During the U.S. presentation of the new 2012 Fiat 500, the Italian company's Chief Engineer Fabio Dimuro explained to journalists the main differences and changes compared to the European specification model. These include - but are not limited to- exterior and interior improvements, the introduction of a more appropriate for American consumers Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission, additional insulation that helped reduce powertrain noise levels from 76 db to 71 db, the addition of MultiAir intake system to the 1.4-liter engine, while Fiat and Chrysler also worked together to redesign the car's rear-axle. Hop over the jump to watch the video.
This here is the actual, factual Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition special in the flesh, photographed at the Autopolis Fiat dealership in Luxembourg. We say this because yesterday, we reported on the limited run special and Fiat's photoshoped picture that made the internet rounds. While our friends from Auto55 and Autofans verified the story with the official press release, we were left wondering what the Italian mini with the classic racing-livery would look like in real life.
Today, our pondering came to an end as the Marketing and Communications director of Autopolis Luxembourg dropped the first real life shots of the car in our mailbox. We believe Fiat should have released these photos instead of the 'chop from the beginning, but we'll give them props for keeping a close eye on the web-o-sphere and swiftly reacting to our post.
As for the car itself, it was created by the Italian brand's official importer for Luxembourg, Autopolis, in association with Gulf Petroleum, to celebrate the latter's 10th anniversary in the country.
Only ten examples of the Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition will be built, each priced at €25,000 (not including VAT) a piece, which is about US$34,000. Aside from the iconic Gulf Racing livery, the special edition 500s also get the 'esseesse' performance kit that pushes the 1.4-liter turbo engine's output to 160-ponies, a Monza sport exhaust and Corse-Sabelt racing buckets with the seatbacks finished in Gulf-blue.
The U.S.-spec 2012 Fiat 500 equipped with the 5-speed manual gearbox has received EPA ratings of 38 mpg on the highway, 30 mpg in the city and a combined figure of 33 mpg. American buyers can also opt for a 6-speed automatic, which is rated at 34 mpg highway, 27 mpg in the city and 30 mpg combined.
The 500 is produced at the Fiat Group’s Toluca plant in Mexico and it will start arriving in larger volumes this spring. The automaker plans to open a total of 130 dealerships, of which 40-50 will be in business by the end of March, while the rest should be open by the end of the year, according to Fiat North America.
At the start of sales three models will be available. The entry-level Pop costs $15,995, while the Sport and Lounge are priced at $17,995 and $19,995 respectively, with all prices including destination charge. The Sport model is expected to become the biggest seller of the lineup.
All models come equipped with power locks and windows, air conditioning, 50/50 split fold-down rear seat, speed control, heated mirrors, 7 airbags, 15-inch steel wheels and 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty.
Compared to its European counterpart, the U.S.-spec Fiat 500 was modified in order to be more appealing to American customers. The automatic transmission is one of the major additions, but the North American car is also quieter and has a more comfortable ride, while the 101HP 1.4-liter FIRE engine received the MultiAir intake system as well. Fiat claims that MultiAir improves fuel efficiency and power output by 10% over the Euro-spec engine.
Last but certainly not least on the public’s necessities list, the U.S. version also comes with larger cupholders.
We've received several e-mails tipping us off on a new limited edition version of the Fiat Abarth 500 Essesse dressed in the Gulf racing livery, which will reportedly be offered exclusively in Luxembourg in a limited run of 10 cars priced at €25,000 (plus VAT) a piece. While we appreciate all tips sent in, that doesn't mean we aren't going to -or at least try our best to- perform a background check and either confirm or debunk a story.
In this case, we didn't find a press announcement, but that doesn't necessarily mean the story is not true. However, the picture that has been floating around on several websites has definitely been doctored, and we say this not only because the colors are off, but mainly because we found the original image. Hoax or not, we must say that the 500 Abarth looks awesomely cool in those traditional racing colors.
*Update 1: Un point to the folks at Auto55 for sending in the official press release from Fiat Belgium (added after the jump) confirming the Gulf model - but not the photo, as we've already proved.
*Update 2: The guys from Autofan e-mailed the press photo in its original compression. Apparently, Fiat mastered the photoshoped image...
An incredibly wealthy Chinese businessman has commissioned Italian tuning firm Fenice Milano to build a one-of-a-kind Fiat 500 Convertible Abarth inspired by the 'La Dolce Vita' concept study we first showed you back in October 2010. The bespoke 500 C Abarth is named "La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds 200hp" and according to Fenice Milano, the car will cost a breathtaking €500,000 or about US$666,000 at current exchange rates.
The starting point of the build is a Fiat 500 Convertible Abarth. As the car's name suggests, at the unnamed client's request, there is abundant use of gold. On the outside, the golden pearlescent white painting includes 24K gold particles while the precious material also adorns the body trim and wheels. The electric fabric roof top is finished in black.
