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Wednesday, October 28, 2020

New Fiat 500e Press Conference

 

New Fiat 500 3+1


 Olivier Francois, President of Fiat Brand, introduces the all new 500 “3+1”  and the new 500 line-up during the international press conference held at Fiat's historic Lingotto factory in Turin..


The Fiat 500 press conference offers a comprehensive view of the new fully electric 500e. Contents of the video include questions and answers plus:

  • Introduction by Brand President Olivier Francois;
  • Manufacturing and production at Mirafiori;Prices;
  • The full range: trims, colors, customization;
  • Alternatives to purchase;
  • Engineering solutions and technical details behind the all new 500;
  • E-mobility: advantages and dedicated services;
  • What’s next? The future of FCA and upcoming projects.

Discuss on the Fiat 500 Forum

Read more:


Thursday, October 1, 2020

FIAT 1500 with OSCA engine (Maserati brothers)

New on the Fiat 500 USA Forum: I saw an OSCA it was a FIAT body which was designed by Pinaforina (miss spelled) and a Maserati engine. Does anyone know anything about these and... Click to read more

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

New Fiat 500 La Prima First Drive

New Fiat 500 La Prima


The first production version of the all-new Fiat 500 all-electric recently rolled off the factory floor at Fiat's Mirafiori plant in Torino, Italy. In the video below, Olivier Francois, President of Fiat Brand Global,  takes the new 500 La Prima (first edition) for its first drive and introduces us to this exciting new model.



Fiat's Mirafiori plant opened up in 1939 and is one of Europe's longest running automotive factories. Over €700 million was recently invested between the costs of design, development and engineering and the construction of the production line to produce the new 500 EV. Fiat is proud to say that the new 500 was created, designed and engineered in Torino stating it is a product truly “Made at Fiat” and “Made in Turin”.



In the video, Francois drives the new 500 from the Mirafiori factory to Fiat's historic Lingotto complex, the former Fiat factory famously known for having a test track on its roof.  The former factory is now a museum, and the home of the Pinacoteca Agnelli art gallery. Its fourth floor hosts the “Virtual Casa 500”, an online exhibition to preview the full opening to the public of the Casa 500 in spring 2021.

Dealerships across Europe can now order the new Fiat 500 La Prima with expected deliveries in October.  A US version has not yet been confirmed.

Read more:


Friday, August 21, 2020

500 Abarth uConnect vs 500e uConnect - any difference?

New on the Fiat 500 USA Forum: Comparing the 500 Abarth uConnect and the 500e uConnect, (NAV units) is there anything which may interact with the car differently, ie would the same... Click to read more:

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

STELLANTIS - FCA and PSA New Name

STELLANTIS LOGO

STELLANTIS is the name of the new group resulting from the merger of FCA and Groupe PSA.

Below is the press release issued earlier today:

In a major step as they move towards the completion of their 50:50 merger as defined in the Combination Agreement announced on 18 December 2019, Peugeot S.A. ("Groupe PSA") and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. ("FCA") (NYSE: FCAU / MTA: FCA) today announce that the corporate name of the new group will be.

STELLANTIS is rooted in the Latin verb “stello” meaning “to brighten with stars”. It draws inspiration from this new and ambitious alignment of storied automotive brands and strong company cultures that in coming together are creating one of the new leaders in the next era of mobility while at the same time preserving all the exceptional value and the values of its constituent parts. will combine the scale of a truly global business with an exceptional breadth and depth of talent, know-how and resource capable of providing the sustainable mobility solutions for the coming decades.

The name’s Latin origins pay tribute to the rich history of its founding companies while the evocation of astronomy captures the true spirit of optimism, energy and renewal driving this industry-changing merger.

FCA Logo

Peugeot Group Logo

The process of identifying the new name began soon after the Combination Agreement was announced and the senior management of both companies have been closely involved throughout, supported by Publicis Group.

The name will be used exclusively at the Group level, as a Corporate brand. The next step in the process will be the unveiling of a logo that with the name will become the corporate brand identity. The names and the logos of the Group’s constituent brands will remain unchanged.

As previously stated, completion of the merger project is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by both companies’ shareholders at their respective Extraordinary General Meetings and the satisfaction of antitrust and other regulatory requirements.

