Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif 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/<![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/#commentsFiled 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 500lFri, 24 May 2013 13:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20583126/article-comments.xml 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[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/#commentsFiled 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 500videoMon, 15 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540681/article-comments.xml 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[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/#commentsFiled 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 driveFirstDrivereviewTue, 02 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20525540/article-comments.xml 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[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/#commentsFiled 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 productiontolucatychyMon, 11 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20456427/article-comments.xml 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 <![CDATA[Fiat 500 Fiore Rosa is Italian-Japanese cute-overload fusion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/fiat-500-fiore-rosa-is-italian-japanese-cute-overload-fusion/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/fiat-500-fiore-rosa-is-italian-japanese-cute-overload-fusion/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/fiat-500-fiore-rosa-is-italian-japanese-cute-overload-fusion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fiat 500 Fiore Rosa - Japanese special edition model in pink - front three-quarter view

If you live in Japan and you want to get something for your special someone for Valentine's Day, then slow dance down to your Fiat dealer and check out the Fiat 500 Fiore Rosa. A holiday special, the pale metallic pink Cinquecento is limited to 150 examples and only on sale from February 14-17. But beware the connotations, because as far as we can glean from Google Translate, the 500 Fiore Rosa is a bargain model, getting halogen lights instead of bi-xenons, manual air-con instead of climate control, 14-inch steel wheels instead of 15-inch alloys, and going without chrome trim, glass roof, parking sensors and alarm.

It's fitted with the TwinAir engine and gets the same price as the regular 500 TwinAir, however - 2,200,000 yen ($23,559 US). Other than the special name, we can't figure out where the 500 Fiore Rosa is hiding its treats, especially because it gets the el-cheapo wheel covers of the 500 Pop fitted with the 1.2-liter engine instead of the 500 TwinAir wheels. But if you want to make a statement, it's there. And we're talking to the women of Japan, because apparently they're the ones who buy the gifts on Valentine's day in Nippon.

Fiat 500 Fiore Rosa is Italian-Japanese cute-overload fusion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fiat 500500500 fiore rosacinquecentofiatfiat 500 fiore rosafiat japanfiore rosaspecial editionvalentinevalentines dayWed, 06 Feb 2013 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20448847/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/06/fiat-500-fiore-rosa-is-italian-japanese-cute-overload-fusion/20448847/article-detail.xml 20448847 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat500rosa_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat500rosa.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Fiat 500C Abarth rocks you like a hurricane]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2013-fiat-500c-abarth-rocks-you-like-a-hurricane/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2013-fiat-500c-abarth-rocks-you-like-a-hurricane/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2013-fiat-500c-abarth-rocks-you-like-a-hurricane/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth is debuting in the City of Angels. It's the super-tuned version of the 500C combining all the best of fresh-air motoring and heightened performance from the scorpion-badged marque. As with the vanilla 500C, the Abarth's folding canvas roof opens all the way at up to 50 miles per hour, and will slide back to the rear spoiler at up to 60 mph.

Sweetening is found everywhere else, with Fiat's 1.4-liter MultiAir good for 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque in Sport mode (155 lb-ft standard), which takes the baby hatch from standstill to 60 miles per hour in just over seven seconds. Shifting is via a five-speed manual, but the sound of that engine running straight from the dual exhaust pipes to your ears with no roof to intervene should help you forget about the anachronistic transmission.

Underneath its skimpy bits of metal, the Abarth gets tons of tweaks compared to the 500C to support its sporting nature. Things like a reworked suspension with stiffer springs, larger half shafts and CV joints, quicker steering and larger brake rotors, a three-setting ESC and optional 17-inch alloys all add to the fun. The cabin throws plenty of black leather around, along with one-piece seats that get racing harness pass-throughs.

If the engine note isn't enough to satisfy your aural requests, the 500C Abarth is the first convertible in the world to get a Beats by Dr. Dre audio system, boasting six speakers and a subwoofer. Buyers can also take advantage of the Abarth Driving Experience free of charge, taught by instructors at - of all things - the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

Sit tight, we'll have live pictures of the new performance ragtop live from the 2012 LA Motor Show for you shortly.

