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Friday, September 30, 2011

Fiat SEMA Design Challenge


Fiat and MOPAR have come up with a neat contest to design your own vehicle wrap. Prizes will be awarded and the winning designs will be displayed at this year's SEMA show in November. Be sure to check out the details below and GO FOR IT!

The FIAT Brand Teams Up With Mopar® to Announce the ‘FIAT SEMA Design Challenge’

  • FIAT fans can create their own custom Fiat 500 vehicle wrap and enter for a chance to win prizes
  • The top three winning designs will be wrapped live within the Mopar Alley at SEMA
  • Complete list of Mopar accessories at www.mopar.com

September 29, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The FIAT brand has teamed up with Mopar® to launch the ‘FIAT SEMA Design Challenge,’ a social media contest allowing fans to create a custom Fiat 500 vehicle wrap. Participants can enter their design to win prizes and have the opportunity to see their vehicle design wrap on display Tues., Nov. 1 through Fri., Nov. 4 within the Mopar Alley at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

“The FIAT SEMA Design Challenge encourages the core values of the FIAT brand; self-expression, inspiration and creativity and there is no better place than the annual SEMA show, where passionate owners and fans can showcase their customized creations,” said Laura Soave, Head of FIAT Brand North America. “We know just how creative our fans can be and this is an excellent opportunity to showcase their talent and see their designs come to life.”

Fiat 500 Design Challenge side view

“Our new Fiat 500 is the perfect canvas for customization,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “With more than 150 quality-tested accessories, Mopar can help Fiat 500 fans personalize their ride.”

Fiat 500 Design Challenge top view

To engage and create their own personal vehicle wrap, participants can download a vehicle wrap template on the FIAT Facebook page(www.facebook.com/fiatusa). Design Challenge contestants have until Wed., Oct. 5 to upload their design submissions and the top 10 designs will appear on the FIAT Facebook page where fans can vote for their favorite designs. The top three most-voted vehicle wrap designs will be featured at the 2011 SEMA show.

Winners will be announced Wed., Oct. 19. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Contestants can enter more than once, but each entry must be uploaded individually.


Chrysler Media press release

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

New 2012 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon Edition Announced

Fiat 500 USA Pink Ribbon

Fiat announced a new model today. Called the Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon, the car is a collaboration between Fiat and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to promote awareness of the disease. The Pink Ribbon is the universal symbol of breast cancer.

Fiat 500 USA Pink Ribbon front

Based on the Fiat 500 Lounge model, the 500 Pink Ribbon is a limited production vehicle of only 250 cars and is available in two colors: Argento (silver) and Bianco. A dark pink bodyside stripe with “500” logo and an accenting “ribbon” in light pink highlight the exterior of this special edition Fiat 500.

Fiat 500 USA Pink Ribbon interior

Fiat 500 USA Pink Ribbon dashboard

The interior features Nero (black) leather seats with pink accent stitching and pink 500 logos embroidered on the front seatbacks, a hand-stitched, pink accented steering wheel and embroidered floor mats with the signature pink ribbon. Unique Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon key fobs are also provided.

Fiat 500 USA Pink Ribbon rear view

The mission of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing funding for research and increasing public awareness about good breast health. Currently, over 90 cents of every dollar donated to BCRF goes to breast cancer research and awareness programs.

Fiat USA will donate $1,000 to BCRF for every 500 Pink Ribbon sold and has committed a minimum of $50,000 to the organization.

Fiat 500 USA Pink Ribbon stripe

In released statements provided by Chrysler Media, Laura Soave, Head of FIAT North America, said: “We are honored to partner with an upstanding organization like The Breast Cancer Research Foundation that supports a cause so important to our consumers and our company. The Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon edition offers our FIAT consumers a unique and stylish way to express their support, help fund breast cancer research and ultimately drive change.”

Myra J. Biblowit, BCRF President added: “At The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, we are constantly looking for ways to further breast cancer awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness month and beyond. The partnership with FIAT is especially exciting as it allows breast cancer supporters to literally drive awareness for the cause year round. We are extremely appreciative of FIAT’s collaboration in this effort as the brand’s contributions will help fund innovative research that will advance the fight against breast cancer worldwide.”


The Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon edition has a suggested retail price of $22,500 (including $500 destination charge) and goes on sale at Fiat Studios in October - National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

For more information, visit:



Fiat 500 USA Pink Ribbon website


With thanks to Chrysler Media

Monday, September 26, 2011

Reader's Report: Fiat 500 Around America

Fiat 500 Around America

If you think the Fiat 500 is just a city car, guess again. Richard, a follower of this blog and friend, is in the process of taking his 2012 Fiat 500 on a 10,000 mile round trip tour of the United States. He updates me on his journey from time to time, and has offered to share a few of his observations along the way.


Scarab Sports Car

Richard has been involved with some of the great car marques over the years and has appreciation and knowledge of the finest automobiles. He bought a Fiat 500 Sport this spring and decided to take a road trip around the country; going all the way around the edge, visiting oceans, lakes and borders, just as he used to do in his youth.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, North Carolina

Dear Chris,


Missed seeing you at the Fiat FreakOut, you were generally busy, and I left Saturday AM.

Tail of the Dragon at Deal's Gap

My trip around the USA goes well. The 500 is terrific. Only saw one other 500 so far, on the famous "Tail of The Dragon" between Tennessee and North Carolina.

US Naval Academy - Annapolis, Maryland

I started in West Palm Beach, Florida traveling up the coast to north west Connecticut.  I made a service stop at Criswell's FIAT of Gaithersburg in Maryland.


I passed on Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Maine, figuring the coast roads would be too crowded.

Amish Farm Store and doggie, Pennsylvania

I drove through north west Connecticut up to corner where Vermont / New York and Canada meet.


Along St. Lawrence to Rochester, then diagonal down to the Fiat FreakOut in Tennessee.


Portsmouth, Virginia

Over to Highlands, North Carolina and then to Bob Boyd FIAT of Columbus, Ohio for service #2 (I'm trying to do 4,500 miles between services).


Onward up to Harbor Springs, Michigan to see a fellow car enthusiast who has a few Abarths in his collection.

Ferry to Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain
, New York

Crossed the Mackinaw Bridge and then went west.


Today (8/11/2011) turned 10,000 miles at the Minnesota / North Dakota border, just south of Fargo.


I am driving secondary roads and very occasionally freeways.  Not a single problem of any note.

East Market Neighborhood Mural, Columbus, Ohio

This is probably one of the most fun cars I've ever driven. Gets as much attention as any of the big names I've owned. It was simply fabulous on the twisty roads in West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. No followers could keep up with the 500 on twisties.


Waiting for an Abarth which I have signed up for at Criswell FIAT.


Very Best Regards,
Richard


2012 FIAT 500 Sport in Rosso
Sun roof
Bose
Auto AC (excellent)
Spare tire
"ECCO"

==================


Dear Chris,


It is such a super car on so many levels. I drove the Scarab replica I finished in 1985 from LA to Reno then over to Monterrey and down the Pacific Coast Highway back to LA. That trip and my trip in the Fiat 500 are right up at the top of my fun drive list.


Regards,
Richard

----------------------

Dear Chris,


I was having my red 500 Sport serviced at Tonkin FIAT in Portland, Oregon as it had turned over 13,000 miles on my USA tour.


While I was waiting for the service, I asked one of the helpful and knowledgeable salesmen what the trade in value of my Sport with 13,000 miles would be. He suggested I drive an automatic just to check it out.

I liked the Sport automatic I drove as the 6 speed tightens up the gaps I noticed with the 5 speed. Where I live in Florida, having to shift is not a joy. I would highly recommend potential buyers test drive the automatic.


I had a look at the Tonkin FIAT inventory as I wanted a Sport again with auto ac, spare and sun roof optional.


The owner's demo was the only car I really liked. It had 1950 miles, but I could see there were no signs of wear.

Without further ado, we agreed on what I considered being a very fair deal.


I drove away in a yellow (now my favorite Fiat color) Sport with sunroof, spare, auto AC AND seat heaters. This is a very nice, even in Florida, winter perk!


