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Friday, September 26, 2014

Fiat 500e $199 Lease Deal

2015 Fiat 500e

Attention Oregon residents: the 2015 Fiat 500e is now available for the low lease payment of just $199 per month! The all-electric Fiat 500e was initially sold only in California, but its sales market was extended to Oregon earlier this year. Now residents of both states can take advantage of a $199 per month, 36-month lease with just $999 due at signing. This is a seriously good deal, better than the lease price on a $17,000 Fiat 500 Pop! It also doesn't include local incentives offered for purchasing an electric vehicle which could amount to additional thousands of dollars off and lower monthly payments substantially.

For those who prefer to purchase and not lease, the 500e list price is $32,650. However, few pay anywhere near that. For example, eligible California residents can buy a Fiat 500e for as little as $20,600 after all federal credits, state incentives and Fiat rebates are subtracted.


Fiat 500e All-Electric Car
The Fiat 500e was just named the “Top Electric Vehicle” for a second year in a row by the Northwest Automotive Press Association during its annual Drive Revolution alternative-fuel vehicle event in Portland.


Not only is the price affordable, the 500e is also outstandingly economical. Fiat 500e offers best in class energy efficiency with an unsurpassed EPA highway mileage rating of 108 MPGe. On a full charge, the Fiat 500e can travel approximately 87 miles of combined highway and city driving, which is again best in its class and out performs all other EVs built by major car manufacturers. In city driving tests, the 500e can exceed 100 miles on a charge.

Factoring in that the Fiat 500e costs roughly 3 cents per mile to drive compared to 20 cents per mile for a gasoline powered car that gets 20 mpg, and the 500e could easily pay for itself in savings.

                        Costs based on 10,000 miles per year

 Fiat 500e   18 mpg Vehicle   20 mpg Vehicle 
 Yearly Energy/Fuel Cost     $333        $2222        $2000
 Monthly Energy/Fuel Cost        $28         $185         $167
 Monthly Savings         ==         $157         $139
Fiat 500e costs based on EPA energy costs per mile. Gasoline priced @ $4 per gallon


The above figures on 10,000 miles, but if you drive more - say 13,000 miles per year in your 18 mpg vehicle - you'll save $213 per month. Plus, compared to gasoline powered vehicles, there are no oil changes, tune up or engine filters so maintenance costs are minimal.



Road Trip Planned? No Problem!
One of the characteristics of owning an EV is that you do have to pay attention to how far you drive. Some call this Range Anxiety, but happily the EPA has rated the Fiat 500e as having the best-in-class range of all its competitors and better than all U.S.-market all-electric vehicles produced by high-volume manufacturers. To keep drivers informed, the Fiat 500e has a large 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) instrument cluster that displays vital EV information clearly and crisply. The 500e includes standard navigation that tells you where charging stations are located throughout the state and gives a graphic indication of how far you can drive based on your charge level. A smart phone app also ties you in, giving you the car's status and allows you to interact remotely when needed, such as setting or changing charging times or turning the heater on, etc.

Fiat 500e Cutaway


However, even with all this, there may be times where you would like to make a long distance, multi-day road trip. Normally, this has been out of the question with for an EV owner up until now. Fiat has come up with an initiative that eliminates the concern by offering a special program called e-Pass. The program allows owners 12 day access every year to other vehicles via Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Long trips, vacations or running down to the hardware store to pick up bulky objects are no longer an issue. It is a brilliant way around range anxiety or the occasion when a larger car / mini-van would come in handy. The e-Pass program comes standard on the Fiat 500e and is good for a three year period.

Fiat 500e with e-Sport Package


Great Price / Great Car
This is all good news, but is just the icing on the cake because the Fiat 500e is designed to be a great car first. There is no downside to how this car drives, in fact, it takes the already updated NAFTA Fiat 500 and further enhances the driving experience. It is quieter and has a more substantial feel due to the 10 percent stiffer chassis. The added weight of the battery helps dampen ride motions and the suspension, which has been retuned for the more even weight distribution, keeps the car nimble and fun to drive.

The Fiat 500e is very well equipped and is comparable to the loaded 500 Lounge model. The only options are colors, a sunroof and the e-Sport package. For 2015, the Fiat 500e features a redesigned center console with an added USB port plus two new exterior colors: Luce Blu (light blue with a pearl finish) and Celeste (light blue).

Read more:


Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Fiat 500X Teaser Video!

