Autoblog Fiat http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Fiat http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[2014 Fiat 500L to start at $19,100*]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/2014-fiat-500l-to-start-at-19-100/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/2014-fiat-500l-to-start-at-19-100/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/2014-fiat-500l-to-start-at-19-100/#comments Filed under: , ,

2014 Fiat 500L - front three-quarter view, white

We've already driven the decidedly weird-looking 500L in its European-spec form, and now the folks at Fiat have just released US-specific pricing, which means that our US media drive is coming up soon. If you want to get your hands on the biggest of the little Fiats, you'll need at least $19,100 (*plus $800 for destination).

That base price gets you the 500L Pop spec, powered by a 160-horsepower, 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine (the only powerplant on offer), mated to a six-speed manual transmission. This base model comes equipped with 16-inch chrome-plated wheel covers (sexy!) and the usual list of standard features that pretty much every new car comes with. (You know, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, etc.) Next up in the range is the 500L Easy, which adds aluminum wheels, tinted rear glass, body-colored mirror caps, uplevel seat fabric and a premium audio system. The price of entry for this better-equipped model is $20,195.

Things start to get more interesting from there, with the rugged-ish 500L Trekking coming in at $21,195. Visually, the Trekking is set apart by its two-piece front and rear fascias with graphite inserts, fog lamps and 17-inch wheels. Finally, the range-topping 500L Lounge adds a dual-clutch six-speed transmission, unique 16-inch wheels, chrome exterior accents, heated leather seats, and more. That top-trim 500L starts at $24,195, and the Lounge, Trekking and Easy models are available with a no-cost Premier Package that includes goodies like rear park assist and a 6.5-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment interface. Be warned, though, this no-cost option will only be available during the first year of production.

The 500L's closest competitor, the Mini Countryman, is pricier, starting at $22,000 for the base Cooper model with front-wheel drive, but keep in mind that Mini offers two higher-output turbocharged engines, as well as All4 all-wheel drive on the Cooper S and John Cooper Works models. Scroll down for the full press blast with even more details.

Continue reading 2014 Fiat 500L to start at $19,100*

2014 Fiat 500L to start at $19,100* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 May 2013 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 fiat 500lcinquecentofiatfiat 500 lfiat 500l Fri, 24 May 2013 13:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20583126/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20583126/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/2014-fiat-500l-to-start-at-19-100/20583126/article-detail.xml 20583126 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-fiat-500l-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-fiat-500l-1.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne offers belated apology for 'wop engine' comment]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/marchionne-offers-belated-apology-for-wop-engine-comment/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/marchionne-offers-belated-apology-for-wop-engine-comment/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/marchionne-offers-belated-apology-for-wop-engine-comment/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne talks with microphone and his hand up

Automotive News reports Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has issued a written apology for his comments regarding his decision to stick with an Italian engine for the upcoming Alfa Romeo 4C. As you may recall, back in January, Marchionne was quoted as saying, "I cannot come up with a schlock product, I just won't. I won't put an American engine into that car. With all due respect to my American friends, it has to be a wop engine." The CEO penned an apology to the Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition for using the racial epithet, saying that he made the comment in jest. Marchionne also said he realizes his remarks were unacceptable.

ONE VOICE, an organization aimed at fighting discrimination and stereotyping of Italian Americans, thanked Marchionne, Chrysler and Fiat for the apology. Marchionne is an Italian-born Canadian citizen, and he's gotten in trouble for other comments in the past. In 2011, he called high interest rates Chrysler was paying to the Canadian government "shyster rates." He apologized a day later.

Marchionne offers belated apology for 'wop engine' comment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alfa romeochryslerfiatmarchionneone voiceracial epithetsergio marchionnesergio marchionne apologyslurwop Wed, 22 May 2013 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579631/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579631/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/marchionne-offers-belated-apology-for-wop-engine-comment/20579631/article-detail.xml 20579631 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sergio-marchionne-hand_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sergio-marchionne-hand.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Fiat 500 Turbo]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Diet Abarth

2013 Fiat 500 Turbo

Try as I might, I just can't bring myself to stick to a routine of drinking diet soda. Nevermind the fact that I'm trying to cut soda out of my life altogether - every now and then, I just want the high-octane stuff, and diet simply won't do. If I'm already going to subject myself to the sweeteners and caffeine, I'm going to take the calories that go along with it.

