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Friday, February 23, 2018

Fiat 500L Hits 500,000 Milestone

Half millionth 500L

The 500,000 Fiat 500L rolled off the assembly line at the FCA plant in Kragujevac, Serbia yesterday. The fun to drive Fiat 500L MPV is known for packing full-size interior room within its sub-compact outside dimensions and for being the best selling car in its market segment in Europe.



Introduced in 2012, the Fiat 500L has been the top-selling car of its type for five years throughout the continent. Since 2017, Fiat 500L has gained a market share of approximately 22 percent in Europe and has exceeded 52 percent in Italy. In January 2018, sales in Europe were up 5 percent year-over-year.

2018 Fiat 500L USA model

Fiat 500L sales in the US have also been up an average of 30 % over the past six months compared to the same period a year ago.

The 2018 Fiat 500L has been given a makeover and features a redesigned exterior with new colors, plus a revamped interior offering numerous comfort and convenience enhancements.




The 500,000th Fiat 500L was produced on February 22, 2018, and was a 500L Cross 1.6 MultiJet 120 HP in two-tone Sicilia Orange with a black roof. The 500L factory at Kragujevac was opened in April 2012 following three years of renovations and a billion Euro investment, making it one of the most modern automotive production facilities in Europe.


Read more:


Tuesday, February 13, 2018

2018 Fiat Freezeout Held at DICorse

Lancia Delta HF Integrale
This rare, Martini limited edition Lancia Delta HF Integrale owned by DICorse / Driving Impressions was one of the cars on hand at the Fiat Freezeout


Our friends at the New Jersey Chapter of the Fiat Club America (FCA) held the annual Fiat Freezeout event earlier this month. Fiat Freezeout is a great way to beat the winter blues by hanging out with fellow Italian auto enthusiasts and enjoy cars, refreshments, and more cars!

2018 Fiat Freezeout Party
The NJ Chapter of the FCA club is a new chapter but is growing by leaps and bounds. The event held on a cold February day had over 55 people from 5 states attend.*


This year's event was held at the Driving Impressions / DiCorse facility in Dover, New Jersey. Bob Zecca from DICorse and Driving Impressions is a longtime Italian car enthusiast and is one of the founders of the NJ Chapter of the FCA Club. Bob has a passion for racing and has a great collection of cars. DICorse / Driving Impressions not only offers top-quality accessories and racing gear for your car from companies like DNA and Seletron Chipbox and many others, but also has a full-service shop. They know Italian cars!


Abarth 500 Mefistofele
Another DICorse / Driving Impressions car was this Abarth 500 they brought in from Italy. Nicknamed Mefistofele, it is said to be the fastest Abarth 500 in the world with 325 hp and a 178 mph top speed. You can read more about the Abarth 500 Mefistofele here.


The New Jersey Chapter of the FCA Club is vibrant and one of the fastest growing chapters in the country with plenty of activities and energy. Italian cars thrive at high-speed on the Autostrada and twisty mountain roads, and there is no better place to experience the full potential of these cars than on a race track. Bob's racing background comes into play, and the club has track days planned as well as the usual drives and get-togethers.

DICorse racetrack simulator
Driving Impressions has a racetrack simulator that was a big hit at the Freezeout.  Anyone within driving distance of Dover, NJ needs to check it out.

The neat thing is that these track venues don't necessarily mean racing and some of these events are about enjoying your car at a speed you feel comfortable with without competing and without the fear of tickets or unsafe roads.


World Rally Legend Lancia Delta
World Rally Champion says it all...

Being in the FCA club also means you have fellow members that can share their know-how and experience with the cars. Some members have 50+ years of expertise on these cars and have a wealth of information they happily share. The club chapters all work together, and FCA club is one big family where everyone is welcomed.


500 Abarth Mefistofele
Another shot of the Abarth 500 Mefistofele

500 Abarth Mefistofele interior
Inside of the purpose built racer Mefistofele.

One of the pleasures of owning an Italian car is it is unique in the world of boring, everyday cars. Sharing your enthusiasm with like-minded, friendly people is an excellent way to enjoy your car even more and is highly recommended. You can find your local FCA Club Chapter here and don't forget to stop by the FCA Forum hosted by Fiat 500 USA.

