Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2012 Fiat 500 Stinger escapes from the hive]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2012-fiat-500-stinger-chicago-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2012-fiat-500-stinger-chicago-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2012-fiat-500-stinger-chicago-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Fiat 500 Stinger

Now that Fiat is officially tied at the hip with Chrysler, it's no surprise to see the Pentastar's aftermarket division take to the diminutive 500 like a honeybee to clovers (sorry). Which explains the 2012 Fiat 500 Stinger, the first Mopar-fettled Fiat ever created.

The Stinger moniker seems to come from the machine's black and yellow paint scheme, which includes a somewhat homely set of bodyside decals and a checkerboard-patterned roof. Headlights, grille inserts, wheels and all other trim all get the black-out treatment.

Mopar-branded intake and cat-back exhaust kits are said to bump power from the 1.4-liter MultiAir engine, though the company isn't being specific when it comes to power figures. In any case, we pointed our camera lenses at the 500 Stinger, and you can see the results in our high-res gallery above.

Continue reading 2012 Fiat 500 Stinger escapes from the hive

2012 Fiat 500 Stinger escapes from the hive originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 5002012 fiat 500 stinger500500 stingerchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showfiatmoparWed, 08 Feb 2012 17:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167324/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/2012-fiat-500-stinger-chicago-2012/20167324/article-detail.xml 20167324 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/fiat-500-stinger-chicago_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/fiat-500-stinger-chicago.jpg <![CDATA[Next Toyota Avalon to best Fiat 500's fuel economy?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/next-toyota-avalon-to-best-fiat-500s-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/next-toyota-avalon-to-best-fiat-500s-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/next-toyota-avalon-to-best-fiat-500s-fuel-economy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Fiat 500 is 139 inches of A-segment fury, with a heaping dose of cute and a dash of fuel efficiency. In fact, the manual transmission-equipped cinquecento averages 33 miles per gallon in mixed driving, which is better than most things on the road.

Impressed? Toyota isn't. The Detroit Free Press reports that the Japanese automaker told dealers at the National Automobile Dealers Association meeting in Las Vegas, NV recently that the next generation Avalon will get better fuel economy than the wee Fiat.

Since the current generation Avalon is five feet longer and considerably wider than the 500, that's an impressive claim. Heck, the Avalon is bigger than the Camry, and buyers currently have to step into a Camry Hybrid model to surpass the fuel economy numbers of the pint-sized Fiat.

The sky-high fuel economy of the Avalon wasn't the only good news Toyota delivered to dealers. The automaker reportedly informed the car-selling audience that 19 new models were coming in 2012.

Next Toyota Avalon to best Fiat 500's fuel economy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1ghz500avaloncamryfiatfuel economytoyotaWed, 08 Feb 2012 15:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20166661/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/next-toyota-avalon-to-best-fiat-500s-fuel-economy/20166661/article-detail.xml 20166661 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/avalon-500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/avalon-500.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this Alfa Romeo Giulietta play ice hockey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/watch-this-alfa-romeo-giulietta-play-ice-hockey/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/watch-this-alfa-romeo-giulietta-play-ice-hockey/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/watch-this-alfa-romeo-giulietta-play-ice-hockey/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Alfa Romeo Giulietta on ice

After the culture clash between the Americans at Chrysler and the Germans at Daimler during the bad old DCX days, there has been concern that the latest European occupation of Auburn Hills could lead to similar friction. Granted, Fiat is not Mercedes-Benz, but Italian sensibilities can be quite dissimilar from those of most Detroiters.

So count us doubly impressed to happen upon this video, featuring an Alfa Romeo Giulietta "playing hockey." Never mind that it was Alfa's U.K. group that put together this amusing video to highlight the Giulietta's All Weather traction mode. We'd like to think that somebody from Hockeytown weighed in with some encouragement for the idea.

In fact, now that we think about it, maybe this whole hockey-playing-car thing could be the next extension of Chrysler's "Imported from Detroit" campaign. The new Dodge Dart is all Giulietta underneath, and the Chrysler 300 SRT8 would make one heck of a goon...

Click past the jump to see the Alfa on ice.

