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Friday, November 30, 2012

Fiat Product Reveal at LA Auto Show Recap

Fiat at the 2012 LA Auto Show

Missed the Fiat product reveals earlier this week? Here's your chance to see the full event before it goes off line. Make sure you check out the new video shorts! They are perfect for an Italian car, but are they too risque' for American television? I hope not!!

 

Make sure you watch this because it may not make it past the censors! Watch the full video and you'll see what I mean!

Fiat 500e intro at the LA Auto Show


Courtesy of Fiat USA

New Fiat 500e and Fiat 500L Video Introduction

Fiat 500L Trekking


Matt Davis, Head of Fiat Marketing, gives an introduction to the new 2014 Fiat 500L and 2013 Fiat 500e. Davis touches on just a few highlights of these feature rich cars.



Source: Fiat USA

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Fiat 500 Images at the 2012 LA Auto Show

Fiat 500e launch

Can't make the 2012 LA Auto Show to see all the new Fiats? No worries, Michael Passage, noted Fiat Brand Ambassador and the good folks at Fiat of Los Angeles sent us some candid shots of the Fiat product reveal done yesterday at the LA Auto Show.  Fiat always puts on a great event, and the press was all over the new Fiat 500L, 500e and of course, the new Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio.

Check out the images below and then watch the recap of the debuts with the link below:



Fiat 500e

Fiat 500e motor cover

2014 Fiat 500L Trekking

Fiat 500L Trekking

Fiat 500L Trekking 17 inch wheel

2014 Fiat 500L

2013 Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio

2013 Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio interior

US Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio


If you're in the LA area, make sure you stop by Fiat of Los Angeles at Motor Village and say hi to the great folks there!


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Fiat 500L Images from the LA Auto Show!


Here are some fresh images of the new 2014 Fiat 500L just unveiled at the LA Auto Show. Courtesy of our good friends at 500 Madness!




First shot of the 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking interior!




This looks like a shot of the 500e seat! Can't wait to see more of this car!


Let's thank Boris and his team at 500 Madness for sending us these pics!

Fiat Product Unveils at the 2012 LA Auto Show

US Fiat 500L Trekking

Watch the new 2013 Fiats unveiled at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show today! The live show begins at 3:35 p.m. EST today with a video recap at 5:30 p.m. EST. Make sure tune in early to get a good seat!




Schedule:
3:35 p.m. EST-4:00 p.m. -  FIAT Brand product unveiling
5:30 p.m. EST -   Video available for on demand


Related:
More About the Fiat 500L

More About the Fiat 500e

More about the Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio

2014 Fiat 500L Specifications

2014 Fiat 500L Trekking

The stylish Fiat 500L will hit Fiat Studios sometime in the middle of 2013. While you wait, here are the complete specifications to help you get familiar with this versatile car!


All-new 2014 FIAT 500L SPECIFICATIONS (Preliminary)
Dimensions are in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Vehicle Type: B-segment multipurpose vehicle (MPV)
EPA Vehicle Class: Large Car
Assembly Plant: Kragujevac, Serbia
Introduction Date: Mid-2013 as a 2014 model

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

ENGINE: 1.4-LITER SOHC 16-VALVE TURBOCHARGED MULTIAIR INLINE FOUR-CYLINDER
Availability: Standard — 500L Pop, Easy, Trekking and Lounge models
Type and Description: Inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, turbocharged
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
Maximum Turbo Boost (psi / bar): 21 psi / 1.45 bar
Power (SAE): 160 bhp (119 kW) @ 5,500 rpm (117 bhp/liter)
Torque (SAE): 184 lb.-ft. (250 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. (3.8-liter) with dry filter
Coolant Capacity: 4.6 qt. (14.4-liter)
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/highway/combined):
TBD / TBD / TBD with six-speed manual transmission
TBD / TBD / TBD with six-speed dual dry clutch transmission (DDCT)
Engine Assembly Plant: Termoli, Italy
(a) Meets Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 emission requirements and LEV II requirements in California, Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington.

