Search This Site

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Fiat at 2017 New York Auto Show

Fiat Abarth Spider and Megan Agrusa

The Fiat displayed its full model range at the 2017 New York International Auto Show (Apr 14 - Apr 23). The range, which started out in 2011 as a single model - the 500 Hatchback - has now blossomed into quite a few choices with something for most anyone. There's the stylish and fun 500 Hatch and Cabrio models, the fantastically roomy 500L family car, the classy and capable 500X crossover plus sporty models like the world renown 500 Abarth and 124 Abarth Spider.

Fiat 2017 New York Auto Show


One of Fiat's hallmarks is offering an extreme amount of value for the money. All their cars are typically loaded with features found in cars at much higher price points. In 2017, Fiat is pulling out the stops by lowering prices across the board on most models while at the same time increasing content.

Fiat 500X at 2017 New York Auto Show


Below is a look at various Fiats on display at the NY Auto Show, plus links to each model's 2017 updates and changes.

2017 Fiat 500 Lounge Cabrio

The 2017 Fiat 500c Lounge Cabrio on display showed off its ingenious sliding roof and gorgeous leather interior,. The folding roof design on the Cabrio offers open air thrills yet helps maintain the stiff body structure of the 500 for safety as well as comfort and driveability.

Fiat 500 Lounge Cabrio Interior

The 500c's steel frame side window design produces 70 percent less header shake then its key competitors, plus delivers class leading interior sound quality (quietest at 45 mph, 70 mph and lowest powertrain noise). An interesting detail is the windshield is slightly taller to help reduce wind buffeting and also to increase forward visibility for rear seat passengers.

2017 Fiat 500 Pop Cabrio

The Fiat 500c Pop Cabrio is the most affordable convertible in America and comes loaded with features. What's more, the 2017 500c Pop Cabrio is an incredible $4,905 less than the comparable 2016 model!

Fiat 500 Pop Cabrio Interior

The interior of the 500c Pop Cabrio is high style all the way. Besides the good looks, there is substance with over 35 safety and security features available, most of which are included at no extra cost.



2017 Fiat 500 Abarth

The Abarth name is a legend in the automotive world with a history of producing championship winning high performance race cars from everyday Fiats. Just like the Abarths from the past, the company takes the standard Fiat 500 and gives it the full treatment by upgrading suspension, brakes and driveline. With 70 percent more engine torque, and 59 percent more power compared to the regular Fiat 500, the Abarth 500 is one wicked machine. In fact, the 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth is the most powerful small sports car under $20,000. New for 2017, Fiat has reduced the price of the 500 Abarth between $2500 and $5200 depending on the model.

Fiat 500 Abarth Interior

Carlo Abarth, the founder of Abarth & Co, was an accomplished racing driver, entrepreneur and engine tuner but also a man of impeccable style. He made sure all his creations looked the part with a serious dose of attitude and toughness. The Fiat 500 Abarth caries on the tradition.



2017 Fiat 500L Urbana

The Fiat 500L is the car for people that need room but don't want to drive a mini-van. Within its compact exterior dimensions, the 500L pacts the interior room of a fullsize car. Along with all that room is a European driving experience which means excellent roadability with great high-speed stability, tight back road handling and sure footed braking. The Fiat 500L is the best selling car in its class in Europe and offers fantastic value here in the United States. For 2017, Fiat has simplified the model lineup, increased features and content and reduced prices. The Fiat 500L may be the best value in family cars on the market today.




2017 Fiat 500X Trekking

The Fiat 500X is what you get when you take a Jeep drivetrain and dress it in Italian style and give it European driving characteristics. The classy and capable Fiat 500X is the crossover for people who never thought they would drive one.


2017 Fiat 500X Lounge

Available in two design themes - the sophisticated Urban look or the athletic Trekking edition - the 500X offers something for everyone. The 500X is more than just a good looking car, though, and it is loaded with up to 70 standard and available safety and security features. It is no wonder that in Europe the 500X is a top seller in its class.


Fiat 500X Trekking in Arancio

New for 2017, the 500X model lineup gets simplified going from 5 trim packages from last year down to 3 this year. Feature content is up and option package prices have been dramatically reduced, making the 500X the most affordable European crossover available in this country.


Fiat 124 Spider Lusso

The Fiat 124 Spider was one of the most highly anticipated cars of the past year. Just like the original 1960s 124 Spider that was a revelation of refinement in its class, the new Spider has all the comfort and sophistication you expect in a European roadster along with performance.