Continue reading Watch this Alfa Romeo Giulietta play ice hockey

Watch this Alfa Romeo Giulietta play ice hockey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoalfa romeo giuliettaall weatherchryslerchrysler-fiatdartdetroitdodgedodge dartfiatfiat-chryslergiuliettahockeyhockeytownThu, 02 Feb 2012 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20162738/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/watch-this-alfa-romeo-giulietta-play-ice-hockey/20162738/article-detail.xml 20162738 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/giulietta-on-ice-opt-1328192547_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/giulietta-on-ice-opt-1328192547.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler employees to get first profit-share payouts since 2005]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/chrysler-employees-to-get-first-profit-share-payouts-since-2005/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/chrysler-employees-to-get-first-profit-share-payouts-since-2005/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/chrysler-employees-to-get-first-profit-share-payouts-since-2005/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chrysler Emblem

Chrysler employees received some good news this week. The automaker announced it would issue profit-sharing checks worth $1,500 to each of its hourly workers for the first time since 2005. The company posted a $183 million profit for 2011, marking the first time the company has avoided a loss in six years, according to The Detroit Free Press. The earnings were due largely to a host of more compelling vehicles, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Chrysler 200 and 300. Each of those vehicles command a higher price tag than their less-refined predecessors.

On average, buyers have been willing to hand over $3,200 more for their Chrysler vehicles than they did just one year prior. Company CEO Sergio Marchionne said the profit-sharing checks were a reward that the company's workers had earned.

Interestingly enough, parent company Fiat isn't enjoying the same success back home. According to the report, without the earnings from the Italian automaker's stake in Chrysler, Fiat would have reported a $265 million loss in 2011. In a strange turn of fate, Chrysler has begun supporting Fiat. With Italy and the rest of Europe in the throws of a debt crisis, the automaker doesn't look to have a better 2012, either.

Chrysler employees to get first profit-share payouts since 2005 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>200300chrysler profitchrysler profit-sharingdodgedurangofiatgrand cherokeejeepprofit sharingsergio marchionneThu, 02 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163011/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/chrysler-employees-to-get-first-profit-share-payouts-since-2005/20163011/article-detail.xml 20163011 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chrysler-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chrysler-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500L previewed ahead of Geneva Motor Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/fiat-500l-previewed-ahead-of-geneva-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/fiat-500l-previewed-ahead-of-geneva-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/fiat-500l-previewed-ahead-of-geneva-motor-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Fiat has finally tipped its hand on the 500L. After months of watching painful renderings of the five-door hatchback float to the surface, the company has dished a few official details ahead of the vehicle's debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.

The 500L is 162.9 inches long, a smidge over 70 inches wide and 65.3 inches tall. Fiat says the four-door 500 combines an SUV driving experience with B-segment fuel efficiency and could easily serve as a first car for those who like the 500 but need a little more functionality. The Fiat 500L will begin production in Europe in the last quarter of this year. When it does, two gasoline engines and a turbo-diesel will find their way behind the headlights.

The Italian automaker isn't saying much about the company's plans for the 500L in the U.S., but we've previously heard American buyers will be able to sample the five-seater soon. Believe it or not, a seven-seat version is also planned for Europe. Follow the jump for the full press release and stay tuned for the unveil on March 6.

Continue reading Fiat 500L previewed ahead of Geneva Motor Show

Fiat 500L previewed ahead of Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 geneva2012 geneva motor show500500lfiatgenevageneva motor showThu, 02 Feb 2012 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20162707/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/fiat-500l-previewed-ahead-of-geneva-motor-show/20162707/article-detail.xml 20162707 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-fiat-500l-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-fiat-500l-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mopar celebrates 75 years with bunch of Chicago-bound special editions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mopar-celebrates-75-years-with-bunch-of-chicago-bound-special-ed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mopar-celebrates-75-years-with-bunch-of-chicago-bound-special-ed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mopar-celebrates-75-years-with-bunch-of-chicago-bound-special-ed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



This year Mopar is celebrating 75 years since its name - a combination of MOtor and PARts - was first trademarked. During that time, Mopar has evolved to become synonymous with performance parts for Chrysler and Dodge vehicles, as well as amp'd-up specialty package vehicles, vehicle service and maintenance, and add Fiat to the long list of Chrysler Group brands it supports since the Italian automaker took part ownership in the smallest of Detroit's Big 3.

