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Thursday, March 29, 2018

Fiat at 2018 New York Auto Show

Fiat display at the NY Auto Show

Fiat showed off their full model lineup at the 2018 New York Auto Show.


Spider Abarth and Megan Agrusa

Fiat's brand ambassador Megan Agrusa

2018 Fiat 500 Urbana

The new Fiat 500 Urbana made its public debut at the 2018 NY Auto Show.



2018 Fiat 500 and 124 Spider

Fiat 500 Urbana and the Fiat 124 Spider.  Fiat has a full range of cars - from sports to family haulers.

2018 Fiat 500X Urbana

The new Fit 500X Urbana features gunmetal trim and gives a Euro-chic look.

2018 Fiat 500L Trekking

Redesigned for 2018, the Fiat 500L MPV has the room of a full size car within its small car exterior.

2018 Fiat 500 Abarth

The Fiat 500 Abarth is the least expensive turbocharged sports car on the market.

2018 Fiat 500X Lounge

The Fiat 500X is available with a cutting edge AWD system.

Read more about the 500X AWD System

2018 Fiats

All Fiat models now come with a turbocharged engine as standard equipment.

Fiat Mopar Accessories

Fiats are all about personalizing and enjoying life. Mopar has a full range of accessories for all models, plus there is an active aftermarket offering all sorts of customizing and parts.




Images by author

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

2018 Fiat 500 Urbana Revealed

2018 Fiat 500 Urbana


Fiat will be unveiling a new special edition at the New York Auto Show this week. The new 2018 Fiat 500 Urbana features unique trim and tasteful accents that give the car a tough, urban racer look. The 500 Urbana joins the 500X and 500L Urbana editions that Fiat already offers in those models.

2018 Fiat 500 Urbana rear
Urbana translates to 'Urban' in Italian

Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands, Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT – FCA North America is quoted saying:

“With an all-turbo Fiat 500 lineup in 2018, our Italian-designed, fun-to-drive icon now comes standard with more horsepower than any of its competitors. With the addition of our new Fiat 500 Urbana Edition, we’re creating a new custom, personalized option for our customers.”

Read more:

2018 Fiat 500 Urbana front


Included in the 2018 500 Urbana is black-trimmed exterior lights, 16-inch hyper-black aluminum wheels with Urbana Edition design elements. Available colors are Pompei Silver, Bianco White Ice, Perla White Tri-coat, Granito Gray and Metallo Gray.

2018 Fiat 500 Urbana rear detail

Inside, the 500 Urbana gets black Sport Cloth front bucket seats with silver accent stitching and a black dash panel.



Look for the 2018 Fiat 500 Urbana Edition at your dealer this Spring.




Tuesday, March 13, 2018

2018 Fiat 124 Spider and Abarth Specs

Fiat 124 Spider Cross Section

2018 Fiat 124 Spider and 124 Spider Abarth Complete Specifications

specifications are based on the latest information at the time publication


FIAT 124 SPIDER GENERAL INFORMATION
Body Style: Roadster
Assembly Plant: Hiroshima, Japan
EPA Vehicle Class: Two-seater
Introduction Date: Summer 2016 as a 2017 model

FIAT 124 SPIDER BODY AND CHASSIS
Layout: Monocoque unibody; front and rear suspension subframes
Construction: High-tensile strength steel body to improve rigidity; double-wishbone
suspension at the front and multi-link at the rear; sport suspension

BODY AND CHASSIS
Layout Monocoque unibody; front and rear suspension subframes
Construction High-tensile strength steel body to improve rigidity; double-wishbone
suspension at the front and multi-link at the rear; sport suspension


Fiat 124 Spider Engine Compartment


ENGINE: 1.4-LITER TURBOCHARGED MULTIAIR I-4
Availability: Standard
Type and Description: In-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, turbocharged
Displacement: 83.48 cu. in. (1,368 cc)
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) 22 psi / 2.49 bar
Power(SAE):
160 hp (119 kW) @ 5,500 rpm (Classica and Lusso)
164 hp (123 kW) @ 5,500 rpm (Abarth)
Torque (SAE):
184 lb.-ft. (250 N•m) @ 3,200 rpm (Classica, Lusso, Abarth in normal mode)
184 lb.-ft. (250 N•m) @ 2,500 rpm (Abarth in Sport mode)
Max. Engine Speed: 6,250 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
7.6 qt. (7.2 liter) six-speed manual
7.5 qt. (7.1 liter) six-speed automatic
Emission Controls:
Three-way catalytic converter, heated oxygen sensors and internal
engine features
Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined):
26/35/30 six-speed manual transmission
25/36/29 six-speed automatic transmission
Towing: Not recommended
Engine Assembly Plant: Termoli, Italy


