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Thursday, October 29, 2015

Fiat 500 Abarth Earns New Honors

Fiat 500 Abarth

Three years after its introduction, the Fiat 500 Abarth continues to impress automotive experts. Just this month alone, the 500 Abarth has earned accolades on several automotive review sites, being recognized as one of the Most Fun New Cars for Less Than $27,500, one of Quickest Cars For Under $25K and one of the Top 10 Most Tunable 2016 Hatchbacks.

The Fiat 500 Abarth has been named one of Road & Track's Ten of the Most Fun New Cars You Can Buy for Less Than $27,500. Road & Track says you shouldn't have to spend $30,000 to drive a great car, and we agree. The Fiat 500 Abarth brings a genuine European hot hatch driving experience to America.

"If you want a city car that will make you look forward to driving it, you'll have a hard time finding a better car than the Fiat 500 Abarth. It has plenty of flaws, but you won't care every time you hear the exhaust pop and crackle. It's amazing, and it never gets old. Ever."

Fiat 500 Abarth Slalom


The 500 Abarth earned a spot on Road Test Reviews' list of Quickest Cars For Under $25K.

"... the engine note and the exhaust is addictive! The little car farts and parps along and if you change down emits a crackle on the overrun that is intoxicating. It’s like driving around in a large bowl of Rice Krispies, snap, crackle and pop."

Fiat 500 Abarth Racing


The 500 Abarth also made Revved Magazine's list of the "Hottest Hot Hatches: Top 10 Most Tunable 2016 Hatchbacks"

"The 500 is the smallest car on the list but a great city car that can zoom through traffic without missing a beat."

and

"...There are a surprising number of U.S.-based Fiat tuning outlets ready to boost up and deck out the 500. They include 500 Madness, Eurocompulsion, and Road Race Engineering."

We have all the top Fiat Abarth tuners and accessory sellers on the Fiat 500 USA Forum. Make sure you stop by the forum and discuss this post and don't forget to visit the vendor section to see all the cool things they have for your car.



Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Fiat 500X Updates and Enhancements

Fiat 500X Trekking

The Fiat 500X is loaded with so many features and technology it takes a 600+ page owners manual to describe them! Additionally, Fiat has been steadily tweaking, refining and updating various systems in the 500X for even better performance and functionality. Below is an overview of some of the updates contained in technical bulletins released to Fiat dealers. These offer enhanced operation or take care of concerns and issues that may pop up for some owners. Software updates are normally automatically performed when bringing your car to the dealer or, in regards to a mechanical repair, if there is a condition or concern expressed that applies to the bulletin. Always visit your Fiat Studio for details, the latest information and updates.*

Fiat 500X Front Brake Squeak/Squeal Noise

Fiat Technical Bulletin 05-010-15

DATE: October 03, 2015

ISSUE:
Front Brake Squeak/Squeal Noise

MODELS:
2015 (BU) Jeep Renegade
2016 (FB) Fiat 500X

NOTE: This bulletin applies to cars sold in the NAFTA region and built on or before May 7, 2015 (MDH 0507XX).

The front brakes may make a squeak/squeal noise under the following conditions:
  • Squeak/squeal noise during moderate brake apply combined with light steering. 
  • The noise typically occurs with warm brakes after several brake applications.
  • Squeak/squeal noise during low speed brake apply with vehicle moving forward or reverse. 
  • The noise typically only occurs after the vehicle sits overnight in colder
  • ambient temperatures and the noise will go away after a few brake applications.

The solution involves cleaning excessive sealant from the front brake caliper adapter brackets and replacing the adapter bracket mounting bolts and/or replacing the front brake pads and related hardware.

Fiat 500X Dashboard

Fiat 500X Transmission Shift And Drivability Enhancements

Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 21-024-15 REV. B

DATE: September 23, 2015

This bulletin involves reprogramming the Transmission Control Module (TCM) with the latest available software.