Important links:




*Image courtesy of the NJ FCA Club. All others are the Author's.

Monday, February 12, 2018

Fiat Press Conference at Chicago Show

2018 Fiat 500 Press Conference

Full 2018 Fiat 500 introduction press conference held at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. In the video, Matt McAlear, Senior Manager Product Development, Passenger Car Brands, FCA, introduces the 2018 Fiat model lineup, plus answers questions at the end.




Unfortunately, this video was removed off of YouTube, but we have some highlights below:

Thursday, February 8, 2018

2018 Fiat 500 and Abarth Features and Options

2018 Fiat 500


The complete list of features and options available on the 2018 Fiat 500 and 500 Abarth.

2018 Fiat 500 Revealed!

2018 Fiat 500 USA

Fiat has announced the new 2018 Fiat 500 lineup, and the big news is all models will feature a turbocharged engine. We reported last month that standard engine in the 2018 500 Pop and Lounge was rumored to be the 135hp MultiAir Turbo and today it is confirmed.

Forum post from September 2017:

2018 Fiat 500 Cabrio USA


There are three models available in 2018: the Pop, Lounge and the 500 Abarth (the Abarth will be discussed later in this article). Pop and Lounge models now have the 135 hp MultiAir Turbo engine, previously used in the 2013-2016 500 Turbo model. This turbocharged engine replaces the standard normally aspirated 101 hp MultiAir engine used since the 500's introduction in the US in 2011.




2018 Fiat 500 Cabrio


The change comes as the result of listening to potential buyers wishing for more power in Pop and Lounge models. Owning a Fiat 500 is all about fun and having an additional 34 horsepower compared to last year should bring even more enjoyment. The 2018 Fiat 500 now has more standard horsepower than any of its competitors.

Additionally, the 500 features a selectable "Sport" mode via a button on the instrument panel that delivers a more aggressive driving experience. In Sport mode, the automatic transmission uses a more aggressive shift schedule and throttle map for sharper engine responsiveness. Steering feel is also firmed up for added control.

2018 Fiat 500 Cabrio Rear


To handle the 33 percent increase in power, Pop and Lounge models also get upgraded with larger brakes, heavy-duty transmission, and a sports suspension. It should be noted that the new engine in the Pop and Lounge is the same one used in the 160hp 500 Abarth, but detuned to provide a more relaxed and quiet drive. Unlike the unmuffled, hardcore performance 500 Abarth these models do have a muffler!


2018 Fiat 500


Other changes for 2018 bring the 500 Pop upmarket. Like the drivetrain, exterior upgrades are also sourced from the 500T, with the front and rear fascias, side skirts, rear diffuser and exhaust treatments being identical to the former model. A sport spoiler, fog lamps and Turbo badge on the liftgate are also included. The luxurious Lounge models get all the same exterior upgrades as the Pop.

2018 Fiat 500 Turbo Badge


Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are now standard on Pop and Lounge models, replacing the fifteen-inch alloys from last year. Each model has their own unique wheel.

2018 Fiat 500 ParkView


Inside, a ParkView rear backup camera is now standard on all models and has been added to the Uconnect 5.0 with the 5-inch touchscreen.

2018 Fiat 500 Cabrio Interior


The 2018 model year also features three new colors with late availability – Brillante Red, Mezzanotte Blue Pearl and Vesuvio Black Pearl. All in all, there are a total of 11 exterior paint color choices. Curiously, this appears to be down from the 15 colors available last year.

2018 Available Exterior Colors:
• Brillante Red (new for 2018; late availability)
• Luminosa Orange
• Oliva Green Pearl
• Metallo Gray
• Laser Blue Metallic
• Mezzanotte Blue Pearl (new for 2018; late availability)
• Granito Gray
• Pompei Silver
• Vesuvio Black Pearl (new for 2018; late availability)
• Perla White Tri-coat
• Bianco White Ice

