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Monday, February 27, 2012

Fiat 500 Abarth Specifications

Fiat 500 Abarth USA


New 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
COMPLETE SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions are in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Body Style A-segment hatchback
EPA Vehicle Class Minicompact
Assembly Plant Toluca, Mexico
Introduction Date March 2012 as a 2012 model

ENGINE: 1.4-LITER SOHC 16-VALVE TURBOCHARGED MULTIAIR® INLINE FOUR-CYLINDER
Availability Standard — Fiat 500 Abarth
Type and Description Inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Displacement 83.48 cu. in. (1368 cu. cm)
Bore x Stroke 2.83 x 3.31 in. (72.0 x 84.0 mm)
Valve System Belt-driven, MultiAir®, SOHC,16 valves, hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers
Fuel Injection Sequential, multi-port, electronic, returnless
Construction Cast-iron block with aluminum-alloy head and aluminum-alloy bedplate
Compression Ratio 9.8:1
Power (SAE net — estimated) 160 bhp (119 kW) @ 5,500 rpm (117 bhp/L)
Torque (SAE net — estimated) 170 lb.-ft. (230 N•m) @ 2,500-4,000 rpm
Max. Engine Speed 6,500 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel Requirement 87 octane (R+M)/2 acceptable
91 octane recommended
Oil Capacity 4.0 qt. (3.8L) with dry filter
Coolant Capacity 4.6 qt. (14.4L)
Emission Controls Dual three-way catalytic converters, heated oxygen sensors
and internal engine features(a)
Max. Gross Trailer Weight Not rated for trailer tow
Estimated EPA Fuel Economy mpg (City/Hwy) TBD/TBD
Engine Assembly Plant GEMA Engine Plant, Dundee, Mich.
(a) Meets Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 emission requirements and ULEV II requirements in California, Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Vermont,
Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington.

TRANSMISSION: C510 PERFORMANCE FIVE-SPEED MANUAL
Availability Standard on Fiat 500 Abarth
Description 1st, 2nd gear: Double Cone
3rd, 4th, 5th, gear: Single Cone
Gear Ratios
1st 3.909
2nd 2.238
3rd 1.520
4th 1.156
5th 0.872
Reverse 3.909
Final-drive Ratio 3.353

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator 140-amp
Battery 500 CCA, maintenance free

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES(B)
Wheelbase 90.6 (2300)
Track, Front 55.4 (1406.8)
Track, Rear 55.0 (1397.0)
Overall Length 144.4 (3667.3)
Overall Width 64.1 (1627.0)
73.5 (1866.0) with side mirrors
Overall Height 59.2 (1502.4) to antenna base
58.7 (1490.3) to roof
Ground Clearance 4.1 (103.7)
Drag Coefficient (Cd) 0.367
Curb Weight, lb. (kg) 2,533 (1151.3) — 5-MTX
Weight Distribution, percent F/R 64/36 — 5-MTX
Fuel Tank Capacity, gal. (L) 10.5 (40)
(b) All dimensions measured at curb weight with standard tires.

ACCOMMODATIONS (Estimated)
Seating Capacity, F/R 2/2
Front Seat
Head room 38.9 (989.1)
37.6 (956.3) with sunroof
Legroom 40.7 (1034.8)
Shoulder room 49.4 (1254.8)
Hip room 47.8 (1215.3)
Total seat travel Driver — 8.2 (210.0)
Passenger — 8.2 (210.0)
EPA front row interior volume, cu. ft. (cu. m) 45.3 (1.282)
Rear Seat
Head room 35.5 (902.9)
Legroom 31.7 (805.1)
Knee clearance 3.8 (96.5)
Shoulder room 46.4 (1177.5)
Hip room 42.6 (1083.1)
EPA second row interior volume, cu. ft. (cu. m) 30.2 (0.856)
Total Interior Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m) 84.9 (2.405)
EPA Luggage Compartment Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m) 9.5 (0.268)
26.8 (0.759) with rear seats folded
EPA Interior Volume Index, cu. ft. (cu. m) 75.5 (2.137)
Trunk Liftover Height 27.2 (690.2)