C635 SIX-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Availability: Standard on 500L Pop, Easy and Trekking
Description: 1st, 2nd gear: Double Cone 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th gear: Single Cone
Gear Ratios
1st: 4.154
2nd: 2.118
3rd: 1.365
4th: 0.978
5th: 0.756
6th: 0.622
Reverse: 4.000
Final-drive Ratio: 3.83
Overall Top Gear: 2.38

C635 SIX-SPEED DUAL-DRY CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DDCT)
Availability: Optional on 500L Pop, Easy and Trekking
Standard on 500L Lounge
Description: 1st, 2nd gear: Double Cone 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th gear: Single Cone
Gear Ratios
1st: 4.154
2nd: 2.269
3rd: 1.435
4th: 0.978
5th: 0.755
6th: 0.622
Reverse: 3.909
Final-drive Ratio: 4.118
Overall Top Gear: 2.56

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator: 150-amp — Standard
Battery: 500 CCA, maintenance free

SUSPENSION
Front: MacPherson suspension, coil spring with twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
Touring-tuned shock absorbers and springs
Rear: Rear twist-beam axle with coil springs and twin-tube shock absorbers
Touring-tuned shock absorbers and springs

STEERING,
Type: Power rack and pinion with electric power steering (EPS) column
Overall Ratio: 17.2:1
Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb): 32.3 ft. (10.7 m)
Steering Turns (lock-to-lock): 3.0

BRAKES
Availability: Standard on all 500L models
Front
Rotor size and type: 12.0 x 1.10 (305 x 28) vented
Caliper size and type: 2.24 (57) single-piston with cast iron
Swept area: 345 sq. in. (876.1 sq. cm)
Rear
Rotor size and type: 10.4 x 0.4 (264 x 10) solid
Caliper size and type: 1.49 (38) single-piston with aluminum housing
Swept area: 233 sq. in. (591.8 sq. cm)

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES(a)
Wheelbase: 102.8 (2612)
Track, Front: 59.1 (1502)
Track, Rear: 55.4 (1510)
Overall Length: 167.1 (4246)
Overall Width: 69.8 (1774) — without mirrors
Overall Height: 65.7 (1670)
Ground Clearance: 4.7 (120)

Drag Coefficient (Cd) (estimated):
0.310 — 500L Pop/Easy/Lounge
0.320 — 500L Trekking
Curb Weight, lb. (kg) (estimated):3,203 (1,453) — 500L with 6-MTX
 3,254 (1,476) — 500L with 6-DDCT
Weight Distribution, percent F/R: 61/39 — 500L with 6-MTX
61/39 — 500L with 6-DDCT
Fuel Tank Capacity, gal. (L): 13.2 (50)
(a) All dimensions measured at curb weight with standard tires.

US Fiat 500L Interior

ACCOMMODATIONS
Seating Capacity, F/R: 2/3
Front Seat
Head room: 40.7 (1035) 40.2 (1020) with dual-pane sunroof
Legroom: 40.4 (1028)
Shoulder room: 57.3 (1456)
Hip room: 53.6 (1362)
Total seat travel: 8.3 (210) — Driver
9.0 (230) — Passenger
EPA front row interior volume: 54.6 cu. ft. (1.545 cu. m)
Rear Seat
Head room: 38.9 (990)
38.3 (973) with dual-pane sunroof
Legroom: 30.7 (780)
Shoulder room: 54.6 (1387)
Hip room: 53.0 (1346)
Total seat travel: 4.7 (120)
EPA second row interior volume: 45.1 cu. ft. (1.277 cu. m)
Total Interior Volume: 99.7 cu. ft. (2.822 cu. m)
EPA Luggage Compartment Volume: 23.1 cu. ft. (0.655 cu. m)
EPA Interior Volume Index: 122.8 cu. ft. (3.477 cu. m)
Trunk Liftover Height: 26.2 (665)

TIRES
Availability: Standard on 500L Pop, Easy and Lounge
Size and type: 205/55R16 BSW All-season
Mfr. and model: Continental Conti ProContact or Good year Eagle LS2
Revs per mile (km): 836 (423)

Availability: Standard on 500L Trekking
Included with 17-in. wheels on 500L Lounge
Size and type: 225/45R17 BSW All-Season
Mfr. and model: Continental Conti ProContact or Good year Eagle LS2
Revs per mile (km): 832 (520)

WHEELS
Availability: Standard on 500L Pop
Type and material: Steel wheels with Argento (silver) painted wheel covers
Size: 16 x 6.5-in.