Fiat 500X Headlight

A new Fiat 500X teaser video was released yesterday. The offbeat ad shows a woman on a swing reciting the A-B-C children's rhyme as a 500X drives by and sweeps her away into the drivers seat.  Creepy, weird or attention grabbing, you decide.  We have screenshots of what counts: the car!




Fiat 500X Front
Fiat 500X headlight, running lamp and part of the grille details. Notice the fender bulge, shape of the front fascia and the 500 logo inside the headlight.

Fiat 500X Lower Fascia
Lower fascia and foglight details of the Fiat 500X.  Notice the sideskirt and wheel flare contours.


Fiat 500X Wheel

Fiat 500X wheel and sideskirt details.

Fiat 500X Seats
The Fiat 500X seats shown in the video are heavily bolstered, have traditional round headrests and the 500 logo embroidered into the seatbacks.


Fiat 500X Side
This view of the Fiat 500X shows some of the heavily contoured side and beefy door handles.
--------------------------------------------------

The Fiat 500X will be unveiled at the Paris Auto Show, October 2.

Read more:

Friday, September 19, 2014

Fiat 500X Revealed!

Fiat 500X

Images of the new Fiat 500X crossover have leaked out during the filming of a commercial in and around the area of Pitigliano and San Quirico d'Orcia in Tuscany, Italy. They show a car much sleeker than the Fiat 500L MPV and Jeep Renegade, a car it shares production facilities with at Fiat's Melfi factory in Italy.

Fiat 500X Spotted in Italy


The Fiat 500X crossover is much larger than the 500 hatchback (approximately 165 inches compared to 139 inches) and uses the chassis of the 5 door Fiat 500L MPV and Jeep Renegade. The all-wheel-drive capable chassis is a widened version of the current one used in Fiat Punto and Alfa Romeo MiTo models. In Europe, the Fiat 500X will be available in two-wheel and all-wheel-drive variants. It is not known if the North American 500X will also be available in both configurations.

Fiat 500X Close Up

Fiat 500 in San Quirico d'Orcia

Fiat 500X Rear View

Rumors are that the 500X will use a variety of engines in Europe, including the .9L TwinAir, 1.4L MultiAir and 1.6L MultiJet Diesel. In the US, the 1.4L MultiAir Turbo used in the 500L is a sure bet. Transmission wise, figure the C635 manual gearbox and the strong possibility the new nine-speed automatic from the Renegade will be available.




The Fiat 500X replaces the Fiat Sedici crossover that Fiat sells in Europe. The Fiat Sedici is a joint venture with Suzuki and will be recognized in the US as the Suzuki SX4.

The 500X wheelbase is expected to be 101.2 inches or 1.6 inches shorter than the 500L (102.8 inches) and a few inches longer than the Sedici (SX4).


The Fiat 500X front wheel arches bulge out giving the car a substantial look. Compared to the Jeep Renegade, the 500X is more urban sophisticate and less off road rumbler.



The 500X will debut at the Paris Auto Show, October 2. European deliveries follow during the fourth quarter. For the North America market, look for the 500X to debut at the LA Auto Show in November with sales beginning in the first quarter of 2015.



Images used with permission.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

FIAT on the Dragon Fall 2014 Event

Fiat 500 Abarth at Tail of the Dragon

Attention Fiat owners: The Fall Fiat on the Dragon event is coming soon! The event takes place at one of the most beautiful areas in the country and on one of the best roads anywhere in the world. The road called Tail of the Dragon is located deep in the Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina/Tennessee state line. With 318 curves packed into 11 miles, the road is a car enthusiast's dream.

The semi-annual Fiat on the Dragon events are held during the spring and fall seasons. The event has quickly become a big hit with all who attend with an atmosphere that is relaxed and friendly. It is something you shouldn't miss!

The Fall Fiat on the Dragon event starts on Thursday, October 2 and runs through the weekend.


Brett Melancon, Fiat on the Dragon event organizer dropped us a note explaining the details:


This fall, the FIAT on the Dragon will be a little different. This "unplugged" event is going to be more spontaneous than the planned event of the spring drive.

Some updates for the fall drive...

Thursday night, we are meeting for dinner and to discuss our drives. Please be sure that your car is topped off for fuel prior to Friday morning.

We will be staying at the Comfort Inn of Oak Ridge. Here is a direct link for the hotel to get the rate of $70!

http://www.comfortinn.com/ires/en-US/html/ArrivalInfo?hotel=TN130&srp=LFOTD&pu=no

This rate includes a hot breakfast too.

