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[Fiat 500 Cattiva on the way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/fiat-500-cattiva-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/fiat-500-cattiva-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/fiat-500-cattiva-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fiat 500 Cattiva concept live at 2013 Detroit Auto Show - front three-quarter view

While its dealer body has been clamoring for new and larger models, Fiat has actually done a pretty good trade selling all manner of 500 variants, from the standard hatchback and 500C cabriolet to its Abarth models, 500e electric runabout and special editions like the Gucci.

Fiat USA was a little slow out of the gates as it built up brand awareness and its dealer network, but it's now chugging along, with combined 500 model sales outselling that of its arch rival Mini (provided you subtract the Countryman crossover, a model for which Fiat has had no direct competitor up until this point). Franchisees are finally about to get the bigger, broader-appeal model they've been seeking in the form of the five-door 500L, but Fiat is still going to be devoting a lot of attention to their whisker-faced icon, the Cinquecento.

As proof, at the first drive event of the 500L in Baltimore, Fiat North America boss Jason Stoicevich confirmed that his company will produce a production version of the 500 Cattiva concept shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Stoicevich wouldn't divulge the model's pricepoint or availability timeframe, but he told us, "I can guarantee you it will happen. I just can't tell you when."

The Cattiva is based on the middle-child 500 Turbo, and is essentially a trim-and-tape package, albeit a very attractive one. It includes rich 'Rame' (read: copper) paint with black trim, including 'Nero' gloss black light housings front and rear and a matching roof-mounted spoiler along with unique charcoal 16-inch alloys. Inside, changes are limited to a 'Matte Nero' instrument panel and trim, along with silver stitching on the black sport wheel and shift knob. No word on any improvements to the Turbo's 135-horsepower, 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder, but at least that should keep the price from rising much above the standard 500T's $19,500 MSRP. As far as timing goes, we're thinking that this model won't be too far down the line after the company launches the 500L.

Back when it revealed the 500 Cattiva concept, Fiat also showed a matte gray Tenebra showcar that builds upon the even hotter 500 Abarth, but Stoichevich declined to comment on that concept's chances for production.

Fiat 500 Cattiva on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 fiat 500 cattivacattivacinquecentofiatfiat 500fiat 500 cattivafiat 500 tenebrajason stoicevichWed, 19 Jun 2013 08:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20626643/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/19/fiat-500-cattiva-on-the-way/20626643/article-detail.xml 20626643 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/fiat-500-cattiva-concept-detroit-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/fiat-500-cattiva-concept-detroit-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 Gucci Edition returns, priced from $23,750*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/12/fiat-500-gucci-edition-returns-priced-from-23-750/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/12/fiat-500-gucci-edition-returns-priced-from-23-750/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/12/fiat-500-gucci-edition-returns-priced-from-23-750/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Fiat 500 Gucci

Are you sad you missed out on the limited-edition Fiat 500 by Gucci the first time around? Well, fear not. You, too, can once again channel your inner Jennifer Lopez and pick up one of the co-branded little hatches starting this spring - but just like last time, Fiat will only be offering the Gucci 500s for a limited time.

Fiat will offer Gucci versions of both the hardtop 500 and cloth-top 500C, priced from $23,750 and $27,750, respectively, not including *$800 for destination. That's a pretty big price jump over the $18,500 500 Lounge hardtop - you could get the higher-output Turbo or Abarth models for the same or even less cash - but seeing as how Fiat had no trouble moving any of the Gucci-branded 500s last time they came to town, we're sure these will still fly off dealer lots.

And it's not like you don't get some fancy content for that coin. There's a new interior environment that either can be done up in all black, or a black/white contrast, to match the exterior color choices of, well, black or white. There are high-quality leathers used throughout the cabin, as well as satin chrome accents. Outside, the signature Gucci green/red/green stripe runs along the beltline on hardtop models, and along the cloth top on the 500C. Gucci badging is found on the door frames, accented with chrome mirrors and door handles. And of course, there are unique 15-inch aluminum wheels with the interlocking "GG" design on the center caps.

Scroll down for all the details in Fiat's press release.