Some people feel the same way about cars (go big or go home!), but I'm not one of them - I often see the merit in less-potent machines that automakers offer. For example, while I simply adored the Mini John Cooper Works GP that I recently tested, I still said I'd rather have a Cooper S Hardtop every day. And while the Ford Focus ST may have been crowned the winner in my hot hatch comparison test from last year, my experience in the Fiesta ST a couple of months ago reminded me yet again that less can indeed be more.

So when Fiat introduced this 500 Turbo - a sort of Diet Abarth - I was prepared for the possibility of similar conclusions. But with the range-topping Abarth proving to be an incredibly delicious concoction, would this tall glass of diet quench my thirst just the same?

Continue reading 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo

2013 Fiat 500 Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 fiat 500 turbofeaturedfiatfiat 500fiat 500 turboreviewreviews Mon, 20 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574906/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574906/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review/20574906/article-detail.xml 20574906 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The last time we wrote about the Fiat USA commercial Immigrants, it was to question whether the ad provided our first glimpse of the 500T. That was a year ago, but Fiat isn't finished utilizing that commercial theme. The song in the one-minute commercial was Sexy People (All Around the World) by Italian songstress Arianna, and the Immigrant commercial has been lengthened and turned into a music video for the song as Arianna prepares that track and more for her first studio album.

The tune features Pit Bull and the clip is like a hip-hop video meets The Little Mermaid. Well, until Charlie Sheen shows up. That's when it starts Winning, and you can enjoy it all in the video below, along with the original ad from Fiat.

Continue reading Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video

Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ariannacharlie sheencommercialfiatfiat 500fiat 500cfiat 500tfiat admusic videopit bullsexy peoplevideo Tue, 07 May 2013 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559559/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559559/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/20559559/article-detail.xml 20559559 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/arianna-fiat-immigrants_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/arianna-fiat-immigrants.jpg <![CDATA[The right way to own and operate a vintage Fiat 500]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500/#comments Filed under: , ,



Annetta Calisi and her husband have restored their Fiat 500D to the same specification with which it left the factory in 1964. The result is a cheeky yellow cinquecento that looks the part of a 1960's movie star car. For that matter, so does Annetta, who dresses appropriately mod for this latest Petrolicious video, The Speed of Sunshine.

At one point in the video, the lucky owner mentions, "I keep saying 'fun' don't I?" which does a fine job of summing up what it must be like to own this little rascal. Watch below, and smile.

Have you seen the rest of the really well-made Petrolicious video series? If you like classic metal, well shot and well recorded, you should check out our tag page, here (we think you've earned a little video break).

Continue reading The right way to own and operate a vintage Fiat 500

The right way to own and operate a vintage Fiat 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 May 2013 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1964 fiat 500dfiatfiat 500fiat 500dpetroliciousvideo Sat, 04 May 2013 19:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557611/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557611/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/04/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500/20557611/article-detail.xml 20557611 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fiat-500-petrolicious-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fiat-500-petrolicious-628.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge Dart getting hatchback variant... sort of]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/dodge-dart-getting-hatchback-variant-sort-of/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/dodge-dart-getting-hatchback-variant-sort-of/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/dodge-dart-getting-hatchback-variant-sort-of/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Fiat Viaggio - front three-quarter view live

In other parts of the world, Fiat builds and sells a version of the Dodge Dart called the Viaggio, and it appears that in addition to the current sedan bodystyle, a new hatchback version of the car is also in the works. Autocar says that the general manager for China's Guangzhou-Fiat joint venture, John Burton, has confirmed that a new Viaggio hatchback will be revealed by the end of this year before it goes on sale in early 2014.

