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Kamis, 17 Februari 2011

500C Abarth by Romeo Ferraris

The Italian tuning company Romeo Ferraris has released a tuning program for Fiat 500C Abarth.The Romeo Ferraris Fiat 500C Abarth features a chrome plaited two-tone exterior paint job, with chromed side mirrors. At the interior, the 500C features black leather seats with diamond stitching and various chrome accents.The car’s 1.4 liter turbocharged engine has been gifted with a new air filter,

Minggu, 13 Februari 2011

2011 Fiat Freemont

Fiat Freemont, international debut

The next Geneva motor show will host the debut of the new Fiat Freemont, which will go on sale in the second half of 2011.

The Freemont built on the base of the Dodge Journey, is the first Fiat vehicle to come out of the partnership with the Chrysler Group. It will be produced in the Mexican plant of Toluca, where the 500 is produced for the US market.

The very name conjures up a sense of freedom, the pleasure of life in the open air, of adventure and the possibility of facing any situation that arises in daily life with equanimity.

The Fiat Freemont is in fact a 'factotum vehicle' designed to meet the diverse needs of families and those seeking a spacious, comfortable and versatile vehicle to cater for the frenetic pace of everyday life or weekend leisure time.

The vehicle combines flexibility and practicality with its own distinctive and original style. The dimensions (length of 489 cm, width of 188 cm and height of 172 cm) guarantee outstanding interior roominess, aided by the best wheelbase in its category (289 cm).

The Fiat Freemont guarantees maximum roominess, comfort and versatility due to its 7 standard seats with a genuine third row of roomy seats that is easily accessible because the doors open to 90°. The seats of the third row may be folded down with one simple movement to disappear completely below the floor and create a regular load platform. The seats of the second row are fitted higher than those at the front while the third row is raised in relation to the second allowing all occupants maximum visibility.

The second row can also be fitted with the innovative child booster system: booster seats are used to make sure that children on board are sitting correctly, optimising the seatbelt geometry and guaranteeing greater protection, practicality and comfort.

On-board comfort is also assured by a high driving position, new roomy and ergonomic seats, a host of storage compartments, a generous luggage area with two compartments and a flat load platform for an overall capacity of up to 1461 litres.

The vehicle's very individual design includes muscular, decisive lines that are expressed in a front end with brand new bumpers and grille. The rear end has been redesigned with the adoption of a new bumper and LED tail lights.

The all-new passenger compartment features an up-to-date design and soft touch materials. Features include a wrap-around dashboard with chrome elements, a brand-new instrument panel, a strikingly good-looking central console and an innovative infotainment system with a large colour touchscreen.

To simplify the selection and purchase process, only two outfits will be provided that are aimed at different customer types. The equipment level for both outfits is extremely comprehensive and all the main content items comply with the 'Fiat fair price' strategy.

Both outfits will offer 7 seats, triple-zone automatic climate control system, keyless entry system, cruise control, advanced trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), fog lights and touchscreen radio with colour screen and controls on the steering wheel. The more metropolitan version will include 17" alloys, touchscreen radio with 8.4" screen, SD card and DVD reader, Bluetooth system, rear parking sensors, fold-down door mirrors, automatic headlight activation, darkened rear windows and roof bars.

The Freemont will have front wheel drive with turbo diesel power units (140 HP or 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet) combined with a manual gearbox. Later, the vehicle will also be available in 4x4 versions with 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet and 276 HP 3.6 petrol V6 engines, both with automatic transmissions. With the exception of the powerful 3.6 litre unit from the Chrysler Group Pentastar family and its automatic transmission, all power units are produced and developed by FPT- Fiat PowerTrain.

The vehicle's dynamic performances have also been improved with the aid of Fiat engineering, which has developed and introduced a special suspension and steering configuration for greater accuracy and directness. Driving comfort is further guaranteed by significant improvements to passenger compartment soundproofing.

Safety is top level with 7 airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill-Holder and electronic roll mitigation (ERM) as standard on all vehicles.

Selasa, 08 Februari 2011

2012 Fiat 500 Review

The road snakes steeply upward as we zip from corner to corner, whipping up gravel on the road’s edge, the local greenery fluttering in the car’s tiny wake as we nearly miss larger chunks of rock jutting out on the tightest of curves. Tuscany comes to mind, but this is not Italy. No, we’re in California.

