Autoblog

Romeo Ferraris 500 Abarth packs 360 tarmac-munching Italian stallions

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat, Specialty

Romeo Ferraris 500 Abarth endurance racer - Click above to view in high resolution

Think you've seen the most hardcore 500 already? Sure, Abarth has churned out some pretty wicked versions of the retro-hatch, but even the 695 Tributo Ferrari and R3T rally machine can't hold a candle to the beast above.

Given the name, you might think this latest Cinquecento was the result of another collaboration between Abarth and its big sister companies. But this 500 is actually a product of independent racing garage Romeo Ferraris, which has rebodied the 500 in carbon fiber and fitted it with a wing that looks big enough to sustain a jumbo jet's flight path. If that's not bonkers enough, Ferraris has squeezed out an insane output of 360 horsepower from the Abarth's 1.4-liter turbo four. That's more than 257 horsepower per liter, and rivals even the similarly insane 427 Cinquecento from SEMA for pure lunacy.

Drivers Aldo Cerruti, Michela Cerruti and Mario Ferraris will be taking turns behind the wheel at the upcoming 6 Hours of Vallelunga endurance race on November 22. We'd suggest everyone else get the hell out of the way.

[Source: CarScoop]

Romeo Ferraris 500 Abarth packs 360 tarmac-munching Italian stallions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Très Exclusif: French Abarth importer creates special edition Cinquecento

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat 500 Abarth SpeedGrey par Neubauer - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Fiat 500 Abarth is a pretty sweet little retro rocket all on its own, but the Italian automaker's performance division hasn't stopped churning out a seemingly endless stream of special editions, from the Opening Edition to the 695 Tributo Ferrari. We can now add to that list the 500 Abarth SpeedGrey by Neubauer.

Unlike the Competizione edition made specially for the Dutch market, the SpeedGrey is actually an undertaking of Neubauer, the official Abarth distributor for France. Starting with the up-rated EsseEsse spec, the Neubauer edition gets a special Monza exhaust system for an extra five horses (boosting output up to 165), a pair of Sabelt bucket seats, tinted windows, Blue&Me navigation system and special Maserati gray paint job. Looks pretty sweet, but Neubauer will only be making 10 examples exclusively for the French market, so we'll just have to bide our time until the stock hot hatch arrives Stateside.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth SpeedGrey par Neubauer

[Source: Neubauer]

Très Exclusif: French Abarth importer creates special edition Cinquecento originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Fiat

Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Listening to Chrysler's long and rambling 2010-2014 Business Plan, it was clear that the company and its dealerships are very much looking forward to finally getting the Fiat 500 in North America. Much like what happened when BMW launched the Mini brand eight-odd years ago, it's hoped that the cute little 500 will attract a whole new customer to the Chrysler fold.

In order to properly court those new ~~wallets~~ buyers, Chrysler plans to open "specific interior showroom branded salons" in select dealerships, mostly in metropolitan areas. A dedicated set of salespeople will be assigned to sell the Fiat 500 in the States... ya know, since they otherwise wouldn't know how to sell the important car to American consumers.

There will also be a full line of accessories made available to customize the new car, which we would expect will include unique color and stripe packages both inside and out along with a slew of optional wheel designs. Whatever, make ours an Abarth and we're good. Expect all of this to take place before the end of 2010 as the Fiat 500 finally starts to show up in those selected dealerships.

Gallery: Fiat 500

Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: 427-powered Fiat 500 is the stuff dreams are made of

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Fiat, Specialty

1959 Fiat 500 Funny Car by Legacy Innovations - Click above for high-res image gallery

Okay, this is so awesome it hurts. The guys at Legacy Innovations took a perfectly lovely but woefully underpowered 1959 Fiat 500 and turned it into a Fiat 7,000. The Fiat 500 is an iconic car, one with tremendous nostalgic charm, but it was never really much good as a car until they redid it a few years ago. So although we might love the little 500, it doesn't provide a very good platform for what the Legacy Innovations guys had in mind for it - namely drag racing.

Easy fix though. They broke out the torches and gutted it. They basically removed all of the weak stuff and replaced it with a full-on 4130 chrome molly tube chassis, hinged the body in true Funny Car fashion and dropped in a 725-HP 427 small block. The body was kept relatively stock, save for the hood cutout, but they still managed to mount a pair of Hoosier slicks in back and still had room for wheelie bars that extend out far enough to effectively double the length of their little 500.