BODY
Layout Transverse-mounted front engine, front-wheel drive
Construction Unitized steel body

SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson suspension, coil spring with KONI® Frequency
Selective Damping (FSD) twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer
bar

Rear Rear twist-beam axle with coil springs and twin-tube shock
absorbers with stabilizer bar

STEERING
Type Power rack and pinion with electric power steering (EPS) column
Overall Ratio 15.5:1
Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb) 37.6 ft. (11.45 m)
Steering Turns (lock-to-lock) 2.3

TIRES
Availability Standard on Fiat 500 Abarth
Size and type 195/45R16XL BSW all-season
Mfr. and model Pirelli Cinturato P7 A/S
Revs per mile (km) 901 (560)

Availability Optional on Fiat 500 Abarth
Size and type 205/40R17 BSW all-season
Mfr. and model Pirelli P-Zero Nero Three-season
Revs per mile (km) 877 (545)

WHEELS
Availability Standard on Fiat 500 Abarth
Type and material Cast-aluminum, polished face with dark mineral gray painted pockets
Size 16 x 6.5
Weight: 18.3 lbs
Offset: 35mm
Center Hub Diameter: 58.1mm

Availability Optional on Fiat 500 Abarth
Type and material Forged-aluminum with Hyper Black or optional Bianco painted
Size 17 x 7.0
Weight: 18.9 lbs
Offset: 35mm
Center Hub Diameter: 58.1mm

BRAKES
Front Rotor size and type 11.1 x 0.86 (282 x 22) vented
Caliper size and type 2.12 (54) single-piston with aluminum housing
Swept area 193 sq. in. (1,244 sq. cm)

Rear Rotor size and type 9.4 x 0.4 (240 x 11) solid
Caliper size and type 1.33 (34) single-piston with aluminum housing
Swept area 153 sq. in. (984 sq. cm)

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Fiat Dual Dry Clutch Transmission Making Its Way to the US


Here is an overview of how the dual dry clutch transmission works and what it does for the driving experience.

When the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth was unveiled last November, conspicuously absent was any mention of an automatic type gearbox. However, buried deep inside Fiat are plans to produce dual dry clutch (DDC) transmissions suitable for A and B segment cars. We've explored these plans in the past (go here), but now that the new 2013 Dodge Dart will be available with the Alfa TCT (Twin Clutch Transmission), let's revisit the story.

In Europe, the Alfa TCT dual dry clutch transmission (C635 TCT) is considered the class benchmark for its ratio between performance, fuel consumption and emissions.

Alfa Romeo TCT shifter

This cutting edge transmission is spec'd out for cars larger than the Fiat 500, however, there are two smaller DDC transmissions developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies that could fit the Fiat 500, as well as other A and B segment cars.

The first is a seven speed DDC transmission with a torque capacity of up to 140lbs.ft. (190Nm). This is suitable for Fiat 500 models with TwinAir, 1.2 liter, 1.4 liter and 1.3 liter MultiJet engines, plus the NAFTA Fiat 500 if Fiat so desires (the NAFTA 500 is available with an Aisin manufactured, conventional 6 speed, torque converter equipped auto trans).

The other DDC transmission is called the C625 TCT. This unit has a much higher torque capacity of between 148-184 lb.-ft. (200-250 Nm) and would be ideally suited for the US Fiat 500 Abarth's 170 lb.-ft (231Nm) torque rating. So far, there has been no mention of any future transmission options available for the Fiat 500 Abarth, but keep this info in mind.

Not much has surfaced about these smaller DDC transmissions other than the story I did back in June 2010 and in a few postings mainly on Italian sites, however there was a brief announcement in Automotive News last summer saying that Fiat will begin building DDC transmissions in China in 2013.

Fiat Powertrain C635TCT Dual Dry Clutch transmission

The manufacturing will occur at Hangzhou Haveco Automotive Transmission Co; a joint venture equally owned by Fiat, Guangzhou Auto and Hangzhou Advance Gearbox Group Co.  Hangzhou Advance Gearbox Group Co is the largest gearbox manufacturer in China and produces transmissions for a wide variety of applications from light duty all the way to heavy marine transmissions for cruise ships.