Fiat 124 Spider Abarth

Designed in Italy under the watchful eye of Felix Kilbertus, former lead designer at Pininfarina, the new Spider brings back the flavor of the classic Spiders of the past but with a thoroughly modern interpretation. New for this year are added colors and the ability to mix and match options compared to last year.


Fiat 124 Abarth Spider

The 124 Spider Abarth is the ultimate Spider for those who want the utmost in performance and aggressive looks. The optional hand-painted Racing Heritage blacked-out hood and trunk recall the legendary Fiat Abarth 124 Rally cars from the 1970s. It should be noted that the Abarth Spider in Europe is a limited production car that commands a €40,000 ($42,900) price tag, however in the US the car is priced starting at $28,195. It is one of the great sports car buys out there.




Images: Author

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Lineup Debuts in NY

Alfa Romeo Stelvio


Folks attending the 2017 New York International Auto Show (Apr 14 - Apr 23) will be treated to Alfa Romeo debuting their new Stelvio high-performance SUV model range. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers top of the class power and performance wrapped in high-style Italian bodywork.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio


The powerful all-wheel-drive SUV comes in three models: Stelvio, Stelvio Ti, and Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Each model has impressive stats. The Stelvio and Stelvio Ti feature an all-aluminum, 4-cylinder 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbo engine, pumping out 280 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing the cars to achieve 0-60 mph in an estimated 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 144 mph.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio


The top of the line Stelvio Quadrifoglio is even more impressive and has an all-aluminum, direct-injection, 2.9-liter, 24-valve, twin-turbo intercooled V-6 engine with 505 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft. of torque. The Stelvio QV can get to 0-60 mph in an estimated 3.9 seconds and has a mind-numbing top speed of 177 mph.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV is said to be the fastest SUV ever to lap the Nurburgring, with a top lap time of 7 minutes 59.00 seconds, laying waste to competitors like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S (7:59.79), Cayenne Turbo (8:13.00) and Range Rover Sport SVR (8:14.00).

Alfa Stelvio


Sales of the Stelvio are expected to begin in the second or third quarter this year.

Fiat500USA.com will be at the New York Auto Show and posting images during press day, Wednesday, April 12. Check our social media pages during the day.


Below is the full Alfa Romeo Press Release plus links to other Alfa Romeo Articles:



Alfa Romeo Stelvio in Silver

Alfa Romeo Debuts the 2018 Stelvio SUV Lineup at the 2017 New York International Auto Show



  • Building on the excitement of the award-winning 4C and the all-new Giulia premium mid-size sedan, Alfa Romeo introduces the 2018 Stelvio and Stelvio Ti to North America
  • All Stelvio models feature a near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, class-leading power and performance and an eight-speed automatic transmission with available steering column-mounted aluminum paddle shifters with gear shifts in less than 100 milliseconds
  • Stelvio and Stelvio Ti models feature the Q4 all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, standard leather seats, bi-xenon headlamps, and an all-aluminum, 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbo I-4 engine, delivering a class-leading, standard 280 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing it to achieve 0-60 mph in an estimated 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 144 mph
  • The innovative Q4 AWD system, standard on all Stelvio models, including the Quadrifoglio, provides all-season traction and superior control in all weather conditions
  • Iconic Alfa Romeo design and genuine Italian craftsmanship combine to create a premium mid-size SUV that truly stands apart
  • Stelvio also offers innovative safety and security features and leverages advanced driver-assist features, including available Full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus
  • Crafted by Alfa Romeo artisans at the Cassino plant in Frosinone, Italy



April 6, 2017 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Expanding Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio lineup beyond the ultra-high-performance Quadrifoglio, Stelvio and Stelvio Ti models further highlight the second of a new generation of vehicles embodying Alfa Romeo’s La meccanica delle emozioni (the mechanics of emotion) spirit. The full Stelvio lineup brings world-class performance, advanced technologies, seductive Italian style and an exhilarating driving experience to the premium mid-size SUV segment.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Dashboard


“The 2018 Stelvio lineup marks Alfa Romeo’s venture into the second fastest-growing premium segment and an important next chapter of the brand’s rich 105-year heritage as we continue to grow in North America,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo. “From the new Stelvio and Stelvio Ti models, to the ultra-high-performance Quadrifoglio model, each of our Alfa Romeo SUVs deliver class-leading power and driving dynamics, standard all-wheel drive, next-level technologies and race-inspired performance, plus gorgeous design and breathtaking style that could only be from an SUV born in Italy.”