- Vélizy-Villacoublay and London, July 15, 2020


Read more: on the FCA and PSA Merger:




Fiat SpA Legacy Logo

Source: FCA

Saturday, July 11, 2020

Alfa Stelvio Oil Change How To

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Oil Change

Changing the oil on an Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a straight forward procedure once you remover the 21 fasteners holding engine undertray.  The Stelvio's 2.0L Turbocharged engine needs 5.5 quarts of 0W30  full synthetic oil meeting SN PLUS standards or Fiat 9.55535-GS1 specifications.  This oil may not be the easiest oil to find  at your local parts store, but you can get this at the dealer or online if that is the case.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio / Giulia SAE 0W-30 Full Synthetic
Part number: 68444159AA Quart

Alfa Romeo Giulia / Stelvio Oil Filter
Part number: 04892339AB

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Oil Drain Plug
Part number: 06507741AA


When to Change The Oil on Your Alfa Stelvio
Changing engine oil and replacing the engine oil filter depends on how you use your car and the  conditions it is operated in.  The warning light or message in the instrument panel will alert you when an oil change is needed, but in all cases, you should never exceed 1 year/10,000 miles (16093 km).

Severe Duty Oil Change
If  you operate your Stelvio in dusty and off-road environment or if it is operated predominately at idle or only very low engine RPM’s, this type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty and you need to change your engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km).


Alfa Stelvio Engine Under Tray

The Alfa Stelvio's engine undertray seals off the bottom of the engine bay nicely. This helps keep the engine clean, plus quiets the car.  There are quite a few fasteners to remove, but they are all easily removable.

Removing Stelvio Belly Pan

Am electric screw driver is highly recommended and will speed up the process immensely.   You need three torx bits - a T20, T25 and T30.

Stelvio Belly Pan Fasteners

Make sure your Torx bit fits correctly before trying to remove the fastener.  Clean any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the fastener will help avoid stripped fasteners.

Removing Stelvio Belly Pan

The Alfa Stelvio's undertray is overlapped on the sides by wheelhouse splash shield / the side trims.

Removing Belly Pan

Carefully remove the undertray.

Stelvio Oil Pan

The Alfa Stelvio's oil drain plug and oil filter are easily accessible.


Removing Stelvio Drain Plug

Remove the oil filler cap and then remove the drain plug.

Stelvio Drain Plug 06507741AA

This is the Stelvio's drain plug.  Note the washer. Replace the drain plug and gasket if damaged. The drain plug part number is 06507741AA and fits a wide variety of FCA products. It can be easily found online or at your local dealer.


You can use an oil filter wrench or a large channel lock pliers to remove the oil filter.

Stelvio Oil Filter Flange

Once you remove the oil filter, carefully clean the mounting flange. Make sure the oil filter gasket did not come off the filter and is not stuck on the flange.

Stelvio Under Tray Fasteners


All the fasteners and that need to be removed to change the oil on an Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Shown are the T25 and T30 Torx sockets (the T20  Torx socket is not shown).   The oil filter used is a common FCA oil filter used on numerous cars.

Alfa Stelvio Belly Pan

Above is the Alfa Stelvio's under-tray with fastener locations marked for your convenience.  When you install the fasteners, take time to hand start them and do not over tighten. It also would be a good idea to smear some anti-seize on the threads to make them easier to remove the next time.


Fiat 9.55535-GS1 Oil Specs

A tip is to prefill your oil filter. This can save a few moments waiting for oil to circulate through the filter and then into the engine.

Alfa Stelvio 9.55535-GS1 Oil

Add your 5.5 quarts of SN PLUS Certified SAE 0W-30 Full Synthetic Engine Oil. Remember, the oil needs to meet SN PLUS / Fiat 9.55535-GS1 specs.  Make sure you re-install the oil cap.

Checking The Engine Oil on a Alfa Stelvio*
The engine oil level can be seen on the instrument cluster display every time the engine is started, or on the Information and Entertainment system display by activating on the main menu (MENU button) the following functions in sequence:


  1. “Apps”
  2. “My Car”
  3. “Oil Level”


Check on the display using the 6 notches that the oil level is between the MIN and MAX level: 1 notch MIN level, 6 notches MAX level.

If the oil level is close to or below the MIN mark, gradually add oil through the filler,  considering that each notch shown on the display corresponds to approximately 8.8 fl oz (250 ml).

CAUTION:
Make sure not to add too much oil when topping off the engine. Engine oil in excess may damage the engine. Have the vehicle checked. Never exceed the MAX level when topping off engine oil.