Continue reading 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth rocks you like a hurricane

2013 Fiat 500C Abarth rocks you like a hurricane originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 la auto show2013 fiat 500c abarth500500c500c abarthabarthcinquecentofiatlala auto showWed, 28 Nov 2012 00:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20385425/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/28/2013-fiat-500c-abarth-rocks-you-like-a-hurricane/20385425/article-detail.xml 20385425 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/242013fiat500cabarth-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/242013fiat500cabarth-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat releases first 500e images ahead of LA spotlight]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/fiat-releases-first-500e-images-ahead-of-la-spotlight/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/fiat-releases-first-500e-images-ahead-of-la-spotlight/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/fiat-releases-first-500e-images-ahead-of-la-spotlight/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Fiat 500e - front three-quarter view

Fiat won't officially pull the wraps off of its all-electric 500e until the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month, but we now have a pair of official images that show the little orange shocker both inside and out.

All of the details surrounding the new 500e are still under embargo until the debut, and as of this writing, Chrysler will only confirm that the car will go on sale in California sometime in 2013. The automaker will also show the car this weekend at the American Music Awards on the "green carpet" this Sunday, November 18.

Fiat 500e interiorFrom what we can see in these photos, the 500e doesn't look vastly different from other Fiat 500 models, save the redesigned lower front fascia (in contrasting white), lower side sills, aero underbody lip, and more wind-friendly wheels presumably wrapped in low rolling-resistance tires. Inside, the Fiat's cabin has been done up in a similar white-and-orange motif. Other changes to the interior include a redesigned gauge cluster and the addition of push-buttons where the normal gear shifter would be.

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the 500e leading up to its launch, including reports stating that Chrysler is only making the car to appease the folks of California and that the company will lose something in the area of $10,000 on each EV it builds. We'll see how the little electron-eater fares when it launches next year.

Until then, sight tight - we'll have the full skinny on the 500e in the coming weeks. For now, scroll down to read Chrysler's very brief statement.

Continue reading Fiat releases first 500e images ahead of LA spotlight

Fiat releases first 500e images ahead of LA spotlight originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 la auto show2013 fiat 500e500500ecinquecentofiatlala auto showFri, 16 Nov 2012 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20380975/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/16/fiat-releases-first-500e-images-ahead-of-la-spotlight/20380975/article-detail.xml 20380975 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/001-2013-fiat-500e628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/001-2013-fiat-500e628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Did Fiat just reveal the new 500T in its new commercial?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/did-fiat-just-reveal-the-new-500t-in-its-new-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/did-fiat-just-reveal-the-new-500t-in-its-new-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/did-fiat-just-reveal-the-new-500t-in-its-new-commercial/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat 500T? -

Fiat may have given us all an early glimpse of its upcoming 500T in a new ad. The Italian automaker has just released a new one-minute commercial called "Immigrants" showing a flotilla of submarine 500 models working their way from Italy to New York via the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Once the quirky little hatches show up on U.S. shores, something interesting makes an appearance. A 500 wearing Abarth body lines and Sport trim wheels comes rocketing around a corner.

We've heard plenty of buzz about a new 500T model designed to slot below the Abarth in the 500 stable, but it's unclear exactly what that machine will look like when it bows. It's entirely possible the commercial's producers simply had to swap a set of wheels after an incident on set and that this isn't what it seems to be, but we're guessing it's an intentional split-second teaser. Either way, it's worth taking a closer look at the video below.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents revealed in early April that Fiat is planning to flesh out its 500 line, and that new model called the 500T Sport was part of that mix. Details have been scarce since then, but a model with Abarth-like power and a slightly lower profile would seem to make some sense, as there's a pretty decent $pread between a base $15,500 500 Pop and the $22,000 Abarth.

Continue reading Did Fiat just reveal the new 500T in its new commercial?

Did Fiat just reveal the new 500T in its new commercial? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500500t500t sportcinquecentocommercialfiatfiat 500fiat 500tfiat 500t sportfiat adfiat commercialvideoMon, 16 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20279038/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/16/did-fiat-just-reveal-the-new-500t-in-its-new-commercial/20279038/article-detail.xml 20279038 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/fiat-500t-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/fiat-500t-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500L to launch with world's first in-car coffee maker option [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/fiat-500l-to-launch-with-worlds-first-in-car-coffee-maker-optio/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/fiat-500l-to-launch-with-worlds-first-in-car-coffee-maker-optio/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/fiat-500l-to-launch-with-worlds-first-in-car-coffee-maker-optio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Generally speaking, until we've had at least twice of the FDA's recommended daily allowance of caffeine, we aren't as observant as we need to be. For instance, when we wrote about the newly announced Fiat 500L, we were so distracted by its massive glass roof, seating for five and the potential of six engine choices we totally overlooked a small, but buzzworthy option.