Availability: Standard on 500L Easy
Type and material: Cast-aluminum, 13 spoke radial design, fully painted Argento (silver)
Size: 16 x 6.5-in.

Availability: Standard on 500L Lounge
Optional on 500L Easy
Type and material: Cast-aluminum, 7 oval-twist spoke design, painted Argento (silver) with Grigio pockets
Size: 16 x 6.5-in.

Availability: Standard on 500L Trekking
Type and material: Cast-aluminum, 7 hole design, machined face with painted Grigio pockets
Size: 17 x 7.0-in.

Availability: Optional on 500L Lounge
Type and material: Cast-aluminum, 5 oval design, painted Argento (silver) with Grigio pockets
Size: 17 x 7.0-in.

Availability: Optional on 500L Lounge
Type and material: Cast-aluminum, 7 dual-twist spoke design, painted Argento (silver) with Nero (black) pockets (must have optional Nero painted roof)
Size: 17 x 7.0-in.

Availability: Optional on 500L Lounge
Type and material: Cast-aluminum, 7 dual-twist spoke design, painted Argento (silver) with Bianco (white) pockets (must have optional Bianco painted roof)
Size: 17 x 7.0-in.

Source: Fiat USA

Fiat 500e: Italian Style for Electric Car Buyers!

Fiat 500e

Fiat 500e: Retro-Futuristic
  • More than 80 miles of estimated range, with city driving range typically greater than 100 miles.
  • An estimated 116 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) city and 100 MPGe highway battery-only electric power and zero emissions from a single charge.
  • 111 horsepower (83 kW) /147 lb.-ft. (200 N•m) torque electric-drive motor.
  • Less than 4 hour charge time with Level 2 (240 volt) on-board charging module (OBCM)
  • 24 kWh hour liquid-cooled/heated 97 cell lithium-ion battery pack.
  • Power inverter module (PIM) for DC-to-AC and DC-to-DC.
  • Push-button e-shift transmission.
  • Unique “creep” feature mirrors conventional powertrains.
  • Regenerative brake system featuring larger vented front discs.
  • Redesigned 10% stiffer body structure
  • Staggered wheel widths for added stability and nimbler handling: front 15x5.5 /rear 15x6.5.
  • Revised front-to-rear weight distribution (57/43 compared to Fiat 500’s 64/36) improves handling performance.
  • Improved Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) package includes many refinements like new acoustic windshield glass and new gaskets between the mirror flag and door reduce interior noise levels.

The new 2013 Fiat 500e brings Italian flair and fun to drive characteristics to the typically dull and appliance like electric car segment. The Fiat 500e is easily the most attractive affordable electric car on the market today.

Fiat 500e



The new Fiat 500e electric vehicle has been in the works for some time. I first ran the story of the 500e back in January 2010. At the time, the car was called the 500EV and almost seemed like an afterthought, however the car debuting today turns out to be anything but. The car has been developed and engineered by Chrysler in Auburn Hills, and benefits from a long lead time and extensive aerodynamic refinements resulting in a 13% improvement in the coefficient of drag (Cd) over the conventional Fiat 500. Over 140 hours of wind tunnel testing enables the 2013 Fiat 500e to achieve a 0.311 Cd compared to a 500 Lounge model's 0.359 Cd. In the real world, all this work translates into an additional 5 miles of range.

