FIAT OF TACOMA HAS ABARTHS IN!!!!

       FIAT 500 ABARTH

               HAS ARRIVED!!

COME DOWN TO THE TACOMA STUDIO TO TEST DRIVE AND ORDER YOURS TODAY!

"IT HITS THESE SHORES WITH AN ATTITUDE PROPELLED BY A RACING HISTORY THAT RIVALS THE MOST LEGENDARY OF MARQUES.  IT MAKES PASSIONATE STATEMENTS SITCHED IN LEATHER AND PROJECTS DETAILS TAILORED STRAIGHT TO THE HEART OF PURE PERFORMANCE.  ON RACETRACKS. ON HIGHWAYS.  AND NOW, ON CONTINENTS.  CODED FROM A VISION, IT LANDS WITH EVERYTHING THAT THE ABARTH BADGE HAS COME TO REPRESENT.  BEHOLD THE SCORPION.  THIS IS THE FIAT 500 ABARTH.

 

Turbocharged, twin intercooled, and MultiAir equipped 1.4L 16v engine delivers 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque.  All backed by a manual five-speed transmission with 3.35 final-drive ratio for quick acceleration.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIAT 500 ABARTH CALL A SPECIALIST AT FIAT OF TACOMA TODAY.  

253-830-5700

           
                  FOUR CYLINDERS.  MASSIVE HEART.            

Jay Leno and the FIAT Abarth

http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/2012-Fiat-500-Abarth/1371751

Fiat 500 Abarth ad with Charlie Sheen

A 60-second commercial for the Fiat 500 Abarth pairing perennial bad boy actor Charlie Sheen with the Romanian model who starred in the car's "Seduction" Super Bowl commercial will begin airing on TV, Chrysler Group said Thursday.

"House Arrest" features images of a 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth racing through the hallways of a mansion filled with nattily dressed partygoers. As the subcompact power slides to a stop in a room filled with people, its driver's side door opens and Sheen's left leg steps out, fitted with an electronic monitoring device around the ankle.

The self-described warlock waves to his guests as he is approached by Catrinel Menghia, the Romanian model who starred in the Abarth's "Seduction" Super Bowl commercial.

"I love being under house arrest," Sheen says to the camera. "What do I get for good behavior?" he asks Menghia.

The advertisement's existence was revealed first by Automotive News on Feb. 20.
The spot, which was created in partnership with Doner of suburban Detroit, will begin airing on broadcast and cable television.

The Fiat 500 Abarth is a high-performance version of the subcompact, featuring a 160-hp engine that delivers 170 pounds-feet of torque. It is scheduled to arrive in Fiat's 140 U.S. dealerships by early April, where it will be priced from $22,700, including delivery.

"The Fiat 500 Abarth is the 'small but wicked' personality of the Fiat 500 and this spot captures that attitude and spirit," Olivier Francois, worldwide head of Fiat brand and Chrysler Group's chief marketing officer, said in a statement. "The Fiat 500 Abarth is the bad boy of the Fiat vehicle lineup and Charlie Sheen personifies the edgy and fun attributes of the Fiat 500 Abarth in 'House Arrest.'"

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 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.

1951 Fiat 500 Giardiniera

While you’re in Scottsdale this weekend, perhaps you’ll want to stop by to check out this 1951 Fiat 500 Giardiniera woodie station wagon for sale on Hemmings.com. It looks to be mostly complete, with its drivetrain in boxes and the major unique aspect – the woodie body – in weathered, but decent, condition, which means that the restoration won’t necessarily become a herculean task. From the seller’s description:

Out of a long storage; engine and transmission and accessories are stored in the rear compartment; wood in repairable condition; vehicle basically complete and restorable; factory brochures and diagrams go with the car.

Abarth soon to be available at Fiat of Tacoma

The 500 gets upgraded with more power, sportier suspension, better brakes, and an Abarth racing pedigree.
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)
LOS ANGELES--For such a cute little car, the Fiat 500 Abarth's scorpion logo is probably the manliest badge in automotive world.