The Viaggio will soon be joined by the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, which in China will be called the Liberty Light, at the Guangzhou-Fiat plant. While the idea of a Dodge Dart hatchback might be enough to enable most of us to forget about the Dodge Caliber, a North American variant doesn't appear to be in the cards. We reached out to Chrysler PR boss Rick Deneau, and he offered a succinct: "No plans at this time."

Dodge Dart getting hatchback variant... sort of originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 fiat viaggiochinadodgedodge dartfiat viaggiofiat viaggio hatchback Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548292/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548292/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/dodge-dart-getting-hatchback-variant-sort-of/20548292/article-detail.xml 20548292 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webfiatviaggio5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webfiatviaggio5.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat pondering swallowing rest of Chrysler, US IPO]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne with hands on face

At the moment, Fiat is in court with the United Auto Workers, waiting for the justice system to provide some guidance on a fair price for 41.5-percent of Chrysler it doesn't own. Fiat owns 58.5 percent of the company and wishes to buy the remainder, which is owned by the union's VEBA retiree trust, but the Italian company and the UAW are on different sides of the galaxy when it comes to assigning a fair price to that outstanding stake.

Naturally, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is considering his options. A new report in the The Wall Street Journal says one of the scenarios being considered now is - depending on the outcome of the court case - to purchase the 41.5-percent stake and then issue an IPO to recoup some of the cost. About two months ago, Marchionne put the odds of an IPO for a wholly combined Fiat/Chrysler at 50 percent. Even with the WSJ report, it's not clear if those odds have changed.

The current company structure leaves a lot of options as to how a potential IPO could be issued, but it's said that Marchionne is against it, preferring "to be one company," under Fiat, indivisible. If Fiat is finally able to purchase all of the Pentastar, it would get access to Chrysler's war chest, pegged at $11.9 billion at the end of Q3 in 2012, and that money can't come soon enough for a brand taking a beating in Europe and delaying product over cash concerns.

Fiat pondering swallowing rest of Chrysler, US IPO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerchrysler ipofiatfiat ipoinitial public offeringiposergio marchionneuawunited auto workersveba Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548386/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548386/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/20548386/article-detail.xml 20548386 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fiat-chrysler-sergio-marchionne-concerned_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fiat-chrysler-sergio-marchionne-concerned.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat builds 1 millionth 500, still a ways to go before passing original]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/#comments Filed under: , ,



There are now 1.1 million examples of the new Fiat 500 cruising the roads of 83 countries, one million of them made at the Fiat's Tychy plant in Poland, the rest in the Fiat plant in Toluca, Mexico. It's taken 69 months since the car's 2007 launch to reach the milestone, the capstone hatchback being an Abarth 500.

Where does that fit into the historical context? We'll never know, since you can't really compare. But if we played with the numbers, according to Automania, Fiat built 3,893,294 of the original 500 (and variants) from its inception in 1957 to the last model being sent off in 1975. If we average the output over time, and assume an even 18-year production run, the total production divided by 216 months is about 18,025 cars per month, which would make for 1,243,725 cars in 69 months.

On the other hand, the first two generations of the early 500 didn't equate to a million units in eight years, so congratulations Fiat. There's a brief press release below with a few more details on the achievement.

Continue reading Fiat builds 1 millionth 500, still a ways to go before passing original

Fiat builds 1 millionth 500, still a ways to go before passing original originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> abarthfiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthmanufacturingpolandproductiontychy Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546365/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546365/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/20546365/article-detail.xml 20546365 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/million-fiat-500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/million-fiat-500.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler Group moves around execs in wake of recent departure]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/chrysler-group-moves-around-execs-in-wake-of-recent-departure/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/chrysler-group-moves-around-execs-in-wake-of-recent-departure/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/chrysler-group-moves-around-execs-in-wake-of-recent-departure/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Reid Bigland, newly appointed Ram brand president and CEOChrysler is busy shuffling executives around in the wake of Ram head Fred Diaz's departure. The automaker has named Reid Bigland (pictured, right) as Diaz's successor in the role of president and CEO of Ram, though Bigland will continue his duties as the head of US sales and the president and CEO of Chrysler Canada. Bigland first came to Chrysler in 2006 from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, so the guy knows a thing or two about trucks.