CAUTION:
The oil level is not refreshed immediately on the display after topping off. Consequently, wait for the oil level to be refreshed on the display and follow the Top-Up procedure below.

Note:
Always reinstall the oil cap and tighten to proper torque whenever it is removed to add oil to engine. Never run the engine with cap removed this could cause oil to leak from engine.

Top-Up And Oil Level Indication Update On Display
If a engine oil top-off is needed, in order to ensure the correct indication of the oil level on the display, leave the vehicle on flat ground with the engine running for approximately five minutes (temperature higher than 176°F (80°C)) and shut the engine off. Then, start the engine again, and idle it for about five minutes.

Note:
If you have added the specified amount of oil and the indicator is not reading “Full”, please contact an authorized dealer.


Alfa Stelvio Oil Check


Resetting The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Oil Change Reminder
The next step is to clear your oil change reminder. Try the procedure below to reset your Stelvio's oil change reminder. You may have to do this several times. However, it is possible that it won't reset and you'll need the dealer to do it.

Resetting the oil change indicator system:
• Without pushing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle the ignition
to ON/RUN position (do not start the engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, five times within 10 seconds.
• Without pushing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to return the
ignition to the OFF/LOCK position.



*From the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Repair Manual Courtesy of TechAuthority

Monday, June 1, 2020

Alfa 8C Competizione and 8C Spider






Alfa 8C Competizione. Arguably the most desirable modern car created in the past 40 years. Not because it is the fastest or does any one thing the best, but because it stirs the emotions like no other car. The sounds. The shapes. The tactile sensations. This car is as close to being alive as an automobile can get. It is almost a human combination of strengths, quirkiness and weaknesses put out for all to see. It is naked and honest and...FANTASTIC!

The official press release from Alfa Romeo on the 8C for your enjoyment:

Alfa 8C Competizione and Alfa 8C Spider



The German event would not have been complete without an area for Alfa Romeo's exclusive limited edition supercars: the Alfa 8C Competizione and Alfa 8C Spider. These two sports cars have enchanted collectors and aficionados the world over, both pulling in thousands of applications in just a few days.



Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione 2006 Concept Car


The cars were designed at the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile and 500 of each were manufactured. Their fully carbon fiber exteriors perfectly embody Alfa Romeo's motoring and mechanical excellence: a slender line that expresses all the beauty of a veritable piece of poetry in motion that harks back to the brand's glorious past while also carrying forward its values of technology and emotion into the future.


Style and aerodynamics embracing tradition and innovation


The marked dynamism of the car is imparted by the horizontal ridge cut into the side extending from the front wheel arch. The big wheels and the mighty "muscles" of the rear wings emphasis the model's personality and strength, without taking away the elegance of the soft flowing lines, almost underlining the exquisite beauty of the exterior's individual parts: the drop-shaped headlights set like precious stones in the front wing, the taillight LEDs embodying technology and functionality, and the classic door handle.



Furthermore, the front end has the trademark Alfa Romeo stylistic features, with a new interpretation of the 'whiskers' and the badge. Not forgetting that this innovative line gives us a glimpse of the parts and proportions of future Alfa Romeo cars, while always sticking to the brand's heritage.



It should be noted that for maximum aerodynamic efficiency levels, the solutions adopted for the Alfa 8C Spider and 8C Competizione are not limited to shape. In fact, all the surfaces and profiles of the pillars and windows, as well as the shape and the position of the wing mirrors, were optimized either through computer calculations or tunnel and road tests. In this way, the air wraps around the car and continues its natural course without being obstructed by uneven or rough edges.



Of course, the unique feature of the Alfa 8C Spider is the Z-fold soft-top, a key design choice for limiting weight and optimizing weight distribution. To make opening and closing operations simple and easy, moving the soft-top is entrusted to an electrohydraulic system controlled by a button on the dashboard, while the manual lock and release ensure the system's smoothness.

In particular, the roof on the Alfa 8C Spider is characterized by a fabric made with two overlapping materials: the outer fabric is multi-layered with high resistance to atmospheric agents, while the inner fabric has high-capacity soundproofing for the passenger compartment. Also, the soft-top, which is available in several colors, was designed with aesthetics, aerodynamics and acoustics in mind as well as functionality, with moving parts specifically developed to make deployment easy, fast and safe.