B400 AISIN SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Availability: Classica, Lusso, Abarth
Description:
Planetary gear train, longitudinal layout
Paddle-shifted driver-interactive manual control (Abarth)
Gear Ratios
1st: 3.53
2nd: 2.06
3rd 1.40
4th: 1.00
5th: 0.71
6th: 0.58
Reverse: 3.16
Axle Ratios: 3.583
Mechanical limited-slip differential Standard on Abarth

Fiat 124 Spider Abarth Sport Button


C635 SIX-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Availability: Classica, Lusso, Abarth
Description: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gear: Triple cone
Gear Ratios
1st: 4.363
2nd: 2.348
3rd: 1.647
4th: 1.262
5th: 1.000
6th: 0.844
Reverse: 3.863
Final-drive Ratio: 3.454
Mechanical limited slip differential Standard on Abarth

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator: Denso SC2 150 A with LIN regulator
Battery: Q85

Fiat 124 Spider Abarth Rear Suspension


SUSPENSION
Front:
Double-wishbone
Front stabilizer bar size:
23.6 mm
Tower strut bar (Abarth)
Rear:
Multi-link
Rear stabilizer bar size:
Classica and Lusso: 14.0 mm
Abarth Spider: 13.0 mm

STEERING
Type:
Double pinion electric power assist system (DP-EPAS) –
rack-and-pinion
Overall Ratio: 15.5
Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb): 30.8 ft. (9.4 m)
Steering Turns (lock-to-lock): 2.7

Fiat 124 Spider Abarth Brembo Brakes


BRAKES
Availability Standard: Classica, Lusso, Abarth
Front:
Ventilated front disc
Size and Type: 11-in. floating
Swept Area (per caliper): 10.5 sq. in. (67.8 sq. cm)
Rear:
Solid rear disc
Size and Type: 11-in. floating
Swept Area (per caliper): 9.8 sq. in. (63.0 sq. cm)

Availability Optional: Abarth
Front:
Brembo ventilated front disc
Size and Type: 11-in. opposed
Swept Area (per caliper): 18.6 sq. in. (120 sq. cm)
Rear:
Solid rear disc
Size and Type: 11-in. floating
Swept Area (per caliper): 9.8 sq. in. (63.0 sq. cm)
Power-assist Type: Vacuum booster
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS): Standard
Electronic stability control (ESC): Standard
Parking Brake Type: Mechanical (lever type)

Fiat 124 Spider


DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Wheelbase: 90.9 (2,309)
Track, Front: 58.9 (1,496)
Track, Rear: 59.1 (1,503)
Overall Length: 159.6 (4,054)
Overall Width: 68.5 (1,740)
Overall Height: 48.5 (1,232)
Approach angle, degrees: 13.1
Curb Weight, pounds (kg):
2,436 (1,105) six-speed manual (Classica, Lusso)
2,477 (1,124) six-speed manual (Abarth)
2,476 (1,123) six-speed automatic (Classica, Lusso)
2,516 (1,141) six-speed automatic (Abarth)
Fuel-tank Capacity: 11.9 gal. (45 liters)
Drag Coefficient (Cd)
0.35 all models

Fiat 124 Spider Interior


ACCOMMODATIONS
Seating Capacity: — Front 2
Head Room: 37.4 (950)
Legroom: 43.1 (1,096)
Shoulder Room: 52.1 (1,325)
Hip Room: 52.0 (1,320)
Seat Travel: 8.3 (210) driver / 6.7 (170) passenger
Recliner Range (degrees): From 25 nominal, 12 forward and 22 rearward
Cargo space, cu ft: 4.94 (140 liter)


TIRES
Availability Standard: Classica
Size and Type: 195/50R16 three-season
Mfr. and Model: Yokohama Advan Sport V105
Revs per Mile (km): 879 (1,414.6)

Availability Standard: Lusso and Abarth
Size and Type: 205/45R17 three-season
Mfr. and Model: Bridgestone Potenza S001 (Lusso)
Bridgestone Potenza RE-050A (Abarth)
Revs per Mile (km): 856 (1,377.6)



Wednesday, March 7, 2018

How to Lift The Fiat 500 and 500 Abarth

Fiat 500 Abarth on Stands


If you like to work on your car, you may have noticed your Fiat 500 or 500 Abarth presents some challenges when it comes to putting the car up on Jack Stands. Getting a jack stand under the front is not a problem, the procedure is similar to other cars, the issue is in the rear. Due to its diminutive size, the location where you jack the car up is also the place where you need to put your jack stand.