MODELS:
2016 (FB) Fiat 500X

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built on or before **September 02, 2015 (MDH 0902XX)** equipped with a 2.4L Engine (Sales Code ED6) and 948TE Automatic Transmission (Sales Code DFH).

A small number of owners may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):
· P0711 - Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Range-Performance.
· P1CC9 - Unable to Engage Gear.
· P1D98 - Incorrect Gear Ratio Clutch B or D Defective.
· P1DAD - Input Shaft-Output Shaft Direction Correlation.
· U1424 - Implausible Engine Torque Signal Received.

In addition, owners may also experience one or more of the following transmission related conditions:
· Garage Shifts (Shifting from Park or Neutral into Drive or Reverse.)
· Harsh 1-2 upshifts.
· Less than desired accelerator pedal response in Sport and TractionPlus modes.
· RPM flare at engine start.
· Less than desired idle performance when shifting into DRIVE or REVERSE following
a cold start.

Fiat 500X Powertrain Diagnostic And System Enhancements

Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 18-030-15 REV. B
DATE: September 23, 2015

MODELS:
2016 (FB) Fiat 500X

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built on or before **September 02, 2015 (MDH 0902XX)** equipped with a 2.4L Engine (Sales Code ED6).

A small number of cars may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) come on. Technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
· U0402 - Implausible Data Received From TCM.
· P0133 - O2 Sensor 1/1 Slow Response.
· P0171 - Fuel System 1/1 Lean.
· P050D - Cold Start Rough Idle.In addition, customers may experience one or more of the following concerns:
· **Clatter or ticking noise from the engine at idle.**
· RPM flare at cold start.
· Less than desired idle performance.
· Cold engine RPM surge with gear engagement.

Reprogramming the Engine Control Module (ECM) with the latest available software should address the concern.

Fiat 500X Instrument Panel Cluster

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Enhancement

Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 08-085-15

DATE: September 16, 2015

MODELS:
2016 (FB) Fiat 500X

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles sold in the U.S. and Canada market and built on or before May 20, 2015 (MDH 0520XX) equipped with Cluster 3.5 TFT Color Display (Sales Code JA2) or Cluster 3.5 TFT B&W Display (Sales Code JAY).

The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) brightness level may not adjust correctly to correspond with the outside light levels. Also an enhancement was made to properly calculate and display when the next service maintenance is needed. This bulletin involves reprogramming the IPC with the latest software to fix the condition.

Electronic Power Steering System (EPS) Instrument Cluster Lamp ON

Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 08-092-15

DATE: September 29, 2015


MODELS:
2016 (FB) Fiat 500X

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles sold within the NAFTA and EMEA market and built on or before September 02, 2015 (MDH 0902XX).


The Power Steering System Warning lamp may illuminate on the instrument cluster. This bulletin involves reprogramming the Electric Power Steering (EPS) module with the latest available software to correct the erroneous EPS lamp illumination.

RA2 Radio Software Enhancement

Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 08-086-15 REV. A

DATE: September 18, 2015

MODELS:
2016 (FB) Fiat 500X

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles sold within the NAFTA market and built on or before September 03, 2015 (MDH
0903XX) equipped with UConnect 5.0 AM/FM/BT (sales code RA2).

A false message may be displayed in the Cluster "Parking Sensors Unavailable and/or Sound System Unavailable." A radio software update is available that will fix the issue.

NOTE: Software updates are available for download to USB flash drive on the Uconnect web site.

Fiat 500X Uconnect

RA4 Radio Enhancements

Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 08-059-15 REV. B

DATE: September 12, 2015

MODELS:
2016 (FB) Fiat 500X

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles within the NAFTA market and built on or before **July 04, 2015 (MDH 0704XX)** equipped with Uconnect 6.5” NAV (sales code RA4) radio

Read more about this update and how to perform it yourself:

Related articles:







*This is provided for discussion purposes only. You should always contact your dealer for up to date information and to answer any questions. The dealer will be able to tell you what if any bulletins are applicable to your car.