Interior: personality and technology




Alfa Romeo 8C Spider interior


The two cars are highly sophisticated on the inside thanks to the broad use of composite materials to make the dashboard and the interior panels, as well as the ultra-light carbon fibre ergonomic seats, made in partnership with Sparco, which can be adjusted according to the driver's body shape (a feature reserved until now for race cars).



Furthermore, by focusing on customizing the interior trims as much as possible, the customer can choose from different environments and aesthetic solutions, all hand-crafted and based on close attention to detail: from contrasting or 'ton sur ton' stitching to unique color combinations.



The valuable Frau Pieno Fiore leather upholstery (using an innovative weaving process in which the hide is bound to a natural fiber fabric creating a very profound and strong look) is particularly noteworthy.



Similarly to the interior, great care has been put into making the external parts: from alloy wheels to brake calipers, every detail can be customized because each Alfa 8C Spider or Alfa 8C Competizione is unique. An unmistakable car that reflects its owner's personality. To sum up, the unique and one-off style of the exclusive Alfa 8C heralds the pleasure of a sporty drive fully in keeping with the brand's tradition.


Solid but lightweight structure



A solid but light structure is a pre-requisite for making a good high-performance car. It is also the inspirational principle behind the two cars. The floor panel is steel to get maximum torsional rigidity and ensure a drive that is always precise and safe, while the bodywork is made from carbon fiber.



This is a choice motivated by the requirement to reduce weight as much as possible but also to optimize the car's centre of gravity for better agility and handling on more challenging journeys.

An innovative carbon fiber monolithic windscreen frame was designed in order to ensure high rigidity on the Alfa 8C Spider while maintaining a low roll center.


The sweet-sounding 8-cylinder 4.7 engine

Still focusing on the most sophisticated technology, the two Alfa Romeo supercars use the new 90° V8 engine with a capacity of 4691 cm3 which has been designed with a precise objective: to ensure exceptional performance without sacrificing driving fluidity and the enjoyment of any road situation.

This creates a powerful and progressive engine that develops a maximum power of 450 hp at 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 480 Nm at 4,750 rpm with maximum revs of 7,500 rpm. A sequential six-speed gearbox has been added to this engine, with gear selection via ergonomic triggers located behind the steering wheel and with a self-locking differential.



In more detail, the internal fluid dynamics and the cooling system cylinder heads are designed for high duct permeability, as well as effective cooling of the intake load to maximize volumetric efficiency and engine performance. Furthermore, the harmonization of the intake and exhaust geometry together with the adoption of continuous variable valve timing units on the intake camshaft, the optimization of the combustion chamber and the calibration of the engine mean that 80% of torque can be obtained from 2,000 rpm.

In sporty driving conditions on different road surfaces, you will welcome the engine's exceptionally short response times due to high intake permeability and low inertia of the two-disc clutch/flywheel system.

The crankshaft with counterweights at 90°, fully balanced with the best arrangement of rods and pistons, ensures that the engine operates with few vibrations. The crankcase/lower crankcase unit is aluminum with five main bearings to ensure the structure is very rigid with low friction losses, just like the cylinder heads are made from an aluminum alloy. Furthermore, all the piping (water, oil, secondary air) is directly in the engine's castings, thus making the system very sturdy, unhindered and safe; in short, extremely reliable.

The integration of the accessory systems with the engine's main castings and the very solid design of all the big-sided parts ensures low noise levels coming from the engine and high component reliability. Even the engine's longitudinal packaging has received special attention, as demonstrated by the adoption of a single chain timing control that ensures exceptional reliability for life.


 

Alfa Romeo 8C driven by Domenico Martino, responsible for final tuning of the car 

 Lastly, particular attention has been paid to the acoustic definition and intonation of the intake and exhaust in search of a tone that would enhance the character and render the car unmistakable. The result is a characteristic and full sound, emphasized by a high permeability intake system and an exhaust system with electronically activated valves that enhances the sound of the car in full compliance with regulatory and environmental constraints. 

  Transmission, sequential gearbox and self-locking differential


Just like the legendary race cars, the Alfa 8C Spider and Alfa 8C Competizione have the transaxle system which ensures the best balance of weight distribution: in fact, the engine is located further back while the gearbox is arranged at the rear in a block with the differential and the hydraulic actuator. 