I suggest that you make reservations soon for October 2-5. We will be staying at this hotel for the entire weekend and work our drives around it. It is also very close to Harper FIAT. I am sure that they will welcome us over for some social time. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Early Friday am, we leave for our scenic route to the Tail of the Dragon. We will make a few stops along the way and hopefully make it to Highlands, NC for lunch. I plan to stop at Bridal Veil Falls along the way for a photo op. We will continue back towards Tellico Plains along the Cherohala Skyway. My hope is that we can see some really nice fall colors and maybe a killer sunset.



I am working out the details for the Saturday route and lodging options but I would love to make it back to Knoxville if possible for Saturday night. Saturday drive is still open, maybe the Devil's triangle or the Snake. Plan for our traditional visit to the local cruise in Saturday night.

Remember, this is the FIAT on the Dragon "Unplugged" so plan to have fewer plans. This drive will take shape differently than the spring event. If you like planned events that have everything taken care of, do the spring FIAT on the Dragon. If any questions, please let me know.

This will be a very loosely organized event and plan to wing it as we go. If you like spontaneous travel, this one is for you.

Read more:





Video: killboydotcom
Image: Brett Melancon

Monday, September 15, 2014

Fiat 500e to Power Homes

Fiat 500e being charged

Nothing like coming home after work to find the power is out in your home. That may not be a problem for owners of a Fiat 500e in the future. Chrysler and NextEnergy are working on technology where the Fiat 500e all-electric vehicle can power your home right through its charging station. Owners of the Fiat 500e could use the car to offset their energy usage for their home or even to supply power to others. A fleet of Fiat 500e models is being used at this time to help power the NextEnergy headquarters, potentially saving the company $15,000 in a year. The video below explains the technology being developed.



Currently, the Fiat 500E is only available in California and Oregon. However, there is always the possibility that 500e sales will expand to other markets in the country. Keep your fingers crossed!


Source: Chrysler Media

Thursday, September 11, 2014

The Fiat 500 Can Take a Hit!

Fiat 500 Chassis

What happens when a 2,500 lbs Fiat 500 gets hit by a 4,000 lbs Dodge Charger? Michael Passage, noted Fiat enthusiast and Fiat Specialist over at Van Nuys Fiat shares what happened when he went on a test drive that went bad!

"took a couple on a test drive, she driving, him next to her and me in the back, making a left turn we got hit by a Dodge Charger doing at least 40 mph and hit us on the right side making the Pop spin 360 degrees ending up into a pole...Watch and believe."

Follow up: Everyone was OK and the 6'1" husband was so impressed he signed the purchase papers for his wife immediately!



In Europe, the Fiat 500 was the first A-segment vehicle to achieve a 5-star Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) adult occupant protection rating. In the United States, the 2012 Fiat 500 was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
 

The Fiat 500 chassis features advance design and high strength steel reinforcements. The body is designed to absorb impact and the standard seven air bags, reactive headrests and more than 35 safety and security features contribute to making the Fiat 500 one of the safest small cars on the road.



Below is a look at some of these features, courtesy of Fiat USA:

Seven standard air bags and reactive head restraintsThe Fiat 500 features an all-new air bag system to offer unique protection for its passengers to meet all U.S. regulatory requirements. Its seven standard air bags include: driver and front-passenger advanced multi-stage air bags, driver’s knee air bag, full-length side-curtain air bags and standard seat-mounted side pelvic-thorax air bags, all to offer enhanced occupant protection to all occupants in the event of a collision.

Reactive head restraints, which activate during a rear impact, are another innovation helping minimize injuries by reducing the gap between the head restraint and the passenger’s head.

Fiat 500 Airbags


Innovative TomTom® Navigation with BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technologyDeveloped as a collaboration between Fiat and Microsoft, BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technology is an in-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows the driver to operate a Bluetooth®-compatible phone while keeping his or her hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Using a series of voice commands, the driver can place phone calls, access the phone’s address book or listen to MP3s. BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology supports most mobile phones with Bluetooth technology.

With the available TomTom® Navigation with BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology, the system integrates an innovative 4.3-inch TomTom hand-held navigation unit that docks on top of the Fiat 500’s instrument panel. With its large touchscreen display, simple map displays with available real-time traffic, weather and more than 7 million points of interests, TomTom navigation with BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology is intuitive for the driver to use. And with its direct integration into the Fiat 500’s interior system, the driver is able to use steering-wheel-mounted controls to make operation even easier.