The plan is for these new sophisticated transmission types to replace the older, cheaper Dualogic automated manual gearboxes used wherever the NAFTA Fiat 500 isn't sold. The A and B segment are extremely price competitive and to make the DDC transmission a viable option, Fiat set a goal to have the DDCT achieve the same manufacturing cost as the Dualogic. The plant in China should help Fiat reach this goal.

At this time, it is unknown which dual dry clutch transmissions will be built in China; the larger C635 TCT or the smaller units or a combination of both. We'll continue to keep tabs on this story as it goes a long.

Sources: Automotive News, Fiat SpA

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Fiat 500 on Display at the Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance

Fiat 500 at Fiat FreakOut car show

Fiat 500s on display along with new and vintage Ferraris and other Italian exotics, in a beautiful Palm Springs setting. Folks, car shows don't get any better than this.

On Sunday, February 26, the Official Southern California chapter of the FIAT CLUB AMERICA and FIAT LANCIA UNLIMITED CLUB will be displaying cars at the spectacular Concours d’Elegance at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa in Beautiful Rancho Mirage.

A display area on the golf course, adjacent to the Concours d’Elegance exhibit, will be reserved for the FIAT Club America Socal Chapter. It is the perfect venue for the Fiat 500, a car you can drive to the market one day, and the next day, park alongside an exotic car and not look out of place.

Use the links below to find out more:



Fiat 500 at Fiat FreakOut car show

About the Rancho Mirage Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance
An annual celebration of beauty, art, design and engineering, this 2 day premier motorsports event culminates with the prestigious Concours d’Elegance. In addition to more than 250 classic cars, featuring the finest examples of automotive excellence, exhibit areas will include displays of other collectible items such as jewelry, watches and art. Visitors will enjoy fine food, beverages and music while viewing rarely seen automobiles, many from private collections and museums.

In 2012, the setting for the Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance is the beautiful Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa, in the heart of the Palm Springs valley, it is renowned for world-class hospitality. Often recognized by prominent publications as one of the top destination resorts in the world, the 45-acres of lushly landscaped grounds and warm, perennial sunshine makes it an ideal paradise.

The Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance is a 501(c)(3), non-profit corporation. Net proceeds from the event will be donated each year to several charitable organizations in the Coachella Valley.


Source: Rancho Mirage Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance

Monday, February 20, 2012

Details on the New Fiat 500L

Fiat 500L

Fiat has just released more information on the new Fiat 500L, making its debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, March 8 - 18. The Fiat 500L will be available in Europe at the end of the year and will make it to North America sometime in 2013.

Fiat provided some details on the new Fiat 500L:

The Geneva Motor Show is the occasion for the world premiere of the Fiat 500L, the new extension of the 500 range that in the wake of the Abarth and Cabrio develops the brand's strategy that aims at expanding its offer by introducing a brand-new model able to satisfy different types of customers.

With the 'L', the 500 grows in size to accommodate new experiences and needs once more. If the 500 is the super-compact car perfect for young people and the city, the Fiat 500L is the first car of the 500 family able to contain all of life's greatest emotions all together: children, friends, journeys. Every time great emotions become great experiences.

Produced at the Serbian plant in Kragujevac, the Fiat 500L will become available in Europe starting from the last quarter of 2012.

Fiat 500L sideview


Made in Fiat

The 500L interprets and expresses the totally Fiat capability of conceiving and designing cars which are innovative in substance and in form. Substance turns into the modern equation of "space-efficient" that distinguishes all of the most innovative Fiats in history - from the 600 Multipla onwards.

Just as the 600 Multipla was the forerunner of the concept of compact people carrier, the 500L is the new Fiat interpretation of the Simply More philosophy applied to the Multispace concept.

Fiat 600 Multipla

The 500L reformulates the category of compact cars for the modern family in an emotional vein by developing some of the 500's winning emotional elements in unprecedented forms. It is a perfect match between solutions to make life simpler, with the generosity of a passenger room which is a benchmark for the category.

The Fiat 500L states all of the taste of a made in Italy product with a distinguishing, specific and lively look.