When launched, the 500L will be the first production car in the world to offer a "true espresso coffee machine." Yup, right there between the front seats plugged into its very own power source will be an actual, water-boiling, caffeine-dispensing, java-juicer.

Developed by famed Italian coffee maker Lavazza, the "Coffee Experience" kit comes with car coffee cups, a spoon holder and its own sugar container. At least one media outlet says the kit will cost €250 (about $300 USD). Fill the Lavazza 500 base with water and pop it into the center cupholder. The heating element boils the water, steeping the coffee-filled pod in the top part and, seconds later, you have a piping hot cup of brew.

Well, not you. Unless you live somewhere other than the States. Because while we fully expect the 500L to be sold here, there's no indication from Fiat that the Coffee Experience kit will make it through the gauntlet of attorneys just itching for a good burn lawsuit. It could happen, but it's not likely, so we're guessing 500L owners will want to keep an eye out on eBay for retrofit possibilities. Check out a couple of videos by scrolling down to see if it percolates your interest.

Continue reading Fiat 500L to launch with world's first in-car coffee maker option [w/video]

Fiat 500L to launch with world's first in-car coffee maker option [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500Lcinquecentocoffeecoffee machinecoffee makercoffeemakerfiatfiat 500fiat 500lfiat spafiat+500+coffee+makerfiat+coffee+makerfiat500coffeemakerfiatcoffeemakerlavazzavideoThu, 12 Jul 2012 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276765/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/12/fiat-500l-to-launch-with-worlds-first-in-car-coffee-maker-optio/20276765/article-detail.xml 20276765 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-fiat-500l-lavazza_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-fiat-500l-lavazza.jpg <![CDATA[Couple buys 3,333 socks, gets free Fiat 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/couple-buys-3-333-socks-gets-free-fiat-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/couple-buys-3-333-socks-gets-free-fiat-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/couple-buys-3-333-socks-gets-free-fiat-500/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

LittleMissMatched Fiat 500 - green with polka dots - front three-quarter view

For most of us, a mismatched sock is not something to be celebrated, but then most of us are not pre-teen girls. While we were admittedly unaware that the Punky Brewster look is back in favor among stylish kids, fashion company LittleMissMatched got our attention with its latest promotion: Giving away a Fiat 500 to anyone crazy enough to buy 1,111 "pairs" of socks.

LittleMissMatched sells its footwear three to a pack - with none of the three having identical patterns - so the couple from Seattle who acquired the Fiat actually bought 3,333 socks. Their $15,000 purchase price was a reasonable deal for the "free" 500 Pop itself, even before you consider that the car was packed almost full of colorful socks.

See just how many socks will fit in a Fiat in our gallery.

Couple buys 3,333 socks, gets free Fiat 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500500cinquecentofashionfiatfiat 500 giveawaylittlemissmatchedpunky brewstersocksTue, 10 Jul 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20274959/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/10/couple-buys-3-333-socks-gets-free-fiat-500/20274959/article-detail.xml 20274959 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/image-6-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/image-6-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: More Fiat 500L images, details divulged]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/pics-aplenty-more-fiat-500l-images-details-divulged/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/pics-aplenty-more-fiat-500l-images-details-divulged/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/pics-aplenty-more-fiat-500l-images-details-divulged/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fiat 500L - white with black roof, front three-quarter view

After first revealing its new baby at the Geneva Motor Show in March, Fiat has finally served up more information and images on its upcoming 500L. Spanning 13.6 feet from tip to tail, the Italian automaker says there's room for five full-grown adults inside along with room for their luggage, thanks in part to a rear bench that can slide fore and aft as need be. All told, there's a bit more than 14.1 cubic feet of cargo area out back, which bests the Mini Countryman by nearly two cubic feet. With the second row seats stowed and the front passenger seat folded forward, the 500L can also transport material just shy of eight-feet long.

In Europe, buyers will be able to chose between two gasoline engine options: a turbocharged 0.9-liter two-cylinder good for 105 horsepower or a 95-horsepower 1.4-liter four-cylinder. An 85-horsepower 1.3-liter turbodiesel will also be available. Later, Fiat plans to introduce a version of the two-cylinder designed to run on methane.