The transaxle structure provides for the rigid connection between the engine and the gearbox casing, which also contains the self-locking differential. The two units are joined by a tube inside turned by the drive shaft: in this way, the load is optimally distributed between the front and rear axle assemblies.


   
Top Gear Roadtest on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione 


 The six-speed gearbox, with gear selection by means of triggers located behind the steering wheel, has been developed to ensure very quick gear changes and can be used in Manual-Normal, Manual-Sport, Automatic-Normal, Automatic-Sport and Wet modes. Lastly, the self-locking differential enables acceleration and stability to be managed with extraordinary efficiency in any situation. 

  Suspension, wheels and braking system 

The two cars are Alfa to the core, with an uncompromising sense of control and driveability. Alfa Romeo cars have always been known for drive comfort and dynamic behavior: in the case of these supercars, they become real strong points. This is partly because of the four-sided suspension with forged aluminum uprights and supports, shaped to best control the trajectory of moving wheels. The tires with 20" rims also contribute to excellent road hold, and they have been specially developed to ensure excellent performance: 245/35 at the front and 285/35 at the rear, mounted on spoked wheels and made from flowing aluminum to ensure lightness and the best possible brake ventilation. 

 Ensuring the best possible suspension and tire setup has maximized comfort while maintaining a sporty performance. The result is excellent dynamics: classic handling so typical of the Alfa Romeo brand, direct steering, responsiveness, clean transitions, and a linear understeer gradient. 

 On the 8C Spider, it is actually extremely easy to combine accelerator and steering wheel usage, with the maximum longitudinal and transverse accelerations reached at the same time. This is noticeable by excellent responsiveness during sporty driving and easy management of oversteer.

   

Road test of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione 

 Lastly, both cars have the latest version of the Alfa Romeo VDC, a state-of-the-art system for controlling stability and traction, to give the driver the best possible control over the car. The driver can limit system intervention by driving safely and alertly. Such a system has to be backed up by excellent brakes. That is why the 8C Spider comes with Brembo's F1-inspired carbon ceramic (CCM) brakes as standard. 

In a first for a car in this class, and in order to ensure an incredible feeling from the very first time you brake, the system is broken in with a brand new process that guarantees reliability - and it comes as standard on the Alfa 8C Spider. On the 8C Competizione, the braking system has floating-type drilled discs with an aluminum bell. These solutions ensure powerful and effective braking, even under intense use. Finally, the calipers are monobloc to ensure maximum rigidity and less warp due to the high loads generated by pressure from the pistons on the pads.


 

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Fiat Brand Sales Q1 2020


Fiat 124 Spider Abarth

Fiat brand sales for the first quarter of 2020 show a 49 percent decline compared to the same period last year.  The Fiat 124 Spider is the top selling model this year, followed by 500 hatch and Cabrio models.  Next were the 500X crossover and 500L MPV models in order.


Fiat 500 Models


The iconic 500 hatch and Cabrio models were traditionally Fiat's best selling models, but were discontinued for the 2020 model year.  Fans are scrambling to buy up the last remaining cars still on dealer's lots.  A new 500 was recently unveiled in Europe, but it remains to be seen if the US will get this exciting new model.


New Fiat 500 Electric

Read more:



Fiat 500X Sport


2020 Fiat 500X

The 2020 Fiat 500X model range adds the new 500X Sports edition, which features sporty trim upgrades. The new 1.3L turbo motor that debuted last year in the redesigned 2019 500X continues on and contributes better gas mileage and much improved driveability compared to previous years.

New for 2020 Fiat 500X Include:

  • Fiat 500X Sport model features unique front and rear fascias, body-color painted side moldings and dark-finish exterior accents plus an all-new “Rovente Red” exterior paint color. Inside features include dark headliner and pillars, new Sport seats, refined console bezel finishes, as well as a new flat-bottom leather steering wheel with Alcantara inserts and the much asked for paddle shifters
  • Black roof option available on all Fiat 500X models.
  • Added trim enhancements like the return of the rear parcel shelf

Read more:



Fiat 500L 500,000 production

2020 Fiat 500L

The 2020 Fiat 500L MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) caries on Fiat's tradition of making outstanding family cars. The range consists of three models: Pop, Trekking, Lounge. Each offers outstanding versatility and practicality. The 500L pacts in the interior room of a full-size car within its compact outer dimensions.