The new model of the 500 range emerges from the conventional distinctions owing to its passenger space typical of an MPV, its presence on the road characteristic of a small SUV and its compactness and efficiency worthy of a B segment car.

By following this novel recipe, the Fiat 500L puts together characteristics peculiar to different classes to offer a concept of distinctive and versatile first car that is an alternative to the traditional saloons of the B and C segments.

Fiat 500L A pillar detail


Design

The 500L was designed by the Centro Stile Fiat which drew inspiration from the cab forward concept, the modern reinterpretation of a car concept designed to achieve better external visibility and a large amount of internal light. This is where 'seamless' glazing comes into being. It runs all around the car to improve the sense of command of the road and to make parking manoeuvres easier. The glass roof - the largest in its category - also floods the 500L passenger compartment with plenty of light.

Fiat 500L greenhouse

Bright inside, colourful outside. With more than 30 shades of colour, the 500L will offer the widest range of colours of the segment, combined with the specific colours of white, grey and black for the alloy wheels.

The interiors of the 500L are also distinguished in terms of variety and extent of solutions available to the customer. From the finish of the body-coloured dashboard that calls to mind the atmospheres and treatments typical of the 500 to the availability of soft-to-the-touch upholsteries with elegant finishes.

To then arrive at tasteful styling details like the sophisticated design of the steering wheel, the crystal-clear lighting of the dashboard, and the practical and original shapes of the handbrake and gear lever.

Fiat 500L


Space

The level of comfort that the new 500L offers will be a benchmark owing to the roominess of its interior, the best in its category in relation to the external dimensions.

The driver and passengers of a Fiat 500L will find many handy compartments on board that can hold all objects of everyday life: from remote controls and mobile phones to bottles of water and an umbrella.

Driving pleasure and on-board comfort will be helped by the multifunctionality of the seats, which can be adjusted on every axis of movement using 8 different modes.

The Fiat 500L will have a full range of accessories in perfect 500 style: customised graphics, chrome-plating and fragrance diffusers. And there are also ski roof bars and bicycle holder for the sportier at heart.

The size package of the new Fiat 500L - 414 cm long, 178 cm wide and 166 cm high - makes it an ideal living space for sitting and looking out onto the world. Perhaps for a great journey, made comfortable by a boot with a capacity of almost 400 litres that is able to hold up to 5 suitcases or a full-size push chair.



Technology

The 500L will offer outstanding performance matched with reference efficiency and fuel consumption levels. Standing out amongst the petrol engines is the new 0.9-litre TwinAir, the new generation of the multi-award-winning Fiat two-cylinder engine that set the world fuel consumption and emissions record thanks to its low displacement and inclusion of a high-efficiency turbocharger.

The emissions level will set the record amongst petrol engines for the MPV category in this latest evolution as well. A 1.4 petrol engine and a MultiJet 1.3 diesel engine will also be available as of the launch date, in addition to the TwinAir.

The 500L will represent the best of Fiat Air Technologies owing to its reduced fuel consumption and emissions and enhanced driving pleasure. Not just efficient engines, but advanced technologies as well. One of these is the innovative and multi-award-winning eco:Drive application. It provides customised driving advice for cutting fuel consumption and emissions, and for the first time will be available in the live version. This means that the 500L will offer a virtual personal trainer able to analyse your driving style in real time so you can improve it based on the actual parameters of use.

Fiat's "human-friendly" technology is also the hallmark of the passenger compartment thanks to its state-of-the-art features. These include the unique characteristics of the new touchscreen interface, that for the first time integrates all of the key functions of the car (navigation system, infotainment, self-diagnosis) through an easy and intuitive user experience.

The large touchscreen with built-in navigation system makes the hardware advanced for the category: 5 inches that make it a small tablet. The USB connections, Bluetooth and AUX-IN let you make calls hands-free, listen to received SMS messages and your favourite music through the most popular smartphones and MP3 players. Controls on the steering wheel and voice recognition make all of this possible, distraction-free.

What's more, the 500L will integrate all of the most modern digital applications. The most popular apps on the car's touchscreen provide access to social networking sites, news channels and all web content, starting from Internet streaming radio so you can listen to your favourite digital channels.