FAST FACTS

1. The Fiat 500 marks the return of the Fiat brand to North America, with plans to introduce more models this year.2. Powered by a 101-hp 1.4L 4-cylinder, the 500 gets 30/38-mpg (city/hwy) with a 5-speed manual and 27/34-mpg with a 6-speed automatic.
3. Fiat insists there is no ‘base’ model 500, with all trim levels getting power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, an Electronic Vehicle Information Center, 7 airbags and an auxiliary input jack.
4. Pricing starts at $15,500.

The car, however, is Italian. A Fiat no less. In fact, we’re one of the lucky few to sample the very modern, yet fabulously nostalgic experience of piloting the first Fiat to be sold on these shores in 27 years.
A sign of the changing times, the Fiat 500, or the more fun to say ‘cinquecento’, might be evidence of America’s changing perceptions of small cars. More practically, however, it has come to market as the result of Chrysler’s savior Fiat, which took over the American auto giant and ensured its bankruptcy did not end in liquidation.

Did you know we have a community of Fiat 500 enthusiasts? Check out Fiat500Owners.com!

Gathered together at the Culy Warehouse in downtown San Diego to introduce the 500, the folks at Fiat North America are seemingly unaware of the brutal irony that this place could be mistaken for a mechanic’s garage.

MORE THAN JUST A LIFESTYLE VEHICLE

Along with the usual breakdown of specifications, it’s surprising to learn just who Fiat intends to target with this new model. On the one hand, there’s the obvious lifestyle competitor, the MINI Cooper. On the other hand, there are cars like the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris.

Spending a day behind the wheel reveals that while pricing is a factor, with the 500 bridging the gap between these two disparate types of small cars, there are numerous other ways the 500 delivers a compelling halfway point between the transportation you need and the fun car you really want.

CUTE, OR TOO CUTE?

Described by its designer Roberto Giolito as resembling a baby’s sneaker, the 500 is undeniably cute. Certain to make the car a hit with women, it’s less likely to resonate with a male audience – young or old. But don’t worry guys, just hold out for another year when you’ll find the Abarth-tuned model far more appealing thanks to more than a 50 percent boost in power.

Even the manliest of men can, however, appreciate its originality, which helped the 500 win the 2009 World Car Design of the Year award.

NO BASE MODEL

Three different trim levels, Pop, Sport and Lounge are available with differing content. The Pop model ($15,500) is the most basic, but Fiat representatives will tell you there is no ‘base’ model with every trim level getting power windows and locks, power heated mirrors, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, cruise control, an Electronic Vehicle Information Center, 7 airbags, an auxiliary input jack and a paint-matched dash.
Upgrading to a Sport model ($17,500) will get you stiffer springs and shocks, 16-inch aluminum wheels, a more audible exhaust note and special bodywork, plus sportier seats with upgraded material, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, handsfree voice controls and an incredibly high-quality 6-speaker Bose audio system.

Further up the list is the Lounge ($19,500), with many of the Sport’s amenities, a few more high-grade trim bits and the 6-speed automatic transmission standard. Add on the Luxury Leather Package (complete with heated seats and park assist) and the interior now resembles the more premium MINI. It also starts to cost like one too.

SMALL BUT NOT TINY

Diminutive it may be, but the 500 isn’t ridiculously compact like the Smart fortwo, stretching almost three feet further. It’s easy to get into and out of thanks to a high-up seating position, an immediate contrast with the low-slung MINI. The Fiat is undoubtedly a European-style city car, designed to give excellent mobility in urban areas with a solid view of your surroundings. You won’t feel intimidated on the highway and the car actually holds up to gusts of winds on open stretches of roads far better than expected. There is, however, an excessively large over-the-shoulder blind spot.
Both the seats and the suspension are softer than the MINI, which delivers a setup perfect for an autocross, but hardly ideal for the majority of buyers. A thick steering wheel feels good in the hands, although the soft surfaces on the doors are about as thin as can be, meaning that it doesn’t take long to develop a sore elbow.
Inside, Giolito says it’s “naked but refined” which is true in many ways with a simple yet stylish paint-matched dash drawing your attention away from the significant amount of hard plastic on the doors.

