Alfa Romeo 4C Running Ahead of Schedule, Will Bow Next Summer

Development towards the production model Alfa Romeo 4C appears to be ahead of schedule, as the Italian automaker plans on unveiling the model next summer.

This will be months ahead of the originally rumored 2014 Detroit Auto Show debut date, and will mark the beginning of Alfa Romeo’s return to the U.S. market. The Giulia sedan is also on schedule and it appears that the model will be built in North America and possibly Europe. Both vehicles will be reintroducing the Alfa Romeo brand to Americans, so it’ll be important that both are as presentable as possible.
Regardless, it appears that Chrysler-Fiat will invest plenty of time and effort into the Alfa Romeo brand. Recently, Japanese automaker Mazda and Fiat signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to develop and manufacture an Alfa Romeo roadster based on the next-generation MX-5

Ferrari to build new engines for Fiat

Italian luxury carmaker Ferrari has signed EUR50m agreement with Fiat to develop and build new engines for its top models including Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Lancia.

As per the agreement, Ferrari will produce two new engines including bi-turbo V6 engine which will generate 450hp, as well as, a V8 powertrain, which can generate an output of nearly 500hp.
According to ansa.it, the production of the new engines is expected to begin in 2014.
Initially, the new engines will power the production version of the Maserati Kubang SUV concept and then follows subsequently.
Fiat's move tends to reduce the production of engines by its family manufacturers, thus cutting the production costs and the new engines are expected to deliver enhanced fuel economy and reduce emission, while offering high performance.

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• Abarth 695 Maserati Edition bows at Mille Miglia

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Abarth 695 Maserati Edition bows at Mille Miglia

The Fiat 500 in its various guises positively romps on its popularity, making special-edition hay with terrific frequency. This latest outing in the form of the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition follows a familiar trail, coming three years after the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari that debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

That hatch had a tuned 1.4-liter turbo four putting out more than 180 horsepower, a variable exhaust system and paddle-shifting automated manual under its Ferrari 430 Scuderia-mimicking paint scheme. But aside from the paint, this one gets much the same treatment: 180-hp output, Abarth Competizione gearbox and dual mode exhaust.

It goes the GranTurismo route instead of hard-core sports car, though, using the convertible Abarth as a base and adding Pontevecchio Bordeaux paint with a gray top, sand-beige leather and black interior, Jaeger instrumentation, and 17-inch Maserati-style Neptune wheels and hexagonal tailpipes. Still, it gets even bigger Brembo brakes than the Ferrari version.

Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato

2011 Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato Concept

There are few certainties in life, aside from death, taxes and the number one rule of automakers worldwide: future products are not to be commented on, ever. There’s logic behind such a sentiment, as building excitement for products that don’t exist tends to negatively impact sales of products already in dealer showrooms.

That’s why we tend to be skeptical when outlets publish future product plans from automakers. While some of this information may prove to be accurate, other bits and pieces will likely turn out to be wishful thinking. As a rule, the farther away a projected launch date is, the less likely it is that particular model will see the light of day.

In other words, we doubt that Automobile’s projections on Chrysler’s future product lines will turn out to be entirely accurate, but we’ll bet they’re probably on the money with the projected 2013 launch of the Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato.

First shown as a concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Zagato-ized hatchback restyles the current Fiat 500’s rear to present a more coupe-like profile, while retaining the car’s hatchback sensibilities. It may be smaller than the current Fiat 500, but it retains the car’s 2+2 seating arrangements, albeit with less rear headroom.

The concept was shown in an electric-yellow paint scheme, trimmed with burnished chrome and gunmetal accents. If the car is launched as a limited-edition model (likely the case), expect to see production versions carry the same artfully bold color scheme.

There’s no word yet on pricing or content, but expect the Fiat 500 variant to be a Zagato for the masses, priced accordingly. If you’ve always wanted a Zagato-styled creation in your garage, this may be the least expensive path to ownership the world has ever seen.

That is, of course, if the Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato gets the rumored green light for production.