2017 Available Exterior Colors
• Billet Argento (Billet Silver) Metallic Clear Coat
• Laser Blu Azzurro (Laser Blue) Pearl Coat
• Bianco (White) Clear Coat
• Giallo Moderna Perla (Modern Yellow Pearl) Tri-coat
• Grigio Cenre (Light Gray) Clear Coatx
• Celeste Blue (Light Blue) Clear Coatx
• Granito Lucente (Granite Crystal) Metallic Clear Coat
• Spitfire Orange Clear Coat
• Latte Menta (Light Green) Clear Coat
• Rhino (Dark Gray) Clear Coat
• Nero Puro (Black Gloss) Clear Coat
• Rosso (Red) Clear Coat
• Verde Chiaro (Green) Clear Coat
• Verde Oliva (Olive Green) Pearl Coat
• Bianco Perla (Pearl White) Tri-coat

2018 Fiat 500e Electric Vehicle


2018 Fiat 500e
The Fiat 500e electric vehicle returns for 2018 and is available in California and Oregon.

2018 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio


2018 Fiat 500 Abarth
The 2018 Fiat 500 Abarth soldiers on unchanged from 2017 other than the addition of a standard ParkView rear backup camera. Continued on from last year is the free enrollment to the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving for new owners of a 500 Abarth.


Dealers will begin taking orders for 2018 Fiat 500 models starting this month, with cars anticipated arriving in the second quarter of the year. Pricing is yet to be announced but should follow shortly.

Combine the dramatically upgraded power with the 500's Italian style and charisma, and the 2018 model year 500 may be the best yet.





Below you can read the full 2018 Fiat 500 USA press release after the  line break:

FIAT Brand Introduces All-turbo 500 Lineup for 2018


2018 Fiat 500 and 500 Abarth Specs



2018 Fiat 500 / 500 Abarth SPECIFICATIONS


Specifications are based on the latest product information available at the time of publication.
All dimensions are in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted.
All dimensions measured at curb weight with standard tires and wheels.


GENERAL INFORMATION
Vehicle Type A-segment hatchback (500) or cabrio (500c)
EPA Vehicle Class Mini-compact
Assembly Plant Toluca, Mexico
Introduction Date Spring 2011 as a 2012 model
Fiat 500 Abarth: Spring 2012 as a 2012 model
Fiat 500c Abarth: Spring 2013 as a 2013 model

BODY AND CHASSIS
Layout Transverse-mounted front engine, front-wheel drive (FWD)
Construction Unitized steel body

ENGINE: 1.4-LITER TURBOCHARGED MULTIAIR I-4
Availability Standard — Fiat 500 Pop and Lounge
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 (72.0 x 84.0)
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) 18 psi / 1.24 bar
Power (SAE) 135 hp (101 kW) @ 5,500 rpm (98.7 bhp/liter)
Torque (SAE) 150 lb.-ft. (203 N•m) @ 2,400-4,200 rpm
Max. Engine Speed 6,500 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel Requirement 87 octane (R+M)/2 acceptable
91 octane recommended
Oil Capacity 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with dry filter
Coolant Capacity 4.6 quarts (14.4 liters)
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) 28 / 33 / 30 with five-speed manual transmission
24 / 32 / 27 with six-speed automatic transmission
Engine Assembly Plant Termoli, Italy

ENGINE: 1.4-LITER TURBOCHARGED MULTIAIR I-4
Availability Standard — Fiat 500 Abarth and 500c Abarth
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 (72.0 x 84.0)
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) 18 psi / 1.24 bar
Power (SAE) 160 hp (119 kW) @ 5,500 rpm (117 hp/liter)
(with five-speed manual)
157 hp (117 kW) @ 5,500 rpm (114.8 hp/liter)
(with six-speed automatic)
Torque (SAE) 170 lb.-ft. (230 N•m) @ 2,500-4,000 rpm
(with five-speed manual)
183 lb.-ft. (248 N•m) @ 2,400-4,000 rpm
(with six-speed automatic)
Max. Engine Speed 6,500 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel Requirement 87 octane (R+M)/2 acceptable
91 octane recommended
Oil Capacity 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with dry filter
Coolant Capacity 4.6 quarts (14.4 liters)
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) 28 / 33 / 30 with five-speed manual transmission
24 / 32 / 27 with six-speed automatic transmission
Engine Assembly Plant Termoli, Italy



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

TRANSMISSION: AISIN SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC
Availability Optional
Description Auto Stick driver-interactive manual control and electronically modulated torque converter clutch
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 3.50
Overall Top Gear 2.35

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator 120-amp
Battery 500 CCA, maintenance free