No word on how quick this baby is in the quarter, but we bet it's quick enough to embarrass just about anything else coming out of Italy. It's cars like this that make the trip to SEMA totally worthwhile.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: 1959 Fiat 500 by Legacy Innovations

SEMA 2009: 427-powered Fiat 500 is the stuff dreams are made of originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Fiat 500 to launch in the U.S. with Abarth performance model

Noah Joseph — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat 500 Abarth EsseEsse - Click above for high-res image gallery

With every passing week comes another report of how Fiat and Chrysler will be sharing products. If it's not Chrysler-badged Lancias then it's Lancia-badged Chryslers or an Alfa-badged Jeep. As for the Fiat division itself, the emerging strategy appears to be to bring the 500 retro-mini over and set it up as something of a brand of its own, with sights set squarely on BMW's Mini and forgoing the rest of the Fiat line-up.

Earlier reports indicated that we'd be getting four versions of the 500 Stateside, including basic hatch, cabrio and upcoming wagon in addition to the Abarth performance model. But rather than start with the basics and work its way up, or launch the entire range simultaneously, the latest news suggests that Fiat is preparing to hit U.S. soil running by starting off with the 500 Abarth. According to WardsAuto, the Fiat 500 Abarth - complete with 133-horsepower turbocharged four, upgraded suspension and all the sporty touches that make an Abarth an Abarth - will arrive at Chrysler dealers in 2011 with an $18,000-$19,000 price tag. Fiat reportedly targets selling 20,000-25,000 units of the 500 Abarth in the first year.

By the time the 500 Abarth arrives, we'll likely be looking at an updated version with even more oomph. With the standard hatch, the open-top 500C and the upcoming Gardiniera wagon expected to follow, there's no telling if the initial model will be the only Abarth on offer, or whether Fiat will follow up with the even hotter EsseEsse version (pictured above), racing models like the Assetto Corse or R3T, an Abarth convertible or specials like the 695 Tributo Ferrari or an Opening Edition of our own.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth

[Source: WardsAuto.com]

REPORT: Fiat 500 to launch in the U.S. with Abarth performance model originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat unveils rally-spec Abarth 500 R3T in San Remo

Noah Joseph — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat, Specialty

Abarth 500 R3T - Click above for high-res image gallery

The little brand that could, Abarth, secures whatever few items from the growing Fiat empire it can get its hands on and takes them to the extreme. The performance division was designated to handle Fiat's rally activities, and took the IRC title in its formative year with the Punto Abarth S2000. Then they turned around and put their hot Punto on the road with the 155 horsepowerPunto Abarth and 180 hp Punto Abarth EsseEsse.

But since the scorpion brand got its hands on the Fiat 500, they've been churning out more performance variants than Porsche. The 500 Abarth debuted with 133 hp, launched with the special Opening Edition. Then the 500 got an EsseEsse version of its own with 160 ponies. The track-bound 500 Abarth Assetto Corse followed with 200 horsepower, and at the recently concluded Frankfurt show they unveiled the 695 Tributo Ferrari. More versions were interspersed, and even more are said to be on the way - but not before the rally team has had a chance to debut the new Abarth 500 R3T.

Built to Group R3T specifications, a rally formula for turbocharged cars up to 1.6-liters in engine displacement, the rally-prepped 500 packs a 1.4-liter four with a Garret GT 1446 fixed-geometry turbocharger, good for 180 horsepower and driving through a six-speed sequential transmission with twin-plate clutch and a locking differential. 17-inch OZ alloys are mounted to an adjustable suspension and pack Brembo discs all around supplemented by a hydraulic handbrake. Inside, the 500 R3T has been fitted with a full roll cage and FIA-spec racing buckets with six-point harnesses, while dry weight comes in at 1080kg (2380 lbs), the minimum for the category.