The main areas Fiat engineers concentrated on were:
  • Front fascia sealing
  • Aerodynamically optimized front fascia design
  • Flush profile 15 inch aluminum wheels
  • Streamlined exterior mirror caps
  • Under vehicle belly pans
  • Refined side sills
  • Drag reducing rear fascia design
  • Optimizing the liftgate mounted spoiler



Outwardly, the Fiat 500 E is distinguished from the regular Fiat 500 by a unique front and rear fascia and side skirts. These fascias incorporate a dot-matrix design Fiat says was inspired from 1960s Italian furniture and print designs. Those design elements, along with Electrico Arancione (Electric Orange)accents, gives the 500e a surprisingly futuristic yet retro look, if that makes sense. The 500E logos displayed on all four corners are a nice touch.

There are three exterior themes available: Nero, Bianco Perla and the e-Sport package:


Nero
Nero (black) dot-matrix with body colored mirror caps and spoiler. This is combined with Argento (silver), Grigio (gray), Bianco Perla (pearl white) and Nero exterior paints. Interior is in Nero.


Bianco Perla
Dot-matrix, mirror caps and spoiler are in Bianco Perla. Erterior colors are Argento, Grigio, Bianco Perla, Nero and exclusive Electrico Arancione Perla. A Steam (white) interior is used.


The interior of the Fiat 500e is bright and airy and continues with the retro/futuristic look. The combination leatherette and cloth trim is in Cream or Nero with more Electrico Arancione (Electric Orange) accents on the seats and steering wheel. An all new 7 inch thin-film transistor display uses full-color graphics to report driving range and state of charge, along with other important functions.


e-Sport Package
The 2013 Fiat 500e offers an attractive sport package I predict will find its way onto conventional Fiat 500s because it looks that good. This may be the first time an enthusiast would want their car to resemble an EV!

The e-Sport package consists of Nero dot-matrix front and rear valances along with blacked out headlights, parking and tailights. Electric Orange striping and trim and black painted alloys gives this special 500e a look like no other electric car has.

Expect to see the new 2013 Fiat 500e in California Fiat Studios in the second half of 2013!



All-new 2013 FIAT 500e
SPECIFICATIONS (preliminary)
Dimensions are in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Vehicle Type: A-segment hatchback
EPA Vehicle Class: Mini-compact
Assembly Plant: Toluca, Mexico
Introduction Date: Spring 2013 as a 2013 model

BODY/CHASSIS
Layout: Front-wheel drive
Construction: Unitized steel body

ELECTRIC MOTOR
Availability: Standard — 500e
Type and Description: Permanent magnetic electric traction with electric-parking pawl
Power (SAE)
111 bhp (83 kW)
Torque (SAE)
147 lb.-ft. (200 N•m)
Max. Speed (estimated): 85 mph (137 kph)
Fuel Economy Label (estimated)
City: Greater than 116 MPGe (186 KPGe)
Highway: Greater than 100 MPGe (160 KPGe)
Combined: Greater than 108 MPGe (173 KPGe)
Driving Range (estimated)
City, typical: More than 100 miles (160 km)
Combined, Label: More than 80 miles (128 km)
Emissions: Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV)

BATTERY SYSTEM: 24 KWH LIQUID-COOLED/HEATED LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
Availability: Standard — 500e
Type and Description: 24 kilowatt-hours (kWh) capacity with 97 lithium-ion cells, 364 volts
Thermal Management System: 4 mode: thermal equalization, passive cooling, active cooling and active heating
On-board Charging Module (OBCM): AC to DC transformation with Level 1 or Level 2 charging
Estimated Charge Time
Level 1 (120V): less than 24 hours
Level 2 (240V): less than 4 hours
Power Inverter Module: DC-to-AC and DC-to-DC
Connector: SAE J1772

VEHICLE COOLING MODULE
Availability: Standard — 500e
Type and Description: Brazed-aluminum radiators, aluminum condenser and cooling fan