Anniversaries usually come with presents, and Mopar is bring four to show and share at the Chicago Auto Show next month. The first, and only one that will be sold turn-key, is the '12 Mopar 300, which becomes the brand's third factory-built model for modern times following the '10 Mopar Challenger and '11 Mopar Charger. While offering no more power than a standard 5.7-liter V8-equipped 300, the '12 Mopar does benefit from a new final-drive ratio of 3.91:1 that drops its 0-60 time in the low five-second range, as well as a significantly stiffer suspension, grippier tires and brake system upgrades.

Then there's the exterior. If the plague's preferred method of transmission were by car, this would be its ride. It is the Black Death on wheels, which themselves are 20-inch, 8-spoke forged aluminum rollers painted Gloss Black with Mopar center caps. We especially like the tasteful blue striping that appears across the '12 Mopar's sides and around its rims. While we've yet to see it, Mopar says the interior is equally void of light save for accents of Mopar Blue.

Only 500 of these '12 Mopar 300 models will be built and sold this summer for the price of $49,700, which includes destination charges. Each one will also come with a special box of goodies that includes Mopar-branded key fobs and merch; proof of the vehicle's exact manufacture date and number built; and a sketch of the car signed by its designer.

Follow the jump for three more anniversary models from Mopar.

Continue reading Mopar celebrates 75 years with bunch of Chicago-bound special editions

Mopar celebrates 75 years with bunch of Chicago-bound special editions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 mopar 3002012 chicago300500500 stingerchicagochicago auto showchryslercompasscompass true northdartdart gts 210 tributedodgefiatjeepmoparTue, 31 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160463/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/mopar-celebrates-75-years-with-bunch-of-chicago-bound-special-ed/20160463/article-detail.xml 20160463 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/12-mopar-300-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/12-mopar-300-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Hagerty predicts this year's future classics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,



The world would be considerably less entertaining if we could all predict the future. Even so, the classic car gurus at Hagerty Insurance have cast a few chicken bones in an attempt to figure out which vehicles produced today might eventually turn collectible.

The company restricted entrants to hardware with a price tag of less than $100,000, so the list isn't populated with too many wild exotics. While vehicles like the Nissan GT-R Black Edition, Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Porsche 911 are low-hanging fruit, the list also featured a few surprises.

For starters, it begins with none other than the mighty Buick Regal GS. Hagerty says the vehicle is a win because it's the first Buick with a manual transmission since the fall of the Holy Roman Empire. The Fiat 500 Abarth also makes an appearance alongside an even hotter hatch, the Volkswagen Golf R. Of course, we're simply thrilled to see the sinister Audi TT RS make a showing. Hit the jump for the full list or view each vehicle in our gallery above.

Continue reading Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

Hagerty predicts this year's future classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500500 abarth911audibuickcamarocamaro zl1chargercharger srt8chevroletdodgefiatfordfuture classicsgolfgolf rgrand cherokeegrand cherokee srt8gt-rgt-r black editionhagertyhagerty insuranceinsurancejeepmustangmustang boss 302mustang boss 302 lagunra secanissanporscheregalregal gstttt rsvolkswagenMon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159781/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/20159781/article-detail.xml 20159781 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-regal-gs-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-regal-gs-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat dishes up more information on 500L five-door]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/fiat-dishes-up-more-information-on-500l-five-door/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/fiat-dishes-up-more-information-on-500l-five-door/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/fiat-dishes-up-more-information-on-500l-five-door/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fiat 500

Fiat has served up a few more tidbits on the upcoming 500L five-door expected to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. According to Automotive News, the vehicle will feature a taller roof than the thee-door Fiat 500, and while the two sill share a front fascia, the larger vehicle will ride on a widened version of the same chassis that underpins the Fiat Punto. All told, the Fiat 500L will be around 163.38 inches long, which is around 2.36 inches longer than the current 500.

Interestingly enough, Fiat plans to introduce both five-seat and a seven-seat version of the 500L in the near future, though American buyers are only likely to be able to enjoy the former configuration. The 500L is expected to touch down on dealer lots in Europe in July, while Americans will have to wait until early 2013 to plop themselves in the driver's seat.

In Europe, the vehicles will likely be available with with a turbocharged two-cylinder 900cc gasoline engine with 85 horsepower as well as a 1.4-liter four-cylinder good for either 77 or 105 hp depending on configuration. A 1.3-liter diesel will also be an option across the pond with either 75 or 99 hp. Odds are American buyers will simply see the 1.4-liter Multiair four-cylinder on their option sheets.