The vehicle was introduced this past weekend at the Sanremo rally, where Abarth has won two of the past three years running, and it will be used in special promotional events as part of the Assetto Corse program. Check out the details in the press release after the jump and the pair of high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Abarth 500 R3T

[Source: Abarth]

Continue reading Fiat unveils rally-spec Abarth 500 R3T in San Remo

Fiat unveils rally-spec Abarth 500 R3T in San Remo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari punches above its weight

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Hatchback, Ferrari, Fiat

Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari - Click above for high-res image gallery

The battle has been raging since time immemorial. From Point A to Point B, which is faster: a big exotic supercar or a nimble li;' hatch? Fiat's two performance divisions, Abarth and Ferrari, ask why you can't have the best of both worlds with the new Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari.

The special-edition 500 packs a 180+hp 1.4-liter 16-valve turbo four, a retuned suspension, paddle-shift transmission, 17-inch rims, Brembo brakes and unique touches in every nook and cranny of the diminutive retro hatchback, from the Sabelt seats and Jaeger instruments to the 430 Scuderia paintjob and carbon fiber everything. It's a package that punches far above its weight, but we're waiting for our invitation to flog it around Fiorano against the new 458 Italia. In the meantime, why not check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

Frankfurt 2009: Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari punches above its weight originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankurt Preview: More images of Fiat Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" arrive

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Fiat

Fiat 500 "695 Tributo Ferrari" - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our colleagues at Autoblog Spanish have managed to dig up some more photos of Fiat's new super 500, the 695 Tributo Ferrari. The 180+hp 500 gets a very Ferrari-esque interior treatment to accompany the scarlet paint and Brembo brakes on the outside. Just like most other contemporary performance cars, the bottom edge of the steering wheel has been flattened out, which helps ease ingress and egress over the heavily bolstered seats. The predominantly black interior is trimmed out with some red accents and plenty of carbon fiber.

Another sign of its performance intentions is the stripe at the top center of the steering wheel rim giving the driver a quick visual indicator of straight ahead. The back side of the wheel is also fitted with a pair paddle shifters, although the exact nature of the transmission is unknown at this point. Stay tuned as we bring you all the official details after the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is officially revealed early tomorrow at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Gallery: Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Frankurt Preview: More images of Fiat Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" arrive originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Fiat confirms Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" for Frankfurt debut

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Hatchback, Ferrari, Fiat

Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari - Click above for high-res image gallery

Still waiting for that baby Ferrari to come along? This may be as close as you'll get. Confirming earlier reports, Fiat's Abarth and Ferrari subsidiaries have gotten together to collaborate on a special 500 to honor Maranello. We first heard about a special Ferrari edition 500 last year when we were in Italy test driving the new Alfa MiTo. But while the previous 500 created for Ferrari was used solely as a courtesy car for Ferrari owners bringing in their cars for service, this new Frankfurt-bound special edition will actually be available for purchase by the general public.

Called the 695 Tributo Ferrari, the special Cinquecento packs a 1.4-liter 16-valve turbo four tuned by Abarth and Ferrari engineers to produce over 180 horsepower, snorting through a variable exhaust system and mated to a paddle-shift automated manual transmission. 17-inch rims crowd the little wheel wells, mounted to a sport-tuned suspension and packing 284mm Brembo brake discs.

The most attention-getting detail, of course, is the paint scheme, decked out in Scuderia Red with Racing Grey stripes to mimick the outgoing 430 Scuderia. All we've got on the interior so far is that Jaeger has been commissioned to make the special instruments and Sabelt provides the bucket seats (probably similar to the ones we reported on recently).

This isn't the first time the Prancing Horse and the Scorpion marques have come together, Fiat pointing to the 1953 Ferrari 166/250 MM Abarth for reference. And whether this proves to be more of a marketing ploy or a serious set of wheels remains to be seen, but it's got to be better than the Michael Schumacher edition Fiat Stilo from a few years ago. For our part, we wouldn't mind pitting this against the upcoming Toyota iQ-based Aston Martin Cygnet to determine who'll be king of the exotic-branded superminis. Check it out in the press release after the jump and images in the hi-res gallery below.

Gallery: Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

Continue reading Officially Official: Fiat confirms Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" for Frankfurt debut

Officially Official: Fiat confirms Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" for Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt leakage: Fiat tweaking 500 to create the 695 Tributo Ferrari

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Fiat

If the 500 Abarth isn't a hot enough hatch for your tastes, Fiat is about to add some Ferrari-flavored habenero to the mix. AutoExpress released (then retracted) pics and details of the 695 Tributo Ferrari ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and according to the Brit pub, the crew at Abarth have cranked the 1.4-liter turbo from the usual 135 horsepower to over 180 ponies and added paddle shifters to the six-speed gearbox to give drivers a bit more of that Ferrari feeling.

