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.

2012 Abarths Sold Out

Eager to get your hands on the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth? Get in line, and be warned: you're going to have to wait.

According to The Detroit News, Chrysler has stopped taking wholesale orders on the 2012 model year 500 Abarth. According to sources within the automaker, customers who plunk down the money for the hotted-up 500 right now will be put on the 2013 model year waiting list, with those cars expected to arrive in the fall. In a statement to the Motown newspaper, Chrysler officials simply said that the number of orders received "exceeded the production run of this model for the 2012 model year."

Chrysler had originally planned to build about 1,000 Abarth models for the 2012 model year. However, those cars were all spoken for by the end of April – the Abarth's first month on sale – so the automaker upped production to 3,000 units. According to the Detroit News, this was the maximum number of units that the Fiat factory in Toluca, Mexico could handle.

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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.

Fiat convertible 500 Abarth plans leaked

According to documents submitted to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Fiat is already planning a convertible version of the 500 Abarth, and a turbocharged non-Abarth version of the 500 called the 500T.

Good news for fans of high-performance small cars and convertibles everywhere, if it holds up.

And it looks like it will hold up.

The documents, sourced via Car and Driver, show a pretty clear chart of upcoming 2013 models, and the Abarth is clearly listed under the "2 Door Convertible" group, while the 500T Sport is added to the standard Pop, Sport, Lounge, Abarth, and Electric lineup.


Having wrung out the hardtop 500 Abarth at Spring Mountain in the US earlier this year, we know it delivers on many levels where the standard 500 doesn't. Whether the similarly-powerful, but non-Abarth 500 will show similar fun potential remains to be seen.

The convertible version of the Abarth is sure to win fans, however, as many of you commented that a soft top was the only thing holding you back.

Of course, it will likely be the retractable-cloth-roof (a la 500C) sort of convertible, rather than the whole-top-comes-off kind, but even so, it means more sun in the cabin with (hopefully) all of the benefits of the Abarth.

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.

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth: Fiat's little guy is going guano crazy.

Just one year ago at the Los Angeles auto show, Fiat announced its official reentry into our country with the debut of the U.S.-spec 500. Since then, the brand has added the pseudo convertible 500C, but sales of all Cinquecentos have failed to impress. You might say they could use a little boost, so what better time to introduce a hotter turbocharged variant to our shores? Conveniently, Fiat is pulling the wraps off the U.S.-spec 500 Abarth at this week's Los Angeles auto show. It will go on sale in March.

For those not familiar with the current-gen 500 Abarth, it’s not new. First introduced to Europe in 2008, the 500 Abarth is an absolute hoot to drive. European Abarths have 133 hp in basic tune or 170 in the Esseesse version—say “SS” as an Italian would; it stands for “supersport.” Here, though, we get a turbocharged version of the regular 500’s wimpy 101-hp, 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder that will make about 160 hp. (The Abarths currently available in Europe don’t have MultiAir variable valve-lift; to read more about the technology, click here.) Torque is a healthy 170 lb-ft starting at 2500 rpm. Unfortunately, Fiat is sticking with a five-speed manual transmission—beefed-up for service in the Abarth—rather than fitting a six-cog unit. Sure, we understand the concept of cost control, but a little shrimp of a car with a small engine (think less sound deadening plus engine noise) might want a sixth gear for highway cruising.

The Rest of the Racing Kit

In Europe, Abarth is considered a separate brand—one with substantial racing heritage. The 500 Abarth benefits from this connection with a suspension that has been substantially revised from the normal car's. New front springs are 40 percent stiffer than the regular 500’s, while the rears are 20 percent stiffer. Koni shocks go up front, the car sits 0.6 inch lower than a normal 500, and there's more negative camber now. The Abarth’s steering is quicker, and the front brakes grow an inch in diameter to 11.1 inches. The standard wheels are 16s, and 17s are an option.

To complement the fiercer hardware, the cutie-pie face of the 500 gets more aggressive. The Abarth’s front fascia has a larger intake opening, accented by a subtle chin spoiler. There are new rocker extensions and the rear bumper hosts a diffuser with dual exhaust pipes. Other unique exterior items include a roof-mounted spoiler, red brake calipers and mirror caps, and Abarth’s signature scorpion logos and decals. Inside the 500 Abarth, you'll find a very serious little place. There's a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, a boost gauge, and bolstered seats with integrated headrests. Cloth is standard in either black or a black/red combo; leather is available in the same schemes.