Meanwhile, Timothy Kuniskis will take over as president and CEO of Dodge. Previously, he served as the head of Fiat in North America and has been with Chrysler in one capacity or another since 1992. His old title now falls to Jason Stoicevich, who will also continue to work as the director of the automaker's California Business Center. Finally, Bruno Cattori will take over as the president and CEO of Chrysler Mexico.

Diaz left his position to take over as a divisional vice president of sales and marketing with Nissan. You can read the full press release on the Chrysler personnel changes below for more information.

Continue reading Chrysler Group moves around execs in wake of recent departure

Chrysler Group moves around execs in wake of recent departure originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerdodgefiatfred diazjason stoicevichramreid biglandtimothy kuniskis Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20542424/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20542424/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/chrysler-group-moves-around-execs-in-wake-of-recent-departure/20542424/article-detail.xml 20542424 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/reid-bigland-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/reid-bigland-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lamborghini-powered Fiat 500 blows our minds]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/lamborghini-powered-fiat-500-blows-our-minds/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/lamborghini-powered-fiat-500-blows-our-minds/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/lamborghini-powered-fiat-500-blows-our-minds/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

V12 Fiat 500

We suppose that it was fate that eventually someone would take a vintage Fiat 500 and wrap it around a 6.2-liter V12 plucked from a Lamborghini Murcielago. Seeing as how both the 500 and the Murcielago hail from Italy, it was only a matter of time before the two got drunk and made either the best or worst decision of their lives depending on who you ask.

Built by Oemmedi Mechanics, the car first bowed at the 2012 Bologna Motor Show, and while the ultra-widebody finished product is barely recognizable as an adorable Cinquecento, there's no mistaking the sound of that wicked V12.

How quick is the thing? Oemmedi isn't saying, but we imagine plopping an engine that dishes out 580 horsepower in a car that tipped the scales at just 1,100 pounds from the factory results in all sorts of abuses on the laws of physics. You can check out a few videos of the creation below.

Continue reading Lamborghini-powered Fiat 500 blows our minds

Lamborghini-powered Fiat 500 blows our minds originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cinquecentofiatfiat 500fiat 500 with a lamborghini enginelamborghini 500lamborghini murcielagomurcielagomurcielago fiat 500video Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540681/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540681/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/lamborghini-powered-fiat-500-blows-our-minds/20540681/article-detail.xml 20540681 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/v12-fiat-500-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/v12-fiat-500-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Fiat 500e]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Cinquecento's Electrifying One-Price Strategy Is A Gas



America's electric vehicle segment is getting crowded, but sales remain tiny compared to the overall market. Listening to EV pitchmen, a key phrase heard over and over is "no compromises." This particular EV, the seller says, offers all* the things you want in a car, without the gasoline and without compromises. That asterisk thing? Well, sure, the electric vehicle paradigm requires you rethink the "one car that does everything" mentality, but once that's out of the way, there are no compromises here. No siree.

Of course, all EVs require compromises - but the truth is that every car forces owners to make compromises. Big SUVs don't always fit into parking spaces and suck down fuel. Subcompacts can't hold a gaggle of children and dogs. High-performance sports cars compromise wallets. Once you wrap your head around the idea that choosing electric is an option just like vehicle size or color - where no one choice is right for everybody, even if it's perfect for some - the 2014 Fiat 500e, going on sale this summer, asks a simple question: when you're driving in a city, why would you drive anything except an EV?

Fiat has been making the 500e at its Toluca, Mexico plant since early December, but it isn't busy building a million so that just anyone can own one. In fact, the automaker is going out of its way to make sure you don't buy a 500e if it's not right for you. The official website will soon have a "compatibility matching service" that will use information you feed it to determine if you're an EV candidate (we're guessing a short commute, an understanding of new technology and a place to charge at home will be the key factors). If the system doesn't think you're EV-ready, it'll propose a different 500 for you. Nice, huh?