Just like its Maranello inspiration, the body shell is finished in Scuderia Red and a set of Brembo brake calipers squeeze cross-drilled rotors beneath a gorgeous set of spidery alloys. Additionally, Ferrari was reportedly tapped to re-tune the suspension to help keep things under control. No word on how many of these beasties will get built, but they should be a hoot if they make it to dealers.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Frankfurt leakage: Fiat tweaking 500 to create the 695 Tributo Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Karl Schnorr upgrades the Fiat 500 Abarth

Noah Joseph — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat 500 Abarth by Karl Schnorr - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the Fiat 500 set to come Stateside under the Italian automaker's partnership with Chrysler, our interest already is piqued by any opportunity to further enhance the retro mini's performance. Echoing founder Karl Abarth's Germanic roots, German tuning house Karl Schnorr has answered the call with a two-stage performance upgrade catalog to give the scorpion some added sting.

Fiat itself already offers the 500 in several states of tune. Above the standard engines, the company's Abarth in-house tuning arm offers the 133 horsepower 500 Abarth and the 158-hp 500 Abarth EsseEsse. Schnorr takes things two steps further with the 185-hp, 950-euro (around $1,350) Stage 1 kit and the 197-hp, 5,050-euro (nearly $7,250) Stage 2, complete with upgraded turbocharger and custom sports exhaust. Fresh coilover shocks drop the ride height by a few millimeters, mounted to 17-inch OZ alloys and complemented by even more stripes than the scorpion brand offers from the factory. Check it out in the gallery below and in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Karl Schnorr Fiat 500 Abarth

[Source: Karl Schnorr Kraftfahrzeuge]

Continue reading Karl Schnorr upgrades the Fiat 500 Abarth

Karl Schnorr upgrades the Fiat 500 Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat to assemble 500 in Mexico, build engines in Michigan?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Chrysler, Fiat

Fiat 500 Abarth - click above image for high-res gallery

For the last couple of decades, there has been a genuine dearth of affordable Italians autos for us Americans. Sure, you could buy a lightly used Alfa Romeo Milano or a derelict Fiat Strada, but then you'd be a braver person than us. Or maybe you could get your hands on a severely fire-damaged Ferrari 308, but that's a entirely different level of sadomasochism. One that we're not comfortable with. But in reality, the cheapest piece of Italian four-wheeled machinery available to us Yanks has come with a trident badge. In other words, a $100,000 Maserati.

But hey, there's some good news for working class Italophiles -- the Fiat 500 is coming! Finally, Italian design and craftsmanship in an affordable package. Only thing is, the Cinquecento is going to be Italian design and Mexican craftsmanship. Er, make that Italian design and Mexican/American craftsmanship. According to an Associated Press report, Chrysler Group LLC is planning on building U.S.-bound 500s at their Toluca, Mexico assembly plant where they build the PT Cruiser. Not only that, but the engines that power the little-bitty Fiats might be built in Trenton, Michigan. Hmmm. Not really so Italian after all, is it?

Chrysler is reportedly also planning on building another very small car along with the 500. No official word on any of the other Fiat or Alfa Romeo products that might be heading our way - yet.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth

[Source: Detroit News]

Fiat to assemble 500 in Mexico, build engines in Michigan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Topless Hotness: Fiat reportedly planning 500C Abarth cabrio

Noah Joseph — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Fiat

Fiat 500C - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the Fiat 500 still selling like hotcakes, the Italian automaker's performance division is reportedly working on a new combination to further bolster interest in the retro hatch. Melding the best elements of the 500 Abarth and the new 500C convertible, Fiat is said to be preparing a 500C Abarth for launch overseas in time for the next sunny season.

