Maserati-inspired 500 coming from Abarth

 

 

Fiat-owned performance brand Abarth will launch a special-edition model based on luxury supercar brand Maserati.

The Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati, set to bow at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is a tricked-out version of the Fiat 500 which layers in Abarth performance touches and an admittedly-impressive Maserati veneer.

Somewhat reminiscent of the Aston-Martin Cygnet (a Toyota iQ modified by Aston-Martin), the Tributo Maserati is a convertible model finished in a color exclusive to Maserati, Pontevecchio Bordeaux.

In collaboration with Maserati, Abarth engineers uprated the 16V 1.4-liter turbo engine, giving it an output of 180hp to the special electronic gearbox, which Abarth says offers reduced gearshift times.

A set of new 17-inch tires featuring the Maserati 'Neptun' design and the distinctive hexagonal exhaust pipes found on Maserati cars such as the  GranTurismo or Quattroporte complete the model.

FIAT 500 America

 


Fiat has released latest limited edition model to join its 500 family with the Fiat 500 America that Fiat claims “emphasises the Global Soul of the Fiat 500″ and is part of commemorative celebration of Fiat 500 introduction to the US market in 2011 and “where its collaboration with American pop singer Jennifer Lopez started.” Fiat plans to produce only 500 examples in both coupe and cabriolet body styles with all of the limited production run assigned to European Markets only. Fiat will officially unveil its Fiat 500 America at the Geneva International Motor Show next month.

Over a million ways to play it at FIAT of Tacoma

At FIAT of Tacoma we currently have the 500 model; and don't think that 1 model is going to hold you back in options.  There are three different trip levels: the pop, sport, and lounge.  You also have the option of hardtop, sunroof, fixed glass or a cabrio.  Not to mention the limited edition models, the Pink Ribbon and the 500 by Gucci , later this year the Abarth will joining the family at our Tacoma studio.  There are also a number of accesories and graphics that include roof stripes and side stripes, side body moldings, bike racks and many more.  All in addition to the 14 unique exterior colors and multiple interior color options.  So come see one of the specialists at FIAT of Tacoma and let us help you into your perfect FIAT today.

FIAT 500 Mopar Stinger

What’s small, yellow, and vaguely looks like a 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth? That would be the new 2012 Fiat 500 Mopar Stinger, which is available by way of two dealer-installed packages offered through Chrysler’s Mopar parts and service brand.

We know what you’re thinking: another sporty take on the 500? Fiat’s small North American portfolio already incorporates the 500 Sport, which adds some exterior flair, a stiffer suspension, and 16-inch aluminum wheels. Later this year, the new 2012 500 Abarth -- packing a 160-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter I-4, along with a number of performance goodies -- will also be in showrooms nationwide come fall. Regardless, Mopar thinks there’s room for a third model; one for customers who want something a little flashier than a 500 Sport, but aren’t quite ready to take the full Abarth leap.

The first step -- what Mopar calls the Stage One package -- primarily focuses infusing a bit of the Abarth’s visual attitude inside and out. Buyers start with a giallo 500 Sport, which gives the Stinger the Sport’s unique flared rocker sills and roof spoiler. Mopar’s touches are quite dependent on dark chrome: it’s used on the front fascia’s whiskers, on emblems, mirror caps, tailgate trim, door handles, and even the headlamp projectors themselves. Lenses for head-, fog-, and taillamps are all smoked to match. 17-inch wheels are cribbed from the Abarth, while a thick side stripe fades to a checkerboard pattern above the rear fenders.

The Stinger’s cabin is dressed to match its exterior. Leather seat covers sourced from Katzkin boast Alcantara inserts, along with bright yellow bolsters and embroidered 500 logos. Interior revisions are otherwise constrained to a new shift knob and a carbon fiber dash applique.