Fiat dishes up more information on 500L five-door originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500 five-door500lcrossoverfiatfiat 500fiat 500lfive-doorgenevageneva motor showSun, 29 Jan 2012 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159344/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/29/fiat-dishes-up-more-information-on-500l-five-door/20159344/article-detail.xml 20159344 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fiat-500-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fiat-500-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat Panda Classic keeps old model on the (European) market]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/fiat-panda-classic-keeps-old-model-on-the-european-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/fiat-panda-classic-keeps-old-model-on-the-european-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/fiat-panda-classic-keeps-old-model-on-the-european-market/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fiat Panda Classic

When a new vehicle arrives, the previous model is usually consigned to the history books. But that isn't always the case. Volkswagen, for example, has continued production of outdated models in South America and other markets years after they've been replaced. Jeep did the same with the XJ Cherokee in China, and now Fiat has taken a page out of the same playbook with the Panda Classic.

Launched in 2003, the outgoing Panda remains a strong seller in Italy (where, despite its lingering age, it held 38 percent of the market share last year) and across Europe (where its 15.7 percent market share makes it the top-selling city car). It's now being replaced by the New Panda, but rather than phase the old car out completely, it lives on as a budget proposition.

The front-drive Panda Classic will be offered in one trim level, with six color options and four engine options. The all-wheel-drive Panda Climbing soft-roader also soldiers on with similar specs.

Although the New Panda may be the better product in every way, European buyers on a budget may find the Panda Classic a tempting proposition with prices starting at just 7,900 euros. Full details follow in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Fiat Panda Classic keeps old model on the (European) market

Fiat Panda Classic keeps old model on the (European) market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiatfiat pandafiat panda classicfiat panda climbingpandaMon, 23 Jan 2012 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150659/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/fiat-panda-classic-keeps-old-model-on-the-european-market/20150659/article-detail.xml 20150659 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/panda-classic_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/panda-classic.jpg <![CDATA[Is this Fiat Abarth ad good enough for the Super Bowl?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/is-this-fiat-abarth-ad-good-enough-for-the-super-bowl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/is-this-fiat-abarth-ad-good-enough-for-the-super-bowl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/is-this-fiat-abarth-ad-good-enough-for-the-super-bowl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Fiat USA put a video showcasing the 500 Abarth on the Internet last November that tested the bounds of what is doable on network TV. That's one of the big reasons it hasn't been put on TV yet.

You'll see what we mean when you view the ad, titled "Seduction," after the jump. It was the foam that made it iffy for the networks.

But we chatted with Chrysler marketing chief Olivier Francois at the Detroit Auto Show about Super Bowl commercials where advertisers are known to push the envelope. In the Chrysler-Fiat world of double titles, Francois is also CEO of Fiat.

Francois, who is considering a few options for the big game, is wondering if the Abarth video is Super Bowl worthy, and wants to know what Autoblog readers think about the spot. Good enough for the big game, also known as the Super Bowl of advertising?

Chrysler, of course, was the toast of the Super Bowl in 2011, showing an unprecedented two-minute ad featuring Eminem's "Lose Yourself," an appearance by Eminem himself and the new ad theme, "Imported From Detroit."

It's a high bar to reach again.

What do you think? Does this Abarth ad have the right stuff?

View Poll

Continue reading Is this Fiat Abarth ad good enough for the Super Bowl?

Is this Fiat Abarth ad good enough for the Super Bowl? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012500500 abarthfiatsuper bowlsuper bowl commercialsThu, 19 Jan 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151595/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/is-this-fiat-abarth-ad-good-enough-for-the-super-bowl/20151595/article-detail.xml 20151595 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/abarth-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/abarth-ad.jpg <![CDATA[Five-door Fiat 500 headed to Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/five-door-fiat-500-headed-to-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/five-door-fiat-500-headed-to-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/five-door-fiat-500-headed-to-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Fiat 500 in red

According to The Detroit Free Press, a plus-sized version of the cheeky little Fiat 500 is heading to the Geneva Motor Show in March. Olivier Francois, head of the Fiat brand, has reportedly confirmed that a five-door 500 will be shown in Geneva, and that the new vehicle will be sold here in the United States starting in 2013.

