Fiat Archives

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.

Jeep's lineup is expected to get some new models in the next three years, which will come thanks to Fiat.

A Jeep subcompact is still reportedly in the works that will be based off a Fiat platform. Back in 2009 it was confirmed that Chrysler was working on a new small Jeep. Jeep CEO Michael Manley confirmed again in April that the small subcompact Jeep will debut in late 2013 or early 2014. The smallest Jeep will be built at the same Toluca, Mexico plant that currently produces the Fiat 500 and Dodge Journey models.

On the other end of the Jeep lineup, Jeep is reportedly set to revive the Grand Wagoneer as a large seven-seater. The Grand Wagoneer will share its platform with the Dodge Durango when it arrives as a 2014 model.

Fiat's return the U.S. has been successful with the launch of the small 500 and 500 Cabrio. Fiat has delivered 7,982 cars in the U.S. since March and July sales totaled 3,038 units. The automaker expects to eventually sell more than 50,000 vehicles annually in the U.S. after all of its 130 initial dealerships are open.

Fiat has something else to be happy about besides the sales numbers, it looks like early 500 buyers are choosing the pricier packages and customizable accessories for their vehicles. The Sport version, which costs about $2,000 more than the $15,500 base 500 Pop accounted for about half of the 500's sales in the first five months of Fiat's return. The $19,500 Lounge version made up 20 percent of the sales.

According to the brand's chief, Laura Soave, "A lot of what we're seeing is customers really want to build their car." Buyers are also willing to wait six to eight weeks to get the 500 they want.

Of course this all means more profits for Fiat, which currently has 94 dealerships and aims to have all 130 open by the end of the year.

According to Fiat there are more than 500,000 variations of colors and options for the 500.

Fiat has also introduced the "500 by Gucci" versions of the 500 in Europe, but it's not known if those editions will come to the U.S. The high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth is also expected to debut in November.

Following the launch of the Fiat 500 by Gucci hatchback, Fiat has released the cabriolet version, the 500C by Gucci.

The 500C by Gucci comes exclusively in white or black with an electric top that features the classic Gucci stripe. Other details include chrome-plated accents and 16-inch alloy wheels with the Gucci logo.

Like the hatchback version, there is no word if the "500C by Gucci "will come to the U.S.

Fiat 500 and 500 Cabrio owners can now personalize their cars even more thanks to Chrysler's aftermarket division Mopar. Mopar has released 150 accessories for the 2012 Fiat 500.

The available accessories span from a $21 locking gas cap to a $1,400 body kit.

"The Fiat 500 is one of the most accessorized vehicles in Europe," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "We expect that trend to continue here in North America and will offer more than 150 accessories for those looking to personalize their ride. Our all-new Fiat 500 is the perfect canvas for customization."

Mopar has also announced its Top 15 accessories for the 2012 Fiat 500. The list includes custom key covers, exterior graphics, bike carriers, a chrome shift knob and fuel door, seat covers and the unconnect web system that allows passengers to access the internet on the go.

Fiat has announced via its Facebook page that it is going to unveil the US-spec version of the 500 Abarth at the LA Auto Show in November.

The Fiat 500 Abarth is expected to officially hit our shores sometime in the later half of 2012 as a 2013 model. Fiat hasn't released the official specs for the 500 Abarth, but it's expected to put out somewhere around 170 horsepower from its 1.4L engine.

Alfa Romeo's return to the U.S. has been delayed again, with a full return now being pushed back until mid-2013 at the earliest. According to Automotive News, Fiat's CEO Sergio Marchionne now states that Alfa Romeo, which is owned by Fiat will not return until late 2012, with a full return coming in 2013.

