Auto Trader Zone: Fiat 500

Showing posts with label Fiat 500. Show all posts

Thursday, February 3, 2011

VIDEO: Fiat Engineer Explains the Differences Between the US- and Euro-Spec 500

During the U.S. presentation of the new 2012 Fiat 500, the Italian company's Chief Engineer Fabio Dimuro explained to journalists the main differences and changes compared to the European specification model. These include - but are not limited to- exterior and interior improvements, the introduction of a more appropriate for American consumers Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission, additional insulation that helped reduce powertrain noise levels from 76 db to 71 db, the addition of MultiAir intake system to the 1.4-liter engine, while Fiat and Chrysler also worked together to redesign the car's rear-axle. Hop over the jump to watch the video. Read more »

Friday, January 28, 2011

Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition: The Real Photos

This here is the actual, factual Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition special in the flesh, photographed at the Autopolis Fiat dealership in Luxembourg. We say this because yesterday, we reported on the limited run special and Fiat's photoshoped picture that made the internet rounds. While our friends from Auto55 and Autofans verified the story with the official press release, we were left wondering what the Italian mini with the classic racing-livery would look like in real life.

Today, our pondering came to an end as the Marketing and Communications director of Autopolis Luxembourg dropped the first real life shots of the car in our mailbox. We believe Fiat should have released these photos instead of the 'chop from the beginning, but we'll give them props for keeping a close eye on the web-o-sphere and swiftly reacting to our post.

The U.S.-spec 2012 Fiat 500 equipped with the 5-speed manual gearbox has received EPA ratings of 38 mpg on the highway, 30 mpg in the city and a combined figure of 33 mpg. American buyers can also opt for a 6-speed automatic, which is rated at 34 mpg highway, 27 mpg in the city and 30 mpg combined.

Fiat Preparing Limited Run Abarth 500 in Gulf Livery [Updated]

We've received several e-mails tipping us off on a new limited edition version of the Fiat Abarth 500 Essesse dressed in the Gulf racing livery, which will reportedly be offered exclusively in Luxembourg in a limited run of 10 cars priced at €25,000 (plus VAT) a piece. While we appreciate all tips sent in, that doesn't mean we aren't going to -or at least try our best to- perform a background check and either confirm or debunk a story.

In this case, we didn't find a press announcement, but that doesn't necessarily mean the story is not true. However, the picture that has been floating around on several websites has definitely been doctored, and we say this not only because the colors are off, but mainly because we found the original image. Hoax or not, we must say that the 500 Abarth looks awesomely cool in those traditional racing colors.

*Update 1: Un point to the folks at Auto55 for sending in the official press release from Fiat Belgium (added after the jump) confirming the Gulf model - but not the photo, as we've already proved.

*Update 2: The guys from Autofan e-mailed the press photo in its original compression. Apparently, Fiat mastered the photoshoped image...

Chinese Man Commissions US$666,000 Gold Trimmed Fiat 500 C Abarth with Diamond iPad

An incredibly wealthy Chinese businessman has commissioned Italian tuning firm Fenice Milano to build a one-of-a-kind Fiat 500 Convertible Abarth inspired by the 'La Dolce Vita' concept study we first showed you back in October 2010. The bespoke 500 C Abarth is named "La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds 200hp" and according to Fenice Milano, the car will cost a breathtaking €500,000 or about US$666,000 at current exchange rates.

The starting point of the build is a Fiat 500 Convertible Abarth. As the car's name suggests, at the unnamed client's request, there is abundant use of gold. On the outside, the golden pearlescent white painting includes 24K gold particles while the precious material also adorns the body trim and wheels. The electric fabric roof top is finished in black.

2012 Fiat 500 Accessorized by Mopar to Break Cover in Detroit

In addition to the previously mentioned 2011 Chrysler 200 Super S, Mopar will also be displaying several aftermarket accessories for the recently launched in the USA, Fiat 500, through a special version of the city car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Like the Chrysler 200, the Mopar-flavored Fiat 500 is all show and no-go, as all upgrades are more or less purely cosmetic.