Porting over the engines from the fixed-roof 500 Abarth, the cabrio would be offered with the 133hp 1.4-liter turbo four, upgradable to 157hp with the optional Esse-esse kit. But while most convertibles loose their rigidity and gain weight when the top is lopped off, the 500C's unique roof rail structure keeps torsional twist at bay - to say nothing of the Cinquecento's iconic profile. Pricing would be competitive with the new Mini Cooper Cabrio, and with both the Abarth and convertible variants expected to appear Stateside by 2011, there's a good chance Fiat will throw this one into the mix, too.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Fiat 500C

[Source: Autocar]

Topless Hotness: Fiat reportedly planning 500C Abarth cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat launches pricy new special-edition 500 Abarth Competizione

Noah Joseph — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Fiat, Specialty

Fiat 500 Abarth Competizione - Click above for high-res image gallery

Cars may be getting smaller, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily getting cheaper. As if to prove that point, Fiat has thumbed its nose at the Tata Nano with a special 500 that packs a big price tag in a small package.

Commemorating the first anniversary of Abarth's return to the Dutch market, Fiat's performance division has launched this special-edition 500 Abarth Competizione. It costs nearly $35k and only ten will be made available for exclusive consumption in Holland. The €3,000 premium (nearly $4,200 USD) over the stock 500 Abarth gets enthusiastic buyers a special little hot hatch with a black roof, black 17-inch alloys and matching black graphics, along with special bucket seats inside. The 500 Abarth Competizione also comes equipped with sat-nav, air-con and a premium audio system. Although the Competizione edition packs the 135hp turbo four, buyers can always upgrade with the 160hp EsseEsse kit. For a premium, of course.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth Competizione

[Source: Fiat]

Fiat launches pricy new special-edition 500 Abarth Competizione originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elle Macpherson gets topless at Fiat 500C launch [w/VIDEO]

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Green, Fiat, Lifestyle

Fiat 500C with Elle Macpherson - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fiat held a glitzy launch for the convertible version of its super hot supermini at the Whisky Mist in London the other night and swimsuit supermodel Elle Macpherson was the first in the UK to go topless, getting her very own 500C. We're told the Australian-born model and actress received the keys to the latest iteration of the Italian-built model outside her Notting Hill home and was soon overheard telling a friend how cool and sexy she thought it was. Of course, Elle knows all about cool and sexy Fiat 500s, having previously owned the original hard top version.

Other convertible-celebrating celebrities up in da club with Edoardo Agnelli, the nephew of Fiat's co-founder, included Tesla Roadster buyer and Black-Eyed Peas guy will.I.am and Sugababes' Amelle. Feel free to check out the gallery below of Elle's famous friends posing with her new ride. Americans lusting after a topless model for themselves may have to wait until 2011 before they are able to satisfy their desire. Hit the jump for a couple bonus vids of the 500C in action and the official UK launch press release.

Gallery: Fiat 500C UK launch

[Source: MS&L London]

Continue reading Elle Macpherson gets topless at Fiat 500C launch [w/VIDEO]

Elle Macpherson gets topless at Fiat 500C launch [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PETA Alert: Fiat underscores eco-friendliness using unique advertising campaign

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Hatchback, Fiat

European Fiat advertising campaign - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've seen some pretty cool advertising in our time, but a new European marketing campaign from Fiat is surely one of the more memorable efforts from an automaker in recent memory. In an effort to underscore the safety of its diminutive 500 - both to its occupants and the animals we share our planet with - the Italian automaker has unleashed a new series of images depicting the retro hatchback in various crash test scenarios.

The interesting part comes from the car's occupants, which includes a panda bear, a walrus (goo goo g'joob) and a couple of penguins. Equally as clever is the tagline, "Engineered for a lower impact on the environment," after which the ad reminds the viewer that Fiat - with 133.7 grams of C02 per kilometer on average - is the brand with the lowest carbon emissions in all of Europe.

Gallery: European Fiat advertising campaign

[Source: Fubiz.net via Jalopnik]

PETA Alert: Fiat underscores eco-friendliness using unique advertising campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Four versions of Fiat 500 in the U.S. by 2011, including Abarth

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Fiat

2010 Fiat 500 Abarth - Click above for high-res image gallery

Four 500s by 2011. That is the latest word out of Italy concerning the adorable Fiat 500. While the Chrysler/Fiat merger chugs along, the tiny 500 is the only model that has been officially greenlighted for American consumption under the Fiat banner. To make up for that dearth of models, Fiat will apparently offer the 500 in four different flavors when it reaches these shores: hatchback, convertible, station wagon and sporty hatchback. There's also an outside chance of a micro-CUV according to this Automotive News piece.