Continue reading Fiat 500 Gucci Edition returns, priced from $23,750*

Fiat 500 Gucci Edition returns, priced from $23,750* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jun 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiatfiat 500fiat 500 guccigucciWed, 12 Jun 2013 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20617941/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/12/fiat-500-gucci-edition-returns-priced-from-23-750/20617941/article-detail.xml 20617941 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/001-fiat-500-gucci-1370982847_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/001-fiat-500-gucci-1370982847.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Fiat 500 Turbo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Diet Abarth

2013 Fiat 500 Turbo

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

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

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

Continue reading 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo

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

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



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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1964 fiat 500dfiatfiat 500fiat 500dpetroliciousvideoSat, 04 May 2013 19:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557611/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/04/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500/20557611/article-detail.xml 20557611 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fiat-500-petrolicious-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fiat-500-petrolicious-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat builds 1 millionth 500, still a ways to go before passing original]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abarthfiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthmanufacturingpolandproductiontychyMon, 22 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546365/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/20546365/article-detail.xml 20546365 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/million-fiat-500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/million-fiat-500.jpg <![CDATA[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[2013 Fiat 500e]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Cinquecento's Electrifying One-Price Strategy Is A Gas



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

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

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

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

Continue reading 2013 Fiat 500e

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

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

Fiat 500 Abarth

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automatic transmissionfiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthfiat 500c abarthWed, 10 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20536698/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/10/fiat-500-abarth-to-get-automatic-option/20536698/article-detail.xml 20536698 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01-2012-fiat-500-abarth-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01-2012-fiat-500-abarth-review.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 Cattiva and Abarth Tenebra concepts showcase design to enhance personality]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/fiat-500-cattiva-and-abarth-tenebra-concepts-detroit-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/fiat-500-cattiva-and-abarth-tenebra-concepts-detroit-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/fiat-500-cattiva-and-abarth-tenebra-concepts-detroit-2013/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fiat 500 Cattiva Concept

Fiat brought out two new design concepts at the Detroit Auto Show, both intended to expand the appeal of its 500 Turbo and 500 Abarth models with upgraded and unique appointments inside and out.

First up is the Fiat 500 "Cattiva," based on the 500 Turbo, painted with a vibrant Rame (Copper) exterior with contrasting Nero (Black) accents. The turbocharged 500 features gloss Nero headlamp buckets, parking lamp bezels, tail lamps and a roof-mounted spoiler. Special 16-inch alloys, painted satin dark gray, hint at the sport-tuned suspension inside each fender. The appointments are continued inside its cabin with leather sport seating, Matte Nero instrument panel and other trim upgrades. Lastly, the sound package is the segment-exclusive Beats Audio system.

The Fiat 500 "Tenebra," based on the 500 Abarth, is painted in Matte Grigio (Gray) with Nero accents, just like its sibling. In addition to gloss Nero headlamp buckets, parking and tail lamps, it is fitted with 16-inch alloys with a Nero chrome finish. Setting itself apart, the signature Abarth bodyside stripes (and mirror cap) are Grigio in color and there is a large Abarth "Scorpion" logo on the roof. Inside the cabin, the Tenebra features performance seats with leather upholstery, a flat-bottom steering wheel and other cosmetic upgrades. Like the Cattiva, the Beats Audio system is standard.

Check out live galleries of both the Cattiva and Tenebra models, and then read the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Fiat 500 Cattiva and Abarth Tenebra concepts showcase design to enhance personality

Fiat 500 Cattiva and Abarth Tenebra concepts showcase design to enhance personality originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroit auto show500500 abarthcattivadetroitdetroit 2013fiatfiat 500fiat abarthtenebraTue, 15 Jan 2013 17:47:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20429686/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/15/fiat-500-cattiva-and-abarth-tenebra-concepts-detroit-2013/20429686/article-detail.xml 20429686 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/fiat-500-cattiva-concept-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/fiat-500-cattiva-concept-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat builds one-millionth 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/fiat-builds-one-millionth-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/fiat-builds-one-millionth-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/fiat-builds-one-millionth-500/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Fiat 500

Fiat has constructed 1 million new 500 models. The company says that the milestone model rolled off the line at the manufacturer's Fiat Auto Poland facility. The one millionth 500 is a Lounge model with optional three-layer Bianco Perla exterior paint.

While the quirky little European runabout touched down on US shores for the 2011 model year, the hatchback has been on sale in the EU since 2007. In fact, Fiat sells the compact in more than 100 countries. While the North American model features a few aesthetic differences, including a revised front fascia, the car retains much of its European flair.

North American buyers have responded by dragging home a full 70,000 units since the model debut on our side of the globe. Each of those vehicles were manufactured at the Fiat plant in Toluca, Mexico. You can check out the brief press release below for more information on the Fiat 500 and the company's production achievement.