Overall, Fiat promises that the 500 Abarth stays true to the Continental version, saying that, “every piece of hardware and every mile of development tuning has been thoroughly examined to ensure the European model’s DNA is delivered to North American driving enthusiasts.” We know a lot of changes were required, both to fit the U.S customers and to fit our regulations, so we hope this statement is more than just an empty promise. We'll find out for sure when we drive the U.S.-spec Abarth in the coming months

Alfa's U.S. relaunch in back on with the Alfa 4C

 

The achingly beautiful Alfa 4C seen at the Geneva show is to spearhead Alfa Romeo's U.S. relaunch in 2012.

Yeah, you're having flashbacks. "The achingly beautiful Alfa 8C is to spearhead Alfa's U.S. relaunch in 2009." Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne first announced in 2006 Alfa's return to the U.S. via Maserati dealerships, and that was supposed to happen by late 2007. Alfa has excuses for not making it back then, and by pausing while parent Fiat Auto cemented its relationship with Chrysler, Alfa now has access to a solid distribution system.

Where the 8C was front-engined and a bit retro, the 4C is a defiantly modern mid-engine car. The Geneva concept car is what the real thing will look like. The concept has a carbon-fiber body, sitting on a carbon tub by race car maker Dallara. For cost reasons, the production car might have to switch to some metal panelwork-it depends on sales predictions, which determine how much to invest in tooling for metal.

Alfa people swear the European price will be under 50,000 euros (or U.S. $71,000), which is what they pay over there for a mid-range Audi TT.

Power comes from a 1.8-liter four, mid-mounted for agility. Alfa historians will delight at the 1750cc capacity, as used back in the '60s, but this one's no relic. It has a turbo and direct injection and makes more than 230 horsepower, fed through a six-speed twin-clutch automated manual transmission.

With a 2100-pound target weight and the strong traction bestowed by its weight distribution, 0-60-mph performance should be somewhere in the low-5-second range.

The main event in terms of sales at Alfa's U.S. launch will be a crossover based on the Giulietta platform, which supports the next-generation Jeep Patriot/Compass. The Patriot and Compass will be consolidated into one model, and the Alfa will have unique sheetmetal.

The Giulietta is a highly regarded VW Golf rival in Europe, making it the most competitive mainstream car Alfa has made in decades. The platform has been designed for AWD, and for the wider track, various wheelbases, and bigger wheel housings of a crossover.

The Giulia four-door sedan will also arrive shortly after the crossover, again for model year 2013, and will be positioned as an Audi A4 rival. The Giulia uses a wider, longer version of the Alfa Giulietta's platform. The 1750 turbo engine will feature here, too, plus Chrysler's new V-6 and AWD options.

The Giulia will be built as sedan and sportwagon, although the wagon is less than likely for U.S. sales.

For 2014, Alfa will launch its small car in America. It's sold as the two-door MiTo in Europe, but the U.S. version will be launched after an extensive facelift and be sold here as a four-door hatch. Main engine is the 1.8 MultiAir developing 170 horsepower, though the 1750 is fitted to performance versions. The Giulietta will also wait for a facelift before launching in the U.S. in calendar year 2014.

That same year, the large Alfa crossover will launch, giving the company a vital rival to machinery such as the Lexus RX and BMW X5. It will be built in the U.S. down the same line as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango, with which it shares underpinnings. Like the small crossover, it will have all-Alfa sheetmetal, and will emphasize road performance over the Jeep's off-road ability. Fiat/Alfa is working on a 3.0-liter clean diesel for its version, plus a seven-speed version of the six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