The Fiat 500L will be produced in Serbia and will be available with options including UConnect with a five-inch screen, a glass roof that covers five square feet and 11 different body colors. No word yet on a U.S. on-sale date, but we do expect the plus-sized Cinquecento to make it to our market, awkward looks and all. Check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: More Fiat 500L images, details divulged

Pics Aplenty: More Fiat 500L images, details divulged originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fiat 500l2014 fiat 500l500500lcinquecentofiatfiat 500lTue, 10 Jul 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20275236/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/10/pics-aplenty-more-fiat-500l-images-details-divulged/20275236/article-detail.xml 20275236 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/fiat-500l_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/fiat-500l.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat surprises journalists with 500X sneak peek]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/04/fiat-surprises-journalists-with-500x-sneak-peek/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/04/fiat-surprises-journalists-with-500x-sneak-peek/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/04/fiat-surprises-journalists-with-500x-sneak-peek/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat 500X crossover sneak peek - video screencap

Fiat is aiming its 500 lineup straight at Mini with the 500L and now this Countryman rival, the 500X.

To us, the vehicle shown here (reportedly shown as a teaser to a pool of assembled journalists) looks to have opaque windows which could indicate that it's a non-rolling prototype, possibly without an interior.

CarsUK guesses it's based on the 500L, suggesting the same 1.4-liter gasoline and 1.3-liter diesel engines will be available. It also makes sense to expect a better look and more details on the 500X that will presumably be released at the Paris Motor Show this September. The vehicle looks somewhat similar to the already-shown 500L, but its raised ride height, trim-free doors, rounded wheel arches and matte lower trim improve the look greatly in our opinion. The best part? It doesn't have the 500L's awkward wraparound windshield or its ungainly greenhouse and stepped roof. The faster rear windscreen angle and different lighting looks much cleaner, too.

Without citing a source, Indian Cars Bikes maintains the 500X is just over 13 feet long and will be available with all-wheel drive with production starting in late 2013.

Check the video below and watch for details coming ahead of Paris in September.

Continue reading Fiat surprises journalists with 500X sneak peek

Fiat surprises journalists with 500X sneak peek originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jul 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 fiat 500x500l500xcinquecentofiatfiat 500fiat 500xminispy shotvideoWed, 04 Jul 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20271711/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/04/fiat-surprises-journalists-with-500x-sneak-peek/20271711/article-detail.xml 20271711 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-fiat-500x-peek_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-fiat-500x-peek.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Fiat 500 Abarth sold out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/04/2012-fiat-500-abarth-sold-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/04/2012-fiat-500-abarth-sold-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/04/2012-fiat-500-abarth-sold-out/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth in white with red trim - at speed, front three-quarter view

Eager to get your hands on the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth? Get in line, and be warned: you're going to have to wait.

According to The Detroit News, Chrysler has stopped taking wholesale orders on the 2012 model year 500 Abarth. According to sources within the automaker, customers who plunk down the money for the hotted-up 500 right now will be put on the 2013 model year waiting list, with those cars expected to arrive in the fall. In a statement to the Motown newspaper, Chrysler officials simply said that the number of orders received "exceeded the production run of this model for the 2012 model year."

Chrysler had originally planned to build about 1,000 Abarth models for the 2012 model year. However, those cars were all spoken for by the end of April - the Abarth's first month on sale - so the automaker upped production to 3,000 units. According to the Detroit News, this was the maximum number of units that the Fiat factory in Toluca, Mexico could handle.

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth sold out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 5002012 fiat 500 abarth500500 abarthabarthcinquecentofiattolucaMon, 04 Jun 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20250917/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/04/2012-fiat-500-abarth-sold-out/20250917/article-detail.xml 20250917 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/abarth628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/abarth628.jpg <![CDATA[Another slew of Fiat 500 Abarth ads with Catrinel Menghia released]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/another-slew-of-fiat-500-abarth-ads-with-catrinel-menghia-releas/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/another-slew-of-fiat-500-abarth-ads-with-catrinel-menghia-releas/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/another-slew-of-fiat-500-abarth-ads-with-catrinel-menghia-releas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Ah, Catrinel Menghia. Fiat knows a good thing when it finds one, and so it's no surprise to see a trio of new advertisements staring the Romanian-born and Italian-speaking model alongside the 2012 500 Abarth.

First up is a minute-long montage showing the Scorpion-addled Abarth flung around the desert while Catrinel... well, stands around looking beautiful. Next, the turbocharged 500 drives down the Las Vegas Strip while Ms. Menghia walks around looking beautiful. Notice a trend?