The Fiat 500 Abarth's scorpion badge
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)
At the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, the peppy 101-horsepower Fiat 500 gets a heart transplant in the form of Fiat's award-winning 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine that boosts available power to 160 ponies. More impressive is the torque number: 170 pound-feet, which is the same amount of twist the Honda Civic Si develops with 2.4 liters of displacement. The Abarth 500 also features a single-option five-speed manual transmission and upgraded driveline components that can withstand the rigors of performance driving while mitigating torque steer.
The suspension has also been beefed up with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) twin-tube shock absorbers by KONI and a stabilizer bar up front. Out back, the 500 Abarth still makes do with a torsion-beam rear axle, but also gains a stiffer stabilizer bar. The 500 Abarth can be had with optional 17-inch wheels or the standard 16-inchers. Regardless of size, the wheels wrap around an upgraded braking system.
The Abarth's cabin features the same Blue&Me hands-free calling system that you can get the standard 500 with, but the driver and front passenger now interact with the system while seated in sport bucket seats with pass-throughs for racing harnesses (not included).
The Abarth name and the Fiat 500 Abarth have a racing pedigree dating back to the 1950s and this newest model has proven itself already in a number of 24-hour endurance races, so I'm eager to find myself behind the wheel soon.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta for Maserati

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MODENA, Italy — Maserati has selected a specially outfitted Giulietta from sister brand Alfa Romeo as a customer courtesy car for its European dealers. Both marques are part of the Fiat group.
Built in a limited run of 100 cars, the "Giulietta for Maserati" is based on the 235-horsepower Giulietta Quadrifoglio.
Special features include a custom interior with power seats upholstered in Maserati Brown full-grain leather. The cars feature a burnished brushed-aluminum "Alfa Romeo for Maserati" dashboard plate, as well as an aluminum kick plate engraved with the "Giulietta" and "Maserati" names.
Exterior highlights include diamond-tooled 18-inch alloy rims and oversize brakes with red calipers.

More than 150 to customize your FIAT at FIAT of Tacoma

There are more than 150 ways that you can customize your new FIAT,
here are just a few..

Roof Graphics

Checkerboard: Available in black/white and red/white.

National Flag:  Available for USA, Italy, Mexico and Canada.

Thin Double Stripes: Available in red, black and white.

Bar Code Stripe: Available in black and white

Tri-Color Stripes: Available in red/white/green and red/white/blue.

Double Racing Stripes: Available in red, black and white.

Side Stripes

Side Racing Stripes: Available in red, black and white.

Tri-Color Stripe: Available in red/white/green and red/white/blue

Body Side Molding

Bike Carrier

Two bike carriers are available a roof mounted carrier as well as a hitch mounted carrier.

Custom Key Covers

Roof Rack and Carrier

The removable rack can be used to carry bikes, skis, watersports equipment and luggage carriers.

Limited Edition "Black Jack" FIAT

Fiat has unveiled a new special edition 500 for the European market. It’s called the Blackjack and its name clearly stems from the unique body color with black opaque treatment. The new 500 Blackjack will go on sale in September and will be priced at €13,850 (in Italy).

The unique matte black paint is enhanced by polished elements (whiskers, handles, mirror housings and door-plate) and the 16" alloy wheels are painted in black with a red frame in the center.

The same black color found on the exterior of the car also finds its way into the interior as it is completely blacked out. The only highlights can be found in the burnished silver seams that glisten off of the steering wheel and gear. The black extends into the combination leather and fabric seats unless you want to throw in some color with the option of red seats.

The new Fiat 500 Blackjack is available with all of the engines found in the 500 range combined with a five- or six-speed gearbox. Fiat is also offering the new TwinAir 85HP 0.9-liter two-cylinder turbo petrol.

FIAT of Tacoma's special "Pink Ribbon" edition

Fiat has announced the 500 "Pink Ribbon" Edition that will be limited to only 250 units. For each unit sold, Fiat will donate $1,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to facilitate their mission of achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime.