TRANSMISSION: SINGLE-SPEED AUTOMATIC
Availability: Standard on 500e
Gear Ratios
Reverse
9.59:1
Final-drive Ratio
9.59:1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery: 12 volt, 500 CCA, maintenance free
SUSPENSION
Front: MacPherson suspension, coil spring with twin-tube struts and stabilizer bar
Rear: Rear twist-beam axle with coil springs and twin-tube shock absorbers
STEERING
Type: Rack and pinion with electric power steering (EPS) column
Overall Ratio: 16.3:1
Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb): 31.3 feet (9.54 m)
Steering Turns (lock-to-lock): 3.0
BRAKES
Availability: Standard on 500e
Front
Rotor size and type: 11.0 x 0.87 (284 x 22) vented with regenerative braking
Caliper size and type: 2.13 (54) single-piston with aluminum housing
Swept area: 218 sq. in (1410 sq. cm)
Rear
Rotor size and type: 9.4 x 0.4 (251 x 11) solid with regenerative braking
Caliper size and type: 1.50 (38) single-piston with aluminum housing
Swept area: 162 sq. in (1048 sq. cm)

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES(D)
Wheelbase: 90.6 (2,300)
Track, Front: 55.4 (1,407)
Track, Rear: 55.0 (1,397)
Overall Length: 142.4 (3,617)
Overall Width: 64.1 (1,627)
Overall Height: 60.1 (1,527)
Ground Clearance: 4.5 (115)
Drag Coefficient (Cd): 0.311
Curb Weight, lb. (kg): 2,980 (1,355)
Weight Distribution, percent Front/Rear: 57 / 43
(d) All dimensions measured at curb weight with standard tires.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Seating Capacity, F/R: 2/2
Front Seat
Head room: 38.9 (989) 37.6 (956) with sunroof
Legroom: 40.7 (1,035)
Shoulder room: 49.4 (1,255)
Hip room: 47.8 (1215)
Total seat travel: Driver — 8.2 (210) Passenger — 8.2 (210)
EPA front row interior volume: 45.3 cu. ft. (1.282 cu. m)
Rear Seat
Head room: 35.5 (903)
Legroom: 27.6 (702)
Shoulder room: 46.4 (1,179)
Hip room: 42.6 (1,083)
EPA second row interior volume: 26.3 cu. ft. (0.745 cu. m)
Total Interior Volume: 71.6 cu. ft. (2.027 cu. m)
EPA Luggage Compartment Volume: 7.0 cu. ft. (0.199 cu. m)
EPA Interior Volume Index: 78.6 cu. ft. (2.226 cu. m)
Trunk Liftover Height: 28.1 (715)
TIRES
Availability: Standard on 500e
Size and type: 185/55R15 BSW All-season
Mfr. and model: Firestone Firehawk GTH
Revs per mile (km): 906 (563)
WHEELS
Availability: Standard on 500e
Type and material: Cast-aluminum, five-hole design, painted Argento (silver) with Nero (black) accented inserts
Size: 15 x 5.5 (front) and 15 x 6.5 (rear


Source: Fiat USA


Three New Fiat 500 Models Debuting in LA


Fiat USA is pulling out the stops this year at the LA Auto Show with the unveiling of three new models - the Fiat 500E, the Fiat 500L and the much anticipated Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio.

Here's a quick look at them. Don't worry, I'll have all the details as we go  through the day, so keep checking back!




The 2014 Fiat 500L: Larger than Life
  • Compared to the Fiat 500, the Fiat 500L is 26 inches longer and has 6 inches more height and width. The results: 42 percent more interior space and an EPA Large Car size interior with best-in-class headroom and front legroom.
  • Segment-exclusive glass A- to D-pillars that provide nearly 360 degree panoramic views.
  • New “small-wide” chassis architecture provides world-class torsional stiffness, driving dynamics and crashworthiness.
  • Segment-leading interior quietness, thanks to structural rigidity and a specially designed quietness package for the North American market.
  • Touring-tuned suspension delivers traditional Fiat fun-to-drive factor along with comfort.
  • The 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine features: Best-in-class standard horsepower (160 hp), best-in-class torque (184 lb.-ft.) and the highest standard output per liter (117 hp/liter)
  • Peak boost pressure of 21 psi at 4,000 rpm.
  • Segment-exclusive six-speed dual dry clutch transmission (DDCT), or six-speed manual transmission.
  • Cutting edge handsfree communication, entertainment and navigation with available 5 or 6.5 inch touchscreen display.
  • Fiat 500L Trekking offers rugged capability with enhanced 4x2 traction system.
  • Tested over 7.5 million miles and built in one of Europe's most modern car factories.