2012 Fiat 500L Small Crossover SUV at Geneva

Fiat presents the first official images of the 500L Small Crossover SUV, the new model which will have its world preview at the International Geneva Motor Show on 6 March this year.
500L – the L stands for ‘Large’ – is the new addition to the 500 range, which, following the Abarth and Cabrio versions, furthers the brand’s strategy, with the aim of extending its offer by introducing models in a position to satisfy different types of customers.
With the ‘L’, the 500 expands and grows together with customers, to accommodate new experiences and needs once more.
With MPV passenger space combined with the feel of a small SUV on the road and the restrained dimensions and efficiency of a B segment car, the new Fiat model defies the conventional distinctions between the various segments, combining the typical characteristics of different categories in order to create a distinctive alternative to the traditional B and C segments.
With the 500L, the Fiat brand demonstrates its creative spirit once more: a marriage of functionality and emotion, it features a 5-seater single-volume structure which is 414 cm long, 178 cm wide and 166 cm high. It is a further development of the concept of ‘cab forward’ introduced by Fiat with the 600 Multipla, a precursor to the concept of the compact people carrier.
Produced at the Fiat factory in Kragujevac, Serbia, 500L is a ‘first car’ for those who won’t settle for anything less than Italian style, the versatility that comes from a functional design and engine technology that sets the bar in terms of efficiency.
The Fiat 500L will be introduced to Europe in the last quarter of 2012, with an engine range which will initially comprise two petrol engines (TwinAir and 1.4-litre) and a turbodiesel engine (1.3 MultiJet II) and the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology from Fiat Group Automobiles.
Starting today, the first official video of the 500L is available on the www.fiatpress.com website. The 500L is the new Fiat car that will make its world debut on 6 March at the Geneva International Motor Show.
The 500L – the L stands for ‘Large’ – is the new addition to the 500 range, which, following the Abarth and Cabrio versions, furthers the brand’s strategy, with the aim of extending its offer by introducing models in a position to satisfy different types of customers.
With the ‘L’, the 500 model grows in size to accommodate new experiences and needs once more. If the 500 is the super-compact car perfect for young people and the city, the Fiat 500L is the first car of the 500 family able to contain all of life’s greatest emotions all together: children, friends, journeys. Every time great emotions become great experiences.
The 500L expresses all of the taste of Italian style with a distinctive look and interprets the totally Fiat capability of conceiving and designing cars which are innovative in substance and in form. Substance turns into the modern equation of “space-efficient” that distinguishes all of the most innovative Fiats in history, from the 600 Multipla onwards. Just as the 600 Multipla was the forerunner of the concept of compact people carrier, the 500L is the new Fiat interpretation of the Simply More philosophy applied to the Multispace concept. The 500L reformulates the category of compact cars for the modern family in an emotional vein by developing some of the 500′s winning emotive elements in unprecedented forms.
Designed by the Centro Stile Fiat, which drew inspiration from the cab forward concept, the modern reinterpretation of a car concept designed to achieve better external visibility and a large amount of internal light, the 500L has ‘seamless’ glazing that runs all around the car to improve the sense of command of the road and to make parking manoeuvres easier. The glass roof – the largest in its category – also floods the passenger compartment with plenty of light, just as the colour range with no less than 30 body colours is record-breaking for its segment.
ln the same way, the level of comfort that the new 500L offers will be a benchmark owing to the roominess of its interior, the best in its category in relation to the external dimensions – 414 cm long, 178 cm wide and 166 cm high – in addition to a boot with a capacity of almost 400 litres that is able to hold up to 5 roller suitcases or a full-size push chair.
The 500L defies the conventional distinctions owing to its passenger space typical of an MPV, its presence on the road characteristic of a small SUV and its compactness and efficiency worthy of a B segment car. By following this novel recipe, the Fiat 500L puts together characteristics peculiar to different categories to offer a concept of distinctive and versatile first car that is an alternative to the traditional saloons of the B and C segments.
The Fiat 500L will be introduced to Europe in the last quarter of 2012, with an engine range which will initially comprise two petrol engines (TwinAir and 1.4-litre) and a turbodiesel engine (1.3 MultiJet II). Standing out amongst the petrol engines is the new 0.9-litre TwinAir, the new development of the multi-award-winning Fiat two-cylinder engine that set the world fuel consumption and emissions record thanks to its low displacement and inclusion of a high-efficiency turbocharger. The emissions level will set the record amongst petrol engines for the MPV category in this latest evolution as well.

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.'"

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.

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.

FIAT 500 Wagon

DETROIT — A new wagon version of the Fiat 500 will be unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, according to Bloomberg.
Olivier Francois, head of the Fiat brand, told Bloomberg that it will introduce a bigger five-door model "related" to the 500. It will be sold in the U.S. starting in 2013 and is set to compete with the Mini Cooper.
Jiyan Cadiz, a Chrysler spokesman, would not confirm the Bloomberg report when contacted on Tuesday. However, the 2013 Fiat Investor Briefing manual says that a "major modification" for the Fiat 500 is due in 2012. It did not provide any details.