The dedicated software applications will also be particularly advanced. In addition to the previously mentioned eco:Drive Live, the 500L will also have the exclusive Fiat application called my:Car available. It will be able to diagnose, record and certify your car's history and state of maintenance at any time.

Source: Fiat SpA

Friday, February 17, 2012

Fiat 500 Abarth Racing: Onboard

US Fiat 500 Abarth on the race track

Track ready. That is what the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is all about. In Europe, the Fiat 500 Abarth is well known to all the race circuits. Small but wicked! Here are a few videos to give you an idea of what is in store for you - and the competition - when you get your 500 Abarth!



At Autodromo Vallelunga. Taking on a pair of Audis with 2 liter Turbos



Fiat 500 Abarth on Nurburgring. Watch it take out a 200 HP Abarth, a Suburu, plus a bunch of other hot cars. This car is smoking!



At the legendary Imola racetrack

Abarth Driving Experience
Track day with a new Fiat 500 Abarth. What could be better? How about knowing how to use all the capabilities of this performance car? Fiat has you covered on that front, because included in the price of each 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is professional driving instruction to get the most out of the 500 Abarth. That's right, Fiat will give new owners of a 500 Abarth the opportunity to attend the Richard Petty Driving Experience. That is an entire day of high performance driver training by professional instructors, in a safe and structured environment.

Now, how cool is that!

Marchettino's YouTube Channel
NickS2kItaly's YouTube Channel

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Fiat 500 Wins Travel + Leisure's Annual Design Award

Fiat 500 USA

The Fiat 500 has done it again! In what by now can be considered an endless stream of awards, the Fiat 500 has just added another to its trophy case. This time it has been named “Best Car” in Travel + Leisure’s Annual Design Awards.

The new Fiat 500 has accumulated more than 17 U.S. and 80 international awards since its debut, recognizing its design, engineering, driving dynamics and fuel efficiency.

Fiat press release below:

New 2012 Fiat 500 Named “Best Car” in Travel + Leisure’s Annual Design Awards Issue
  • Travel + Leisure Design Awards recognize thoughtful design that improve the travel experience
  • New 2012 Fiat 500 models deliver contemporary Italian styling, beautiful craftsmanship and city-friendly proportions combined with intelligent adaptations for American roads.
  • New 1.4-liter engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir® technology, invented and patented by FIAT, delivers power, fuel efficiency and refinement
  • Starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,500

February 15, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Known for providing its readers with insight into the authentic, the innovative and the irresistible, Travel + Leisure named the new 2012 Fiat 500 “Best Car” in its eighth annual “Travel + Leisure Design Awards.” The 2012 Travel + Leisure Design Awards recognize new products, buildings and destinations that improve the travel experience through thoughtful design.

Fiat 500 Dashboard

“The Design Awards jury applauded the Fiat 500 for its effortless combination of compact practicality with a real sense of style, speed, and fun,” said Luke Barr, News Director of Travel + Leisure.


The Fiat 500 will be featured in the March issue of Travel + Leisure – available on newsstands February 17 and is currently online at Travel+ Leisure Design Awards 2012. In addition, the Fiat 500 will be recognized at the Travel + Leisure Design Awards event on March 7 at Department in Berlin, Germany.


“We are extremely honored to win the ‘Best Car’ Design Award title from Travel + Leisure – as the 2012 Fiat 500 offers a unique combination of Italian design, driving fun and efficiency at an unbeatable value,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand North America. “In addition, our open-air Fiat 500 Cabrio, the exclusive 500 and 500c by Gucci models and the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth provide drivers with the best of Italian style and driving excitement.”



Source: Chrysler Media

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Vote for the Fiat 500 Abarth Seduction Ad in YouTube Competition


The Fiat 500 Abarth "Seduction" spot has been entered in YouTube’s Ad Blitz 2012 competition! Show the world your good taste, grab the link below and vote for it!

This is big, so we need EVERYBODY to vote. The deadline is Monday, February 13 at 11:59PM EST, but vote now and tell your friends.