Fiat 500 Jack

This isn't a problem if you are just jacking your car up briefly to change a tire. The jack supplied by Fiat is sufficient for that. If your car didn't have one, they are easily purchased at your dealer or an online Fiat specialist.

The Fiat owners manual has detailed instructions on how to use the standard scissor jack and below is the official video that demonstrates the jack's use.



If you intend to do any work more involved than changing a tire, you need to put your car up on sturdy jack stands. Tire changing jacks are not meant to be used while servicing your car and can slip or just break. This happens a lot more than you would think so don't take a chance. Never put your body under a car supported by any jack, even if it is a hydraulic floor jack.

How to Put Your Fiat 500 and 500 Abarth up on Jack Stands


Location
Here is where you place your jack stand on the Fiat 500 and 500 Abarth:

Fiat 500 Jacking Points

Position 2 is were is where you place your jack stand on the Fiat 500 and 500 Abarth. At the front, it is the chassis reinforcement leg. The rear is on the pinch weld seam that runs along the bottom of the rocker panel. The location, depending on your model, is noted by an arrow stamped into the rocker panel or sideskirt.

Fiat cautions the following:

CAUTION:
Do not position hoisting device on any suspension component, including the front or rear suspension crossmembers. Do not hoist on the front and rear bumpers, the lower radiator crossmember, or the front engine mount.

Do not attempt to raise one entire side of the vehicle by placing a floor jack midway between the front and rear wheels. This practice may result in permanent damage to the body.

When placing hoist lift pads, use care to avoid contact with the body side sill and body cladding.*

Also Note: The hoisting and jack lifting points provided are for a complete vehicle. When the engine or rear suspension is removed from a vehicle, the center of gravity is altered making some hoisting conditions unstable. Properly support or secure vehicle to hoisting device when these conditions exist. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious or fatal injury.


Fiat 500 Front Jacking Point

The location in the front to place your jack stand is this chassis reinforcement leg.

Note: Do not allow the hoist lift arm (3) to contact the rocker panel or sideskirts (2) or damage to the vehicle may result.

Fiat 500 Rear Jacking Point


The green arrow marks the "pinchweld" on the rocker panel.


Note: Do not allow the hoist lift arm or lift pad to contact the the rocker panel or sideskirts (1), the rear suspension (2), or underbody protection (3) or damage to the vehicle may result.



Fiat 500 Jacking locations


The pinchweld seam is used for the supplied Fiat scissor jack and where you need to lift the car. The picture above is for the European 500 but the jacking locations are similar if not exactly the same for the NAFTA 500.

You can use a floor jack with jack pad or some thick card board to protect the body of the car, however, a v-cut pinchweld pad would be ideal. Cars equipped with side skirts pose a concern because there isn't much room between the skirt and the pinchweld and if the jack's lifting pad presses against the side skirt it will be damaged. Improper lifting is the main reason for a side skirt on a Fiat 500 separating away from the body.


Pinchweld pad

Now the question is can you get one of the v-cut pinchweld pads like the one below in there without damaging the sideskirt? The taller and narrower pinchweld pads work better than the shorter ones because the sideskirts are very close to the front pinchweld. You place these pads on your floor jack.

Jack Stand Pad

The jack stand pads like the ones below will protect the body of your car. If you are buying jack stands, get the narrowest heads you can find as the space is tight on cars with sideskirts.

The Easy Way to Put Your Fiat 500 Up on Jack Stands:


Disclaimer:
Below is how I lift my Fiat 500 Abarth and 500 Sport. The information provided worked for me and is provided for entertainment purposes and I can't guarantee it will work for you. Lifting your car is a task normally performed by professional, competent mechanics. If performed incorrectly, it can cause serious injury or damage your car. DO NOT attempt this procedure if you're not comfortable assuming these risks yourself.

Fiat 500 Rear Jack Position


The Fiat 500 is designed to be lifted by professionals with garage lifts, so a do-it-yourselfer can run into trouble getting the car up on jack stands due to the limited space and jacking points. In the front, the car can be jacked on the pinchweld with the appropriate pad or the chassis reinforcement leg under the floor, so that is not really a problem. The rear, however, is tougher because there is only one lift point.

The above picture shows the rear pinchweld area where you lift the car. The problem is this is also the place where you need to put the jack stand to support the car. You can't work on a car supported by only a jack so you need to put the car on a jack stand, but how do you do it when the jack is there?

Here is how I do it:


Make sure your car is on a firm, level surface and you should block the wheels on the opposite side of the car so the car doesn't roll.

