New US Fiat Model Named

The new larger Fiat that is coming to America next year will be called the Fiat 500L. Previously known by its codename the Fiat L0 or ElleZero, it is a larger car than the current Fiat 500.

The Fiat 500L will use a widened and US-compliant chassis based on the one used by the Fiat Punto and Alfa Romeo MiTo models. The revised platform will have 4 wheel drive capability.

In Europe, the car will be available in 5 or 7 seat versions, but the US will just see the 5 seat version. The length of the new Fiat 500L is reported to be approximately 161 inches long or about 22 inches longer than the Fiat 500.

Video montage of spy shots and illustrations

No images of the car have been released, but there are numerous design interpretations on the Internet. Styling has been described as being a cross between the Fiat 500 and the new Fiat Panda.

The car will make its public debut during the Geneva International Motor Show, March 8-18, 2012.

Read all the posts on the Fiat 500L or ElleZero here

Image: blogautomobile.fr

FIATRide Debuts Friday

Fiat USA is continuing to bring the Fiat Experience to the public. The latest experiential event, called the FIATRide, will be held at the 2012 Washington Auto Show, (Jan. 26-Feb. 5). The unique indoor interactive event begins this Friday and will demonstrate the qualities that have made the Fiat 500 a worldwide phenomenon with nearly 800,000 cars sold worldwide.

Consumers will have a chance to experience the Fiat 500 while product specialists drive the participants over a variety of surfaces that demonstrate the 500's outstanding handling, agility, ride comfort and maneuverability.

The FIATRide is an indoor event and features the Fiat 500 in the Hatchback and Cabrio versions.

FIATRide Track location and hours include:

2012 Washington Auto Show
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place Northwest
Washington, D.C. 20001

Friday, Jan. 27
Noon – 10 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 28
10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 29
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 30 – Thursday, Feb. 2
Noon – 9 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 3
Noon – 10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 4
10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 5
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.


Source:Chrysler Media

Fiat 500 Abarth Price Details

Here are preliminary pricing* details for the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth, including the prices of various options. This should hold you over until the official Abarth website gets their configurator online!

Base Price     $22,000

Safety & Convenience Package    $600
SiriusXM satellite radio with 1-year of included service; Single-zone automatic climate control with micron filter; Remote anti-theft alarm system

Leather Trim    $1,000

Engine Block Heater    $50

TomTom Navigation w/Blue&Me    $400
TomTom 4.3" touchscreen portable navigation system unit that docks on top of the instrument panel and is integrated into the vehicle with controllability of the system through the vehicle's steering wheel mounted controls. Capable of displaying real-time traffic and weather reports; Blue&Me Handsfree Communication that allows Bluetooth enabled phones and USB-connected media players with iPod to be controlled through voice commands.

Smoker's Group    $30
Cigar lighter; Removable ash tray

Power Sunroof     $850

17" x 7.0" Forged Aluminum Gloss White Wheels     $1,000
17" x 7.0" forged aluminum gloss white wheels with 205/40R17 Pirelli P-Zero Nero black side wall 3 season tires

17" x 7.0" Forged Aluminum Hyper Black Wheels    $1,000
17" x 7.0" forged aluminum hyper black wheels with 205/40R17 Pirelli P-Zero Nero black side wall 3 season tires

Black Mirror Cap/Bodyside Stripe     $350
Red Mirror Cap/Bodyside Stripe     $350
White Mirror Cap/Bodyside Stripes     $350

Stock Fiat 500 Abarth 16 inch wheels

Hawaii Additional Destination Charge     $50

Destination Fee     $700

Click here to go to the Official Fiat 500 Abarth Website

* Preliminary pricing subject to change
Images: Fiat USA

Fiat FreezeOut 2012 Event

The 2012 Fiat FreezeOut will be held next Saturday, January 28. Beat the winter blues by hanging out with fellow Fiat enthusiasts and enjoy refreshments, music and cars. The event promises to be a great time. Here are the details:

The Delaware Valley Chapter of the Fiat Lancia Unlimited Club (FLU) will co-host the 'sometimes annual' FIAT FreezeOut. For 2012, we are being welcomed by FIAT of Maple Shade, NJ. They are located about 15 minutes from Philadelphia.

There will be food, beverages, and music. This is a good chance to see a lot of your old friends as well as an opportunity to make some new ones. Members and non-members are welcome to attend. The folks at FIAT of Maple Shade are making this a free event for everyone! Come out in the dead of winter with or without your FIAT. We'll gather about 5pm and continue until they kick us out! There might even be a few prizes!

Saturday, January 28, 2012
5PM until ???
FIAT of Maple Shade
587 West Route 38 Maple Shade, NJ 08052
www.fiatusaofsouthjersey.com
Please RSVP so that proper estimates can be given to the caterer. Contact Sherman Barton at shore208@comcast.net or by phone at 609-923-7426.

http://fludelaware.italiancarclub.com/

Fiat 500 Celebrates its Fans on Facebook

The Fiat 500 is arguably the most popular car of the Fiat Group not only in Italy, but all over the world and recently hit a social media milestone. Its official Facebook page hit 200,000 likes. To celebrate, a movie was commissioned to thank all its fans.

The movie collects the adjectives and words that people have used to describe the Fiat 500 on its Facebook page.

Fiat says:
There are as many ways to go with the 500 as the ways you have defined on Facebook. 200.000 fans: 200.000 ways to be 500. Thank you all!

Visit the Fiat 500 Facebook Page

Fiat 500 Liberation Commercial

A new Fiat 500 TV commercial called 'Liberation' debuted earlier this month at the 2012 Golden Globes Award Show. A sneak peak of this Fiat commercial was given to those who attended the unveiling of the Fiat 500 Abarth last November. Enjoy!