Important: To find the ad; click "sort by advertiser" on the right side, select Chrysler, the Abarth thumbnail and then vote thumbs up.

Friday, February 10, 2012

How Fiat MultiAir Technology Works


Ever wonder how 100HP feels like a lot more? Watch the video and see...

One of the striking characteristics about the Fiat 500 is it's fun to drive. Ask any Fiat 500 owner and they'll comment on the lively acceleration and strong pulling power from surprisingly low rpm, making the car seem like it has a larger engine.

Fiat 500 MultiAir cutaway

This is all achieved through the use of Fiat MultiAir, the innovative technology created by Fiat Powertrain Technologies. MutiAir has been described as 'variable valve timing on steroids.'

MultiAir electo-hydraulic valve operation allows engineers to tailor valve openings to optimize drivability while at the same time maximizing fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions.

US Fiat 500 Horsepower- Torque dyno sheet

Fiat MultiAir allows the Fiat 500 engine to be tuned for good midrange torque, particularly at part throttle operation, increasing the fun to drive factor. That is why the car always feels 'punchy' and ready to go.


Images: Chrysler LLC

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Fiat 500 Abarth Super Bowl Ad Draws the Largest Online Traffic Increase

US Fiat 500 Abarth Seduction TV ad

The Fiat 500 Abarth "Seduction" Super Bowl Ad scored the largest online traffic increase according to Edmunds.com. Edmunds measured the impact of each Super Bowl car ad on its auto site, and found traffic to the Fiat 500 page increases 138 percent. Fiat500USA.com also had a huge spike of 10,000 pageviews during that one hour alone. Site traffic here is up an average of 70% since the ad aired.

US Fiat 500 Abarth Seduction's Catrinel Menghia

The Fiat 500 Abarth ad kicks off the year on a high note. This year will be an exciting year for Fiat 500 fans with the launch of the Fiat 500 Abarth this spring, the unveiling of both the new Fiat 500L in Geneva next month and the Fiat 500 EV electic car towards the end of the year.

Images: Chrysler Media

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Fiat 500 Sales for January Beat MINI Cooper Sales

Fiat 500

Fiat 500 sales figures are in for January, and they have once again beaten MINI Cooper sales. Last month, 1911 Fiat 500s were sold compared to 1710 MINI Cooper Hardtop and Convertibles sold. This is the fourth time Fiat beat MINI sales since last March, the first month the Fiat 500 went on sale. MINI figures are used because they are the closest competitor type and offer perspective to the sales figures posted.


July 2011 Sales
Fiat 3038
MINI 2753

August 2011 Sales
Fiat 3106
MINI 2003

September 2011 Sales
Fiat 2773
MINI 2331

January 2012 Sales
Fiat 1911
MINI 1710

Fiat sold 25,191 cars during the 10 months it was on sale last year. Taken by itself, this figure would be considered a respectable showing for the niche car that had only half of its 130 dealers open during most of that time. However, Fiat shot themselves in the foot with a prediction of selling 50,000 units during its first year. Where this figure came from will always be in question, but it put the 500 under the burden of not meeting its first year's sales forecast and has garnered the attention of those who look for a quick headline.

Follow this link here to read more about Fiat sales. Below is a video where Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat SpA gives some insight on Fiat 500 sales.



Fiat 500 sales forecast for 2012 is 25,000 - 35,000 cars, a much more realistic goal. Now with the dealer body fully up and running, a hugely successful Super Bowl ad, the launch of the new Fiat 500 Abarth coming this quarter and the Fiat 500 EV scheduled by year's end, 2012 promises to be an exciting year for the Fiat 500. Stick around!

Fiat 500 January 2012 Sales

Monday, February 6, 2012

Win a New Fiat 500 Abarth with the "Score a Scorpion" Contest

You've seen the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Super Bowl ad "Seduction", now here is your chance to win the car that caught the eye of more than 100 million viewers.

Fiat 500 Abarth Score a Scorpion Contest


Fiat USA has a contest on Facebook running now until March 4, giving away 3 brand new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarths! The giveaway is called "Score a Scorpion", and is a fun contest where you follow clues to collect 'Scorpions" over the internet for your chance to win a new Fiat 500 Abarth, plus other cool prizes. Don't miss your chance to win!