Thanks to its portable design, the TomTom Navigation system allows passengers of the Fiat 500 to remove the hand-held device from the vehicle and use it as a guide for walking tours or finding their way back to the vehicle.

Fiat 500 Rame Driving


Upgraded Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The new Fiat 500 features standard electronic stability control (ESC) for improved braking performance in wet or panic conditions.

Behind the scenes, the ESC system is ready to intervene by integrating key chassis control systems including electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), anti-lock brake system (ABS) and traction control systems (TCS) to control all four wheels in response to yaw and steering input.

In effect, ESC determines the driver’s intentions and adjusts the vehicle’s dynamic forces to maintain the driver’s intended course. Should the driver exceed the performance limits of the road surface – such that the vehicle starts to oversteer or understeer – ESC instantly analyzes input from the wheel sensors and corrects the pending loss of control by applying any one, several or all of the system’s brakes.

More than 35 available safety and security featuresThe following is a list of the Fiat 500’s more than 35 available safety and security features which include:
• Active turn signals: Turn signal flashes three times when stalk is depressed for 1 second to indicate a lane change (standard)
• Advanced multi-stage air bags: Inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of the impact. In addition, Fiat 500’s unique driver’s air bag design includes tethers to shape the air bag. The passenger airbag has a unique air bag venting system, allowing one vent of the air bag to remain open while the air bag is fully inflating. A secondary vent is actuated as the passenger contacts the air bag at the end of a crash event, offering protection of passengers of all sizes
• All-speed control traction: Helps to keep driving wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or during all speeds by applying individual brakes alone or in combination with engine torque limitation to prevent wheel slip
• Anti-lock brake system (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions (standard)
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror: Detects and reduces glare from rearward headlamps without driver intervention
• BeltAlert: Activates a chime and/or illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver and front passenger to buckle up if the Fiat 500 is driven without belted front-seat occupants (standard)
• Bi-halogen projector headlamps: Provides wider, more focused light spread and improves forward visibility at night (standard)
• BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technology: Provides an in-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows the driver to operate a Bluetooth compatible phone while keeping his or her hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Using a series of voice commands, the driver can place phone calls, access the phone’s address book or listen to MP3s
• Brake Assist: In an emergency brake situation, the system applies maximum braking power, minimizing the stopping distance (standard)
• Brake Override: When a disagreement exists between the throttle and the brake, the brake signal causes the engine controller to reduce engine power, allowing the operator to stop the Fiat 500 (standard)
• Brake/Park Interlock: Prevents a Fiat 500 with six-speed automatic transmission from being shifted out of Park unless the brake pedal is applied (standard)
• Brake-traction control system (BTCS): Helps to keep driving wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or during slow speeds by applying individual brakes to the slipping wheel(s) (standard)
• Child seat anchor system: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) is designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats (standard)
• Constant-force Retractors (CFR): Regulates the force exerted on the occupant by the seat belt and then gradually releases seat-belt webbing in a controlled manner. The system features a digressive load limiter for the driver and adaptive load limiter for the front-passenger (standard)

Fiat 500 Crash Test Car
• Crumple zones: Designed to deform during an accident in order to absorb energy from an impact which decreases transfer of that energy to occupants (standard)
• Daytime running lamps (DRL): Provides additional forward illumination for improved vehicle awareness
• Electronic stability control (ESC): Enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. Provides the benefit in critical driving situations, such as turns, and is valuable when driving on mixed-surface conditions, including snow, ice or gravel. If there is a discernible difference between driver input through the steering wheel and the Fiat 500’s path, ESC applies selective braking and throttle input to guide the vehicle back on to the driver’s intended path (standard)