The Fiat 500 Pink will be based on the 500 Lounge model and will be offered in Argento (silver) and Bianco (white) exterior paint colors. Joining the exterior paint will be a signature dark pink body side stripe with a "500" logo and an accenting "ribbon" in light pink.

The interior will get pink accents to contrast with the Nero leather for the front and rear seats, as well as a signature "500" logo embroidered on the front seatbacks. The same pink and black combination will be used for the steering wheel and the body-color instrument panel bezel. Each unit will also be offered with a pair of uniquely designed Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon key fobs.

This special edition is now on sale and is priced from $22,500 (including $500 destination).

2012 Alfa Romeo Giulietta for Maserati Edition

Courtesy cars are nothing new in the auto industry. Collaborations between two companies have gone on for sometime now in an effort to entice the company’s respective clients in the industry. If you recall, Ferrari once went this route, releasing a limited edition model of the Fiat 500 as a courtesy model for its clients. Now, a couple of other models under the Fiat umbrella will be giving birth to another one of these models in the form of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta for Maserati Edition.

The car will be limited to only 100 units and will be distinguished with a number of styling cues befitting its association with the upper-echelon Maserati. Among these features include a new set of 18" allow wheels with enhanced diamond tooling and a larger set of red caliper brakes. Meanwhile, the interior of the Giulietta for Maserati Edition has been dressed in a “Maserati Brown” Venere leather upholstery with brushed aluminum inserts. There’s also an “Alfa Romeo for Maserati” plaque on the dashboard, to go with aluminum door sill plates with the names “Giulietta” and “Maserati” engraved on each side.

In terms of performance, the Giulietta for Maserati Edition will be powered by the top-of-the-line, 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbocharged Quadrifoglio Verde engine that produces an impressive 235 horsepower.

The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Comes To Jay Leno's Garage

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is more than just an economy car with a slapped-on turbo. To ensure that the car could handle the rigors of track-day events and autocross competition, Fiat’s engineers have strengthened the engine’s internals to cope with the additional 59 horsepower, added a beefier five-speed gearbox, revised the suspension tuning and even modified the electronic stability control program to include “sport” and “off” settings for track duty.


Since Jay Leno already owns a Fiat 500, he’s well versed in the capabilities of the Italia
n city car. In this episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Joe Grace, Fiat’s vehicle line executive, stops by with a new Fiat 500 Abarth, but oddly enough Leno doesn’t get any seat-time in the Abarth version.


Leno does compare the two cars, but it’s more bench racing than specifics. We’d have loved to see Leno flogging the Abarth on Mulholland Drive, just to get a sense of what the car is like on the road, but that will have to wait for another time.


On the plus side, this episode does include a nice clip on the history of Abarth, which goes into a bit more detail than we’ve seen in other videos. If you’re not well versed on the evolution of the scorpion logo, it’s worth watching just to understand the passion behind the Abarth brand.

2012 Fiat 500 beefs up looks but not price

A "wicked" Fiat 500? It's hard to imagine the Fiat 500 as anything but cute and Italian stylish. Yet, here it is, the performance version, that will broaden the 500's appeal to more men. To heck with "cute."

Fiat says it's faithful to the "small, but wicked" saying coined for Karl Abarth's cars in the 1960s, where this one gets its designation.

"Bringing the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth to the U.S. enables us to reach out to driving enthusiasts who want Italian performance at an attainable price," said Olivier Francois, head of Fiat brand for Chrysler Group. "With its lightweight, track-tuned handling and purpose-built design, the Fiat 500 Abarth brings to life the legendary racing heritage of the brand and becomes the Italian high-performance car for everyday driving."

To earn its performance cred, the 500 Abarth has a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. It also has a tuned suspension and brake, a race-inspired design and extra technology features.

Sexy 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Ad Gets The Pop-Up Video Treatment

 

By now, you've probably seen the sexy new "Seduction" commercial for the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth -- the one where a humdrum cubicle clone has a close encounter with an Italian supermodel, only to discover that she is, in fact, a car. Now, VH1 has given that clip the pop-up video treatment.