The Fiat 500L offers a number of class-leading features:

  • Best-in-class standard power and torque
  • Best (or tightest) turning diameter
  • Largest dual-pane sunroof in its class
  • Best-in-class cargo room
  • More seating and storage configurations than anyone in its class
  • Best-in-class storage system
  • Best-in-class front headroom

The Fiat 500L was redesigned in 2018 and given numerous design and feature enhancements.  The 500L has been a top seller in its segment in Europe for many years.

Read more:





Fiat 124 Spider Urbana


2020 Fiat 124 Spider

The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider captures the charisma of the iconic 1960s classic, but updates it in a thoroughly modern package.  Styled in Italy, under the leadership of the former chief of design at Pininfarina, the new Fiat 124 Spider is available in three models: Classica, Lusso, Abarth.  The Classica is crisp and clean for those who want a no-nonsense pure sportscar experience.  The Lusso is sophisticated and upscale. The Abarth carries on the legendary brand's tradition of high-performance and style.

The Fiat 124 Spider segment-leading features:

  • Best-in-class manual transmission highway fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon (mpg)
  • Best-in-class highway fuel economy of 36 mpg when equipped with the automatic transmission
  • Best-in-class cargo volume
  • Class-exclusive turbo engine
  • Class-exclusive quad exhaust tips
  • Most powerful turbo engine in its class
  • More peak power and torque at much lower RPM's than any vehicle in its class
  • Most affordable Roadster in its class

The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider features a new “Scorpion Sting” side-stripe and hood decal package for124 Spider Abarth models. Read more about the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider:



Fiat Brand Sales in the United States, First Quarter 2020
Fiat 500Current YearLast YearVol ChangeCurrent YTDLast Year YTDVol Change
500
500L
500X
124

    327
    130
    283
    388
    1128

 778
 168
 755
 513
  2214

  -58%
   -23%
   -63%
   -24%
   -49%

    327
    130
    283
    388
    1128

        778
       168
       755
           513
        2214

    -58%
    -23%
    -63%
    -24%
    -49%

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Fiat 500 Electric Official Unveiling Video

Fiat 500 Electric Bulgari

Pull up a seat and enjoy the official debut video of the new Fiat 500 Electric, presented by Olivier Francois, President Fiat Brand Global.



While the new Fiat 500 has not been confirmed for the U.S, FCA is evaluating its potential for the North American market.

Let us know on the Fiat 500 Forum what you think!


#New500 #Pure500 #FiatElectric #InspiringChange #500electric #Fiat #Fiat500 #Fiat500USA #fiat500usaforum


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Source: FCA

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

New Fiat 500e Preview

new fiat 500e BEV

The first images of the new Fiat 500e all-electric vehicle have been posted on the internet ahead of the official unveiling on March 4th. The upcoming all-electric Fiat 500 was to have been unveiled this month at the Geneva Motor Show. However, the abrupt canceling of the Geneva show due to concerns about the Coronavirus has changed those plans.

new fiat 500e BEV side


The leaked images show a design that is the evolution of the current model. It is hard to improve on an icon, so Fiat has wisely chosen subtle changes to continue the overall look of the current model.


new fiat 500e Cabrio

However, on closer inspection, there doesn't seem to be a panel that hasn't been changed. In fact, the new 500e is longer and wider than the previous generation by  2.36 inches, and has an increased wheelbase of nearly an inch (.78 inches).

Hood, trunk, sides, and fascia front and rear are all different. Refinement is the word that comes to mind on the redesign. Exterior door handles are now flush-mounted, and side rear-view mirrors are integrated into the lower corner of the side windows and not tacked onto the side of the car.


new fiat 500e Cabrio rear


Fiat 500e logo


Mouldings and trim are revised, and there is a 500e logo integrated into the side rear window trim. And speaking of the logo, the front fascia now sports a prominent 500e emblem in place of the usual Fiat name badge. Fiat wants to move the 500 series upmarket as a near-premium mini-brand, so this is not surprising. The thinking is that the 500 is such an iconic symbol of Fiat and Italy that the car doesn't need, in essence, an introduction. Positioning the car upmarket allows Fiat to charge a higher price, which helps pay for the expensive all-electric powertrain.

new fiat 500e charging


The side profile shows different shaping towards the bottom of the sideskirts, which have a more pronounced flaring.

