to our consumers and our company," said Laura Soave, Head of FIAT North America. "The Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon edition offers our FIAT consumers a unique and stylish way to express their support, help fund breast cancer research and ultimately drive change."

The Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon edition is based on the 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge model and comes in either silver or white with a signature dark pink bodyside stripe with "500" logo and an accenting "ribbon" in light pink. The interior also gets pink accents that contrast the black interior. The black leather seats get pink accent stitching and a pink ribbon has been embroidered on the floor mats.

The 2012 Fiat 500 Pink Edition starts at $22,500.

Maserati's upcoming SUV is going to be produced at Chrysler's Jefferson North plant in Detroit, according to the Automotive News.

What will Maserati's new SUV look like? Well it's based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and we will get a preview of the SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, when the concept version debuts.

The biggest concern is how much Maserati and it's parent Fiat can differentiate the Maserati from the Grand Cherokee.

"The important point is that whatever Maserati we launch will be a product that respects the entire heritage, image, characteristics, and customer expectations of this brand," Harald Wester, Maserati's CEO, said in an interview earlier this year. "What ends up in the dealer shops should be 100 percent Maserati."

We do know that the Maserati SUV will be powered by the Grand Cherokee's HEMI V8.

Fiat has announced that the U.S. debut of the "500 by Gucci" will happen during New York Fashion Week, next month. Fiat and Gucci recently teamed up to create limited-edition versions of the Fiat 500 and 500 Cabrio, dubbed the "500 by Gucci."

The special Fiat 500 by Gucci models get exclusive design elements like a signature Gucci green/red/green web stripe that runs along the entire bodyside of the Fiat 500 by Gucci, or across the length of the cloth top on the Fiat 500c by Gucci model. Chrome cursive "Gucci" signatures complete the door frames and uniquely designed, retro-inspired 15-inch aluminum wheels with interlocking "GG" hubcaps and brake pads, which have been lacquered in signature Gucci green are also included.

The interior of the Fiat 500 by Gucci gets two-toned seats in Frau leather with the Guccissima print, glossy and satin chromes and a hand-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel, finished in a two-tone ivory and white combination.