Among the fun facts we learn as the ad rolls by:

* The spot was directed by Luca Maroni, whose name might not mean much in the film world, but he's a fairly big deal where commercials are concerned.

* The office boy is Matthew Rocheleau, who's just getting his feet wet in Hollywood.

* The supermodel is, as you might imagine, a real supermodel: Catrinel Menghia. (Though we have to visit Wikipedia to learn that Ms. Menghia is Romanian by birth, not Italian. Bless you, Wikipedia.)

* Menghia is married to a former Italian soccer champ, which might explain why her accent is pretty spot-on. (Sadly, news reports indicate that her marriage to Massimo Brambati may be coming to an end.)

What the video doesn't provide is a translation of Menghia's spiel, which, for those who care, goes something like: "What are you looking at? Hey, what are you looking at? Are you undressing me with your eyes? Poor guy. You just can’t help it, can you? Is your heart racing? Is your head spinning? Do you feel lost thinking that I could be yours forever?" 

But hey, why should we give it all away when you could be wasting a small chunk of your Friday watching this clip for yourself? 

Limited Edition Fiat

The Fiat line-up that’s headed to the 2011 Bologna Motor Show will also include a special edition 500 model that has been designed to commemorate the car’s introduction to the US market.

The special edition Fiat 500 model is called the "Nation Limited Edition" and it will come in hard-top and cabrio trims. As far as the former is concerned, Fiat dressed it up in an "America Blue" exterior paint finish and it comes with a bevy of unique trims, including a "Stars & Stripes" package on the sides and on the mirror casings, and a new set of 16" alloy wheels.

Meanwhile, the 500C version will come in a "Tri-Coat White" exterior paint finish and will also feature the same "Stars & Stripes" package on the sides and the mirror casings, as well as a new set of 16" alloy wheels. A different wrinkle on the 500C is the red soft-top roof, further enhancing the color scheme of the car as a celebration of our beloved land.

Powertrain figures for both the 500 and 500C remains the same - a 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir technology that delivers 101 horsepower and 98 lb/ft of torque - although customers who opt for the 500C will have to shell out more money to be able to buy one.

Both models will be limited to 500 units apiece with the hard-top version coming with a price tag of €14,500, which is about $19,500 based on current exchange rates. As for the 500C, that one will cost you €18,000, which when converted, hits $24,200.

The Fiat line-up that’s headed to the 2011 Bologna Motor Show will also include a special edition 500 model that has been designed to commemorate the car’s introduction to the US market.

The special edition Fiat 500 model is called the "Nation Limited Edition" and it will come in hard-top and cabrio trims. As far as the former is concerned, Fiat dressed it up in an "America Blue" exterior paint finish and it comes with a bevy of unique trims, including a "Stars & Stripes" package on the sides and on the mirror casings, and a new set of 16" alloy wheels.

Meanwhile, the 500C version will come in a "Tri-Coat White" exterior paint finish and will also feature the same "Stars & Stripes" package on the sides and the mirror casings, as well as a new set of 16" alloy wheels. A different wrinkle on the 500C is the red soft-top roof, further enhancing the color scheme of the car as a celebration of our beloved land.

Powertrain figures for both the 500 and 500C remains the same - a 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir technology that delivers 101 horsepower and 98 lb/ft of torque - although customers who opt for the 500C will have to shell out more money to be able to buy one.

Both models will be limited to 500 units apiece with the hard-top version coming with a price tag of €14,500, which is about $19,500 based on current exchange rates. As for the 500C, that one will cost you €18,000, which when converted, hits $24,200.

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

 

After having been absent from the U.S. for more than 30 years, the Cinquecento is making up for lost time with a steady stream of variants. First up was the all-new 2012 Fiat 500, which arrived on our shores this past spring, followed closely by its 500C roll-top convertible sibling. Both of them are cheek-pinchingly cute, but we've been pining away for the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth, the bad boy of the 500 litter that is debuting for the first time in U.S.-spec form at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show.