In the third video of this new series, Catrinel finally gets to drive the Abarth in a race against a lucky cameraman. Well, sort of. The two cars are actually piloted by "professional drivers on a closed course" - as you can see, they are wearing helmets. Catrinel and the cameraman, on the other hand, emerge from their black and white 500s with hair blowing in the wind.

No matter. Clearly these videos are meant to build upon the first extremely successful tie-up between the model and the Italian hatchback. We've gone ahead and included that initial commercial, along with the three new ones, below. Enjoy!

Continue reading Another slew of Fiat 500 Abarth ads with Catrinel Menghia released

Another slew of Fiat 500 Abarth ads with Catrinel Menghia released originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500 abarth500500 abarthabarthcatrinel menghiacinquecentofiatfiat 500videoFri, 27 Apr 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20226129/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/27/another-slew-of-fiat-500-abarth-ads-with-catrinel-menghia-releas/20226129/article-detail.xml 20226129 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/abarth-500-model-3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/abarth-500-model-3.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500L seven-seater spotted]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/fiat-500l-seven-seater-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/fiat-500l-seven-seater-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/fiat-500l-seven-seater-spotted/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fiat 500L 7-passengerWe like the small Fiat 500 a lot, but we're not so fond of the upsized version Fiat is planning. When the five-door 500L debuted at Geneva, calling it homely was being generous, indeed. We can't deny the logic in offering a more family friendly 500, however. But a size-large seven-seater? This quite literally stretches the limits of the 500's ethos.

Yet Auto Express has captured spy shots of a full-size design study for exactly that: A 500L with a third row. The magazine is reporting that the mockup it spotted in the automaker's Turin, Italy, design studio rides on the same wheelbase as the five-door model, but with its rear overhang extended by nearly eight inches to accommodate what must surely be the smallest third row of seats to ever grace the interior of a vehicle not made of Lego.

The report goes on to say that the seven-passenger model would use the same body panels and doors as the five-door 500L, basically everything from the C-pillar forward. Check out Auto Express for more images and info.

Fiat 500L seven-seater spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinquecentofiatfiat 500fiat 500 7-seatfiat 500lFri, 20 Apr 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20219829/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/20/fiat-500l-seven-seater-spotted/20219829/article-detail.xml 20219829 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/fiat-500l-7-passenger-1334868854_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/fiat-500l-7-passenger-1334868854.jpg <![CDATA[Gov't. documents suggest Fiat readying 500T turbo and Abarth convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/govt-documents-suggest-fiat-readying-500t-turbo-and-abarth-con/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/govt-documents-suggest-fiat-readying-500t-turbo-and-abarth-con/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/govt-documents-suggest-fiat-readying-500t-turbo-and-abarth-con/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth - front three-quarter view, white

According to a report from Car and Driver, documents submitted to the California Air Resources Board and to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration both point to a new arrival in the Fiat 500 line: a turbocharged hatch called the 500T Sport. The NHTSA document was a key for decoding a car's VIN, the "500T Sport" moniker appearing in the Series classification. The CARB paperwork approved California's certification of a boosted 1.4-liter engine for an unnamed Fiat product, along with the the Dodge Dart and 500 Abarth, which use the same engine.

There is currently a 59-horsepower spread between the 500 and the 500 Abarth, as well as a $6,500 difference in MSRP, which is a chasm offering plenty of space to mine a middle model.
C/D figures the 500T Sport will put out something around 130 hp and debut sometime over the next year, and a fan site, Fiat500USA, has found pics of what might be the car we'll get.

Gov't. documents suggest Fiat readying 500T turbo and Abarth convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fiat 500t sport500500t sportcinquecentofiatfiat 500fiat 500t sportWed, 11 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20213031/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/11/govt-documents-suggest-fiat-readying-500t-turbo-and-abarth-con/20213031/article-detail.xml 20213031 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/fiat500tcoming_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/fiat500tcoming.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Fiat 500L is one homely Cinquecento [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/2012-fiat-500l-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/2012-fiat-500l-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/2012-fiat-500l-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Fiat 500 wins hearts and wallets by trading in large measure on its unassailable cuteness and compact dimensions. But that's not enough for Sergio Marchionne and Company, who are looking to broaden the range's appeal with this new 500L. Certainly, it's bigger by nearly every measure, but after having clapped eyes on this thing in person at the Geneva Motor Show, we think it gives up a disturbing amount of the standard car's adorableness in exchange for the extra utility.