Sound familiar? About one year ago, we reported that Fiat was working on a four-door (or, five-door) 500 internally known as Project L-Zero. This larger 500 was specifically being designed to round out the automaker's portfolio here in the U.S., though at the time, it was unclear whether or not the vehicle would be sold in other markets. Judging by the fact that the five-door 500 will debut in Switzerland, we can only assume that worldwide consumption is in the cards.

Five-door Fiat 500 headed to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fiat 500500500 five-doorcinquecentofiatgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showl-zeroolivier francoisproject l-zeroTue, 17 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150312/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/five-door-fiat-500-headed-to-geneva/20150312/article-detail.xml 20150312 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/02-2012-fiat-500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/02-2012-fiat-500.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne admits 50,000-unit sales goal for Fiat 500 "incredibly naive"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/marchionne-admits-50-000-unit-sales-goal-for-fiat-500-incredibl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/marchionne-admits-50-000-unit-sales-goal-for-fiat-500-incredibl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/marchionne-admits-50-000-unit-sales-goal-for-fiat-500-incredibl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Fiat 500C front three-quarter

When Fiat pronounced that it was planning to sell 50,000 Fiat 500 models in 2011, we were more than a little skeptical. And now that 2011 is in the rear view mirror, it seems CEO Sergio Marchionne is ready to admit that the sales target was not very realistic.

CNN Money reports that the charismatic Fiat/Chrysler boss is now calling the 50,000 number "incredibly naive," adding that the goal was to best Mini Cooper's 2010 sales total of 45,644. Fiat only managed to sell 19,769 Cinquecento models for the year.

Given that Mini has been in the U.S. for a decade and the marque already has an established dealer body and marketing presence - as well as an entire range of products - critics have said that clear that Fiat's 50,000-unit first-year goal was ambitious to a fault. Marchionne went on to add "we set ourselves up for a fall," but the chief executive insists that the future of Fiat in the U.S. is still very strong.

Even though sales of the 500 came nowhere near 50,000 units, Marchionne says that the Mexico plant that builds the A-segment ride is still profitable. That's because the plant also builds models for South America and China. Marchionne is reportedly hoping to sell between 25,000 and 30,000 copies of the 500 in the U.S. in 2012. While the 500 will likely be the only Fiat-branded model available in U.S. showrooms in 2012, the lineup is at least set to expand with models like the $22,000 high-performance 500 Abarth.

Marchionne admits 50,000-unit sales goal for Fiat 500 "incredibly naive" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500500500 abarthchryslercinquecentofiatfiat 500fiat salesmarchionnesergio marchionneTue, 17 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20149282/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/marchionne-admits-50-000-unit-sales-goal-for-fiat-500-incredibl/20149282/article-detail.xml 20149282 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fiat-500-c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fiat-500-c-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat, Chrysler and who? Marchionne mulling third partner]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/fiat-chrysler-and-who-marchionne-mulling-third-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/fiat-chrysler-and-who-marchionne-mulling-third-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/fiat-chrysler-and-who-marchionne-mulling-third-partner/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sergio Marchionne

Fiat/Chrysler sold about 4.2 million cars in 2010, and company CEO Sergio Marchionne expects to improve that by more than 33% come 2014, predicting sales of 5.7 units that year (analysts, on the other hand, predict average Fiat/Chrysler sales of 4.9 million in 2014). Operating profit for 2011 has been pegged at around $600 million, a rewarding bump from the $200 to $500 million predicted earlier in the year and dwarfed by the predicted $3 billion operating profit for 2012.

For Marchionne, though, those numbers need help from the outside: he says that an automaker needs to sell ten million units per year globally in order to reach "a new level of efficiency" and get development costs where he wants them. To wit, he is considering a partnership with a third car company to make that happen. He has repeatedly stated that he hasn't spoken with anyone yet, but Italian paper Corriere della Serra has said that Peugeot is ready to talk, while other analysts have mentioned makers in emerging markets as potential partners.

This is hardly the first time Marchionne has mentioned his quest for Volkswagen-like scale - in fact, he's been quite consistent on his desire to rationalize costs throughout the carmaking process. Based on that, it's inevitable that he'll tie up, the only questions now are who and when. He could wait until Fiat digests the remaining 41.5 percent of Chrysler it doesn't own and "merges" with The Pentastar, or if the right partner raises a hand, it might be sooner. Whoever it is, if it results in more novelties like the Dodge Dart, we tentatively say we're all for it.