Sunday, February 5, 2012

Fiat 500 Abarth Seduction Ad Translation


FIAT 500 Abarth - 2012 Super Bowl Commercial - Seduction


The Fiat 500 Abarth is beautiful and exquisite - just like Catrinel Menghia in the ad. Here is what she is saying to you:

"What are you looking at? Uh!? What are you looking at?! Are you undressing me with your eyes? Poor guy… you can’t help it? Is your heart beating? Is your head spinning? Do you feel lost thinking that I could be yours forever?”

Translation courtesy of Giallo Edizione, member of
the Fiat 500 USA Forum


Saturday, February 4, 2012

Fiat: The Things We Make, Make Us

Fiat Panda

Fiat is running a TV ad in Italy that highlights the best traditions and values of Italian society and heritage. Along the lines of the award winning Chrysler "Made in Detroit" ad that debuted last year during the Superbowl, the Italian Fiat ad is a rallying cry to Italians to embrace who they are and remind the world what Italy is capable of.



“The things we make, make us”

For the launch of the new Panda, Fiat Automobiles chose a highly emotive 90 second spot which departs from the use of traditional advertising language in favor of a message that portrays Fiat's approach to the future and describes the Italy we like, an Italy driven by talent, passion, creativity and the desire to do things well.

Fiat Panda

Airing on Italian TV from January 22nd and on the web (including www.fiatpanda.it and www.fiat.it) from January 23rd, the spot is an event in its own right as it presents the product by talking about the people and values behind it. The choice to deliver a message that is full of symbolism is an important one. In the spot, the Fiat family is seen leading the way in a new era of growth and development in Italy and all Italians are called on to participate, with the same commitment and determination.

The spot is a response to the question: “What kind of Italy do we want to be?” Of course, there are many Italys in the collective imagination: a nation of art, invention and creative talent not to mention great industrial and technological enterprise. To dispel the quaint image of Italy and the negative stereotypes that are still often portrayed today, the spot shows powerful images of workers at the Pomigliano d’Arco plant where the new Fiat Panda is made.


These workers are symbolic of the Italy that never gives up, even in the most difficult moments, but rather has the will to take its future into its own hands with unquestionable dedication. They are proud and determined men and women who every day devote talent, passion and creativity and above all desire into making a product of the highest quality: the new Fiat Panda.

The images are accompanied by a narration that makes no reference to the product, brand or even to cars. The words draw viewers in and then capture their attention with Fiat's response to the initial question about the kind of Italy we want: “The things we make, make us”. Because what we do and the way we do it say everything about who we are, our vision of the world, and the type of people we want to be. That notion is further strengthened by the key message of the entire campaign – “This is the Italy we like” – which expresses appreciation for a nation that works and overcomes challenges, that doesn’t give up, but rather strives to do, to make, to achieve.


Fiat is the well-established leader in the city car segment in Europe with a unique know-how developed in European markets over the years: from the first 600 to the 500, from the 126 to the first Panda, from the Cinquecento to the Seicento, from the second generation Panda (2003) to the new 500 launched in 2007. Today, that legacy is embodied in the new Panda, the logical evolution of a car that in its 31 years has always been synonymous with Italian style and ingenuity, bursting with a rational yet emotional appeal that has won over more than 16 million drivers of different tastes, ages, nationalities and backgrounds.


An established icon of Italian design and know-how, the objective of the new Panda was to confirm Fiat's undisputed leadership in the city car segment. To achieve that, Fiat Group Automobiles focused on attaining the highest levels of quality throughout the development and production process. Naturally, such a project could not be implemented at a plant that wasn't equally advanced and adapted to the needs of the new Panda and that is why the new model is being made at the Pomigliano d’Arco plant near Naples. The plant has been completely retooled and upgraded with new bodywelding and assembly technologies, as well as a brand new Quality Center, making it not only the most advanced Fiat facility, but also among the most advanced in the world.