Jacking up Fiat 500 Abarth

Get your floor jack and two jack stands ready. You'll be jacking the car up on one side.

Fiat 500 Abarth Front Jack Point

Place your floor jack at the front jacking location indicated by the arrow. I didn't have a pinchweld pad handy so just used thick cardboard to protect the body.

Fiat 500 Jack Stand Position

Jack the car up on the front pinch weld with a floor jack. When you lift the front high enough the rear will come of the ground. Remember to lift at the arrow on the sideskirt or rocker panel. As mentioned above, DO NOT lift the car in the center of the rocker panel or you may damage the car's unibody. Have a jack stand handy and slide it under the chassis reinforcement in the front. Keep jacking the car until the it is high enough so you can slip a jack stand under the rear pinchweld.


Fiat 500 Rear Jack Stand Position

Go to the back of the car and place your jack under the pinchweld where the arrow on the sideskirt or rocker panel indicates. Use some padding between the body and the jack stands / jacks to protect the body. The jack pads on my stand was too wide and contacted the sideskirts so I used thick cardboard which will also work.

Now lower the car slowly while constantly going back and forth checking the alignment of the front and rear jack stands. This is the most critical part so take your time. The jack stands must remain stable and not tilt. In the rear, the stand must not get hooked on the sideskirt or it can put pressure on the fasteners and pop it loose.

Once the full weight of the car is on the jack stands continue lowering the jack slightly more and you can leave it under the car for added security. Leaving a wheel under the car is also not a bad idea for added safety.

This procedure will easily raise the car so you can get one side up on stands. You can get both wheels up if you want or just the front. If you just need to do the rear, you can still do it this way as it keeps you from jacking on the rear axle beam, which is less stable.



Images: FCA, internet and Author
Reference: FCA

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Fiat Brand Sales for February 2018

Fiat 500 Lounge

Fiat brand sales for February 2018 show a slight increase over January's record low sales. Fiat sold a total of 1,241 cars in February compared to 1,229 in January. Sales in January were the all-time lowest for the brand since its introduction back into the US market in 2011. This glimmer of good news is tempered by the brand's overall sales being down 42 percent for the month and 43 percent for the year compared to the same periods last year.

2018 Fiat 500 Cabrio


Sales of the Fiat 500 hatch and Cabrio models, in particular, have taken a hit, being down an average of 63 % so far this year. The lack of availability of popular models have significantly impacted sales. This is the result of the Fiat 500 production line being closed at the end of August while the 2018 model year changes were being implemented. Production of the 2018 Fiat 500 is scheduled to begin early in the second quarter of this year.


Fiat 500L


Fiat 500L MPV sales enjoyed a 64 percent increase last month compared to same month last year. Sales of the roomy 500L have posted good gains since last August, and are up an average of 32 % over the past seven months compared to the same period a year ago.

February sales of the Fiat 500X crossover and 124 Spider haven't fared as well, both being down 24 and 26 percent respectively.

Fiat 500X


Still, the 2018 model year for Fiat holds promise as the year brings a new 500 hatch and Cabrio with dramatically improved performance, and new colors and improved and enhanced features are distributed throughout the full model range. Fiat has also been upping their dealership sales outlets over the past year. There are now over 380 Fiat dealers in the country.


Steve Beahm, Head of Fiat USA


February Fiat News
The big news in February was the unveiling of the new 2018 Fiat 500 hatch and Cabrio models. Italian cars are all about passion, excitement and being fun to drive and the new 2018 500 turns up the heat on all three attributes. Fiat has boosted the horsepower a significant 35 percent which dramatically increases the fun to drive factor. The 500 now has the most horsepower in its class. New colors and trim also add to the enjoyment

Abarth Spider Steering Wheel Logo


Fiat500USA.com confirmed the 2019 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth will come with the long-awaited Abarth logos on its steering wheel and seat backs.

DI Corse Abarth 500 Mefistofele


We stopped by a Fiat Club of America meeting held at the DI Corse / Driving Impressions facility in Dover, New Jersey and were treated to a great time and an impressive array of club member's cars. We highly recommend you join your local Fiat club. There are club chapters all over the country.


Fiat 500L Euro version


Fiat 500L production reached a milestone in February. The 500L is the best selling car in its segment in Europe and Fiat produced the 500,000th 500L in February.


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

    416
    118
    484
    223
    1,241

 1131
 72
 640
 302
  2,145

  -63%
   64%
   -24%
   -26%
   -42%

    870
    222
    972
    406
    2,470

        2,349
       178
       1,240
           542
        4,309

    -63%
    25%
    -22%
    -25%
    -43%
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