So, does the 500e actually offer pure electric mobility without compromises? Yes and no. Mostly yes, and it's a fun yes.

Continue reading 2013 Fiat 500e

2013 Fiat 500e originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 fiat 500efeaturedfiatfiat 500fiat 500efirst driveFirstDrive Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538418/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538418/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/20538418/article-detail.xml 20538418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/11-2014-fiat-500e-fd-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/11-2014-fiat-500e-fd-opt.png <![CDATA[Fiat 500 Abarth to get automatic transmission option]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/fiat-500-abarth-to-get-automatic-option/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/fiat-500-abarth-to-get-automatic-option/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/fiat-500-abarth-to-get-automatic-option/#comments Filed under: , ,

Fiat 500 Abarth

Boo and hiss all you want, but the truth is that manual transmissions aren't for everybody. When Fiat launched the hot little 500 Abarth last year, it did so with a five-speed manual as the only transmission available, but according to Ward's Auto, that might change.

"We're not opposed to doing it. We just didn't think there would be consumer requests for it, and there is," Fiat's North American president, Tim Kuniskis, told Ward's in regards to an automatic-equipped Abarth.

With the launch of the upcoming droptop 500C Abarth, Kuniskis says that the company is expecting a few more women buyers to opt for the more potent version of the pint-sized cabriolet. "I think when we'll see more women is when we have the automatic, and we're planning to add the automatic in the Abarth at some point, only because we're getting that feedback from customers."

As of this writing, it's still unclear when the automatic option will be available for the 500 Abarth, but it seems all but inevitable.

Fiat 500 Abarth to get automatic transmission option originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> automatic transmissionfiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthfiat 500c abarth Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20536698/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20536698/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/10/fiat-500-abarth-to-get-automatic-option/20536698/article-detail.xml 20536698 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01-2012-fiat-500-abarth-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01-2012-fiat-500-abarth-review.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Fiat 500L [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/2014-fiat-500l-first-drive-review-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/2014-fiat-500l-first-drive-review-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/2014-fiat-500l-first-drive-review-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Practicality From The Italian Ministry of Cute

2014 Fiat 500L

As seen in the correct Italian/European light, Fiat is rightly dubbed a small car kingdom. This is not the marque's whole story, though, and it's certainly not a way Fiat appreciates being pigeonholed. But even the brand itself sort of has to admit that, in the end, without clever and right-priced smaller cars in its lineup, it might not even exist today.

Between the early 1980s and the dawn of the 21st century, however, the Fiat brand seemingly did everything it could to wreck itself and its core compact-car reputation by producing a series of certifiably unamazing cars that mostly looked drab and behaved below average. Just go have a gander at the Ritmo, the Duna, the 1992-98 Cinquecento, 2004-07 Seicento/600, and the most recent European mega-flop (though actually a pretty good car), the Stilo, discontinued in 2008. Thankfully, almost right out of the gates since the mid-aughts, however, that has no longer been the case.

Jammed in this self-inflicted Catch-22 of small-car dependence, Fiat finally started capitalizing on the millstone hanging around its neck and turned it into a positive with the introduction of the new 500 back in 2007. The 500 and its wildly popular Abarth interpretations have allowed Fiat to at last create good premium-subcompact profits because these cars have become personalized trend and fashion statements worldwide.

Now I've driven this cheeky 2014 Fiat 500L mini-MPV, which should arrive in the US by the end of June. It's the next chapter in the Fiat brand's rise from the ashes and re-entry in America. The latter has been perhaps a much slower rise than desired due to the Great Recession and a European car market that continues to collapse in on itself in pretty scary fashion, but there is now light at the end of the Fiat tunnel. After a whole week of normal day-to-day with child and friends and stuff and many miles traveled, I was genuinely convinced by the 500L after not really knowing at all what to expect.