The car’s sporting pretensions are hampered by the upright interior, with pedals that you step on, rather than push against. There’s a tilt steering wheel, but not a telescopic one, which means taller drivers will have to move a little further up than they might like, with knees to a near 90 degree angle as though you’re behind the wheel of the world’s smallest bus.
There’s plenty of room inside for the driver and passenger, although anyone around 6-feet might want to think about not getting a sunroof and anyone taller won’t have much choice. Rear seat space is utterly useless; same as in the MINI. As for cargo room, it’s a reasonable 9.5 cubic feet, which won’t fit the groceries for a family of five, but will hold overnight bags for two.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the Lounge model. Located at the front of the dash, rather than on the floor, it’s in the perfect place. The shifter does feel more like an economy car than a premium small car, and doesn’t line up with the likes of the MINI or the Honda Fit. Ultra-fast shifts it wasn’t made for, and you can feel the interruption in power every time you grab a gear.

IMPRESSIVE NEW ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

Each of the gears is likely to get a workout as you’re required to rev out the tiny 1.4-liter 4-cylinder. Torque isn’t bad though at 98 lb-ft so it’s zippy enough around town.
Helping to produce that power and hit some pretty impressive fuel economy numbers is the application of Fiat’s Multiair technology, also known as Fully Variable Valve Actuation. If you don’t care about engine technology, skip to the next paragraph. If you’re even remotely interested, we’ll say that essentially this system works by replacing the intake cam with four electrohydraulic actuators that allow the ECU to control how much air is entering the cylinder, rather than by using a mechanical system. The result is a 10 percent increase in peak power, a 15 percent bump in low-end torque and a 15 percent improvement in fuel economy.
Lifestyle buyers aren’t likely to care too much about fuel economy, but it may be a factor in winning over some traditional small car buyers. The 1.4-liter engine is rated at 30-mpg city and 38-mpg highway for a 33-mpg combined number. That’s for the manual, with automatic models a less impressive, but still very good, 27/34-mpg.

Helping to further improve the urban scoot is a Sport button (included on all trim levels, not just the Sport). Pushing it firms-up throttle response and tightens the steering on manual models, delivering a significantly more engaging driving experience. When pushed, the car really hops forward in urban driving, although the benefits are gone once you get beyond 3rd gear.
Automatic transmission models also get more sensitive steering and better throttle response in Sport mode, plus the transmission holds on to gears longer to keep you in the power. We were genuinely shocked that the slushbox doesn’t kill the fun.
A solid amount of fun in base trim, the Sport model’s stiffer suspension and 16-inch wheels with wider and lower profile 195/45 series tires deliver plenty of grip, allowing you to sail around corners. The 500's design may make it look a bit tippy, but it’s incredibly solid and begs to be tossed around, aided by responsiveness and feedback from the wheel. The engine, however, doesn’t deliver the same emotion, feeling a bit strung out and unhappy at higher revs.
Targeted as a car that can be used for all your needs, we’re tempted to think a lot of buyers will be packing up the Cayenne for longer trips. Approach a steep grade on the highway and the lack of grunt is evident. If you’re in a spirited mood, you’ll be happy to drop gears, but for more normal driving the 500 can feel a bit winded.

RE-ENGINEERED FOR AMERICA

Quiet on the open road, the U.S.-spec model gets improved sound deadening in the pillars, added door seals and an acoustic dampening engine cover, bringing it from the back of the pack, to ahead of class-leading cars like the Honda Fit.
Other U.S.-spec upgrades include a reworked chassis with new, stiffer bushings, revised front suspension geometry designed to reduce dive and a new front sway bar to minimize body roll. And the list goes on. Fiat even intends to adopt all these U.S.-spec changes to its European market models in the future.

