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Video: Watch these dudes pull off amazing stunts with some Fiat 500C Abarths

Filed under: Convertible, Videos, Humor, Fiat

Dude Perfect Fiat 500 stunt driving

These dudes are perfect, which, we surmise, is why their YouTube channel is called Dude Perfect. But we digress. In their latest video, Dude Perfect performs some amazing trick shots with footballs, basketballs and baseballs, along with a trio of Fiat 500C Abarth convertibles. It’s perfect, dude.

Joining the dudes this week are stunt drivers Roger Richman and Samuel Hubinette from LA Motorsports, and some of their coolest tricks wouldn’t be possible without some equally precise driving. Looks like they had a total blast, but remember, these guys are professionals and performed their tricks on a closed course. In other words… do not try this at home.

Dude. Scroll down below to watch the video.

Continue reading Watch these dudes pull off amazing stunts with some Fiat 500C Abarths

Watch these dudes pull off amazing stunts with some Fiat 500C Abarths originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Fiat expanding beyond Chrysler-paired dealerships

Filed under: Car Buying, Chrysler, Fiat

fiat 500c

2012 Fiat 500c – Click above for high-res image gallery

Fiat dealerships aren’t popping up quite as quickly as the original plans showed they would, but the retail outlets could get a push now that the automaker is looking outside of the Chrysler family. Automotive News reports that Fiat is now offering franchises to non-Chrysler dealers for the first time. There are currently 59 Fiat dealers nationwide, and the automaker plans to open 130 stores by the end of 2011

At one point, there were reportedly 130 Chrysler dealers that had been approved for a Fiat store, but many deals fell through for various reasons. A Chrysler spokesperson tells AN that letters of intent have already been sent out to seven non-Chrysler dealers.

While opening up the franchising process will likely speed up the pace of adding Fiat stores to the U.S., there are still many hurdles for the Italian make. For starters, the 500 is currently the only Fiat available in the U.S., and it could sit alone on the show floor for at least another year. And so far, Fiat has insisted that new franchises will only be awarded to those with plans to build a standalone store.

Though it doesn’t sound like a great situation to us, we’re guessing there are at least 71 more entrepreneurs willing to sign on the dotted line to gain another foothold in the car business.

Fiat expanding beyond Chrysler-paired dealerships originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2012 Fiat 500C

Filed under: Convertible, First Drive, Fiat

Pop-top Cinquecento Makes For A Sunny Disposition

2012 Fiat 500C

2012 Fiat 500C – Click above for high-res image gallery

What price the sun? That’s the question Fiat is asking potential buyers of its new 500C. All else remaining (mostly) equal, would $4,000 come between you and the chance to have bright, unfiltered Helios riding shotgun? Or, using forty Benjamins to mark your steps, would you gladly throw the money down and do a Tarantella from the $15,500 Fiat 500 to the $19,500 Fiat 500C?

While logic doesn’t own a car in this segment, we can say this: Having spent an afternoon whooping it up in the 500C through the winding lanes of upstate New York, wallet aside, when compared to the hardtop model, the 500C is all gain and just a pinprick of pain.

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2012 Fiat 500C originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Fiat Abarth to join World Rally Championship by 2014?

Filed under: Motorsports, Fiat

Abarth Punto S2000

It wasn’t that long ago that things didn’t look so good for the World Rally Championship. Automakers were dropping out of the series like so many flies, while other manufacturers were heading to the rival Intercontinental Rally Challenge. But things have turned around for the WRC.

While Citroën continues to dominate over Ford, Mini has joined the fight, and Volkswagen is on its way in as well. Now word comes in that Fiat could be preparing to take part, as well, with its Abarth performance brand.

Abarth 500 R3T Abarth has been contesting IRC and national rally championships with the Punto S2000 (pictured above) with considerable success, as well as mounting its own rally, touring car and junior formula spec series. But evidently looking for a new challenge, rumor has it that the Scorpion marque will challenge its European rivals on the world rally stage as soon as 2013 or maybe 2014.

If and when it does, the Punto Abarth will likely be adapted to WRC specifications (which now closely mirror the S2000 spec used in the IRC), as opposed to upgrading the 500 R3T (pictured at right) used in some lower-level rally events. We’ll have to wait for official confirmation, but one thing’s for sure: the competition in the WRC is getting fiercer by the day.

Fiat Abarth to join World Rally Championship by 2014? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat and Ferrari dominate 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Fiat

fiat 857cc twinair

Fiat 875-cc TwinAir engine – Click above for high-res image gallery

Italy knows how to put an engine together – at least, according to the International Engine of the Year voting committee. The votes have been tallied, and Fiat has taken home four out of 12 awards. The company’s 875-cc TwinAir mill has earned the title of Best New Engine of 2011, Green Engine of the Year, Sub 1.0-liter Engine of the Year and International Engine of the Year. Ferrari helped Italy earn two more awards, with the 458’s 4.5-liter V8 unit being crowned Best Engine Above 4.0-liters and Best Performance engine. All told, Italian powerplants claimed half of the awards handed out.

BMW was no slouch, however, with the German automaker acquiring four awards in the competition. Audi and Volkswagen also earned recognition. A great showing, but the Italians earn the win thanks to Fiat taking the top prize. Click past the jump to read the full press release and learn more about the International Engine of the Year awards.

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Fiat and Ferrari dominate 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 May 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Citroen to follow Fiat’s lead with DS3 Airflow convertible [w/poll]

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Citroën

Citroen DS3

Citroën DS3 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Citroën has come a long way with its revived DS line of premium offerings. What started with the basic DS3 hatchback has since grown to include the DS3 Racing hot hatch, the DS3 R3 and DS3 WRC rally machines; the DS4 crossover, and the new DS5. Now it seems a convertible is on the way as well.