Continue reading 2014 Fiat 500L [w/video]

2014 Fiat 500L [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 fiat 500lcinquecentofeaturedfiatfiat 500lfirst driveFirstDrivereview Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20525540/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20525540/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/02/2014-fiat-500l-first-drive-review-video/20525540/article-detail.xml 20525540 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-fiat-500l-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-fiat-500l-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Audi rumored to buy Alfa Romeo, officials deny it]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C live at Geneva Motor Show reveal

For more than two years, Volkswagen has been making public statements about its willingness to buy Alfa Romeo and quadruple the Italian brand's sales, and for just as long, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has replied with some version of "Mr. Piëch, drop it." According to a report in Ward's Auto, all that jousting might be over: it claims that sources close to both Marchionne and Audi CEO Rupert Stadler admit that the two are in talks for Audi to buy not just Alfa Romeo, but a production plant in Italy. In fact, a final deal could possibly include partsmaker Magnetti Marelli.

Against that backdrop, a report by German news weekly Stern quotes a Fiat spokesmen as saying it doesn't comment on rumors and an Audi rep has said flatly that "There is no substance in the news." If a sale is being arranged, the timing would seem to point to how eager Fiat is to raise cash to complete its major initiatives. Even though Alfa Romeo continues to delay its return to the US, it just showed off the production version of the 4C at the Geneva Motor Show (shown above) and said that preferred Fiat dealerships here would get them. Then there's Alfa's recently concluded deal with Mazda to develop a roadster based on the next generation MX-5 Miata - a deal that would seem to help both the Italian and Japanese brands.

The monetary issues are troublesome, though. Fiat is taking a beating in the European market and its weak-kneed balance sheet is delaying gotta-have-it products like the Jeep Cherokee. Fiat has been talking to banks about getting money to buy the rest of Chrysler and those financial institutions have also raised issues about debt and cash reserves, and the nasty game of chess Fiat is playing with the United Auto Workers (and now the court system about the portion of Chrysler it doesn't own) could end up blowing another hole in Marchionne's plans. It is possible that this could finally have convinced Fiat to at least see how serious Audi's parent company, Volkswagen, is about buying Alfa Romeo. Or it could be just another rumor.

Beyond Alfa Romeo, the report says the deal being discussed would include the rather modern Pomigliano d'Arco plant built just for the production of Alfa Romeos. Audi's interest in Magnetti Marelli is claimed to be because the German brand wants a components maker and it would also like to establish an R&D center in Italy, where its holdings already include Lamborghini, Ducati and the styling house Italdesign-Guigiaro.

Audi rumored to buy Alfa Romeo, officials deny it originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alfa romeoalfa romeo audiaudiaudi alfa romeofiatitalymagnetti marellirupert stadlersergio marchionnevolkswagenvw Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522341/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522341/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/20522341/article-detail.xml 20522341 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alfa-romeo-4c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alfa-romeo-4c-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat boss Elkann being mentored by... Bill Ford?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/fiat-boss-elkann-being-mentored-by-bill-ford/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/fiat-boss-elkann-being-mentored-by-bill-ford/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/fiat-boss-elkann-being-mentored-by-bill-ford/#comments Filed under: , ,

John Elkann, Fiat Chairman

Fiat Chairman John Elkann has been turning to an unusual source for advice on the car business. While speaking during an interview with The Detroit News, Elkann said he often asks Bill Ford Jr. for advice on how to proceed with the turnaround at Chrysler. "It's great to have the opportunity to share this with someone like Bill, who has experienced many things and gone through many things ... especially linked to Detroit." Elkann said.

As the Agnelli family heir, Elkann has inherited a long and fruitful friendship with the Ford family. While Giovanni Agnelli built his first Fiat four years before Henry Ford created his first vehicle, it was Ford that showed Agnelli the benefits of mass production and helped pave the way for what would become the Fiat empire.

Giovanni's grandson, Gianni, helped mentor Bill Ford when he was elected chairman of Ford Motor Company. Now, Ford is returning the favor by helping Elkann navigate the automotive industry's tumultuous waters.

"I have a lot of admiration for how Bill handled things," Elkann said. "He's been very candid and I'm very curious by nature, so being able to listen to real-life experience ... is very valuable."