Three exhilarating, capable Stelvio models showcase Alfa Romeo’s captivating mix of Italian performance, style and technology
Crafted by Alfa Romeo artisans at the Cassino plant in Italy, the all-new 2018 Stelvio lineup is a testament to Alfa Romeo’s perfect balance of engineering and emotion, creating a premium mid-size SUV for driving enthusiasts that stands out in one of the largest and fastest-growing segments in the U.S.


Alfa Romeo Stelvio in Rosso


Stelvio and Stelvio Ti models
The true manifestation of Italian performance, craftsmanship and design, the all-new 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Stelvio Ti models provide a wide-ranging list of standard features, including an all-aluminum, 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbo I-4 engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering a class-leading 280 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque, Alfa DNA drive mode selector, class-exclusive carbon fiber driveshaft, dual exhaust with bright tips, 18-inch aluminum wheels (available 19- and 20-inch wheels), leather seating, backup camera with rear park sensors, remote start, passive entry with keyless & go, Formula One-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated push-button start.



Alfa Romeo Stelvio Seats


Crafting control: Q4 all-wheel-drive
The intelligent Q4 all-wheel-drive (AWD) system – standard on all Stelvio models, including Quadrifoglio – delivers even more all-season traction and performance capability, thanks to the system’s ability to transfer up to 60 percent of the engine’s torque to the front axle.

In addition to the expansive list of standard features in the all-new Stelvio, Stelvio Ti adds even more luxury and convenience offerings, including standard 19-inch wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, front park sensors, genuine wood interior accents and an 8.8-inch widescreen infotainment display. Available Sport and Lusso packages provide drivers with two unique offerings that further accentuate the bold characteristics of Stelvio Ti.


Alfa Romeo Stelvio Front Seats


Monday, April 3, 2017

Fiat Sales For March 2017

2017 Fiat 500C Lounge

Fiat sales for March 2017 showed some improvements. The Fiat 500 had its best sales month since December 2015. Fiat sold a total of 1,671 hatch and Cabrios in March, up 12% from the same month a year ago. The Fiat 124 Spider also did well in March, having its best sales month since October of last year. Fiat sold 419 Spiders last month, up 39 % from the previous month.


Fiat 124 Spider

While overall sales of the 500L and 500X models were down from the same period a year ago, both models did see an increase over the previous month. March sales of the 500L were up 47 % compared to February, and Fiat 500X sales were up 13% compared to the same period. It was the 500X crossover's best sales month since December 2016.



Fiat 500X


Fiat News for March
Registration for the largest Fiat event of the year started last month. The Fiat FreakOut is now in its 34th year and should not be missed.



Abarth 595 Pista


Abarth fans visiting the 2017 Geneva Motor Show were treated to several new editions to the Abarth model lineup. The new Abarth 595 Pista, Abarth 695 Yamaha XSR special and the Abarth 124 Spider Scorpione. We have video of the show plus images of the new models.


Fiat 500S


The Fiat display at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Fiat 500 and highlighted the latest special editions of the Fiat brand.



Fiat Brand Sales in the United States, January - March 2017
Fiat 500Current MonthLast YearVol ChangeCurrent YTDLast Year YTDVol Change
March
500
500L
500X
124

    1,671
    106
    726
    419
    2,922

 1,494
 535
 1,056
 0
  3,085

  12%
   -80%
   -31%
    New
   -5%

    4,020
    284
    1966
    961
    7,231

        3595
       1262
       3,258
           0
        8,115

    12%
    -77%
    -40%
    New
    -11%
Feb
500
500L
500X
124

    1,131
    72
    640
    302
    2,145

 1120
 370
 1,161
 0
  2,651

  1%
   -81%
   -45%
    New
   -19%

    2,349
    178
    1240
    542
    4,309

        2101
       727
       2,202
           0
        5,030

    12%
    -76%
    -44%
    New
    -14%
Jan
500
500L
500X
124

    1,218
    106
    600
    240
    2,164

 981
 357
 1,041
 0
  2,379

  24%
   -70%
   -40%
    New
   -9%

    1,218
    106
    600
    240
    2,164

        981
       357
       1,041
           0
        2,379

    24%
    -70%
    -42%
    New
    -9%



Sources: FCA US LLC.
Images: FCA and author