Fiat 500 Third Load Path
• Energy management system: Three front load paths designed from high-strength steel manage vehicle crush and minimize cabin intrusion (standard)
• Express down windows: One-touch powered express down window button located on the center console (standard)
• Full-length side-curtain air bags: Extends protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. Each side air bag has its own impact sensors that autonomously trigger the air bag on the side where an impact occurs. This type of air bag is housed in the headliner just above the side windows (standard)
• Head restraints: Includes all seating positions (standard)
• Hill-start Assist (HSA): Assists drivers when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill by maintaining the level of brake pressure applied for a short period of time after a driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal If throttle is not applied within a short period of time after the driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal, brake pressure will be released (standard)
• Intelligent battery sensor (IBS): Continually measures the flow of current into and out of the battery. If the battery is running low, the system intelligently shuts off less critical electrical systems to help prevent a customer being stranded due to a low or depleted battery. When IBS conducts load shedding, an icon appears in the cluster display (standard)
• Knee air bag (driver’s side): Located below the instrument panel, air bag deploys when the driver’s air bag deploys and is designed to properly position the occupant during impact and offer additional lower leg protection
• Occupant restraint controller (ORC): Detects an impact and determines whether a crash is severe enough to trigger air bag deployment and whether the primary or secondary stage inflation is sufficient. In addition the controller detects side impacts and determines whether the rail-curtain and side seat-mounted (pelvic-thorax protection) airbags should deploy. Engagement of front seat belt pretensioners are also managed through the controller (standard)
• ParkSense® rear park assist system: Assists at low speeds in reverse to detect stationary objects. Consists of audible warnings for the driver and has a display in the instrument cluster’s Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
• Reactive head restraints: Activates in the event of a rear collision. Restraints are designed to reduce injuries by minimizing the gap between the driver and front-passenger head restraint and the passenger’s head (standard)
• Remote keyless entry: Locks and unlocks doors and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system (standard)
• Safety cage body structure: Protects occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact (standard)
• Seat belt pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seat belt pretensioners to remove slack in the seat belt system, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupant’s head and torso (standard)
• Sentry Key® engine immobilizer: Uses a key fob that has an embedded transponder with a preprogrammed security code to shut off the engine after a few seconds and discourage vehicle theft (standard)
• Seat-mounted side pelvic-thorax air bags: Provide enhanced protection to the driver and front outboard passenger in certain impacts. Each side air bag has its own impact sensors that autonomously trigger the air bag on the side where an impact occurs. Standard side air bags are housed within the outboard side of each front seat (standard)
• Side-curtain air bags: Provide enhanced protection to all outboard occupants (standard)
• Side guard door beams: Provide occupant protection during a side impact (standard)
• Three-point seat belts: Front seating positions and all rear seating positions have lap and shoulder belts (standard)
• Tilt steering column: Allows steering column to achieve a safe and comfortable driving position (standard)
• Tire-pressure monitoring (TPM): Informs driver when tire pressure is too low. Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four road wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a receiver and the system. Individual tire pressure can be displayed in the EVIC (standard)
• TomTom® Navigation with BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technology: This innovative navigation system adds a 4.3-inch touchscreen TomTom hand-held navigation unit to the standard BLUE&ME Handsfree communication system. The system features an instrument panel docking system for added driver convenience, real-time traffic, real-time weather updates and more than 7 million points of interests
• Vehicle theft security alarm: Deters vandalism and theft, frequently lowering insurance premiums. System protects the vehicle from theft by monitoring door-ajar switches and the ignition circuit for unauthorized entry



Thanks: Michael Passage for sharing and Fiat USA for information

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Fiat 500 License Plate Bulb Change

Fiat 500 Tailgate Handle


There have been more than 165,000 Fiat 500s sold in North America since 2011. As the cars age, it is inevitable that things like light bulbs eventually burn out. One item that caused owners of early Fiat 500 models some annoyance was replacing the license plate LED bulb located in the tailgate lift handle.

Early cars required you to change the entire tailgate lift handle at considerable expense - normally well over $100. However, starting somewhere around March 2012, Fiat revised the license plate LED to make it replaceable, with a cost of around $20. Below is how to change the license plate LED bulb in late model Fiat 500, 500 Cabrio and 500 Abarth models.


Fiat 500 License Plate Bulb


Take a small screwdriver and insert it into the notch at the one end of the license plate lamp lens on the underside of the liftgate light bar and handle unit.  Gently release the latch tab that secures the lamp in the light bar assembly.

Fiat 500 Abarth License Plate Bulb


Carefully pry the light out of the liftgate handle.

Fiat 500 License Plate Light Connector


Late model cars will have this style connector with locking tabs that allow you to unplug the bulb from the wire harness. Early cars will not have these tabs and the light bulb is serviced as a complete assembly. If you are handy you may be able to modify the harness with a new connector so you can use the late model bulb.

Fiat 500 License Plate Bulb Removal


Using the small screwdriver, carefully unlock each tab and remove the bulb from the connector. The tabs are delicate and the connectors will become fragile as the car ages, so proceed with care. Plug your new bulb in and just reverse the procedures and you are done!