Images courtesy of FCA.

Friday, October 16, 2015

2015 Fiat Sales Up in Europe

New Fiat 500

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has been doing well in Europe this year. The Group has outperformed the industry average for nine consecutive months, bringing its European market share to 5.7%. FCA sales for September totaled 79,700 units, up 15.6% year-over-year compared to +9.8% for the industry. Total year-to-date sales reached 668,000 vehicles – an increase of 13.5% over the same period in 2014 compared with 8.8% for the industry overall.

Fiat 500L Beats Edition

The Fiat 500 and Panda continued as leaders in the European A-segment, earning a combined market share of nearly 28.0% for the year-to-date. The 500L marked its 12th consecutive month as the leader in the Small MPV segment with more than 66,300 vehicles sold so far this year giving it a 22.5% market share year-to-date. The 500X has also proven to be popular, with more than 50,000 units sold so far this year. In Italy, the 500X was the best-selling vehicle in its segment all this year.

Eight years after its introduction, the Fiat 500 family continues to be popular across Europe, with 62.4% of sales generated outside of Italy.

Related:


Adapted from FCA Press Release
Images courtesy of FCA.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Kuniskis Back Running Fiat USA


Tim Kuniskis, former Head of Fiat Brand North America from 2011 - 2013 and current Head of Dodge among other jobs, has been reappointed to his old position running Fiat USA. He replaces Jason Stoicevich, who had been running Fiat USA after Kuniskis was moved to Dodge in 2013.

Kuniskis is a 23 year veteran of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and assumes responsibility for NAFTA Passenger Car Brands, consisting of Dodge and SRT, Chrysler and Fiat. In addition, Kuniskis has been appointed to the Group Executive Council (GEC), the highest decision-making body within the FCA organization.


Read more:

During the time Kuniskis ran Fiat USA, Fiat sales doubled in 2012 to 55,600 units, up from the 25,161 delivered in 2011. A passionate performance car enthusiast, Kuniskis was responsible for the Fiat 500 Abarth Venom concept car and most recently, the 700+ hp Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, the fastest and most powerful muscle car ever. With the new Fiat 124 Spider about to be introduced, enthusiasts are looking forward to seeing what Kuniskis has in store for them.


Stoicevich Era
Jason Stoicevich brought his sales and marketing experience of running the California Business Center (CBC) to the national level. At the CBC, Stoicevich achieved outstanding results with Fiat 500 sales rising 254 percent in one year making it the fastest growing brand in the state. During his tenure at Fiat USA, Stoicevich presided over Fiat's record 2014 sales and also introduced many different special editions including the popular 1957 Edition.




Sales for 2015 haven't been as rosy as consumers have shunned passenger cars and small cars in particular for SUVS and crossovers. The 500X crossover introduced in May is helping Fiat to regain some positive sales momentum, but it has been slow going as Fiat has been ramping up availability.

Last week when Kuniskis was reappointed Head of Fiat Brand, Stoicevich was moved to Head of Fleet Operations and Small Business Sales for the U.S. but has subsequently left the company. We wish Stoicevich the best and thank him for his dedication and contributions to the Fiat Brand.





Kuniskis image courtesy of FCA. Abarth Venom image author's

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Fiat 500X Earns Top Safety Pick + Award

2016 Fiat 500X IIHS Crash Test

The 2016 Fiat 500X has earned the Top Safety Pick + award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The grueling IIHS testing simulates both a 40 MPH front moderate and small-overlap impact, a 31 MPH side impact, a roof-crush consistent with a rollover, and a 20 MPH rear collision capable of causing a whiplash injury. The Fiat 500X achieved the highest possible rating in all five tests which qualify it as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Additionally, the 500X received the rating of "advanced" under the Front Crash Prevention test and wins the Top Safety Pick + award.