They changed out some items like free flow air filter from 500 Madness, leather rear hatch closing strap and the air horn.


I've driven a little around Portland now, and the automatic is a real plus.
I still have 5000 miles to travel getting back to Florida.

By the way, Fiat service dept at Tonkin is outstanding.


Next service will be in El Paso, Texas with the yellow Sport having done about 4,500 miles since new. This seems like a good interval for oil changes.


Very Best Regards,
Richard

--------------------------
Dear Chris,


I'm off from Oregon coast towards Reno. Going to install one of the Sprint Booster devices Boris Tilim at 500MADNESS sells. Be interesting to see if it lives up to recommendation.


Best,
Richard

----------------------

Abarth sticker - positive thoughts

Met Stacey Massey, director of Massey FIAT in El Paso while getting the 1st service at 4500 miles on new yellow 'Ecco'. She is a dynamic and competent 'directrice'. Top, top service facility. Top sales location as well. I have had service at Bob Boyd in Ohio, Criswell in Maryland, Tonkin in Portland and now Mack Massey in El Paso.


All top flight service facilities.

Prada show window 25 miles from Marfa, Texas - 25 miles from anything!

The Sprint Booster I installed from 500Madness is very good in medium setting. I had ordered one for manual, and after I traded red manual for yellow Sport with automatic I returned manual SB and Madness refunded my money in 3 days. I had ordered a 2nd SB for automatic thus the return.


Regards,
Richard

========================

To be continued!

Richard continued with his trip and sent us these updates and his final thoughts:

Dear Chris,

I am presently on home stretch just east of San Antonio.
Got a great photo in Big Bend area.
Also on Rt 66.

Fiat across America Trip


Sat, October 22

Dear Chris,

My base is in West Palm Beach where Arrigo Fiat is located. About
5 miles away. Handy.

I was visiting Arrigo to get to know sales staff. I once again asked
what would it cost me to trade for a new yellow Fiat Sport, auto with
sun roof. The saleswoman with whom I had spoken during my first
visit to Arrigo, drove me around the gigantic Arrigo lot to show me 
what the Sport looked like in all available colors. They have over
100 units to choose from. Well, my sport was at the 8000 mile mark
and they gave me a generous trade-in on a yellow Sport, identical
to my current Fiat 500. That replacement will be here in less
than 2 weeks.

Looking forward to my 3rd Fiat 500 Sport. 

The sales team at Arrigo are all helpful and knowledgeable,
it was a very good experience buying my new Fiat.

I've driven my 2 Fiat 500 Sports a total of 13,000 + 6,000 miles
and have enjoyed every minute in the cars. 
My yellow Sport had been Adam Tonkin's demo and I bought it 
with 1925 miles, it'll turn over 8000 miles tomorrow.

Was an opportune moment to get a brand new Fiat 500, 
Arrigo was getting exactly what I wanted as a replacement,
the sales experience was delightful and I've added another
carefully driven 500 to be enjoyed by a new owner and I will soon 
enjoy my brand new Fiat 500.

I have driven a Vespa scooter around as my daily transport since
they first returned to the USA in 2000. I'll keep the Vespa but my
daily transport will be the Fiat. I get the same feeling of freedom and
enjoy the Fiat just a bit more than the Vespa. The Fiat is a whole
lot safer than riding on an exposed scooter and much more
convenient.

Cheers to the Fiat 500 – styling, safety and such a joy to drive.

Best Regards,

Richard 


Fiat Across America Art
Guy Allen


Much thanks to Richard!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Fiat Sponsors the ‘Dining by Design’ Event in Detroit



The FIAT Brand Dines in Style to Sponsor the ‘Dining by Design’ Event in Detroit to Benefit the Michigan AIDS Coalition
  • The FIAT brand teams up with Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) as a platinum sponsor of Detroit’s second annual ‘Dining by Design’ event
  • Dining by Design is a one-of-a-kind, spectacular event that showcases local talent in the design, artistic and architectural community while raising funds for the Michigan Aids Coalition
  • Detroit native Antonio ‘Shades’ Agee to create a unique dining installation for the FIAT brand to showcase at the event
  • Attendees will enjoy creations featured by the Detroit Design Community
  • The FIAT brand will display three 2012 Fiat 500 vehicles, including the newly revealed 500 by Gucci special edition model throughout the entire three-day event

September 21, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The FIAT brand is uniting with Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) to host the second annual ‘Dining by Design’ event to benefit the Michigan AIDS Coalition. The event will be held Thursday, Sept. 22 through Saturday, Sept. 24 at Willy’s Overland Lofts in Detroit.