Continue reading Fiat builds one-millionth 500

Fiat builds one-millionth 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat 500500fiatfiat 500one millionth fiat 500Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20384446/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/21/fiat-builds-one-millionth-500/20384446/article-detail.xml 20384446 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fiat-500-2-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/fiat-500-2-628.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #304]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/autoblog-podcast-304/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/autoblog-podcast-304/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/autoblog-podcast-304/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

New Global Cadillac Chief, Toyota Tundra Space Shuttle Tow, SEMA, Ferrari Enzo Successor

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Episode #304 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth and George Kennedy talk about Cadillac's new global chief, who's already mentioned sports cars, the Toyota Tundra towing the space shuttle, the Ferrari Enzo successor and Chrysler and Ford's SEMA concept cars. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #304:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2012 Chrysler 200S convertible
2012 Fiat 500

Hosts: Dan Roth, George Kennedy


Runtime: 01:27:38

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #304

Autoblog Podcast #304 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastautoblog podcast 304cadillaccadillac sports carchrysler 200 convertiblechrysler 200schrysler semafeaturedferrari enzoferrari enzo successorferrari f70fiat 500ford sematoyota tundraTue, 16 Oct 2012 17:15:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #304Autoblog01:27:38 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20351492/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/16/autoblog-podcast-304/20351492/article-detail.xml 20351492 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.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[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[A 458 Italia-powered Fiat 500 is not a good idea, it's the best idea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/a-458-italia-powered-fiat-500-is-not-a-good-idea-its-the-best/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/a-458-italia-powered-fiat-500-is-not-a-good-idea-its-the-best/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/a-458-italia-powered-fiat-500-is-not-a-good-idea-its-the-best/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Lazzarini Design Fiat 550 Italia

We're pretty sweet on the resurrected Fiat 500. The quirky little hatch is an engaging driver with adorable looks. It is not what we'd call fast, however - even the Fiat 500 Abarth just barely lands itself in "quick" territory.

Fortunately, there are hard-working souls out there willing to remedy the machine's acceleration deficit. Lazzarini Design has done some measuring and discovered that, with a little body work, the 500 can play host to much more formidable powerplant. How formidable? The crew wants to yank the beating heart from the Ferrari 458 Italia and plop the 4.5-liter V8 behind the seats of cinquecento. You know, where the car gods intended the engine in the 500 to be.

These are clearly our kind of people.

But they aren't entirely off their medication. The engine has been detuned from 570 horsepower to a more reasonable 550 hp. Lazzarini says the project actually stretches the 500 wheelbase by almost a foot in order to fit the engine and transmission safely aboard. The whole machine weighs in at 2,200 pounds, even with ballast on both front corners to keep the car planted. If you like what you see, the studio says it is currently looking for an investor to help build the machine. Lazzarini Design estimates the project will cost around $550,000. Check it out over at the Lazzarini site.

A 458 Italia-powered Fiat 500 is not a good idea, it's the best idea originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italia550 italiaferrari 458 italiafiatfiat 500fiat 550 italialazzarini designFri, 22 Jun 2012 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20264168/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/22/a-458-italia-powered-fiat-500-is-not-a-good-idea-its-the-best/20264168/article-detail.xml 20264168 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-lazzarini-design-fiat-550-italia-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-lazzarini-design-fiat-550-italia-628.jpg <![CDATA[Abarth 695 Maserati Edition bows at Mille Miglia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/abarth-695-maserati-edition-bows-at-mille-miglia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/abarth-695-maserati-edition-bows-at-mille-miglia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/abarth-695-maserati-edition-bows-at-mille-miglia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Fiat 500 in its various guises positively romps on its popularity, making special-edition hay with terrific frequency. This latest outing in the form of the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition follows a familiar trail, coming three years after the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari that debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

That hatch had a tuned 1.4-liter turbo four putting out more than 180 horsepower, a variable exhaust system and paddle-shifting automated manual under its Ferrari 430 Scuderia-mimicking paint scheme. But aside from the paint, this one gets much the same treatment: 180-hp output, Abarth Competizione gearbox and dual mode exhaust.

It goes the GranTurismo route instead of hard-core sports car, though, using the convertible Abarth as a base and adding Pontevecchio Bordeaux paint with a gray top, sand-beige leather and black interior, Jaeger instrumentation, and 17-inch Maserati-style Neptune wheels and hexagonal tailpipes. Still, it gets even bigger Brembo brakes than the Ferrari version.

Just 499 will be made for "mainly" European markets, naturally, so the closest we'll get to it is the high-res gallery above the the press release below.

Continue reading Abarth 695 Maserati Edition bows at Mille Miglia

Abarth 695 Maserati Edition bows at Mille Miglia originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500500 abarth500c500c abarthabarthabarth 695 maserati editionfiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthMon, 21 May 2012 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20241355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/abarth-695-maserati-edition-bows-at-mille-miglia/20241355/article-detail.xml 20241355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/abarth695maseratied_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/abarth695maseratied.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 -1 2