Fiat 500e



Fiat 500e: Italian Style for the Electric Car Crowd
  • More than 80 miles of estimated range, with city driving range typically greater than 100 miles.
  • An estimated 116 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) city and 100 MPGe highway battery-only electric power and zero emissions from a single charge.
  • 111 horsepower (83 kW) /147 lb.-ft. (200 N•m) torque electric-drive motor.
  • Less than 4 hour charge time with Level 2 (240 volt) on-board charging module (OBCM)
  • 24 kWh hour liquid-cooled/heated 97 cell lithium-ion battery pack.
  • Power inverter module (PIM) for DC-to-AC and DC-to-DC.
  • Unique “creep” feature mirrors conventional powertrains.
  • Redesigned 10% stiffer body structure
  • Staggered wheel widths for added stability and nimbler handling: front 15x5.5 /rear 15x6.5.





Fiat 500c Abarth Cabrio



Fiat 500c Abarth: It's Finally Here!
  • The four-passenger Fiat 500c Abarth cabrio has the most interior space, rear-seat legroom and shoulder room among key competitors.
  • Fiat 500c Abarth’s power-operated cloth top retracts up to the rear spoiler during speeds up to a best-in-class 60 mph (a midway point can be chosen by pressing the button anytime in between). Press the roof button again, and the roof will neatly fold all the way open and tuck neatly behind the rear head restraints (up to 50 mph).
  • Fiat 500c Abarth's roof design adds structural strength and 70 percent less header shake than key competitors.




The unveil is happening today at 3:35 p.m. EST. Make sure you come back to Fiat500USA.com to watch the unveil live!

Source: Chrysler Media

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Watch the New 2013 Fiat Live Unveil Here!

Fiat 500e

Watch the live debut of the new 2013 Fiat 500L, 500e and 500 Abarth Cabrio here tomorrow afternoon,  I'll be running a live feed from the LA Auto Show starting at 3:35 p.m. EST.  If you can't make it, there will be video highlights at 5:30 p.m. EST.  Don't miss these exciting debuts!

Schedule:
3:35 p.m. EST-4:00 p.m. FIAT Brand product unveiling
5:30 p.m. EST-5:45 p.m. video highlights satellite feed

If you can't make it, don't worry. Here is a the link to watch the 2013 Fiat unveil on demand:

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

The Fiat 500 Hits One Million Mark!

Fiat 500 on test track

The one millionth Fiat 500 rolled off the assembly line in Tychy, Poland this past Monday. The modern day Fiat 500 was introduced to the world on July 4, 2007, and since this time has won the hearts and minds of people from all over the world who appreciate Italian design. The Fiat 500 is now sold in over 100 countries and has won over 40 international awards.

Come celebrate this event as we take a brief look at how the Fiat 500 achieved this milestone. Follow the links to get the full picture!



The Fiat 500 began life in 2004 as a design exercise called the Fiat Trepiùno and took inspiration from the 1957 Fiat 500; the car that brought affordable automotive transportation to the masses in Italy. The Trepiùno drew so much recognition and praise that Fiat gave the go-ahead for a production version. For the first time in automotive history, the general public was solicited over the internet for their ideas and suggestions for this tribute to the iconic Fiat 500. The results were outstanding. A remarkable 3 million suggestions poured in from those who registered on the Fiat 500 Wants You website, many of which were incorporated into the design of the new Fiat 500. The Fiat 500 is truly "The car for the people, by the people."