Fiat, Chrysler and who? Marchionne mulling third partner originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler partnerchrysler salesfiatfiat partnerfiat partnershipfiat salessergio marchionneFri, 13 Jan 2012 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20145832/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/fiat-chrysler-and-who-marchionne-mulling-third-partner/20145832/article-detail.xml 20145832 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/sergio-marchionne_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/sergio-marchionne.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Fiat 500 Abarth priced from $22,000*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/2012-fiat-500-abarth-priced-from-22-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/2012-fiat-500-abarth-priced-from-22-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/2012-fiat-500-abarth-priced-from-22-000/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Fiat has announced that the 2012 500 Abarth will be priced from $22,000, *not including destination charges. That's a healthy jump from the tiny Italian's $15,500 base MSRP and higher still than the open-air 500C that starts at $19,500. For all that extra lira, buyers get Fiat's turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir engine producing 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through a five-speed manual transmission and the super Cinquecento also receives an upgraded suspension and brakes, 16-inch wheels and dual exhaust system. The cost of admission also includes free tuition to the Abarth Driving Experience hosted by The Richard Petty Driving Experience.

The Fiat 500 Abarth can be difficult to place among its class competitors because it's the smallest kid on the block, but we've constructed a handy-dandy table to compare pricing, power and weight-to-power ratios for some likely adversaries. Despite being the smallest in size, the Abarth 500 actually ends up with the highest weight-to-power ratio. The upcoming Hyundai Veloster Turbo stands out as having the least amount for each horse to lug around, though without pricing information, the Abarth 500 presently stands as the least expensive in-road to the kingdom of hot hatches.

Price* HP/Torque Weight W/P Ratio
2012 Fiat 500 Abarth $22,000 160/170 2,533 15.8
2012 Volkswagen GTI $23,995 200/207 3,034 15.2
2012 Mini Cooper S $23,100 181/177 2,668 14.7
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo N/A 201/194 2,800 13.9
*Does not include destination charges

Continue reading 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth priced from $22,000*

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth priced from $22,000* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fiat 500 abarth500500 abarth500 abarth pricingabarthcinquecentofiatWed, 11 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146262/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/11/2012-fiat-500-abarth-priced-from-22-000/20146262/article-detail.xml 20146262 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fiat500abarth-26-copy-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fiat500abarth-26-copy-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat to debut new Ellezero crossover in Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/fiat-to-debut-new-ellezero-crossover-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/fiat-to-debut-new-ellezero-crossover-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/fiat-to-debut-new-ellezero-crossover-in-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fiat 500 at Geneva Motor Show

While European buyers took to the Fiat 500 like a proverbial fish to water, American buyers have not, by and large, followed suit with quite the same vigor. But the next product in the pipeline from the Italian automaker could stand to change the brand's fortunes on this side of the Atlantic with something a little more accommodating to America's plus-sized appetites.

Code-named Ellezero (as in the letter L and the number 0), Inside Line says this new compact crossover is slated to debut this coming March at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on a new compact yet wide platform targeted at American consumers - not the one that underpins either the European or North American market 500 - the Ellezero takes a similar approach to the Mini Countryman, only even smaller. In fact we're told to expect the smallest crossover on the market.

Future Fiat and Jeep models are also expected to be based on this platform, with production slated for the Serbian factory that used to build the Yugo and which was, at one time, expected to produce a new Topolino that would be smaller (not larger) than the 500. European markets are tipped to get the new crossover later this year, with a U.S. market introduction sometime in 2013.

Fiat to debut new Ellezero crossover in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 geneva motor showellezerofiatfiat ellezerofiat usagenevageneva motor showFri, 06 Jan 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138776/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/06/fiat-to-debut-new-ellezero-crossover-in-geneva/20138776/article-detail.xml 20138776 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fiat-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fiat-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat increases Chrysler stake to 58.5%]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/fiat-increases-chrysler-stake-to-58-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/fiat-increases-chrysler-stake-to-58-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/fiat-increases-chrysler-stake-to-58-5/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



How important is the forthcoming 2013 Dodge Dart to the future of Chrysler? Well, it allowed Fiat to boost its stake in Chrysler for the fifth time in the past year today, adding five percent to bring Fiat's total ownership to 58.5 percent.