Clearly, it's not for lack of trying - Fiat has splashed out not just on a lot of new sheetmetal and light fixtures, it has also opted for a very different (and markedly more conservative) instrument panel inside. The family-minded Cinquecento has a roofline that apes that of the Mini Countryman, but like the 500, there should be no lack of customizability, including a whopping 30 different paint colors.

When it launches in Europe at the end of this year, the 500L will be available with Fiat's groundbreaking 900cc, two-cylinder TwinAir and 1.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines, along with a 1.3-liter MultiJet diesel. No North American release date has been made public, though the model is expected to be available in our market before too long. Check out the gallery of live shots above, then look below for a short official video and press release.

Continue reading 2012 Fiat 500L is one homely Cinquecento [w/video]

2012 Fiat 500L is one homely Cinquecento [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500L500500 Large500Lcinquecentofiatfiat 500genevageneva 2012geneva motor showtwinairTue, 06 Mar 2012 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20186767/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/06/2012-fiat-500l-geneva-2012/20186767/article-detail.xml 20186767 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/fiat-500l-geneva-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/fiat-500l-geneva-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Charlie Sheen injects some tiger's blood into Fiat 500 Abarth]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/charlie-sheen-injects-some-tigers-blood-into-fiat-500-abarth/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/charlie-sheen-injects-some-tigers-blood-into-fiat-500-abarth/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/charlie-sheen-injects-some-tigers-blood-into-fiat-500-abarth/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Charlie Sheen commercial

What do you do when you want to cast your cute little city car as a truly bad ass performance machine? How about hiring an infamous drug enthusiast actor, a guy who insists he has "tiger blood" flowing through his veins?

Yes, that's right, Fiat has enlisted none other than Charlie Sheen to promote its Abarth-tuned version of the 500 here in the States. Sheen's appearance in the commercial is brief, portraying himself hot-shoeing the small car around a palatial home - indoors, during a party, mind you - while under "house arrest." Sheen, of course, is the former star of Two and a Half Men, who was reportedly the highest-paid actor on television before being fired for badmouthing the show's creator last year. Sheen's antics also included demanding a 50 percent raise and threatening a lawsuit against his employers, despite being hospitalized for substance abuse-related issues at least three times.

The Fiat 500 Abarth goes on sale this spring, while Sheen's new FX series, Anger Management, premieres on Thursday, June 28 at 9 p.m.

To watch the new commercial, click past the jump.

Continue reading Charlie Sheen injects some tiger's blood into Fiat 500 Abarth

Charlie Sheen injects some tiger's blood into Fiat 500 Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500 abarth500500 abarthabarthanger managementcatrinel menghiacharlie sheencinquecentofiatfiat 500 abarth commercialsheenvideoThu, 01 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20183764/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/01/charlie-sheen-injects-some-tigers-blood-into-fiat-500-abarth/20183764/article-detail.xml 20183764 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/fiat-500-abarth-sheen-commercial-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/fiat-500-abarth-sheen-commercial-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 America not available in its namesake]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/fiat-500-america-not-available-in-its-namesake/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/fiat-500-america-not-available-in-its-namesake/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/fiat-500-america-not-available-in-its-namesake/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fiat 500 California

When a carmaker announces a European-exclusive limited edition, we often feel upset. Sometimes we even get irate. And then there are the instances like this one when we just chuckle and nod.

Not that there's anything exactly wrong with the Fiat 500 "America." We're sure it drives just the same as a regular 500, since, of course, Fiat hasn't changed anything mechanical. It's just that we're not quite sold on the "Old Glory" livery, which doesn't exactly work for the U.S. market. Think about it: Here the car would likely be perceived as a patriotic statement at odds with the car's foreign nameplate.

Overseas, well, we're still not sure why an American-flag bedecked car that looks like it was styled in the aisles of Pep Boys might be desirable, especially given the long-running European sentiment towards us ugly Americans ... but it's fashion, and who are we to argue with the Italians about that? That this is a numbered run of just 1,000 cars (500 two-doors and 500 convertibles) does mean that you won't encounter many others sporting the same side mirror covers, graphics, stickers and color-trimmed alloys or the red seats and contrasting white dashboard inside. Click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Fiat 500 America not available in its namesake

Fiat 500 America not available in its namesake originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500500500 americacinquecentofiatfiat 500 americagenevageneva 2012geneva motor showWed, 22 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20177156/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/22/fiat-500-america-not-available-in-its-namesake/20177156/article-detail.xml 20177156 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/fiat-500-america-01-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/fiat-500-america-01-opt.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 -1 2