Olivier François, head of the Fiat brand, said: “The new Panda is a symbol of Fiat's know-how in the city car segment and this spot celebrates the return of production to Italy of the icon of Italian city cars : the Panda, the most sold city car in Europe. The upgraded plant in Pomigliano has introduced a radical new approach to quality and the campaign tells the story of this special place, a place where an industrious Italy has been reborn. An Italy where a job well done is a matter of personal pride. A place where people’s desire to produce a car of the highest quality is stronger every day. A place where innovation, research and passion are alive, where the relaunch of an Italy that the entire world believes in has begun.”


The new campaign – which encompasses TV, press, billboards and web – was conceived and developed by the advertising agency Kube Libre, under the creative direction of Luciano Nardi. Shot in and around Naples, the TV spot was directed by Luca Maroni and produced by Movie Magic. The people appearing in the spot are actual workers at the plant who participated in the production with a great deal of enthusiasm. Finally, the images and narration are accompanied by a soundtrack composed by Flavio Ibba.

Following is the text of the spot for the new Fiat Panda.
“New Fiat Panda. This is the Italy we like.
How many types of Italy are there?
A nation of art?
A nation of great invention?
A nation of creative talent?
A nation of quaint images?
A nation of youth in search of a better future?
Or a nation capable of great industrial and technological enterprise?
We can choose which Italy to be.
It’s time to decide whether we want to be ourselves
or to be what others think we are.
Now is the moment to start afresh
To start the only way we know how: with our work
and rise to the occasion
Because, everyday, in Italy,
there is someone who wakes up
and puts their talent,
passion,
creativity,
and above all desire
into doing something well.
The things we make, make us


Fiat Press
Turin, 20 January 2012

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Breaking News: Fiat 500L Official Images Revealed!

Fiat 500L official image

Here are the first official pictures of the new Fiat 500L. The Fiat 500L will be unveiled next month at the Geneva International Motor Show and will eventually make its way to the US as a 2013 model.

Here are the preliminary details below, courtesy of Fiat SpA:

Fiat 500L: world preview at the Geneva Motor Show
  • The new model in the 500 range
  • In Europe in the last quarter of 2012
Fiat presents the first official images of the 500L, the new model which will have its world preview at the International Geneva Motor Show on 6 March this year.

Fiat 500L side view

500L - the L stands for ‘Large’ - is the new addition to the 500 range, which, following the Abarth and Cabrio versions, furthers the brand’s strategy, with the aim of extending its offer by introducing models in a position to satisfy different types of customers.

With the ‘L’, the 500 expands and grows together with customers, to accommodate new experiences and needs once more.

With MPV passenger space combined with the feel of a small SUV on the road and the restrained dimensions and efficiency of a B segment car, the new Fiat model defies the conventional distinctions between the various segments, combining the typical characteristics of different categories in order to create a distinctive alternative to the traditional B and C segments.

Fiat 600 Multipla 1955-1960
Fiat 600 Multipla 1955-1960

With the 500L, the Fiat brand demonstrates its creative spirit once more: a marriage of functionality and emotion, it features a 5-seater single-volume structure which is 414 cm long, 178 cm wide and 166 cm high. It is a further development of the concept of ‘cab forward’ introduced by Fiat with the 600 Multipla, a precursor to the concept of the compact people carrier.

Produced at the Fiat factory in Kragujevac, Serbia, 500L is a ‘first car’ for those who won’t settle for anything less than Italian style, the versatility that comes from a functional design and engine technology that sets the bar in terms of efficiency.

The Fiat 500L will be introduced to Europe in the last quarter of 2012, with an engine range which will initially comprise two petrol engines (TwinAir and 1.4-litre) and a turbodiesel engine (1.3 MultiJet II) and the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology from Fiat Group Automobiles.


Turin 2 February 2012

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Fiat 500 Abarth Walkaround



The high performance Fiat 500 Abarth is about to hit the streets shortly.  With nearly 60 percent more HP and 70 percent more torque than the regular Fiat 500, the Fiat 500 Abarth is becoming one of the 'big' performance car stories of 2012.  Matt Davis, Head of Product Marketing for Fiat USA, gives a tour of just some of the features that will make the Fiat 500 Abarth so sought after.

US Fiat 500 Abarth emblem