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Ferrari working on its own version of Fiat’s MultiAir?

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Ferrari, Fiat

Ferrari MultiAir

The flow of technology under the Fiat umbrella typically moves from Ferrari to the other brands. After all, between its road and race car programs, Maranello spends an inordinate amount of time and money on research and development. But it looks like the latest bit of technology in Italy is about to go the other way.

Rumor has it that Ferrari is working on a high-performance version of Fiat’s acclaimed MultiAir system – one of the biggest assets that Fiat brought to the Chrysler deal. The system allows for an infinitely variable valvetrain setup altered on the fly through hydraulic actuators to optimize performance and efficiency. According to industry speculation on the reportedly leaked schematic above, Ferrari’s system could also incorporate the type of pneumatically-actuated valve control used by the Scuderia to allow its F1 engines to redline over the 20,000 RPM mark, far beyond what a conventional spring-driven system could allow.

Combined, the systems could stand to simultaneously improve the efficiency and the output of Ferrari’s already high-revving powertrains.

[Source: autoblog.nl via MotorAuthority]

Ferrari working on its own version of Fiat’s MultiAir? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Feb 2011 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Fiat readying all-new B-segment four-door for U.S. by 2013

Filed under: Rumormill, Fiat

Fiat logo

Now that Fiat has finally launched the 500 here in the United States, it’s time to start looking ahead. The automaker has already said that it will offer two other versions of the diminutive hatch – a high-performance Abarth-badged variant as well as a battery-electric vehicle – and now Fiat has disclosed that it is planning to create an all-new B-segment car specifically designed for the U.S.

Motor Trend reports that the new B-car, dubbed Project L-Zero internally, is expected to arrive sometime during 2013. Fiat has not specified whether the new car will be a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, nor did the automaker say if the B-segment vehicle would be sold in markets outside of the United States.

In talking to Motor Trend, Fiat North America’s Laura Soave said that the automaker will not stray from its roots as a small car company. With Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep offering a bounty of larger vehicles, and with Alfa Romeo planning a return to the States, Soave told MT that Fiat would “likely never build anything larger than a C-segment car for the U.S.” Earlier reports suggested that Fiat was working on a five-door 500 specifically for consumption here in the U.S., but with the automaker branding Project L-Zero as something “all-new,” we’ll have to wait and see exactly what’s in store for 2013.

[Source: Motor Trend | Image: Steven J. Ewing/AOL]

Report: Fiat readying all-new B-segment four-door for U.S. by 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Fiat’s high-riding, all-wheel-drive 500

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat 500 AWD spy shots

Fiat 500 AWD spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Fiat 500 may just be launching here in the United States, but elsewhere, Fiat appears to be working on an all-wheel-drive 500 to battle the high-riding Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic that have both been recently spied. Rumors have suggested that the AWD variant will be introduced around the same time as the slightly facelifted 500 in Europe.

This 500 mule is clearly rides higher off the ground than the normal car, and our spies point out that a reworked exhaust system is present on this test car – a result of the reworked underpinnings. We expect the 500 AWD to arrive sometime in 2012, though it is unclear whether or not this model is destined for consumption here in the U.S. Scroll through our gallery of high-res spy shots below to see for yourself.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Fiat 500 AWD

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Fiat’s high-riding, all-wheel-drive 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2012 Fiat 500

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, First Drive, Fiat

A Very Small Car In A Very Big America

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

Five minutes behind the wheel sometimes tells you everything you need to know about a vehicle. Of course, you figure out more as the miles pile up, but the gained nuances usually support – not refute – that first impression.

Our first five minutes behind the wheel of the 2012 Fiat 500 shouted that it was solid, substantial and sporty. The rest of the day simply demonstrated the amplitude of these characteristics, and whether the exceptionally-popular-in-Europe 500 might actually catch on with American drivers.

We think it will.

Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500: First Drive

2012 Fiat 500

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First Drive: 2012 Fiat 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat 500 to have no-haggle sticker pricing?

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Fiat

Fit 500 U.S.

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

Haggling, ugh. Generally speaking (and with a few notable exceptions) it’s one of those unavoidable aspects of buying a new car from a dealership. If you’re good and you’re willing to shop around by pitting dealer against dealer, you may end up scoring something of a bargain. Thing is, if you’re not such a good haggler, you’re seemingly just as likely to pay more from a stealership than the next guy, which hardly seems fair.

According to Fiat’s brand spankin’ new United States arm, the younger car-buying generation isn’t particularly keen on the notion of haggling for a better price. As such, the company has directed its dealerships to adopt a no-haggle pricing policy, starting with the new-for-the-U.S. Fiat 500. “The pricing is the pricing,” said Laura Soave, head of the Fiat brand in North America to Bloomberg, much as it was with the now defunct Saturn brand. We think it’s a lovely idea and hope it sticks.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2011 Fiat 500

2011 Fiat 500

[Source: Bloomberg]

Fiat 500 to have no-haggle sticker pricing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official 2012 Fiat 500 fuel economy numbers fall short of 40 mpg

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Fiat

2012 Fiat 500

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

2011 marks the official return of Fiat here in the United States, with the adorable little 500 hitting dealerships in the coming weeks. With Fiat’s MultiAir 1.4-liter engine under the hood, you’d be right to expect top-notch fuel economy numbers. And while the 500’s EPA ratings of 30 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway aren’t bad, it’s not exactly what we were hoping for.

For comparison, consider the fact that much larger C-segment entries like the Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze are all capable of achieving 40 mpg or higher (granted, you have to spec certain transmissions and option packages on the latter two in order to achieve it). What’s more, the 30/38 mpg rating on the Fiat 500 is only with the five-speed manual transmission. Cars equipped with the six-speed self-shifter will only achieve 27/34 mpg. Ouch.