Dining by Design, DIFFA’s signature event, showcases local talent in the design, artistic and architectural community by pairing them with Table Sponsors or hosts to create three-dimensional dining installations that are works of art and wild beyond the imagination.

“The FIAT brand is honored to be part of this remarkable and unique event that brings the design community together for such an important cause,” said Laura Soave, Head of FIAT Brand North America. “‘Dining by Design’ is an event that is aligned with some of the core values of the FIAT brand, such as passion, self-expression, inspiration and creativity.”

The FIAT brand is collaborating once again with native Detroiter, DIFFA board member and professional graffiti artist Antonio ‘Shades’ Agee for a custom table design that will bring the FIAT brand’s key attributes to life.

“It means so much to me to be a part of this event as an artist in Detroit,” said 'Shades.' “FIAT has been great to collaborate with because they share the passion and creativity of self-expression that an artist has. The table installation is a cool way to bring all of that to life.”

In addition to the one-of-a-kind table installation created by ‘Shades,’ the FIAT brand also will feature three 2012 Fiat 500 vehicles: the 2012 Fiat 500 Sport, Fiat 500 Lounge and the recently announced Fiat 500 Cabrio by Gucci. All three vehicles will be on display during the entire three-day event.

Location and schedule of events:

Willys Overland Lofts
441 W. Canfield
Detroit, MI 48201

Thursday, Sept. 22
Cocktails by Design
6 p.m. – midnight
Tickets: $100 can be purchased at cocktailsbydesign.eventbrite.com

Friday, Sept. 23
Dining by Design
Noon – 5 p.m.
Open to the public
Tickets: $10 can be purchased at the door or at publicviewingfriday.eventbrite.com

Saturday, Sept. 24
Dining by Design
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Open to the public
Tickets: $10 can be purchased at the door or at publicviewingsaturday.eventbrite.com

Saturday, Sept. 24
Dining by Design Gala Dinner
6 p.m. – midnight
Tickets: $250 can be purchased at diningbydesign.eventbrite.com

For more information about the ‘Dining by Design’ event in Detroit, please visit michiganaidscoalition.org/events-2/diffa-dining-by-design.

About the FIAT Brand
The FIAT brand stands for discovery through passionate self-expression. It encourages people to be in charge of their lives, live confidently and celebrate the smallest of things with infectious excitement. That philosophy is embodied by the North American introduction of the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento – a small car that lives big. Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, the 500 is synonymous with modern simple design blending form, function and a pride of ownership that is genuine.

Reminiscent of the original Cinquecento, the 2012 Fiat 500 and Fiat 500c (Cabrio) build on the vehicle’s global popularity. Since its initial launch in 2007, more than 500,000 Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 80 countries around the world. The model’s unquestionable popularity is the result of the Fiat 500’s great ability to deliver unmatched personalization options with advanced solutions in terms of quality, engine and passenger comfort. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned more than 60 international awards, including being named the 2008 European Car of the Year, 2009 World Car Design of the Year and Best New Engine of 2010 (FIAT MultiAir® Turbo).

About Antonio ‘Shades’ Agee
Antonio "Shades" Agee has been a Detroiter since birth, and not only that, he has been an active artist and community member of the Detroit area. With a father who was a jazz musician, listening to acts from Nat "King" Cole to Frank Sinatra, Agee was exposed to the arts at a young age. He initially started painting the streets when "graffiti" was not even a house hold name and no where to be found in the city. Through the love of the art, Agee traveled around the country and world to learn and hone his skills, while learning to produce graffiti by commission and "legal" contracts. Starting from the early 1990's, "Shades" Agee created an extensive resume for himself leading up to the present day. "Shades" has racked up a vast catalogue of impressive work by involving himself in custom murals for movies and canvases for the likes of Chrysler, Ford, Universal Studios, Quicken Loans, The Movement Det/Torino and Fiat Motors US/Europe,.