SUSPENSION
Sport-tuned shock absorbers, springs and performance-designed lower-control arm — 500 Pop and Lounge
MacPherson suspension, coil spring with KONI frequency
selective damping (FSD) twin-tube struts and stabilizer bar — 500 Abarth
Rear Sport-tuned shock absorbers and springs — 500 Pop and Lounge
Rear twist-beam axle with coil springs and twin-tube shock
absorbers with 0.86 (22 mm) solid stabilizer bar — 500 Abarth

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


BRAKES
Availability Standard
Front
Rotor size and type 11.1 x 0.86 (282 x 22) vented
Caliper size and type 2.12 (54) single-piston with aluminum housing
Swept area 193 sq. in. (1,244 sq. cm)
Rear
Rotor size and type 9.4 x 0.4 (240 x 11) solid
Caliper size and type 1.33 (34) single-piston with aluminum housing
Swept area 153 sq. in. (984 sq. cm)

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Wheelbase 90.6 (2,300)
Track, Front 55.4 (1,406.8)
Track, Rear 55.0 (1,397.0)
Overall Length 144.4 (3,667.3)
Overall Width 64.1 (1,627.0)
73.5 (1,866.0 with side mirrors)
Overall Height 500 Pop and Lounge — 59.8 (1,519)
500 Abarth — 59.2 (1,502) to antenna base
500 Abarth — 58.7 (1,490) to roof
500c Abarth — 59.2 (1,504) to roof

Ground Clearance 500 Pop and Lounge — 4.5 (114)
500 Abarth — 4.1 (103.7)
500c Abarth — 4.6 (117.2)
Drag Coefficient (Cd) 500 Pop and Lounge — 0.362
500 Abarth — 0.352
Curb Weight, lb. (kg) 500 Pop and Lounge with five-speed manual — 2,505 (1,136)
500 Pop and Lounge with six-speed automatic — 2,576 (1,168)
500 Abarth — 2,512 (1,141.8)
500c Abarth — 2,545 (1,154.2)
Weight Distribution, % F/R 500 Pop and Lounge with five-speed manual — 65/35
500 Pop and Lounge with six-speed automatic — 66/34
500 Abarth: 64/36
Fuel Tank Capacity, gallon (liter) 10.5 (40)
(d) All dimensions measured at curb weight with standard tires.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Seating Capacity, F/R 2/2
Front Seat
Headroom 500 — 38.9 (989.1)
500 with sunroof — 37.6 (956.3)
500c — 38.6 (980)
Legroom 40.7 (1,034.8)
Shoulder room 49.4 (1,254.8)
Hip room 47.8 (1,215.3)
Total seat travel Driver — 8.2 (210.0)
Passenger — 8.2 (210.0)
EPA front row interior volume 500 — 45.3 cu. ft. (1.282 cu. m)
500c — 44.9 cu. ft. (1.272 cu. m)

Rear Seat
Headroom 500 — 35.6 (903)
500c — 36.8 (934)
Legroom 31.7 (805.1)
Shoulder room 46.4 (1,177.5)
Hip room 42.6 (1,083.1)
EPA second row interior volume 500 — 30.2 cu. ft. (0.855 cu. m)
500c — 31.3 cu. ft. (0.886 cu. m)
Total Passenger Interior Volume 500 — 75.5 cu. ft. (2.137 cu. m)
500c — 76.2 cu. ft. (2.159 cu. m)
EPA Luggage Compartment Volume 500 — 9.5 cu. ft. (0.269 cu. m)
500c — 5.4 cu. ft. (0.152 cu. m)
EPA Interior Volume Index 500 — 84.9 cu. ft. (2.405 cu. m)
500c — 81.6 cu. ft. (2.311 cu. m)
Trunk Liftover Height 500 — 27.2 (690.9)
500c — 27.7 (703.6)

WHEELS
Availability Standard — 500 and 500c Pop
Type and material Aluminum Titanium semi-gloss
Size 16 x 6.5

Availability Optional — 500 and 500c Pop
Type and material Polished aluminum with Mineral Gray pockets
Size 16 x 6.5

Availability Standard — 500 and 500c Lounge
Type and material Aluminum, painted Tech Silver
Size 16 x 6.5

Availability Optional — 500 and 500c Lounge
Type and material Bright aluminum, fully painted
Size 16 x 6.5