That's because the new Dodge sedan scored a combined 40 miles per gallon in CAFE fuel economy testing, triggering the increase in ownership under the operating agreement reached following the Chrysler bankruptcy proceedings. (Note that the 40 mpg number is unadjusted, meaning that the actual EPA combined fuel economy, the one published on the window sticker, will be lower.) Chrysler sent the United States Treasury a letter stating that it was "irrevocably committed to begin assembly" of the Dart at its Belvidere plant in Illinois. Chrysler will take the wraps off the Dart on January 9 at the Detroit Auto Show.

Fiat's stake in Chrysler has grown considerably since it received its initial 20-percent share in the immediate aftermath of the automaker's bankruptcy. The Italian automaker has now met all the "performance events" of its agreement with the Treasury, and could buy out the United Auto Workers healthcare trust that owns the remaining 41.5 percent of the company, according to a report in Automotive News. However, that report indicates that Fiat's financial situation may not be solid enough to do so - at least not right away.

To read Chrysler's full press release, click through to the jump.

Continue reading Fiat increases Chrysler stake to 58.5%

Fiat increases Chrysler stake to 58.5% originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge dartchryslerchrysler fiatdodge dartfiatfiat chryslerfiat chrysler partnershipmergeruawThu, 05 Jan 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20140996/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/fiat-increases-chrysler-stake-to-58-5/20140996/article-detail.xml 20140996 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chrysler-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chrysler-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500, Chevy Volt listed among biggest product flops of 2011... but should they be?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/fiat-500-chevy-volt-listed-among-biggest-product-flops-of-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/fiat-500-chevy-volt-listed-among-biggest-product-flops-of-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/fiat-500-chevy-volt-listed-among-biggest-product-flops-of-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat 500c

Chevrolet Volt'Tis the season for thin news cycles and cheesy top ten lists. Yahoo! Finance has thrown its hat in the top ten ring with its list of the biggest flops among all consumer goods introduced for 2011. Both the Fiat 500 and Chevrolet Volt have made it among the chosen few, rubbing elbows with such luminaries as Netflix's Qwikster and Disney's Mars Needs Moms.

Why the Volt? Yahoo! points to the vehicle's underwhelming sales, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fire investigation and misguided General Motors executives as indicators of the plug-in hybrid's failure. We think that's a bit harsh given the fact that the Volt wasn't on sale across the country for most of the year, and we've harped on how absurd the NHTSA fire issue is in the past, so we'll save the digital ink here.

And what of the Fiat 500? It's no secret the adorable Italian hatchback has missed its sales goals by a country mile. While Chrysler had hoped to move 50,000 models this year, actual U.S. sales for the year will probably end up around 20,000 units, which really isn't too bad. Those early sales targets were picked straight from the crazy buffet to begin with, and the fact that the 500 suffered production delays, dealership network woes and a botched marketing effort didn't help matters. Still, do those issues make the 500 one of the biggest product flops of 2011?

For our money, it's too early to call either of these vehicles flops - moving 20,000 relatively expensive very small cars for a new-to-the-U.S. (well, "new again," at least) brand doesn't sound too bad to us, and putting the Volt on the list when it wasn't available to most consumers strikes us as Yahoo! Finance trolling for controversy. What say you? Drop us a line in Comments...

Fiat 500, Chevy Volt listed among biggest product flops of 2011... but should they be? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 chevrolet volt2011 fiat 500500biggest flops of 2011chevroletchevrolet voltfiatfiat 500flopstop ten listvoltThu, 29 Dec 2011 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137092/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/29/fiat-500-chevy-volt-listed-among-biggest-product-flops-of-2011/20137092/article-detail.xml 20137092 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fiat-500-c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fiat-500-c-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler taking Mopar global, Shanghai and Dubai next]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/23/chrysler-taking-mopar-global-shanghai-and-dubai-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/23/chrysler-taking-mopar-global-shanghai-and-dubai-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/23/chrysler-taking-mopar-global-shanghai-and-dubai-next/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mopar distribution center in Dubai

Mopar is spreading its parts support network into new global markets. Chrysler and Fiat have opened new parts distribution centers in Shanghai and Dubai at 16,000 and 18,000 square feet, respectively. The new warehouses will help support Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Fiat brands around the world with a more comprehensive parts distribution system as the American marques continue to grow globally. Chrysler says that the facility in Shanghai will stock over 35,000 part numbers while its counterpart in Dubai will stock slightly less at 30,000. Chrysler is also planning to bolster its Middle East presence in other ways, however.