"Shades" has two pieces archived at the Detroit Institute of Arts, has exhibited at C-Pop Gallery, Motor Gallery, and has two permanent installations at Michigan State University’s Holden Hall. "Shades" has a dedicated clientele nationally to internationally that collects his works on almost anything he puts his hands on including: purses, dresses, dolls, etc. In addition, Juventus F.C.requested Agee to paint three canvases live during a charity event in Italy (27,000 fans). With a substantial background history in the "streets" and an honorable up-bringing, "Shades" has established himself as one of the original graffiti artists in the city of Detroit. For more information, please visit www.shadesdet.com.

About DIFFA
Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS services and education organizations in the U.S. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide more than $38 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide. Please visit www.diffa.org.

About Michigan Aids Coalition (MAC)
The mission of MAC is to prevent HIV/AIDS in Michigan by promoting healthy lifestyles, providing and investing in evidence-based, innovative programs and through advocacy and education. MAC is one of Michigan’s largest non-profit, community-based organizations dedicated to health promotion, harm and risk reduction, HIV and sexually transmitted disease prevention education, grant making and public policy. MAC has conducted thousands of workshops and trainings, reaching over a half million people – 30,000 in the last year alone. Find more information at www.michiganaidscoalition.org.

Chrysler Media press release

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Close up on Abarth at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

Add it like this

Take a look at Abarth's latest with help of those who bring you these fantastic cars.


Claudio Nervi, Head of Abarth Product Marketing, explains the main features of the Abarth 500 "Cabrio Italia"





Abarth Chief Designer, Ruben Wainberg, shows us the Abarth Punto "SuperSport" and Abarth 695 Competizione

Check out Team Abarth's YouTube Channel

Monday, September 19, 2011

Alfa Romeo at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show


The Alfa Romeo 4c took center stage at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, showcasing Alfa Romeo's commitment to technology, performance and passion. These have been the core values of Alfa Romeo since the beginning, and the Alfa Romeo 4c marks a refocus on these founding principals.



Alfa Romeo calls this commitment "DNA Technology", and they describe it as:

“D.N.A. Technology” is the Alfa Romeo philosophy for the technical development of all its models. Every car must know how to combine excellent dynamic performance (according to the brand's tradition), performance efficiency and environmental sustainability, maximum comfort and active and passive safety with control in all conditions.


Alfa Romeo 4c

The Alfa Romeo 4c is a two-seater, mid-engine rear-wheel drive coupé with a length of approximately 157 inches and a wheelbase of less than 94 inches. The 4c has an outstanding power to weight ratio of approximately 9 lbs/HP (which rivals the blistering Porsche Caymen) due to extensive use of carbon and aluminum. The 4c weighs 1874 lbs and is expected to have over 200 HP, guaranteeing acceleration to 62 mph in under 5 seconds and a top speed over 155 mph. Look for the Alfa Romeo 4c to be in US showrooms in 2013.


Along with the stunning 4c, the Giulietta and Mito models were also shown off with new technologies.


The spotlights were on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta with the 170 HP 1.4L Turbo MultiAir ("Best New Engine 2010" and the same basic engine in the new US 500 Abarth) with Alfa TCT dual dry clutch transmission.

This outstanding car has a top speed of 135 mph and needs just 7.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph. Even with this excellent performance, the fuel consumption and emissions are extraordinary low: 5.2 l/100 km over a combined cycle and 121 g/km of CO2, values that make the Giulietta the most environmentally-friendly and efficient gas-powered compact on the market in Europe, even when compared with manual gearbox versions of competitors with definitely lower power ratings and performance.


Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Also on display is the Giulietta flagship: the 235 HP 1750 TBi engine combined with the exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde trim level. This engine has a specific torque of 144 lbs-ft(195 Nm)/litre, which is the highest of all gas engines in this category. Peak torque of 251 lbs-ft (340 Nm) is reached at just 1,900 rpm.

Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde

The 1750 Turbo engine boasts direct fuel injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that gets rid of any “turbo lag”.

Expect to see a US version of the Giulietta when the car is refreshed sometime in 2014.


The Alfa Romeo MiTo TwinAir is also making its debut in Frankfurt. The TwinAir Turbo ("International Engine of the Year 2011") develops 85 HP at 5,500 rpm and torque of 107 lbs-ft (145 Nm) at 2,000 rpm. The Mito fitted with the TwinAir engine is able to supply between 10% and 25% more torque compared with the 105 and 78 HP petrol engines currently in the range. New alloys wheels and trim packages fill out the rest of the MiTo lineup.

Expect to see a new 5 door version of the MiTo in US showrooms in early 2014.


With help from Fiat Group Press

Friday, September 16, 2011

Fiat 500 TwinAir at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show


The Fiat 500 TwinAir will have a prominent display at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show. Since the Fiat 500 TwinAir debut in July 2010, one 500 out of three sold in Europe is equipped with the 900cc TwinAir engine.


The winner of "International Engine of the Year 2011", the 85 HP TwinAir offers low fuel consumption and the lowest CO2 emissions in the world for a petrol engine (90 g/km) as well as sprightly performance with a top speed of 107 mph (173 km/h) and acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 11 seconds.


The performance of the twin-cylinder unit is not only equivalent to the 1.4 16v, but its fuel consumption is 30% less. When compared with the 100 HP 1.4 engine, the 85 HP TwinAir delivers a torque increase of 25% at 2,000 rpm despite the reduction in fuel consumption. Fuel consumption is : 4.0 l/100 km and 4.1 l/100 km in the combined cycle with a Dualogic robotised gearbox and manual gearbox respectively.

Additionally, the Fiat 500 TwinAir boasts the best CO2 emission levels in the world for a petrol engine: 90 g/km with Dualogic robotised gearbox and 92 g/km with manual gearbox.


The concept of turbocharging a smaller engine to achieve the horsepower of a larger engine has been done before. What is new is the application of MultiAir, the technology that Fiat invented, that boosts torque output, fuel economy and drivability all while lowering emissions.


Previously, these smaller turbocharged engines would make good power when on boost, but suffer from a lack of torque at lower rpm and when off boost, taking away from their drivability and driver enjoyment. MultiAir (which has been described as variable valve timing on steroids) boosts torque and drivability during these periods and truly enable the smaller engine to better match the larger engines dynamics.


The TwinAir's maximum torque (in Normal mode) of 107 lbs-ft (145 Nm) is achieved at 1900 rpm compared to the 1.4 16 valve's 97 lbs-ft (131 Nm) at 4250 rpm. Pressing the ECO button on the dash prioritizes fuel economy and emissions and limits torque to 74 lbs-ft (100 Nm) at 2000 rpm.

Start & Stop
The 85 HP Fiat 500 TwinAir also comes with Start & Stop as standard equipment. This device temporarily stops the engine and restarts it, ensuring reductions in fuel consumption and noise in the passenger compartment when the device is in operation.



GSI
A Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) light is fitted and suggests when to shift based on the most efficient use of the engine. The GSI may suggest shifting up, to allow the engine to burn a leaner mixture, i.e. one containing less fuel, or shifting down to make best use of the available torque.

Fernando Alonso and the Fiat 500 TwinAir

byAbarth Package
Starting in October, Fiat will offer the “byAbarth” customisation kit, that includes “Total Black” 16” special alloy wheels with Abarth hub caps, side skirts, rear spoiler, racing graphics on the hood and a sport pedal kit. The new “byAbarth Pack” will be offered as an option combined with the Pasodoble Red and Crossover Black exterior colors. Pictures haven't been released yet, but as soon as they are available, I'll post them.