Still, with prices starting at $15,995 for the entry-level Pop model, we don’t think Fiat will have too much trouble moving 500s out of showrooms. Besides, the majority of people purchasing the Fiat 500 will be doing so because of its style rather than its frugality.

Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500

2012 Fiat 500

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Official 2012 Fiat 500 fuel economy numbers fall short of 40 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gulf and Fiat team up in Luxembourg for a special edition 500 Abarth

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat Abarth 500 EsseEsse Gulf Edition

There have been some iconic racing liveries over the course of motorsport history. Martini, Marlboro, JPS… we could go on, but none carry the enthusiasm of the classic Gulf color combo. Maybe it’s because of Steve McQueen’s cult classic Le Mans. Maybe it’s the irony of the pastel colors on brutal racing machines. Whatever it is, it’s an all-time favorite. But would you want your daily driver painted in the baby-blue and orange scheme, complete with sponsor logos?

For most it’s not a tough decision to make, unless they’re driving an Aston Martin at Le Mans or buying a custom Hummer. But customers in Luxembourg now have the rare opportunity to get their hands on an officially sanctioned Gulf-liveried hot hatch.

The special edition Fiat 500 Abarth EsseEsse was initially planned as a one-off contest giveaway, created in celebration of Gulf oil’s 10th anniversary in the principality. In the end they set on making a limited run of ten examples, which are available from Fiat’s importer for BeNeLux for 25,000 euros (about $35k). It features the Gulf livery both inside and out – even the Sabelt racing buckets have their seatbacks painted in the classic scheme.

Those 10 examples are likely to sell out fast, even in a country as small as Luxembourg. The question for the rest of us is, if you had the option, would you buy one?

[Source: Autofans.be – translated]

Gulf and Fiat team up in Luxembourg for a special edition 500 Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Too much? Chinese customer orders $670k gilded Fiat 500

Filed under: Convertible, China, Luxury, Fiat

Fiat 500C La Dolce Vita by Fenice Milano

Fiat 500C “La Dolce Vita” – Click above for high-res image gallery, follow the jump for video

The beauty of the Fiat 500 is that it’s loaded with Italian style, but comes cheaper than anything this side of a Vespa. So if you were in the market, how much would you consider spending on a Cinquecento? $20K? Maybe $30k for a fully-loaded Abarth? How about €500,000? That’s equivalent to about $670,000, and stands as the absurd price some anonymous Chinese businessman has apparently paid for a particularly ~~opulent~~ tacky example of the retro minicar.

The order came to Fenice Milano, the Italian studio whose Liberace-grade work we’ve reported on previously. They started with a 500C Abarth convertible, slathered it in paint infused with real 24k gold flakes, decked the interior out in teak, replaced the brightwork with more 24k gold and gave it a diamond-studded iPad docking into the dashboard. And just for good measure, they let Romeo Ferraris have at it. Their tuning jacked the stock 140-horsepower engine up to 200 hp, and they added Brembo brakes and a custom suspension for good measure.

The end result is about as nauseating an example of nouveau-riche excess as you’re likely to find. If the owner thinks that by tying in his investment to a solid commodity like gold to stave off the negative effects of depreciation, he may be in for a rude awakening come resale time. Check out the video footage after the jump and the updated high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Fiat 500C “La Dolce Vita” by Fenice Milano

[Source: Fenice Milano via CarScoop]

Continue reading Too much? Chinese customer orders $670k gilded Fiat 500

Too much? Chinese customer orders $670k gilded Fiat 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Jan 2011 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: First batch of U.S.-bound Fiat 500s coming with manuals

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Chrysler, Fiat

Fiat 500

2011 Fiat 500 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Fiat dealerships are just about ready to swap your money for the keys to a brand-new 500. If you are planning on being one of the first to park one in your driveway, we hope that you know how to drive a manual transmission – the first units being shipped to dealers in February will all be equipped with manual transmissions.

If you can’t handle the three-pedal setup, you’ll be forced to wait a bit longer for your Fiat 500. Examples equipped with the six-speed automatic will begin arriving in March and April. Then again, you may have to wait that long regardless of your transmission preference, since currently, only 20 percent of the 130 Fiat dealerships are ready to open. The first one, Motor Village in Los Angeles, is set to open its doors later this month.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Colors

Fiat 500 Fiat 500 in Bianco Fiat 500 in Grigio

[Source: Autoweek]

Report: First batch of U.S.-bound Fiat 500s coming with manuals originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2011: Mopar helps the Fiat 500 man up

Filed under: Aftermarket, Detroit Auto Show, Fiat

2011 Fiat 500 Mopar Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Fiat 500 is one attractive little hatchback, but its voluptuous curves and diminutive size lend some to believe the little Italian is aimed squarely at the female demographic. We’re not so inclined to agree, especially if the 500 proves to be as fun to drive as its primary competition, but a little aesthetic tuning never hurt.

The experts at Mopar took a page from the Mini playbook with a slew of mods that could make it more attractive to the coveted 18-25 male demographic. The tweaks start on the outside with a bevy of chrome accents including side mirrors, a snazzy exhaust tip, chrome door handles and a very cherry 500-emblazoned fuel door. Out back you can’t miss the massive snowboard carrier, and the high-gloss black wheels don’t do much to avert attention either. The front end stands out with a pair of offset blue stripes that stretch all the way to the boot. Step inside and you’re greeted with 500-embossed seats and door-sills guards. Check out all the mods in the gallery below.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Mopar: Detroit 2011

Fiat 500 Mopar

Detroit 2011: Mopar helps the Fiat 500 man up originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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