The Detroit Show Mopar 500 appears to be far less impressive than the concept shown by the same division at last year's SEMA gathering, with the overall styling bringing to mind the accessories found on Mopar's "10' Limited Edition Challenger". Details and photos after the jump.

Romeo Ferraris' Fiat 500 Abarth Monza Special Edition with 260HP

Apparently, Italian tuning firm Romeo Ferraris believes that the Fiat 500 is a dish best served with lots of power. Named after the legendary Italian circuit, the 500 Abarth Monza is a limited edition Fiat on steroids sporting extensive engine and styling modifications.

Hamann and H&R Jointly Tune the Fiat 500 Abarth with 275HP

Tuning firms Hamman and H&R have joined forces to create a monster out of the Fiat 500 Abarth with an insane power boost to 275-horsepower.

Beginning with the engine bay, Hamann's engineers used forged pistons, enhanced connection rods, new camshafts and a modified turbocharger to increase the 1.4-liter petrol unit's peak output to an impressive 275 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. That's 196.4 hp/liter, more than double of what is considered to be an excellent ratio.

Fiat 500 Abarth in Polizia Livery coming to Essen Motor Show

We're not sure if it's allowed here in the States (though we can't see why not), but here's a cool idea for future owners of the Fiat 500 looking into personalization options. The Fiat 500 Abarth in Polizia livery is the creation of German suspension manufacturer Bilstein and it will be displayed at the firm's stand at this week's Essen Motor Show. Along with the colors of the Italian Police force, the 500 Abarth also gets a set of white alloy wheels and Bilstein's B14 threaded kit with variable height-adjustment.

Fiat has released the first U.S. commercial featuring it's 500 super-mini urging buyers to "live their life with passion". Priced at $15,500, which should certainly test your passion tolerance, the 500 will be available at 130 dealerships across the country with a 101 hp 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine. Check out the video after the break to see if you can resist Fiat's Jedi-like mind-control techniques.

Fiat Prices American 500 from $15,500

Now that Fiat/Chrysler is gearing up for the full-out debut of the American 500, information has been spilling over the levies like it's 2005. After recently giving you the heads-up on the car's Americanization and the full list of dealers, we're happy to provide you with the ability to build and price your own little Cinquecento (courtesy of Fiat's US site).

Once it's made available to the public, the 500 will be available as three models (Pop, Sport, Lounge) providing a total of 14 colors and 14 "unique seat color and material combinations". The 2012 Fiat 500 will start with an MSRP starting at $15,500 before the usual dealer mark-up. It will also come with a 4-year / 50,000 mile warranty no matter which trim level you choose.

Coinciding with the Fiat 500's American debut at the LA Show today, the Chrysler Group released details on the 130 dealers that will represent the brand in the United States. The company said that all the appointed dealerships have plans in place and will be ready to take orders for the 2012 Fiat 500 subcompact which will be offered at launch with a 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine. To see if there's a Chrysler shop with Fiats in your area, follow the jump for the complete list.

Fiat's 500 gets a few but All-Important Tweaks for the American market - Including... Mega Size Cupholders

Auto fans in America have been watching the arrival of the Fiat 500 with a wary eye, unsure of whether or not the adorable city car will be the vehicle to return affordable Italian automobiles to the American market. Finally, the changes deemed necessary for American consumer appeal have been made, and the list isn't exactly surprising.

In order to meet Mini-esque cute-luxury requirements, the car will get a slightly softer ride, stronger engine, and a revised center console to fit 'Murrican cup-holders for those 64-oz. jugs o'cola from KFC. A new set of bumpers and body cladding is also on the menu.

Fiat Primo Roadster Study Rendered to Battle a future MX-5

Independent designer David Cardoso recently sent in his take on a possible MX-5 competitor from Fiat. The Primo is meant to be a roadster/coupe with a face similar to the Fiat family's baby 500 and a rear treatment reminiscent of the marque's older 128.