Source: Fiat Group Press

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Abarth at the 2011 Frankfurt International Auto Show

Abarth display


Abarth unveiled three cars at the 2011 Frankfurt International Auto Show yesterday: the Abarth 500 “Cabrio Italia”, the Abarth 695 Competizione and the Abarth Punto “SuperSport”. If you couldn't make Frankfurt, here is the Abarth press release plus some videos for you to enjoy:


Abarth, a world of performance since 1949

Abarth will be at the 64th Frankfurt International Motor Show with a stunning stand with three major world débuts to underscore - yet again - the brand's unique position on the international motoring stage.



The Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari was the shining star during the last edition in September 2009. The fastest and highest performing road-going 500 ever, arising out of joint venture between Abarth and Ferrari, it was a challenge that Abarth picked up with enormous success. Over the past two years the Giallo Modena, Blu Abu Dhabi and Grigio Titanio versions have been added to the Rosso Corsa livery exhibited in Frankfurt in 2009, for a total of 1,695 vehicles. Since its launch in July 2010 more than 1,300 vehicles have already been delivered, crossing the European borders and reaching as far as Mexico, Quatar, the Arab Emirates, Australia and Japan.



Results like these could do nothing other than affect the strategic choices of the Brand. In this Frankfurt International Motor Show edition it presents itself to the public with three new specialties, each of which emphasises the brand's values: sportiness and Italian style, represented by the new Abarth 500 Cabrio Italia, heritage with the new Abarth Punto Super Sport, and racing spirit with the new Abarth 695 Competizione.

Abarth 500c Cabrio Italia

The exhibition of these vehicles confirms the success of the new slogan, "Abarth, a world of performance since 1949", recently publicized in a multimedia campaign with the usual special emphasis placed on digital media.

Moreover, a premier in the Digital World as well is being presented in Frankfurt: "Abarth 24h Mobile", the first I-phone application with which the brand intends to reach all its customers and fans in mobility. It is an extremely interactive and easy to use application. It has product features created for Abarth car owners and enthusiasts who can register and take part in all brand events and interact with the official social networks of the brand using the application.

Abarth 695 Competizione

The Frankfurt International Motor Show is also an opportunity to take a look at the two pillars of the Abarth business model: roadgoing cars and the world of racing. During 2011 more than 6,400 cars have already been sold (Abarth 500 saloon and convertible and Abarth Punto). Together with the already mentioned results of the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari, these figures contribute to confirming the good results the brand has recorded between its relaunch and today. Suffice it to say that since 2008 the brand has enjoyed continual growth, as evidenced by sales of nearly 36,000 Abarth Grande Punto and Abarth 500 vehicles sold, in addition to approximately 9000 performance kits designed for the two models.

Abarth 695 Competizione

These sales successes have been partly made possible by the extraordinary network of dealers and official tuning shops, an organisation that is unique in its field and has further extended to other international markets such as Australia, Morocco and South Africa in 2011.

Abarth 695 Competizione

Last but not least, Abarth returns to the Frankfurt International Motor Show with a stunning stand where major world débuts mingle with tried and tested models to underscore – yet again – the brand's unique position on the international motoring stage. The design idea that inspired the space is simplification: the architecture does not use a language to interpret the brand but acts as a foundation to enhance its values.

Abarth 695 Competizione

Abarth and its world take centre stage and the brand exhibits itself to the public in all its pureness and simplicity, in its maximum essence. This approach focuses attention on the three new Abarth cars, positioned in an extensive space with three areas of light; a huge LED display representing the central element of the scenery forms an ideal backdrop for the cars. Technical drawings of Abarth engineering are ideally exhibited under a glass floor, visible to all, as used to happen with cars when their rear bonnet lids were partially raised.

Abarth Facebook Page

Abarth Twitter Page


Fiat Group Press

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Fiat Press Conference at the 2011 Frankfurt International Auto Show


Fiat unveiled the much anticipated new, redesigned Fiat Panda today at the 2011 Franfurt International Motor Show. The Panda is Europe's best selling A segment car. Below is the press conference held by Olivier Francois, Global Head of the Fiat Brand and Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group LLC.



Source: Fiat On The Web