Fiat boss Elkann being mentored by... Bill Ford? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advicebill fordbill ford jrfiatfiat chairmanfordford chairmanjohn elkannmentor Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516691/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516691/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/26/fiat-boss-elkann-being-mentored-by-bill-ford/20516691/article-detail.xml 20516691 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/john-elkann-fiat-chairman_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/john-elkann-fiat-chairman.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep Cherokee faces on-sale delay]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/jeep-cherokee-faces-on-sale-delay/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/jeep-cherokee-faces-on-sale-delay/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/jeep-cherokee-faces-on-sale-delay/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



A report in The Wall Street Journal looks at some of the obstacles to the 2014 Jeep Cherokee that go beyond its mootable yet "very contemporary" looks, almost all of them based on Fiat's financial position. Starting with that sheetmetal, in defense of it SRT president Ralph Gilles and Jeep design head Mark Allen said they wanted to "make sure the design still looks modern five years from now."

The WSJ piece doesn't cite longevity as a factor, instead saying that its features originated in a design for an Alfa Romeo, the transformation into a Jeep design meant allowing Chrysler get it to market more quickly and save "hundreds of millions of dollars" in engineering.

The need for Fiat to save money while it weathers the European situation has cut budgets for development, engineering and the pace of retooling the Toledo, Ohio plant to build the Cherokee. In a familiar case of snowballing at work, among the effects will be pushing back the Cherokee's volume sales date and delaying updates to some of Chrysler's other products.

Things will get better when Chrysler can work through its program and get the Cherokee to dealers in bulk - especially if it finds it really can sell 250,000 per year - but the hurdles won't help the financials in the short term.

Jeep Cherokee faces on-sale delay originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 jeep cherokeechryslerfiatjeepjeep cherokee Sat, 23 Mar 2013 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20515012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20515012/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/23/jeep-cherokee-faces-on-sale-delay/20515012/article-detail.xml 20515012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fiatmoneyissues2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fiatmoneyissues2.jpg <![CDATA[The Fiat 500 GQ Edition is not all that it appears to be]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/the-fiat-500-gq-edition-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/the-fiat-500-gq-edition-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/the-fiat-500-gq-edition-geneva-2013/#comments Filed under: , , ,



With Fiat's business model effectively previewed by rival Mini's moves toward success throughout the years, it's certainly no surprise to see the Italianate 500 start to cough up some limited edition models. The 500C has already, and famously teamed with Gucci (via a small J.Lo kerfuffle) and now Fiat has brought a 500 GQ Edition to Geneva, presumably for gentlemen drivers with style.

The co-branding with Gentleman's Quarterly includes orange GQ badges that match 500 logos of the same color. The show car seen here is presented in a matte grey and carbon black paint scheme that will not be offered for the public when the car goes on sale in Europe (500 Bait and Switch Edition is more like it). Instead, European customers will get a two-tone metallic grey/black 500S, with chromed mirror caps, unique 16-inch wheels, orange brake calipers. Inside we're told the car will offer unique leather seats and a leather-covered gear knob.

See the show car in our gallery above, and scroll down below for the press release.

Continue reading The Fiat 500 GQ Edition is not all that it appears to be

The Fiat 500 GQ Edition is not all that it appears to be originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 fiat 500 gq edition500fiatgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showgentlemans quarterlygq Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20490550/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20490550/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/the-fiat-500-gq-edition-geneva-2013/20490550/article-detail.xml 20490550 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fiat500gq_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fiat500gq.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat's Marchionne ponders Chrysler going public again]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/fiats-marchionne-ponders-chrysler-going-public-again/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/fiats-marchionne-ponders-chrysler-going-public-again/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/fiats-marchionne-ponders-chrysler-going-public-again/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Sergio Marchionne gives speech at Chrysler's Kokomo, Indiana plant

Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne says there's a real possibility that its majority-owned Chrysler Group may eventually return to the ranks of publicly traded companies. According to Bloomberg, the Fiat and Chrysler CEO gives that a "50 percent chance" of happening, but he doesn't appear to favor that scenario: "My preference is to be one single company... we belong together."