Starting in 2013, the IIHS began the Front Crash Prevention test that evaluates the performance of forward collision warning and autobrake systems for cars equipped with the technology. Ratings are determined by how they perform in tests at 12 and 25 mph. There are three rating levels - superior, advanced and basic. Cars that have earned a Top Safety Pick and a forward crash prevention system with a superior or advanced rating are awarded the Top Safety Pick + designation. The 500X with the available Forward Collision Warning-Plus system earned an advanced rating, just missing the superior level by one point.

Forward Collision Warning-Plus uses camera and radar technologies to determine if a frontal collision is about to occur. The system will first alert the driver with audible and visual warnings. If these are ignored, the system will apply the brakes to slow the car down. Forward Collision Warning-Plus is available on 500X Easy trim levels and above, starting at $28,600. Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President – Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance for FCA is quoted saying:

“Delivering such features for less than $30,000 in a vehicle segment not known for such sophistication is clear evidence of our commitment to the democratization of advanced safety technology”.

This is nothing new for Fiat, though. Early in the 1960s Fiat took a leading role in pioneering safety advances in its market segment. Back then, safety features like controlled collapsibility and rigid passenger compartments were rare and only available on expensive cars. Fiat brought these innovations to the mainstream market, and by 1969, all Fiat passenger car bodies were able to maintain a minimum crash survival space for their occupants in any impact situation at any speed up to 30mph.*



Fiat's current lineup has also stacked up impressive crash test ratings. Tested by Euro NCAP, the organization that assesses the safety performance of cars sold in Europe, the 500 was the first car of its size ever to achieve a 5-star crash test rating. The 500L also has a 5-star rating and is ranked best in its class. The 500X has earned similar results. Here in the US, the 2012 Fiat 500 and 2014 500L were both named IIHS Top Safety Picks. It is good to see 500X carrying on the tradition.

Read more:

Fiat 500X IIHS Crash Test Summery

Fiat 500X IIHS Crash Test Result

Moderate Overlap Front Impact Test at 40 MPH

  • Overall evaluation GOOD
  • Structure and safety cage GOOD
Injury Measures
  • Head/neck GOOD
  • Chest GOOD
  • Leg/foot, left GOOD
  • Leg/foot, right ACCEPTABLE 
  • Restraints and dummy kinematics GOOD
Fiat 500X Crash Test Dummy


Restraints and Dummy Kinematics

Dummy movement was well controlled. After the dummy moved forward into the frontal airbag, it rebounded into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury.

Injury Measures

Measures taken from the head, neck, and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the right foot indicate that injuries to the foot would be possible.

Fiat 500X Small Overlap Test

Small Overlap Test

  • Overall evaluation GOOD
  • Structure and safety cage ACCEPTABLE

Injury measures
  • Head/neck GOOD
  • Chest GOOD
  • Hip/thigh GOOD
  • Lower leg/foot ACCEPTABLE
  • Restraints and dummy kinematics GOOD

Structure
The driver space was maintained reasonably well, with maximum intrusion of the lower interior of 11 cm at the lower hinge pillar. Upper interior intrusion measured 9-10 cm at the instrument panel and hinge pillar.

Injury measures
Measures from the dummy indicate that injuries to the left lower leg would be possible in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low.

Restraints and dummy kinematics
The dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag but moved too far to the left side, leaving the head vulnerable to contact with forward structure. The side curtain airbag deployed and had sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structure and outside objects. The side torso airbag also deployed.

Side Impact Test at 31 MPH

  • Overall evaluation GOOD
  • Structure and safety cage GOOD

Driver Injury Measures
  • Head/neck GOOD
  • Torso GOOD
  • Pelvis/leg GOOD
  • Head protection GOOD

Rear Passenger Injury Measures
  • Head/neck GOOD
  • Torso GOOD
  • Pelvis/leg GOOD
  • Head protection GOOD

Note: Side crash test ratings can be compared across vehicle categories.