The "sporty hatchback" will be the Abarth, Europe's 2008 Car of the Year. Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne calls it "our iPod." Wonder if it's too late for some co-branding. While it might seem that a sporty wagon and sporty drop-top would be fairly easy to slot into the mix (Abarth Giardiniera SS Corsa, FTW!), we'll have to make due with those four iterations for the time being. The 500 family should be in U.S. dealerships by the first half of 2011. The American-market cars will likely be produced at a Chrysler plant in the United States or in Toluca, Mexico, but there's no official word on U.S. pricing yet.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Four versions of Fiat 500 in the U.S. by 2011, including Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty +Video: Fiat 500 Cabrio introduced at global sales milestone

Noah Joseph — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Fiat

Fiat 500C - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the rampant acquisition streak Fiat's embarked on, the Italian automaker has clearly emerged as a power-broker in the global automotive industry. The auto group has always been strongest in its home market, but with the ink on the Chrysler deal still wet and more mergers and acquisitions looming on the horizon, Fiat has reached a new milestone: for the first time in the company's history, it's sold more of one model outside of Italy than within.

The model in question, it should come as no great surprise, is the 500, with 54% of sales currently take place outside its home market. The retro hatchback has been selling like hotcakes in every locale it's been introduced, and is slated to come Stateside within a couple of years.

The announcement of the 500's international sales success came at the market introduction of its convertible version, the 500 C, which goes on sale next month in Italy, France and the UK, with more markets to follow. We've loaded a whole new crop of high-resolution images into the gallery below, and posted a video after the jump to satiate all your quaint Italian cabrio fantasies, so enjoy.

Gallery: Fiat 500C

Continue reading Pics Aplenty +Video: Fiat 500 Cabrio introduced at global sales milestone

Pics Aplenty +Video: Fiat 500 Cabrio introduced at global sales milestone originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Alfa Romeo to lead American charge, Fiat 500 to go it alone

Noah Joseph — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Alfa Romeo has been toying with the idea of returning to America for years, but now that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is working from Auburn Hills, the time seems more ripe than ever as details emerge on Fiat/Chrysler's strategy vis-a-vis the North American market. While Marchionne implements management restructuring designed to reduce Chrysler's executive hierarchy and separate its divisions into more independent units, a product strategy is rapidly being put into place to make up for lost time during the bankruptcy procedure and get the company back on track.

With Maserati and Ferrari already present in North America and Lancia offering little to entice North American buyers, the Italian side of the partnership looks poised to enter the market with Fiat and Alfa Romeo models. However, while future Chryslers, Dodges and Jeeps will share underpinnings with their Fiat and Alfa Romeo counterparts - including an Alfa GTX to be based on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee - the Fiat brand itself will have a very limited presence in the North American market, offering only the 500 retro hatchback as a stand-alone model... not unlike BMW's Mini brand. Other Fiat models will carry Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep badges, while Alfa Romeo will take the higher profile on this side of the Atlantic, offering cars under the stoic marque to compete with other European luxury brands. As the Freep points out, Chrysler and Alfa had collaborated in the early '90s to bring Alfas Stateside with limited success, but Marchionne evidently thinks it'll have better luck this time around.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

REPORT: Alfa Romeo to lead American charge, Fiat 500 to go it alone originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chrysler PT Cruiser gets unlikely stay of execution thanks to Fiat tie-up

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

We've been telling you that Chrysler's PT Cruiser is destined for death for years now, yet the little wagon continues to endure. Inside Line is reporting that the PT has yet again escaped the gallow's pole, and instead the Little Paddy Wagon That Could will soldier on until December 2010.

The move will reportedly keep Chrysler's Toluca, Mexico plant running until the Fiat 500 and Panda arrive to fill the space. Inside Line says the two models will be built at the site beginning summer 2011, and the six or so months between the final demise of the PT and the beginning of the Fiat era will be utilize to retool the facility.

With the PT Cruiser possibly around for another year and a half, we have no choice but to continue to "enjoy" its retro-ness. Heck, with an 11-year-old platform and a design that hasn't changed much since its inception, the little PT is practically a living, breathing classic car in its own right.

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Chrysler PT Cruiser gets unlikely stay of execution thanks to Fiat tie-up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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