Headlights and taillights have also been changed, with the former now having an eyebrow incorporated into the hood design. Interestingly, the side turn indicator light is incorporated into the hood/character line. All in all, a very smooth design that is a nice update to the current model.

new fiat 500e dashboard

Interior wise, the 500 has gone noticeably upmarket. A large 10.3 inch Uconnect 5 multimedia infotainment screen is located prominently in the center in the sleek new dashboard.  The system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,  and has advanced voice commands that allows the management of many functions from a mobile phone.  Some of these include checking the status of the car and recharging operations, and sending a destination to the on-board navigator.

The 500's signature body-colored dash bezel appears to be there, but now in a more subtle and less austere way. A single instrument binnacle is a nod to the original Nuova 500 from 1957. Door panels are more sculpted than the current generation's. A new, taller center console between the seats has a storage compartment, and there is a large center armrest in place of the small individual armrests previously used.  The center console house audio volume and driving mode controls. Storage space looks to be improved as well as shoulder room. Higher quality interior materials are expected to be featured in keeping with Fiat's desire to make the 500 the premier model in its segment.

The new Fiat 500e will have an all-electric propulsion system. A gasoline engine or hybrid powertrain will likely not be available. Those powertrain options will be relegated to the current generation 500 that will still be sold alongside this new model.

Update: Below are the preliminary specifications for the new Fiat 500e

The motor used in the 500e is rated at 118 HP and is powered by a 42 kWh lithium-ion battery housed in the floor. Acceleration from 0-100km/h  is listed as 9 seconds.  Average range is 320 km  (199 miles) as measured in the WLTP cycle. The 500e's Combo 2 type charging socket is under a filler flap on the right side and can be charged by alternating current up to 11 kW and continuous up to 85 kW.  The battery is charged to 80% in 35 minutes at the 85kW rate and  Fiat states 5 minutes are enough to give the car an additional 50 km of range when needed.

Like most EVs, the 500e has an acoustic warning for pedestrians, which makes one aware of the approach of the car and works up to 20 km / h.  However, unlike the usual beep noise, Fiat has chosen music composed by Nino Rota for the film Amarcord by Federico Fellini. Classy!

The 500e is also the first city car equipped with autonomous level 2 driving, and allows the car to drive on its own keeping in the center of its lane and following traffic. The automated system takes full control of the vehicle: accelerating, braking, and steering, but requires that the driver remain alert and with his hands on the steering wheel.


New Fiat 500e

  • Length 3.63 meters (142.91 inches)
  • Width 1.69 meters (66.53 inches)
  • Height 1.48 meters (58.26 inches)
  • Range 320 km (199 miles) WLTP
  • Battery Pack / Capacity Lithium-ion / 42 kWh
  • Charging AC Fast Charger Combo 2: 85 kW
  • DC Mode 3: 11 kW
  • DC Wallbox: 3-7 kW 
  • Power 118 hp (88 kW) 
  • Top Speed 150 km/h (93 mph)
  • Acceleration 0-50 km/h (31 mph) 3.1 sec
  • Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 9.0 sec
  • Price (La Prima  / First Edition) €37,900 Euro




Fiat Mirafiori Plant

To build the new Fiat 500e, the company has invested €700 million in its Mirafiori plant located in Torino, Italy. Mirafiori is FCA's largest production facility and employs in the neighborhood of 20,000 workers. Of those workers, approximately 1,200 people will be dedicated to the production of the new 500e. Anticipated production of 80,000 units per year is initially expected, with the potential to increase production in the future.

Fiat Mirafiori Solar Panel Units


This is part of FCA's overall investment of more than €5 billion in Italy to finance a renewal of their product range. Planned are the introduction of 13 all-new or significantly refreshed models. The electrification of the product range is featured prominently in the investment plan. It includes the debut of 12 electric versions of new or existing models.


Fiat Charging Stations


To support the new range of electric vehicles, approximately €50 million is being spent on a new "Battery Hub" at Mirafiori to produce batteries. The installation of 850 charging points will also be created at the facility, including 750 in employee parking areas.

Pre-production Fiat 500e manufacturing is already underway with a full production launch planned for June. Pricing is anticipated starting at € 35,000.   The limited production (500 total) launch edition called "La Prima" shown above is expected to be priced at €37,900 Euro.  There is no official confirmation the new 500e will make it to the United States.



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source: FCA
images: internet, FCA
updated specs and additional info: 3-4-2020