Fiat left the U.S. in 1995, but in 2000 then Fiat CEO Paolo Cantarella stated that a new Alfa Spider would be sold here in 2003, which never happened. In 2002 that plan was delayed, which set off a series of delays, which brings us to present day. Now Alfa Romeo's return is being delayed due to the fact that Marchionne has rejected the design of the Guilia. Alfa Romeo has technically been back, since it's currently selling the Alfa Romeo 8C out of Maserati showrooms, but only 100 units have been sold, which is not really significant.

Alfa Romeo is expected to return first with a new compact crossover, followed by the Giulia sedan at the end of 2013.

Fiat is asking Chrysler to increase production of the Fiat Freemont, which is a rebadged Dodge Journey that is sold in Europe.

Fiat originally planned to sell 13,000 Fremonts this year, but Fiat recently told Automotive News Europe that it has already received 15,700 orders for the model. Fiat plans to sell 33,000 Fremonts in 2012, its first full year of sales in Europe. Chrysler originally planned to produce 3,000 units a month, but due to the higher than expected demand, increased that number to 4,067 units in June.

Chrysler is hoping to produce 4,000 units a month without having to have its workforce work overtime.

80 percent of the Freemonts orders are coming from Italy and 80 percent of those buying the Freemont are new Fiat customers.

Fiat has officially relaunched in the US, with the introduction of the small 500. Fiat is currently working on its next model for the US-market, the successor to the Bravo.

Although many critics predicted that the Fiat 500 would not succeed in the US, its early sales have exceeded expectations. The 500 cabriolet has just been released and Abarth and EV versions of the 500 are also planned in the near future. Fiat is planning its next model in the US, which will be larger than the 500. Fiat's Laura Soaves recently stated that "Fiat will be the small car brand. It will never have anything larger than a C [segment]." This means that Fiat will not steal sales from Chrysler by not selling anything larger than a Ford Focus or Honda Civic.

Details remain scarce about what we can expect for the replacement for the Bravo, but Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne has stated that the car "will not be a traditional offering."

Alfa Romeo is going to get a much needed SUV model by late next year. Internally the SUV is codenamed C-SUV and will be about the same size as the BMW X3 and Audi Q3 models.

The new SUV is part of a plan to reposition Alfa Romeo as a competitor to Audi and BMW. Currently Alfa Romeo only has four models, the Mito, Giuletta and the 159 sedan and wagon. The 159 is set to be replaced by the Giulia in the beginning of 2013 and a five-door Mito and 4C sports car will also be released in 2013. In 2014 the Giuletta will get a facelift and an SUV based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee will also be added to the lineup.

The new Alfa Romeo SUV will be built at Fiat's Mirafiori plant in Turin in late 2012 alongside a new Jeep that will replace the Compass and Patriot SUVs. The SUV will be based on Fiat's Compact Plus Global Modular Architecture, which is an extended version of the Giuletta's platform.

And just in case you are wondering, it looks like Alfa Romeo's return to the U.S. has been pushed back to 2013.

Fiat officially unveiled the convertible version of the Fiat 500, the 2012 500c in New York last week.

The Fiat 500c retains the full doors and framed windows from the hardtop 500, but has a full cloth top that can be lowered at speeds up to 60 mph. Think of the design of more as a panoramic sunroof than a full convertible design like the Mini. The top can also be opened partially, acting like a large sunroof.

Fiat has announced that the pricing for the 500C will start at $19,500 for the entry-level Pop model. If you were hoping for a droptop Sport version of the 500c, you're out of luck. The 500C will only be available in the Pop and Lounge variants. The 500c is powered by the same 101-hp 1.4L MultiAir four-cylinder as the 500. When it's mated to the five-speed manual transmission, the 500c gets up to 38 mpg on the highway.

The Fiat 500 is just starting to trickle into US dealerships, but if you desire more open-top driving, Fiat has unveiled the 2012 500c. The 500 Cabrio (500c) takes everything that you love or maybe hate about the 500 and pulls the top back.

"Perfectly timed with the warm weather and excitement of spring, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio expands our product lineup while paying homage to the brand's rich heritage of open-air cabrios that deliver style, value and driving enjoyment," said Laura Soave, Head of FIAT Brand North America.