Read more:

Fiat 500: The Car of the People, by the People

Fiat 500 launch videos

The New Fiat 500 Began with the Fiat Trepiùno

Fiat 500 style

Besides being a superb example of Italian style and showcasing Fiat's undisputed leadership in small car design, the Fiat 500 also brings award- winning technology to its segment. The Fiat 500 was the first car its size to earn a five-star crash rating in the Euro NCAP tests, the first car to have seven airbags as standard equipment and the first car to offer advanced Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on all models.

The Fiat 500 has won numerous awards for design and technology. Here are a few:
  • Car Design of the Year 2007
  • The prestigious European Car of the Year crown in 2008.
  • World Car Design of 2009.
  • The 500's TwinAir engine won the 2011 International Engine of the Year award.

Read More:

Fiat 500 Awards


US Fiat 500 Abarth

The Fiat 500 has been an enormous sales hit, being a consistent number two in its segment right behind the best-selling Fiat Panda. An interesting statistic is in its first year and a half of sales, the Fiat 500 racked up approximately 186,000 registrations. It took the 1957 Fiat 500 four years to achieve 180,000 sales. This car would go on to achieve 3.5 million sales in its seventeen-year run.

In addition to being a best-seller in Europe, the Fiat 500 has also won its segment here in this country. Since 2011, there have been 73,000 Fiat 500s registered in America, 42,000 of which have been done in the first 10 months of 2012. This makes the Fiat 500 the best selling car in its class.


Read more:

Fiat Sales in the US

Inside the Fiat 500 factory...

Manufacturing the North American Fiat 500

Behind the scenes at the North American Fiat 500 factory


Discuss this story on the Forum!

Fiat 500 USA Forum



Sources: Fiat SpA, Chrysler Media, Fiat Brazil, Fiat Auto Poland

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Fiat 500 at Frosty Friday Event

Fiat 500 Autumn Drive

Criswell Fiat of Gaithersburg, Maryland is one of the nation's top Fiat Studios and has been a staple in their community for more than 40 years. Throughout the year, Criswell Fiat sponsors and supports various community events and happenings.

Our friends at Criswell Fiat are kicking off the holiday season by sponsoring the 10th annual Frosty Friday event in town of Frederick, Maryland on November 23rd. During Frosty Friday, downtown Frederick becomes awash with live entertainment, holiday music and fun events to get everyone into the season's spirit. Frederick retail shops will be open late giving away treats, a hot chocolate station will be working from 9am-9pm, and carriage rides will go all over town taking you from one spot to another. Criswell Fiat will be showing off the new Fiat 500 to downtown guests, so don't miss this enjoyable event.


Monday, November 19, 2012

First Look at the New Fiat 500e

Fiat 500e front

Fiat teased us with images of the new Fiat 500e, set to debut next week at the LA Auto Show. The Fiat 500e is the all electric version of the 500, developed in house by Chrysler engineers in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The powertrain for the Fiat 500e is said to consist of three main systems: a high power electric module, an innovative lithium ion battery and an EV control unit to manage power fluctuations. Range has been speculated at somewhere between 100 and 200 miles.

Fiat 500e interior

The primary market for the Fiat 500e is California, whose state law requires zero emission vehicles to make up a certain percentage of a car manufacturer's yearly sales. To meet this sales goal and be competitive in the marketplace, Fiat will wind up losing approximately $10,000 on each 500e sold*. This is according to Sergio Marchionne, CEO of both Fiat and Chrysler. The Fiat 500e will go on sale in California next year, with a rumored price tag between $30,000 - $35,000.

Fiat 500e instruments


Fiat 500e power unit
This image from preliminary info on the Fiat 500EV first published in January 2010.

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The Fiat 500 BEV on display at the North American International Auto Show

Chrysler to manufacture the Fiat 500EV...

Fiat 500EV on track

*Figure revised to $14,000 in Jan 2013