Availability Standard — 500 and 500c Abarth
Type and material Forged Hyper Black aluminum
Size 16 x 6.5

Availability Optional — 500 and 500c Abarth
Type and material Forged Hyper Black aluminum
Size 17 x 7

Availability Optional — 500 and 500c Abarth
Type and material Bronze forged aluminum
Size 17 x 7

TIRES
Availability Standard
Size and type 195/45R16XL BSW All-season
Mfr. and model Pirelli Cinturato P7 A/S or Continental ContiProContact
Revs per mile (km) 901 (560) or 911 (566)

Availability Optional — 500 and 500c Abarth
Size and type 205/40R17XL BSW
Mfr. and model Pirelli P-Zero Nero Three-season
Revs per mile (km) 877 (545)





Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Confirmed: Abarth Steering Wheel Badge Coming!

2019 Abarth Spider Steering Wheel

Fiat500USA.com has confirmed the 2019 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth will come with Abarth badging on its steering wheel and seatbacks embroidered with the Abarth name.

Abarth Embroidered Seat Backs
Note:the above pictures are of the European Abarth 124 Spider. Images of the US version are not available, but are anticipated to look similar.

When the Abarth version of the Fiat 124 Spider was first announced in March 2016, the car was initially badged as the Fiat 124 Spider with an Elaborazione Abarth emblem on the side. The name Elaborazione Abarth is loosely translated to Tuned by Abarth meaning that the car had an Abarth option package.

Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth


American Abarth enthusiasts were taken by surprise - they wanted the full Abarth treatment and badging - and took to the forum to voice their opinion. You can read the discussions here on the Fiat 124 Spider Forum.



Elaborazione Abarth Badge


Condensing their views, this author put together a letter to some key players in the company petitioning for the new car to have more power and the car be badged as an Abarth. The Fiat USA listened to their fan base and out went the Elaborazione badge and Fiat emblems and in came the full Abarth branding including the added horsepower of the European car.


Fiat 124 Spider Abarth


An interesting bit of trivia is Fiat USA had to seek approval from Abarth & Co. to call the car an Abarth. Sources say it was not just a straightforward name change and required some negotiations. In Europe, the Abarth brand is a separate division from Fiat and is run with different leadership with their own objectives.

One sticking point was the Abarth logos for the interior. Changing the steering wheel badging was not as simple as slapping a badge on and calling it done as the badge is attached to the airbag cover. That would mean recertifying the airbag system which would take at least one year to complete. The embroidered Abarth logo on the seats (which also contain airbags) faced a similar delay. This is discussed in this article:


2019 Fiat 124 Spider production begins in April with cars anticipated arriving in September/October. See your Fiat Dealer for details!

Read more:



2019 Fiat 124 Spider

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Fiat Sales for January 2018

Fiat 500C in Snow

Fiat brand sales for January 2018 totaled 1,229 units, a 43 percent decline compared to the same month last year.  This is the lowest sales figure recorded since April 2011, which was when the brand was only on sale for its second month here in the US.



Fiat Shines Through


Fiat News for January
Last month we recapped sales figures for 2017 and discussed some of the changes coming to the 2018 Fiat lineup.



Fiat 500 Production Line


Fiat500USA.com confirmed a new 2018 Fiat 500 hatch and Cabrio is on its way and will continue to be produced in Toluca, Mexico.  With luck, we'll hear about the new model soon.


Abarth 124 Spider


This site also broke the news that the much anticipated Record Monza exhaust system for the Fiat 124 Spider will be available shortly and the first batch of 2019 Fiat 124 Spider Abarths ordered with this optional performance exhaust system will have a special commemorative badge.



Sergio Marchionne held two press conferences at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show and we have the full conferences here:



Fiat Brand Sales in the United States, January 2018
Fiat 500Current MonthLast YearVol ChangeCurrent YTDLast Year YTDVol Change
Jan
500
500L
500X
124

    454
    104
    488
    183
    1,229

 1218
 106
 606
 240
  2,164

  -63%
   -2%
   -19%
   -24%
   -43%

    454
    104
    488
    183
    1,229

        1,218
       106
       600
           240
        2,164

    -63%
    -2%
    -19%
    -24%
    -43%



Sources: FCA US LLC.
Images: FCA and author