The Fiat 500c features a cloth top that can be lowered at speeds up to 60 mph. Unlike most convertibles, the 500c still retains the side profile from the 500. Meaning that it keeps the window frames and conventional side pillars. If you don't want the top all the way down, the top can be opened partially to act as a large sunroof.

The Fiat 500c is powered by a 101-hp 1.4L four-cylinder but it looks like the 500c will only be available in the Pop and Lounge variants. If you were hoping for a Sport version of the 500c, you are out of luck. The good news is that if you opt for the five-speed manual version, you will get up to 38 mpg on the highway.

Fiat has announced 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio will be offered in the U.S. just in time for spring.

The Fiat 500 Cabrio features a premium dual-layer power-operated cloth top that can be lowered at speeds up to 60 mph. At first glance the 500 Cabrio looks very similar to the 500 coupe, since it still retains the fully framed side windows. The 500 Cabrio still has room for four passengers and the top is available in three different colors.

Although Fiat claims that the 500 Cabrio will be available this spring, an official launch date hasn't been announced.

Chrysler is planning to start selling natural-gas powered vehicles by 2017.

Bob Lee, Chrysler's vice president for engine and electrified propulsion systems stated, "The technology is very actively being worked on."

Fiat, which currently owns 30 percent of Chrysler, currently has natural-gas powered vehicles in Europe. Chrysler is looking at the possibility of bringing that technology to the U.S. Fiat and Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne likes natual-gas engines because they cut emissions and are cheaper than other competing technologies.

It's not known which Chrysler models will get the new natural-gas engines, but the Ram trucks are a possibility.

"I'm eager and very interested to see what we can do with CNG in our truck applications," Diaz said.

NADAguides, a provider of vehicle pricing and information has announced its annual "Must Consider" vehicle list for 2011. The list consists of vehicles that may not be at the top of consumers' minds, but that should definitely not be overlooked. The vehicles that are part of this year's list possess a combination of quality engineering, design and features, great performance and excellent fuel efficiency.

This year's list consists of...

Alfa Romeo's expected return to the US market has been delayed at least half a year. It was expected that the brand would return sometime in 2012 with the 4C sports car and Giulia sedan, but it looks like there is a delay because Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is not happy with the design of the cars.

According to the latest reports, Marchionne is mainly unhappy with the design of the Giulia, which is supposed to replace the Alfa Romeo 159 and be offered as a sedan and wagon. Marchionne is not happy with the design proposals for the Giulia, so the launch is being delayed from late 2012 to mid-2013. This delay will especially hurt Alfa Romeo in Europe, which desperately needs the new model.

Marchionne is also not happy with the Chrysler team that has been tasked with turning the Guilia into the replacements for the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger, which are also due in 2013. All three models will share the same platform and powertrains.

Although the Giulia is being delayed, plans are still on track for a Alfa Romeo SUV that will be produced in late 2012 or early 2013. It will be based on the replacement for the Jeep Compass/ Patriot.

The cabriolet version fo the Fiat 500 is set to debut next month at the New York Auto Show. The Fiat 500 Cabrio is not expected to look much different from the version sold in Europe will go on sale shortly after the New York debut.

The Fiat 500 is just now starting to hit dealers, but in Geneva earlier this month, Fiat unveiled a new concept version of the small Fiat. The Fiat 500 Zagato Concept was officially unveiled in Geneva and was designed by Zagato.

From the front the 500 Coupe Zagato looked like the standard 500, but out back is where most of the changes occurred. The concept featured a sleeker roofline with an integrated spoiler and the rear side windows were more rounded than the standard 500. Although the 500 Coupe Zagato was dubbed as a concept at the show, there are now rumors that it could enter production as a limited edition model.

If the model does get the green light, it's expected to look pretty much like this concept and feature the same engine as the 500.