Mopar promises its Stage Two kit to add a little more power underhood, but the specifics are still a bit foggy. The Stinger retains the 500 Sport’s 1.4-liter I-4 with Fiat’s Multiair valve actuation system. In stock form, that engine produces about 101 hp and 98 lb-ft of torque. Along with cross-drilled brake rotors, the Stage Two package also adds a cold air intake and a less restrictive exhaust system Mopar says the latter pair should provide a bump in both horsepower and torque, although it’s shying away from specific figures at this point. We’d expect those gains to be mild, at best, and far short of the power provided by the 500 Abarth.

Pricing will be the key to the Stinger’s success -- if any -- in Fiat showrooms. Mopar officials acknowledge as much, while also admitting they have a relatively small window in which to play. Obviously, adding the Stinger packages will drive up the $18,000 MSRP of the 500 Sport. Price it too high, however, and you run the risk of bumping into the $22,000 base price of the more potent 500 Abarth. Official pricing won’t be revealed until later this fall and a completed Stinger needs to strike right between those price points in order to remain competitive.

2012 FIAT 500

There's more to the Fiat 500 than stylish sheet metal and a tiny footprint. It also has an attractive interior.

A shiny plastic dashboard panel, color-matched to the rosso paint, runs the length of the dash. A concentric gauge cluster cleverly combines the speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges, and trip information under one shroud. An unusual, asymmetrical shift pattern is etched into black plastic trim on top of the big chrome shift knob. The front seats and the 50/50-split folding rear seats are covered in smooth, gray fabric that reminds us of hockey pads or ski pants. All four head restraints have a unique, circular design.

Italians, it seems, can make a lot happen in a small cabin.

So can deputy editor Joe DeMatio, who took the 500 on a run to Costco. DeMatio chose our smallest Four Seasons car over his Toyota Tundra to see how much freight the Fiat could haul with its rear seats folded flat. Stacking up boxes of food, wine, dog kibble, paper goods, and bottled water and juices, he managed to fit his whole cartful into the 500, although it was a good thing he didn't have any passengers along.

The Fiat's cargo capacity was put to the test again when another driver headed to Lansing, Michigan, for Christmas dinner. He folded down the rear seats before stuffing the cargo area with two suitcases, a couple of backpacks, a clutch of gifts, and an antipasto platter. Then he and a fellow six-plus-footer hopped in front for the drive to grandma's house.

So the 500 has a surprising amount of cargo room, but how about people room? Senior editor Eric Tingwall and three friends climbed into the 500 on their way out to dinner one evening. "Everyone would have benefited from a little more legroom," he admits. Still, no one's knees were touching their noses.

We do have some minor quibbles about our Fiat's interior. First, the steering column tilts but doesn't telescope, which is a problem for taller drivers, especially. We also wish the passenger seat was adjustable for height, like the driver's seat is. Those who've been behind the wheel have appreciated the extra headroom.

There's plenty to appreciate here, actually: we like the 500 not just for its cuteness and its smallness but also its usefulness.

FIAT 500 EV

Fiat will start building a battery-electric version of its 500 compact this year, marking the Italian automaker's entrance into the EV production market. So said Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne in an official Chrysler tweet recently that said:

Marchionne: at Chrysler we are working on an electric version of the Fiat 500 that we'll begin manufacturing later this year.

As you can read, Marchionne didn't say how many EVs would be produced or how much it would cost, though the 500 EV will likely have about 100 horsepower as well as about a 90-mile single-charge range, the website said. Marchionne once estimated that Fiat would lose about $10,000 on each 500 EV sold. Fiat hasn't put out an official statement on the model.

Fiat unveiled its 500 Elettra battery-electric concept at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, though has been relatively quiet since. A privately converted 500 EV was notably owned by now-deceased Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Earlier this month, Corrado Clini, a member of Italy's Ministry of the Environment, said Fiat missed an opportunity to gain from growing global demand for electric-drive vehicles by choosing to work on more fuel-efficient internal combustion engines instead of hybrids and electric powertrains, the Wall Street Journal reported.