Running deep in the 500 Abarth's blood is the spirit of racing legend Karl Abarth, who believed in "small but wicked" cars. During the 1950s, Abarth was known for transforming small, lightweight everyday cars into track-ready beasts, and his spirit is reflected in this type-A Cinquecento, which receives a sport-tuned suspension, bigger wheels, and a more muscular stance than its mild-mannered counterpart.

The power figures for the U.S.-spec model come in at 160 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque from its 1.4-liter turbocharged four -- roughly matching those of the Euro-market Abarth Esseesse model. While Fiat has not revealed the details on the Abarth's EPA rating, we don't expect it to be much worse than the manual 500's 30/38 mpg city/highway rating. Also absent from the release was the Abarth's 0-60 number; we anticipate it will be close to the Euro-spec Esseesse-tuned Abarth's time of 6.9 seconds.

The Abarth features a unique MacPherson suspension design with a 40-percent stiffer spring rate and 0.6-inch lower ride height over the base car, helping to reduce body roll and improve overall handling. In addition, the micro-car utilizes an Abarth-tuned electronic stability control system (On, Partial Off, Full Off) that works with Fiat's Torque Transfer Control system to maximize throttle performance during hard cornering. The Abarth's "Sport" mode further maximizes the driving experience by tightening steering feel, sharpening throttle response, and quickening shift times.

Aside from looking more aggressive with the Scorpion badge, the Abarth is further distinguished from the garden-variety 500 by a blacked-out fascia with twin "nostrils" designed to maximize airflow in and out of twin intercoolers. Side skirts provide a more athletic profile, and flared wheel arches further aid ventilation of the brake system. Standard on the Abarth are 16-inch wheels, but high-performance 17-inchers are available, and are offset by 11.1-inch front discs clamped by red single-piston front calipers in the front, and 9.4-inch discs in the back.

Also in the back the Abarth sports a rear spoiler that extends the roofline and aids with overall aerodynamics. A black-accented rear diffuser and double-tipped exhausts help complete the edgy look. Distinctive vintage plaques are also available for the driver and passenger rear-quarter panels. A tri-color (red, white, and green) "shot through" arrow is available, along with additional exterior decals that include the signature Abarth triple-stripe logo that runs horizontally along the lower bodyside with a gradient effect. Exterior mirror caps that match the stripe also are available.

Inside, the thick-rimmed Abarth-themed steering wheel has a flat bottom and is wrapped in perforated leather. Cruise control, audio, and Fiat's Blue&Me hands-free communication buttons are mounted on the wheel, while LED shift lights illuminate during gear changes on an analog turbo-boost gauge unique to the Abarth. Should buyers opt for TomTom navigation, there will be a 4.3-inch touch-screen display. Race-inspired features for the interior include aluminum foot pedals with black rubber trim, and a black leather-wrapped shift knob accented with red stitching. Front seats feature a one-piece design with large side bolsters and a racing-harness pass-through, and rear passengers will enjoy raised seats bolstered for added back support. The headliner and pillars are finished in black, while seats are available in black cloth or leather, or red and black leather.

 

Fiat also loaded the Abarth with a plethora of safety and security features (more than 35) that include seven airbags and smart pedals that move out of the way during an impact to help protect the driver's feet and legs.

"Bringing the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth to the U.S. enables us to reach out to driving enthusiasts who want Italian performance at an attainable price," said Olivier Francois, head of the Fiat Brand and chief information marketing officer, in a statement.

The only thing left to do is to drive it -- hard -- to see if this little Italian bad boy has the chops to take on the Mini S and its other pint-sized, go-fast competition.

FIAT of Tacoma's End of the Month Sale

CLICK HERE for current special.

FIAT of Tacoma's preview of the Abarth

Click Here to view the FIAT USA Abarth site. Then give FIAT of Tacoma a call to reserve your FIAT 500 Abarth. The phone number for FIAT of Tacoma is 253.830.5700.

Danny Bonaduce and His wife Amy with her new FIAT at FIAT of Tacoma!!