If a cute little roadster/coupe like the Primo ever made it through Fiat's gates, there's no reason it couldn't be placed right on the 500's platform as a range expander. That would also allow for the Abarth boys to put an entry-level coupe in their stable of hi-po compacts.

Everyone knows Fiat currently has its hands full trying to reinvent Chrysler, integrate its 500 into the US market, and make Alfa Romeo profitable, but a 500 Coupe sure would make an interesting addition to Fiat's lineup somewhere down the line. More pictures after the jump.

VIDEO: Fiat 500 Races Koenigsegg CCX in Swedish Webhost Ad

Here's a car race with a difference: an automotive remake of the classic Tortoise and the Hare story, starring a Fiat 500 as the tortoise and a Koenigsegg CCX as the hare. Well, not a real 500 and CCX; these are 1:24 scale models, and the whole thing is filmed in stop motion. It was made by Swedish filmmaker and photographer Robin Danehav as an advertisement for Binero, a Swedish webhosting service.

U.S.-spec FIAT 500 Prima Edizione Shows its Colors

Back in June, Fiat announced that the first batch of its 500 mini to be sold in the States will be the Prima Edizione limited edition models. Sporting the 1.4-liter MultiAir gasoline engine, the special 500s were available in three exterior colors – white, red and grey – and sold out pretty quickly.

Now, Fiat USA has posted three images on its Facebook page, revealing how those colors actually look on the car. Check out the gallery after the break to see for yourself.

Mopar Tunes from SEMA Show Including Fiat 500, Dodge Redline Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee

Here are the first real life photos of some of the Mopar-tuned Chrysler Group products that were introduced at the SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas. If you follow the break, you can find photos of the customized Fiat 500, Dodge Redline Charger, Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee, plus a video with Mark Allen, head of Jeep Product Design, showing off three new Jeep studies.

SEMA Preshow: 2010 Fiat 500 Tuned by the American Way

The Chrysler Group is bumping up the interest on the upcoming U.S. market Fiat 500 with a tuned concept version readied by none other than the Mopar Underground team, which will make its world premiere at next month's SEMA Show.

In what could be seen as a preview of things to come for U.S. buyers of the retro-styled city car, Mopar's team has created a raft of unique styling and performance parts for the 500.

Chrysler Auctions First Fiat 500 in Canada for $85,000

The "Numero Uno" (not the pizza, the car), which is the first in a series of 500 limited edition Fiat 500s to reach Canadian shores, was auctioned off on Saturday evening by Chrysler at Toronto's 17th annual Venetian Ball. The car fetched an impressive $85,000 (no word if that's CAD or USD), with all proceeds benefiting Villa Charities, which is said to provide "culturally sensitive care" for the elderly Italian-Canadian population.

Fenice Milano Blings-Out the Fiat 500C to create "La Dolce Vita"

After seeing Fenice Milano's Rolls-Royce Diva, would you expect them to do any less to a car like the Fiat 500? No, of course not, which is why you see all the gold trim covering the Italian company's 500C-based "La Dolce Vita".

The rag-top La Dolce Vita is powered by a 1.4-liter engine from Fiat that puts out 101 ponies and is connected to an automatic transmission. Other than the excessive gold inserts, teak paneling will be crafted by Fenice Milano for the interior in order to better harmonize the city car with Fenice Milano's other offerings.

Within the potentially attractive interior is teak, gold, and leather, as well as a redesigned dashboard (check it out for yourself below and let us know if you like the Mini-esque central info pod).

As with the Diva, FM's 500C will be offered with the usual round of optional performance upgrades in the form of an ECU/intake/exhaust tune-up and suspension tweaks. Available colors will be a "chromium" Deep Red on the Sportiva model, or a more "sober and refined" (...) white golden pearlescent on the Classica.

Personally, I kinda-sorta like the "La Dolce Vita" when compared to the slightly tacky Ghost. Now, I'm no baller and have no need for the 24k gold treatment, but if some of that gold were removed the car could make an interesting competitor to the Aston Martin Cygnet.

By Phil Alex

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