Injury Measures

Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Passenger — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Head Protection

Driver — The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof and a side airbag that deployed from the seat.

Passenger — The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.

Head Restraints and Seat Whiplash Test

  • Type: Manual cloth seat
  • Overall evaluation GOOD
  • Dynamic rating GOOD
  • Seat/head restraint geometry GOOD

Important: Head restraints and seats ratings should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

Roof Strength Rollover Test

To measure roof strength, a metal plate is pushed against one corner of a vehicle's roof at a constant speed. The maximum force sustained by the roof before 5 inches of crush is compared to the vehicle's weight to find the strength-to-weight ratio. This is a good assessment of vehicle structural protection in rollover crashes.

Vehicles only need a strength-to-weight ratio of 1.5 to meet the federal regulation. The Fiat 500X roof can withstand more than 4 times its weight.
  • Overall evaluation GOOD
  • Curb weight 3,245 lbs
  • Peak force 13,837 lbs
  • Strength-to-weight ratio 4.26
Roof strength test ratings can be compared across vehicle categories.


Read more:



Sources: IIHS, Fiat USA
Images courtesy of IIHS media.
*The New Fiat Guide by Jan P Norbye 1969

Monday, October 5, 2015

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Specs

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio dimensions and specifications, including fuel economy, engine dyno chart and more.*

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Engine

GENERAL INFORMATION
Vehicle Type: Four-door D segment Sedan
Vehicle Class: Luxury Mid-Size Car Segment.
Assembly Plant: Cassino, Piedimonte San Germano, Italy
Original Introduction: February 2016 (Italy)


ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO ENGINE:
Type: 6–cylinder all–aluminum 2.9L 90° V6 Twin Turbo 510 HP
Bore x stroke: 3.42 x 3.23 (86,5 x 82 mm)
Displacement: 176.42 cu. in. (2891 cu. cm)
Weight: just over 441 lbs (200 kg)
Compression ratio: 9.3: 1

Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio Engine Dyno Chart

Maximum power HP (kW) @ rpm: 510 (375) @ 6500
Specific output: (176.4 bhp/liter)
Maximum torque Lbs./ft (Nm): @ rpm: 442.5 (600) @ 2500 – 5000
Power/Weight ratio (Kg/HP): 6.6 lbs/HP (2.9Kg/HP)

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO PERFORMANCE
Top speed mph (km/h): 191 (307)
Acceleration 0 – 62mph (100 km/h) 3.9 seconds
Nurburgring race track lap time: 7 minutes 39 seconds

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO FUEL ECONOMY – EMISSIONS (according to Directive 1999/100/CE)
Start&Stop System
Urban cycle consumption: 18.4 mpg (12,8 l/100 km)
Extra–urban cycle consumption: 38.6 mpg (6.1 l/100 km)
Combined cycle consumption: 27.6 mpg (8,5 l/100 km)
CO2 emissions (g/km): 198
Environmental classification: Euro 6

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO TRANSMISSION
Drive: rear
Gearbox: six–speed manual plus reverse gear
Differential: double-clutch torque vectoring type

Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio Body Material

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO BODY/CHASSIS
Layout: Longitudinal engined, rear-wheel drive
High–strength steel body
Aluminum fenders and doors,
Carbon fiber hood and roof, aerodynamic appendixes, driveshaft
All–aluminum suspensions

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO AERODYNAMICS
Drag coefficient (Cd): 0,32
Lift coefficient (Cl): –0,1 ***
Negative downforce measurement at 186 mph (300kmh): 220 lbs***

Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio Rear Suspension


ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO SUSPENSIONS
Front: double–wishbone with semi–virtual steering axle
electronically-controlled adaptive dampers
Rear: Alfa Link® = 4.5 link
electronically-controlled adaptive dampers

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO STEERING
Steering ratio: 11.8:1

Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio Plan View


ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO BRAKES
Integrated Brake System
Front: Vented rotors, size:
14.17 x 1.26 inch (360 x 32 mm)
15.35 x 1.34 inch (390 x 34 mm) **
Rear: Vented rotors, size:
13.78 x 1.10 inch (350 x 28 mm)
14.17 x 1.10 inch (360 x 28 mm) **
Braking distance: 62 - 0 mph= 105 ft (100 – 0 km/h 32 meters)

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO WHEELS AND TIRES
Front wheels: 8,5J x 19 inch
Rear wheels 10J x 19 inch
Front tires: 245/35 R19
Rear tires: 285/30 R19

Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio Widths


ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Overall Length: 182.6 inch (4,639 mm)
Wheelbase: 111.02 (2,820 mm)
Front Overhang: 31.3 inch (795 mm)
Rear Overhang: 40.3 inch (1024 mm)
Overall Width: 73.3 inch (1,873 mm)
79.69 (2024 mm) with mirrors
Overall Height: 59.8 inch (1,426 mm)
Curb Weight, lb. (kg): 3,360 (1,524)
Weight Distribution, percent F/R: 50/50
Trunk capacity: 480 liters
Fuel Tank Capacity, gal. (liter): 15.3 (58)


Read more:







** With carbon - ceramic brakes (optional)
*** With Alfa Active Aero activated

*Preliminary specs courtesy of FCA. Metric Units official, US Standard measurements provided for convenience.

Images courtesy of FCA.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Fiat 500 Sales for September 2015

2016 Fiat 500 Sport

Fiat brand sales for September were up over the same month last year, continuing the incremental sales growth started last month by the arrival of the 500X crossover. For the past two months, Fiat brand sales were up 1 %. Fiat 500X sales were up 10% over the previous month, helping offset 500 and 500L sales which have been down significantly so far this year.

Fiat sold a total of 1,133 500X models last month compared to 1029 units in August, and 962 in July - a steady increase as the Melfi factory pumps more cars into the supply chain. Fiat has been ramping up availability of the 500X, which hit the US market in just a few months ago.

Sales of 500 Hatch and Cabrios have not been so fortunate. Fiat sold a total of 1,926 of these models in September, down 30 % compared to last September. So far this year, 500 sales are down 20% compared to last year. The new, revised 2016 500 looks to reverse this and will be available in showrooms shortly.



Fiat 500L sales have stalled the past few months, corresponding to the arrival of the 500X. Some had argued that the 500X would steal sales away from the 500L and it looks like they may have a point. However, the 500L received a huge boost when Pope Francis used the car to tour the United States during last month's visit. The name 500L was all over the media so we will have to wait and see if there will be some divine intervention for sales coming soon.


Tell us what YOU think:

September Fiat News
September was a good month for Fiat enthusiasts. Fiat unveiled the new 2016 Fiats; Alfa Romeo debuted their fantastic new Giulia Quadrifoglio, and the Pope chose to tour the United States in a Fiat 500L.
2016 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio

The 2016 Fiat 500 offers new colors and a revised dashboard with an upgraded infotainment system. The Fiat 500L sports a new roof color available for the attractive Urbana special edition. Now the 500L Urbana can now be had with a red roof as well as last year's black. This special edition boasts unique trim for a decidedly sporty, sophisticated look.


Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Silverstone Grey


Alfa Romeo's spectacular Giulia Quadrifoglio made its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor show last month. The 510 hp Giulia QV is a sedan with literally supercar performance. It lapped the Nurburgring in an astonishing 7 minutes 38 seconds, which not only set the record as the fastest sedan ever to lap the legendary 'ring, but is also faster than many mid-engine exotics including the Lamborghini Murcielago. We'll have more on the Giulia Quadrifoglio as we get close to its North American unveiling rumored to be at the LA Auto Show in November.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Press Conference at Frankfurt Motor Show

Classic Fiat 124 Sport Spider


Speaking of the LA Auto Show, the new Fiat 124 Spider is also expected to be unveiled at the venue. The spiritual successor to the original 124 Spider circa 1966 - 1985, the new Spider combines the capable chassis of the Mazda Miata with a higher horsepower Fiat engine wrapped in an Italian redesigned outer skin. Between the new 124 Spider and Alfa Giulia, car enthusiasts in North America will have plenty of reasons to visit their local Fiat dealer this year.