The company says it will open 12 Mopar Express lanes in the region. In 2011, five opened in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, while seven more will begin business in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait in 2012. The service centers will provide customers with comprehensive vehicle inspections and factory-backed service. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Chrysler taking Mopar global, Shanghai and Dubai next

Chrysler taking Mopar global, Shanghai and Dubai next originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdistribution centerDodgefiatFiat SpAmoparmopar distribution centermopar dubaimopar shanghaipartsFri, 23 Dec 2011 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20133614/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/23/chrysler-taking-mopar-global-shanghai-and-dubai-next/20133614/article-detail.xml 20133614 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mopar-distribution-center-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mopar-distribution-center-628.jpg <![CDATA[Inside Line pits Ford F-150 SVT Raptor versus... a leaf blower?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/inside-line-pits-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-versus-a-leaf-blower/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/inside-line-pits-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-versus-a-leaf-blower/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/inside-line-pits-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-versus-a-leaf-blower/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ford Raptor and leaf blower emissions test

You've probably heard the line about modern engines being cleaner than most lawn equipment, but chances are you can't put a source with that little tidbit. Inside Line recently took it upon itself to put that piece of common wisdom to the test by enlisting the help of an emissions lab in a little internal combustion show down.

Jason Kavanagh and Dan Edmunds pitted the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor against a Fiat 500, a two-stroke leaf blower and a four-stroke leaf blower. Who was left standing as the cleanest of them all when the smoke settled?

Believe it or not, the big-bad Ford took the honor of being the cleanest belle at this ball. Inside Line found that there were fewer hydrocarbons in the vehicle's exhaust than were present in the ambient air in the emissions lab, meaning the truck was actually cleaning the air as it ran.

That trick actually made the Raptor cleaner than the 1.4-liter four-cylinder in the Fiat, unless you're only measuring carbon dioxide, which is direct result of the amount of fuel burned. That left third place to the four-stroke leaf blower and dead last to the big two-stroke. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading Inside Line pits Ford F-150 SVT Raptor versus... a leaf blower?

Inside Line pits Ford F-150 SVT Raptor versus... a leaf blower? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500emissionsf-150 svt raptorfiatfordlawn equipmentleaf blowerleaf blower emissionsraptoryard equipment emissionsFri, 09 Dec 2011 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20123798/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/09/inside-line-pits-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-versus-a-leaf-blower/20123798/article-detail.xml 20123798 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/il-emissions-test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/il-emissions-test.jpg <![CDATA[VH1 does the Pop-Up Video thing with Abarth's "Seduction" ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/vh1-does-the-pop-up-video-thing-with-abarths-seduction-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/vh1-does-the-pop-up-video-thing-with-abarths-seduction-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/vh1-does-the-pop-up-video-thing-with-abarths-seduction-ad/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat 500 Abarth

There's no question that Fiat's "Seduction" ad was a big success. Launched just a few weeks ago to coincide with the North American debut of the Fiat 500 Abarth, the minute-long commercial quickly went viral to amass over two million views. And with good reason. The spot's got everything: cars, sexy, funny.... So what more could Fiat do with the ad? Pop-Up Video, of course!

The VH1 program was most popular in the late 90s, but was revived just a couple of months ago by the (*ahem*) music television channel. So Fiat handed its precious video over to VH1 for the full pop-up treatment, complete with random snippets of information about its production and such. Follow the jump to check it out, along with the press release and - just because we love our readers so much - a special bonus video from the Abarth PR crew.

Continue reading VH1 does the Pop-Up Video thing with Abarth's "Seduction" ad

VH1 does the Pop-Up Video thing with Abarth's "Seduction" ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abarthcommercialfiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthpop up videopop-up videoseductionsexy advh1vh1 pop up videovideoThu, 08 Dec 2011 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20123781/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/08/vh1-does-the-pop-up-video-thing-with-abarths-seduction-ad/20123781/article-detail.xml 20123781 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fiat-500-abarth-seduction-pop-up-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fiat-500-abarth-seduction-pop-up-opt.jpg -1 2