Tentatively dubbed as the DS3 Airflow, the rumored convertible will apparently follow a similar approach to that taken by Fiat with the 500C. Look for a retractable fabric roof panel that will retain the pillars and door frames, in effect bridging the gap between a full convertible and a large sunroof. The advantage is a more cost-effective development cycle and superior handling, retaining much of the body’s rigidity while offering open-air driving. For our part, we’re interested to see what Citroën’s designers do with the car’s slick B-pillar treatment once the top drops. (Ben Walsh, we’re looking at you.)

European reports say the DS3 Airflow will launch in the spring of 2013. Of course, unlike Fiat, which has finally made a splashy return to North America, Citroën seems content to stay on its side of the Atlantic. Think it’s time for the French automaker to come back so we can sample cars like the reborn DS range? Cast your vote in the poll after the jump.

Continue reading Citroen to follow Fiat’s lead with DS3 Airflow convertible [w/poll]

Citroen to follow Fiat’s lead with DS3 Airflow convertible [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 May 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Fiat 500 Abarth [w/video]

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Quick Spin, Fiat

Not Exactly Like America’s Abarth – Ours Will Be Better

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth – Click above for high-res image gallery

Covering the automotive business is rife with surprises. Case in point: On a recent trip to the stunning Algarve region of Portugal to test Continental Tire’s new ContiEcoContact 5 (verdict: they’re very good), we had the chance to sample a bit of forbidden fruit.

In the process of learning about the German company’s doughnut-making capabilities (which included a journeyman’s seminar on velocity-excited short- and long-chain polymers, the CEC5’s three-percent fuel economy bump and improved wet-braking capabilities), one test car fitted with Continental’s new rubber was a EU-spec 2011 Fiat 500 Abarth.

Knowing that the factory-fettled 500 is headed our way in two year’s time, we snagged the keys to see if Italy’s hottest hatch was ready to bring the pain to the John Cooper Works-infused offerings from Mini. Continue reading…

Continue reading 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth [w/video]

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat workers agree to concessions at former Bertone plant

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Europe, UAW/Unions, Fiat

Maserati Quattroporte

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S – Click above for high-res image gallery

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has been working hard to improve the automaker’s labor situation in Italy, and it appears the effort is beginning to pay off. Automotive News reports that Fiat has come to an agreement with the union at the former Bertone plant, with increased work shifts and more flexible overtime as part of the agreement. The union initially turned down an offer from Fiat, which prompted the Italian automaker to suspend plans to rebuild the plant.

The agreement, which was agreed to by 88 percent of the workforce, makes way for Fiat to invest $739 million to overhaul the facility. Fiat plans to make the next generation Maserati Quattroporte at the facility, which has a reported launch date of mid-2013. The plant is also scheduled to build a midsize Maserati that will be tasked to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E Class and the BMW 5 Series. The sedan is scheduled to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Fiat workers agree to concessions at former Bertone plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future Chryslers to include Charger Super Bee, 40+ mpg Fiat 500

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat

2011 Dodge Charger

2011 Dodge Charger – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is fresh off the introduction of 16 new or refreshed models, but Team Pentastar isn’t out of breath just yet. According to Inside Line, CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters and analysts that there will be more changes throughout 2011.

For starters, the Dodge Charger will reportedly add a Super Bee variant. The familiar badge will likely be a mostly cosmetic upgrade, though Chrysler hasn’t yet announced any specifics. Meanwhile, the Jeep Wrangler will finally – finally – receive a new engine. The ancient 3.8-liter six will be replaced by the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which boasts 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in most applications. The far more powerful 3.6-liter will also come with a reported 10 percent increase in fuel economy, though the Wrangler won’t get the eight-speed auto transmission that should arrive from Getrag later in the year.

One of the Chrysler brands will also receive a rebadged version of the Fiat 500 before the end of 2011. The efficient little runt, which could be badged as a Dodge, must hit at least 40 miles per gallon to satisfy a requirement necessary for Fiat to receive another five percent ownership of Chrysler. If and when that happens, Fiat will own a 51 percent majority of the American automaker.

Team Pentastar is also looking to add more diesel models to its lineup. The oil burners will reportedly make up 14 percent of the automaker’s model mix by 2014. We know that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is getting Chrysler’s 3.0-liter CRD V6 in the coming years, and we’re crossing our fingers for an oil-burning Wrangler, as well.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Charger: First Drive

2011 Dodge Charger

Future Chryslers to include Charger Super Bee, 40+ mpg Fiat 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2011: Fiat 500c says spalancata e lasciare che il sole

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Fiat

2012 Fiat 500c at 2011 New York Auto Show

2012 Fiat 500c – Click above for high-res image gallery

That bit of Italian in the title? It means “open wide and let the sun in”… we think. Either way, the 2012 Fiat 500c is doing just that. Maybe not the sun, but it is letting in the bright lights of the New York Auto Show stage.

Set to hit our shores this spring, the droptop two-door Fiat is powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir inline-four-cylinder engine. Output is rated at 101 horsepower and 98 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the powertrain is good for 38 miles per gallon on the highway.

The real magic of the 500c, however, sits in the cloth top that serves roof duty. With the press of a button, it slides back and can work like a soft sunroof or go all the way down and give occupants the sun’s full monty. Check it out in the gallery below, and then click past the jump to read the full press release.

Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500c: New York 2011

2012 Fiat 500c: New York 2011

Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500c

2012 Fiat 500c

Continue reading New York 2011: Fiat 500c says spalancata e lasciare che il sole

New York 2011: Fiat 500c says spalancata e lasciare che il sole originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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