The 2016 Fiat 500X received a software update for its Uconnect system. Owners of Fiats equipped with Uconnect should ocasionally check the Uconnect website for software updates that can be done at home. The following link shows how to do this in a 500X and has a link to Uconnect. Others cars are similar.



Fiat 500L Urbana
Fiat 500L Urbana


The end of September went out on a high note when Pope Francis during his three-city visit to the US chose a Fiat 500L as his method of transportation. Not only is the 500L a roomy and comfortable car, the choice of the 500L symbolized the Pontiffs commitment to protecting the environment and also his humility. For the sixth year in a row, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has been included in the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World. This recognition is reserved for only the top performing companies in the world in regards to sustainability, and FCA was one of only three automakers that made the list.



Fiat 500 Sales in the United States, January - September 2015
Fiat 500Current MonthLast YearVol ChangeCurrent YTD TotalLast Year YTD TotalVol Change
September 2015
500
500L
500X

     1,926
     339
     1,133
    3,398

   2,737
   623
     0
  3,360

  -30%
    -46%
    New
    1%

     21,329
     7,034
     3,132
    31,819

         26,616
           8,885
           0
         35,501

    -20%
    -21%
    New
    -10%
August 2015
500
500L
500X

     2,054
     305
     1,029
    3,388

   3,329
   33
     0
  3,362

   -38%
    824%
    New
    1%

     19,403
     6,695
     1,999
    28,421

         23,879
           8,262
           0
         32,141

    -19%
    -19%
    New
    -12%
July 2015
500
500L
500X

     1,959
     314
     962
    3,235

   2,371
   1,436
     0
  3,807

  -17%
    -78%
    New
    -15%

     17,349
     6,390
     1,294
    25,033

         20,550
           8,229
           0
         28,779

    -16%
    -22%
    New
    -13%
June 2015
500
500L
500X

     2,283
     530
     324
    3,137

  3,328
   1,150
     0
  4,478

  -31%
    -54%
    New
    -30%

     15,390
     6,076
     332
    21,798

         18,179
           6,793
           0
         24,972

    -15%
    -11%
    New
    -13%
May 2015
500
500L
500X

     2,614
    1,245
     8
    3,867

  3,337
   1,434
     0
  4,771

  -22%
    -13%
    New
    -19%

     13,107
     5,546
     8
    18,669

         14,851
           5,643
           0
         20,494

    -12%
    -2%
    New
     -9%
April 2015
500
500L

     2,498
    1,258
    3,756

  3,041
   1,257
  4,298

   -18%
    0%
    -13%

     10,493
     4,301
    14,794

         11,514
           4,209
         15,723

    -9%
    2%
     -6%
March 2015
500
500L

    3,276
    1,218
    4,494

  3,316
    1422
  4,738

    -1%
    -14%
     -5%

    7,995
     3,043
    11,038

         8,473
           2,952
         11,425

    -6%
    3%
     -3%
Feb 2015
500
500L

    2,333
     956
    3,289

  2,664
    801
  3,465

   -12%
    19%
     -5%

     4,719
     1,825
     6,544

         5,157
           1,530
         6,687

    -8%
    19%
     -2%
Jan 2015
500
500L

    2,386
     869
    3,255

  2,493
    729
  3,222

   -4%
    19%
     1%

     2,386
     869
     3,255

         2,493
            729
         3,222

    -4%
    19%
     1%



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