Inside, Fenice Milano has completely overhauled the 500 C Abarth's interior. For starters, the redesigned steering wheel has the outer ring made of teak wood and comes with 24k gold inserts. The original carpet floor was replaced with handmade teak wood while the center console is embellished with a gold framed instrument panel, more wood and 24K gold inserts.
The redesigned seats are also sewn with the precious material, the interior elements are full grain leather and natural-colored Alcantara with handmade on sight stitching.
One of the most eye catching items is the Apple iPad Supreme Edition made in 24k gold and diamonds by English designer Stuart Hughes. The removable Ipad is positioned on the upper section of the center console and provides a complete interaction of the device with the car. It is fitted with a GPS navigation system, an audio system that can handle MP3 and all Ipod features and also an internet connection run by wi-fi and a appropriate sim card.
In partnership with Romeo Ferraris, the Italian tuning firm also applied some performance upgrades to the car including an engine kit with a new turbine, a complete exhaust system and an ECU tune, lifting the 1.4-liter motor's output from 140HP to 200HP, plus a set of Brembo brakes and a sports suspension.
Being such an expensive build, the handover of the "La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds 200hp" to its new owner won't be a simple transaction. "The future owner wants the delivery of his new “little treat” to be made in absolute concealment, in a jewelry shop owned by a friend, as depicted in the animation video," said Fenice Milano in a statement. Video and photos follow after the break.
In addition to the previously mentioned 2011 Chrysler 200 Super S, Mopar will also be displaying several aftermarket accessories for the recently launched in the USA, Fiat 500, through a special version of the city car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Like the Chrysler 200, the Mopar-flavored Fiat 500 is all show and no-go, as all upgrades are more or less purely cosmetic.
The Detroit Show Mopar 500 appears to be far less impressive than the concept shown by the same division at last year's SEMA gathering, with the overall styling bringing to mind the accessories found on Mopar's "10' Limited Edition Challenger". Details and photos after the jump.
Following is a list of Mopar accessories that will be featured on the 2012 Fiat 500:
Door-sill guards with 500 logo Roof/hood decals feature a double-blue stripe Katzkin leather interior, black with blue accents Carbon fiber-style hand brake Carbon fiber-style shift knob with leather boot Rear window-mount rack Snowboard carrier Wheels, black gloss Chromed exhaust tip Chromed mirror covers Chromed fuel door Chromed grille surround, front and back Wheel center caps Key fob cover Strut tower brace
The Chrysler Group is bumping up the interest on the upcoming U.S. market Fiat 500 with a tuned concept version readied by autoofcars2011.blogspot other than the Mopar Underground team, which will make its world premiere at next month's SEMA Show.
In what could be seen as a preview of things to come for U.S. buyers of the retro-styled city car, Mopar's team has created a raft of unique styling and performance parts for the 500.
The SEMA Show concept model, which is based on the European version of the Fiat 500, features a two-tone paint-job and a wide bodykit that includes race-inspired flared wheel arches, new front and rear bumpers, and side skirts. The vehicle rides on large 18-inch Alcoa wheels shod in Pirelli tires, while the car's aggressive stance is further enhanced with the lower ride height.
The interior is said to feature red seat and red door insert on the driver's side, with piano-black accents on the instrument panel.
In the performance division, Mopar fitted the Italian city car with a custom exhaust system that increases the four-cylinder engine's output and a Mopar strut tower brace that is claimed to reduce body flex in the front end and improve and handling.
The Chrysler Group said it will also bring along to SEMA two more Fiat 500s outfitted with a full complement of Mopar parts and accessories.
The U.S.-spec 2011 Fiat 500 will be available for order before the end of the year in the Sport, Pop and Lounge models, followed by the 500C (cabrio) in the spring of 2011.
The "Numero Uno" (not the pizza, the car), which is the first in a series of 500 limited edition Fiat 500s to reach Canadian shores, was auctioned off on Saturday evening by Chrysler at Toronto's 17th annual Venetian Ball. The car fetched an impressive $85,000 (no word if that's CAD or USD), with all proceeds benefiting Villa Charities, which is said to provide "culturally sensitive care" for the elderly Italian-Canadian population.
"The enthusiastic bidding for this iconic vehicle, and the fact that it sold for $85,000, underscore the excitement and interest the Fiat 500 has generated since Fiat's return to Canada was first announced," said Ed Broadbear, Vice President of Marketing - Chrysler Canada.
The Fiat 500 will be introduced to the public in North America at the end of 2010. At launch, it will be offered as a three-door hatchback with a 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder gasoline engine, with a rag-top convertible model to follow next year.