Fiat 500 License Plate Bulb Part Number

  • Right 68212034AA
  • Left 68212035AA

Read More:

Monday, September 8, 2014

Fiat 500X Under Wraps Images

Fiat 500X Front

The sneak peek video of the Fiat 500X released last week gave viewers a 40 seconds hint of what the new B-Segment crossover will look like. Of course it wasn't enough time to satisfy Fiat enthusiasts who have been waiting for the 500X since talk of it began early in 2012. These screenshots help capture some of the details on the 500X that you may have missed in the brief video. Make sure you follow the links throughout the story to learn more about the Fiat 500X. Enjoy!


Fiat 500X Grille



Fiat 500X Front Image
 

Fiat 500X Headlight


Fiat 500X Rear


Fiat 500X Rear Image Details


Fiat 500X Taillight


Fiat 500X Side View

Fiat 500X Prototype

Friday, September 5, 2014

Fiat 500X Sneak Peek Video!

Fiat 500X Front

Fiat released a sneak peek video on the new Fiat 500X crossover due to be unveiled at the Paris Auto Show, October 2! The Fiat 500X crossover is larger than the Fiat 500 and uses the chassis of the 5 door Fiat 500L. The Fiat 500X is out in the US in the beginning of 2015.



Read more:


Thursday, September 4, 2014

Fiat 500L Recall and Stop Sale Update

Fiat 500L Trekking Euro Version

Back on July 30th, Fiat issued a recall on 2014-2015 Fiat 500L models for driver's knee airbags that may not deploy in the correct position for drivers who don't wear a seatbelt. All unsold Fiat 500L models sitting on Fiat dealer lots are under a Stop Sale order until further notice, which has caused much confusion for the buying public and owners alike. Fiat500USA.com has received information from a source familiar with the situation that may help ease some concerns and let owners know what's going on.

Fiat 500L Drivers Knee Bag


The Problem
During routine testing, engineers determined the driver's knee air bag did not meet NHTSA test criteria for 5 percent of female UNBELTED drivers. This is due to irregularities on how the air bag was folded during its manufacture which may cause the bag to deploy in a different position then intended for these unbelted drivers. Chrysler states they are unaware of any injuries reported. It was not known by the source if it was small framed or large framed woman, but that is was just 5 percent of the group profile.

This effects approximately 29,500 2014-2015 Fiat 500L models built through July 24, 2014. The breakdown is 25,483 cars for the US and 4,000 cars in Canada in sold and unsold status.

As it is illegal to drive without a seatbelt in most, if not all of the United States and Canada, this issue should have little impact on the majority of drivers.  However, all in-stock Fiat 500L models effected by the recall are under a Stop Sale order that precludes them from being sold until the necessary repairs are done.

What's Happening Now
The air bag manufacturer, TRW, is scrambling to produce the nearly 30,000 air bags needed to take care of the recall. Once a third of the required amount (10,000 units) is ready, the recall process will start and parts will be shipped. This is to help prevent shortages and make sure Fiat Studios have enough air bags to service customers. As of last week, approximately 6,000 air bags have been produced and it is expected that shipments to Fiat dealers should start late in September.

Chrysler will notify Fiat 500L owners when they can schedule this free service and advises all vehicle occupants wear seatbelts. Owners that are concerned may call Chrysler Group’s Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.

Read more:

Fiat 500L Small Overlap Crash

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Fiat 500 Sales for August 2014

2015 Fiat 500 Lounge

9/4: Story now updated with additional information on the Fiat 500L Stop Sale.


Fiat sales in August were a mix of good news and not so good news. Fiat 500 hatchback and Cabrio sales for August were up 12 percent compared to the same month last year, making it the best August since 2012. Fiat sold 3,329 hatchback and Cabrios last month compared to 2,371 in July - a 40 percent increase and a good indication that three years after its introduction to North America, the buying public still finds the Fiat 500 an engaging and desirable car. This closely matches the 500's sales performance in Europe. The timeless design and iconic style keeps the Fiat 500 fresh and ageless.


Fiat 500 Market Share
Sales performance of the Fiat 500 in Europe. The dotted line marks the typical life cycle curve of a traditional A-Segment model, however Fiat 500 sales have remained consistently strong and resilient throughout. Last year the Fiat 500 was the best selling A-segment car in Europe. This minicar segment is Europe's second largest car segment and the 500 has run neck and neck with the Fiat Panda for top honors for the past six years. Between the 500 and Panda, Fiat sold 312,419 cars compared to runner-up Volkswagen with 202,343 cars spread among its three cars in the segment.