Marchionne has seemingly been operating under the assumption that Fiat will eventually own all of Chrysler, working to buy up the shares it doesn't own and looking to buy out the retiree trust fund that it shares Chrysler ownership with. Certainly, Chrysler going independent again would be increasingly difficult, as the companies continue to blend products, technologies, facilities and staffing, a trend started immediately after the Italian automaker became custodian of the brand following Chrysler's bankruptcy in 2009.

Marchionne's remarks to the media came at Chrysler's Kokomo, Indiana plant, where he was on hand to announce a major investment at four facilities in the state to build eight- and nine-speed automatic transmissions.

Fiat's Marchionne ponders Chrysler going public again originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerchrysler bankruptcyfiatmarchionnesergio marchionne Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20485378/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20485378/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/04/fiats-marchionne-ponders-chrysler-going-public-again/20485378/article-detail.xml 20485378 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sergio-marchionne-at-chrysler-kokomo-plant_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sergio-marchionne-at-chrysler-kokomo-plant.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat talking with banks about buying rest of Chrysler]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/fiat-talking-with-banks-about-buying-rest-of-chrysler/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/fiat-talking-with-banks-about-buying-rest-of-chrysler/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/fiat-talking-with-banks-about-buying-rest-of-chrysler/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Fiat and Chrysler logosAll that stands in the way of Fiat's total ownership of Chrysler is a 41.5-percent stake currently held by the United Auto Workers healthcare trust, but according to SFGate.com, Sergio Marchionne is currently trying to raise the capital to complete the acquisition. The article says that a deal could be completed in as soon as 12 months, and the estimate for the remaining stake could cost Fiat SpA around $2.98 billion.

With a goal of completing the deal by the end of 2014, Marchionne is said to be in talks with various banks to help finance some of the deal. According to the report, the banks have indicated a need for a stronger balance sheet, controlled debt and reserve cash.

Two things that don't seem to be on the table to get the deal completed include issuing new shares to raise the capital or selling a stake in Ferrari. Fiat started with a 20 percent share of Chrysler in June 2009, and it raised its stake up to 58.5 percent in January 2012.

Fiat talking with banks about buying rest of Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerchrysler fiatfiatfiat chryslerfiat chrysler mergersergio marchionne Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20458907/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20458907/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/13/fiat-talking-with-banks-about-buying-rest-of-chrysler/20458907/article-detail.xml 20458907 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat-chrysler-emblems_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat-chrysler-emblems.jpg <![CDATA[All Fiat 500 production moving to Poland by 2015?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/all-fiat-500-production-moving-to-poland-by-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/all-fiat-500-production-moving-to-poland-by-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/all-fiat-500-production-moving-to-poland-by-2015/#comments Filed under: , , ,



With the next-generation Fiat 500 expected to debut in 2015 with more of a global presence, there is a growing possibility that production of the cute little hatchback will be consolidated to a single plant in Poland. According to Automotive News Europe, Fiat plans to end production of the 500 in Toluca, Mexico, which is expected to better fill Fiat's European production capacity, free up more North American capacity and create a single Fiat 500 design for all markets.

Currently, Fiat builds two similar but structurally different 500 models for Europe and North America, and assembling just one version at the Tychy, Poland would allow it to cut costs for development of the new car. This would also help fill some of the capacity void that Tychy has suffered in recent years, building just 300,000 units last year compared to more than double that in 2009. The report says that while Chrysler's North American production capacity is near its limit, Fiat's European plants will be used to meet increased demand before a new plant is built in North America. As for Toluca, there is no indication as to what vehicle Chrysler would replace the 500 with at this facility, which also builds the Dodge Journey.

All Fiat 500 production moving to Poland by 2015? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 fiat 500500chrysler tolucacinquecentofiatfiat 500 productionfiat productiontolucatychy Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20456427/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20456427/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/11/all-fiat-500-production-moving-to-poland-by-2015/20456427/article-detail.xml 20456427 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-fiat-500-abarth-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-fiat-500-abarth-review.jpg -1 2