FIAT 500L

GENEVA — The 2013 Fiat 500L compact crossover will get several engines, including the new 0.9-liter TwinAir, as well as more than 30 exterior color choices — and "fragrance diffusers." It debuts at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show.
The Fiat 500L will also get a 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a MultiJet 1.3-liter diesel engine when it launches in Europe later this year. It will deubt in the U.S. early next year.
Fiat said the five-passenger hatchback will also get an eco:Drive application that gives the driver advice for cutting fuel consumption. The EPA has yet to rate the 2013 Fiat 500L. It will also get the optional my:Car, which diagnoses, records and certifies the car's history and state of maintenance.
The 500L — the L in the car's name stands for "large" — is 163 inches long, 70 inches wide and 65 inches tall.
Fiat 500L buyers will get a choice of white, gray or black for the alloy wheels and a range of accessories, including custom graphics, chrome-plating, ski roof bars and a bicycle holder. The 14-cubic-foot trunk can hold up to five suitcases, said Fiat.
The 500L will be built on Fiat's SUSW (Small U.S. Wide) platform, which also will underpin a new compact Jeep crossover in the U.S., as well as replacements overseas for the Fiat Punto and Palio.

2012 Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati

A few years after Abarth brought the 695 Tributo Ferrari to the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Italian automaker is set to head to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with another commemorative, limited edition model that pays homage to another Italian contemporary - the 695 Tributo Maserati.

According to Abarth, the 695 Tributo Maserati is the confluence of the things we love about Abarth and Maserati, particularly the combination of "the highest level of elegance combined with the comforts of a car, but with the handling that’s suitable for everyday driving. "

In terms of its design, the Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati comes with a "Pontevecchio Bordeaux" paint finish and matched with upholstery dressed in Poltrona Frau leather beige sand. True to its name as an elegant iteration of the popular Italian hatch, the 695 Tributo Maserati also comes with carbon inserts, as well as a matte finish and trim on the dashboard, a black tricolor leather steering wheel, door panels and rear panels that have been given a gray track treatment by UV-LUX, and a new set of 17" alloy wheels.

As far as powertrain is concerned, the Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati will be powered by a 1.4-liter Turbo T-Jet engine that produces 180 horsepower and mated to an electro-mechanical Abarth Competition transmission with steering wheel controls.

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.'"

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.

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.

Will Alfa 4C Hit the U.S. in 2013?

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LONDON — Alfa Romeo's mid-engined 4C sportscar will appear in prototype form during the middle of next year, says Fiat engineering chief Mauro Pierallini, before the car goes on sale in 2013 to lead the brand's much-delayed return to the U.S. Executives hint the 4C's price tag could be $45,000 or less in the States.
Originally conceived as a sports car for the Abarth marque, a sporty sub-brand of Fiat, the 4C instead became the small brother to Alfa's glamorous V8-powered 8C coupe.
Its carbon-fiber central tub, chassis and aerodynamic package were originally designed by Italian racecar specialist Dallara, but Alfa has subsequently taken the development process in-house, handing responsibility to a small specialist team headed by Pierallini. Dallara also developed the carbon structures for the Alfa 8C, Bugatti Veyron and the KTM X-Bow.
Tub-mounted aluminium frames carry the running gear and the 1.8-liter turbo powertrain, while the 4C's exterior panels are made from sheet-molded composites.
The 1.8 direct-injection Alfa power unit is essentially the same as for the Giulietta, except that by the time the 4C is launched, the block will have switched from cast iron to aluminum, saving 55 pounds. The curb weight of the car is targeted at 1,980 lbs, this ambitious goal achievable in part because of the extensive use of lightweight materials, but also because the 4C is of similar size to the Lotus Elise.
With a forecast power output of 230-horsepower, the 4C is said to be good for 0-60 mph sprints in less than 4.5 seconds, while Dallara's wind-tunnel work should provide excellent high-speed roadholding because the car enjoys positive aerodynamic downforce.
Pierallini says Alfa will build 18,000 4Cs over the lifetime of the car, although the factory that will make it has yet to be chosen.
The 4C will be joined by in the U.S. by the new Giulia sedan and Alfa's first SUV. The Giulia replaces the Alfa 159, which Fiat-Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne describes as "driving OK, but it was 400 kg too heavy and by default uncompetitive. We will never, ever do this again. The next Giulia had better smell, look and drive like an Alfa, or it will not wear the badge. We need to resurrect Alfa Romeo in the proper way."

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.