Fiat 500L Lounge

The bad news is sales of the Fiat 500L have been temporarily halted by a Stop Sale/Recall order issued on July 30th. According to the letter, 2014 and 2015 Fiat 500L models built before July 24, 2014 may have irregularities in the folds of the drivers knee air bag that may cause the air bag to perform incorrectly in certain crash conditions. Chrysler announced in July that during routine testing it was discovered the possibility that the driver's knee airbag may not deploy in the proper position if the driver is not wearing a seatbelt. This recall effects approximately 25,483 vehicles in the United States and 4,000 in Canada.

Under the Stop Sale order, vehicles in stock on dealer lots cannot be sold until the problem is repaired. This is a major blow to Fiat dealers and 500L sales, which had been slowly gaining traction. Fiat says repairs are imminent as TRW, the manufacturer of the air bag scrambles to produce the approximately 30,000 replacements to fill the order. Once a sufficient amount of replacement air bags are ready, they will be shipped to dealers and customers notified. Sources say parts are expected to arrive at Fiat Studios late in September with the 500L Stop Sale continuing until at least then.


2015 Fiat 500T Turbo


August Recap
Fiat ramped up TV advertising on the 500 hatchback and Cabrio models, no doubt to offset the 500L being benched. The "Endless Fun" ad campaign begun in June is catchy and also has the added bonus of being economical to produce. These animated GIF commercials are a cheap way to keep the Fiat name in front of the public.


August brought news that the Abarth Driving Experience has added new venues and will be renewed for the 2015 model year. Anyone taking retail delivery of a new Fiat 500 Abarth can sign up for a free, full day of high performance driving instruction under the watchful eyes of professionals. Now heading into its forth year, the Abarth Driving Experience is a fun and safe way to learn what the Fiat 500 Abarth can do on a race track. It's a huge hit with 500 Abarth owners.

Abarth Experience Adds New Venues


Newly arriving 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth equipped with the automatic transmissions have been gathering a lot of attention at Fiat Studios. Abarth engineers took special care to make sure the Abarth Automatic is as exciting to drive as the manual transmission cars.


Fiat 500 Sales in the United States - August 2014
Fiat 500Current MonthLast YearVol ChangeCurrent YTD TotalLast Year YTD TotalVol Change
Aug 2014
500
500L

     3,329
     33
     3,362

  2,976
    1,214
  4,190

     12%
     -97%
     -20%

     23,879
     8,262
     32,141

         26,868
            2,717
         29,585

    -11%
    204%
     9%
July 2014
500
500L

     2,371
     1,436
     3,807

  2,821
    962
  3,783

     -16%
     49%
     1%

     20,550
     8,229
     28,779

         23,892
            1,503
         25,395

    -14%
    448%
     13%
June 2014
500
500L

     3,328
     1,150
     4,478

  3,509
    541
  4,050

     -5%
    113%
     11%

     18,179
     6,793
     24,972

         21,071
            512
         21,612

    -14%
    1,156%
     16%
May 2014
500
500L

     3,337
     1,434
    4,771

  4,051
     0
  4,051

    -18%
     new
     18%

     14,851
     5,643
     20,494

         17,562
              0
         17,562

     -15%
     new
     17%
April 2014
500
500L

     3,041
     1,257
    4,298

  3,899
     0
  3,899

    -22%
     new
     10%

     11,514
     4,209
     15,723

         13,511
              0
         13,511

     -15%
     new
     16%
March 2014
500
500L

     3,316
     1,422
    4,738

  3,807
     0
  3,807

    -13%
     new
     24%

     8,473
     2,952
     11,425

         9,612
            0
         9,612

     -12%
     new
     19%
Feb 2014
500
500L

     2,664
     801
    3,465

  3,302
     0
  3,302

    -19%
     new
     5%

     5,157
     1,530
     6,687

         5,805
            0
         5,805

     -11%
     new
     15%
Jan 2014
500
500L

     2,493
     729
    3,222

  2,503
     0
  2,503

    0%
     new
     29%

     2,493
     729
    3,222

         2,503
            0
         2,503

     0%
     new
     29%


Read more:





*Sales sources: FCA, Automotive News

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

2015 Fiat 500L Specifications

Fiat 500L Trekking

2015 Fiat 500L full specifications.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Vehicle Type: B-segment multipurpose vehicle (MPV)
EPA Vehicle Class: Small Station Wagon
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 TURBOCHARGED MULTIAIR I-4
Availability: Standard — Fiat 500L Pop, Easy, Trekking and Lounge models
Type and Description: Inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, turbocharged
Displacement: 83.48 cu. in. (1,368 cu. cm)
Bore x Stroke: 2.83 x 3.31 (72 x 84)
Valve System Belt-driven, MultiAir, SOHC, 16 valves, hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers
Fuel Injection Sequential, multiport, 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)
25 / 33 / 28 with six-speed manual transmission
24 / 33 / 27 with Euro Twin Clutch six-speed transmission
22 / 30 / 25 with six-speed automatic transmission
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 Fiat 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: 1.361
4th: 0.978
5th: 0.756
6th: 0.622
Reverse: 4.00
Final-drive Ratio: 3.833
Overall Top Gear: 2.38

Fiat 500L


C635 EURO TWIN CLUTCH SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSION
Availability: Optional on Fiat 500L Pop
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: 4.00
Final-drive Ratio: 4.118
Overall Top Gear: 2.56


AISIN SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Availability:
Optional on Fiat 500L Easy and Trekking
Standard on 500L Lounge
Gear Ratios:
1st: 4.04
2nd: 2.37
3rd: 1.56
4th: 1.16
5th: 0.85
6th: 0.67
Reverse: 3.19
Final-drive Ratio: 3.683
Overall Top Gear: 2.47

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

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

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 Fiat 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(b)
Wheelbase: 102.8 (2,612)
Track, Front: 59.1 (1,502)
Track, Rear: 59.4 (1,510)
Overall Length: 167.3 (4,249)
Overall Width" 69.8 (1,774) — without mirrors
80.2 (2,036) — with mirrors
Overall Height: 65.7 (1,670)
Ground Clearance: 4.7 (120)

Drag Coefficient (Cd) (estimated):
0.310 — Fiat 500L Pop/Easy/Lounge
0.320 — 500L Trekking
Curb Weight, lb. (kg) (estimated):
3,203 (1,453) — 500L with six-speed manual
3,254 (1,476) — 500L with six-speed Euro Twin Clutch
3,251 (1,475) — 500L with six-speed automatic
Weight Distribution, percent F/R:
61/39 — 500L with six-speed manual
61/39 — 500L with six-speed Euro Twin Clutch
58/42 — 500L with six-speed automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity, gal. (liter): 13.2 (50)
(b) All dimensions measured at curb weight with standard tires.

Fiat 500L Interior


ACCOMMODATIONS
Seating Capacity, F/R: 2/3
Front Seat
Head room: 40.7 (1,034)
40.4 (1,028) with dual-pane sunroof
Legroom: 40.0 (1,015)
Shoulder room: 57.3 (1,456)
Hip room: 54.9 (1,394)
Total seat travel: 8.3 (210) — driver
9.0 (230) — passenger
EPA front row interior volume 54.0 cu. ft. (1.529 cu. m)
Rear Seat
Head room: 38.7 (983)
38.0 (966) with dual-pane sunroof
Legroom: 36.7 (931)
Shoulder room: 54.6 (1,388)
Hip room: 49.4 (1,256)
Total seat travel: 4.7 (120)
EPA second row interior volume: 44.8 cu. ft. (1.268 cu. m)
Total Interior Volume: 98.8 cu. ft. (2.797 cu. m)
EPA Luggage Compartment Volume: 21.3 cu. ft. (0.605 cu. m)
EPA Interior Volume Index: 120.1 cu. ft. (3.402 cu. m)
Trunk Liftover Height: 25.9 (657)

TIRES
Availability: Standard on Fiat 500L Pop, Easy and Lounge
Size and Type: 205/55R16 BSW All-season
Mfr. and Model: Continental Conti ProContact or Goodyear Eagle LS2
Revs per mile: (km) 836 (519)

Availability: Standard on Fiat 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 Goodyear Eagle LS2
Revs per mile: (km) 832 (517)

Fiat 500L Trekking US Version


WHEELS
Availability: Standard on Fiat 500L Pop
Type and Material: Steel wheels with Argento painted wheel covers
Size 16 x 6.0-in.

Availability: Standard on Fiat 500L Easy and 500L Lounge
Type and Material: Cast-aluminum, 13-spoke radial design, fully painted Argento
Size 16 x 6.5-in.

Availability: Optional on 500L Lounge
Type and Material: Cast-aluminum, seven-spoke, oval-twist design, painted Argento
with Grigio (gray) pockets
Size 16 x 6.5-in.

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

Availability: Optional on 500L Lounge and 500L Trekking
Type and Material: Cast-aluminum, five-oval design, painted Argento with Grigio pockets
Size 17 x 7.0-in.

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