Inside, drivers will appreciate small items like the addition of an armrest, plus more comfortable seats. And due to the harsher extremes of the North American climate, the car is designed to start at temperatures as low as -40 degrees.
This attention to the unique demands of the U.S. market does seem to show a more reliable and durable product that what Fiat attempted to sell here in the past, although only time will tell.
To attract those driven by their right brain, the Fiat 500 can be treated like a fashion accessory with 14 exterior and interior colors, plus 30 seat covers and 50 accessories. And to appease the left brain in the land of big-cars-are-safe-cars is a 5-start Euro crash rating, 7-airbags, standard stability control and a 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, plus a 3-year/36,000 mile complimentary maintenance plan.

THE VERDICT

When stacked up against the MINI Cooper, the Fiat 500 doesn’t deliver quite the same level of driving performance, but that’s not to say it’s any less fun. In the lifestyle segment, it’s arguably got more cache, and when it comes to the urban dwellers who are likely to find it appealing, it’s easily more livable on a daily basis. And for those in need of a small car for basic transportation, the Fiat delivers modest practicality for two, excellent fuel economy and a price that isn’t out of reach.
In the world of small urban transportation, the Fiat 500 might just be the perfect pairing of efficiency and practicality with performance and style.

Rabu, 02 Februari 2011

Lancia Ypsilon 'Collection 2011' Flies to Los Angeles for Promo Shoot

The Fiat Group is trying to make the best of its newly found contacts in the U.S. after its partnership with Chrysler LLC as the Italian automaker chose the city of Los Angeles to shoot the promotional photos as well as a new TV spot for its limited edition Lancia Ypsilon 'Collection 2011', which goes on sale in Europe this month. The special edition version of the ageing Ypsilon adds some unique styling touches such as bespoke color options for the body work and cabin trim, plus an upgraded interior with new fabrics and leather surfaces with contrast piping.

The 'Collection 2011' or as it is called in Italy, 'Collezione 2011', will be the last hurrah for the current Ypsilon as Lancia will unveil an all-new model at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show. The next generation will be the first ever model in the Ypsilon series to be offered with a five-door body style, but more to come on that before the end of the month.

Lancia Ypsilon 'Collection 2011' Flies to Los Angeles for Promo Shoot

The 'Collection 2011' or as it is called in Italy, 'Collezione 2011', will be the last hurrah for the current Ypsilon as Lancia will unveil an all-new model at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show. The next generation will be the first ever model in the Ypsilon series to be offered with a five-door body style, but more to come on that before the end of the month, so stay tuned on Carscoop.

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Lancia Ypsilon 'Collection 2011' Flies to Los Angeles for Promo Shoot

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Jumat, 28 Januari 2011

Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition: The Real Photos

This here is the actual, factual Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition special in the flesh, photographed at the Autopolis Fiat dealership in Luxembourg. We say this because yesterday, we reported on the limited run special and Fiat's photoshoped picture that made the internet rounds. While our friends from Auto55 and Autofans verified the story with the official press release, we were left wondering what the Italian mini with the classic racing-livery would look like in real life.

Today, our pondering came to an end as the Marketing and Communications director of Autopolis Luxembourg dropped the first real life shots of the car in our mailbox. We believe Fiat should have released these photos instead of the 'chop from the beginning, but we'll give them props for keeping a close eye on the web-o-sphere and swiftly reacting to our post.

EPA Rates the 2012 Fiat 500 at 38MPG on the Highway

The U.S.-spec 2012 Fiat 500 equipped with the 5-speed manual gearbox has received EPA ratings of 38 mpg on the highway, 30 mpg in the city and a combined figure of 33 mpg. American buyers can also opt for a 6-speed automatic, which is rated at 34 mpg highway, 27 mpg in the city and 30 mpg combined.

The 500 is produced at the Fiat Group’s Toluca plant in Mexico and it will start arriving in larger volumes this spring. The automaker plans to open a total of 130 dealerships, of which 40-50 will be in business by the end of March, while the rest should be open by the end of the year, according to Fiat North America.

At the start of sales three models will be available. The entry-level Pop costs $15,995, while the Sport and Lounge are priced at $17,995 and $19,995 respectively, with all prices including destination charge. The Sport model is expected to become the biggest seller of the lineup.

All models come equipped with power locks and windows, air conditioning, 50/50 split fold-down rear seat, speed control, heated mirrors, 7 airbags, 15-inch steel wheels and 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty.

Compared to its European counterpart, the U.S.-spec Fiat 500 was modified in order to be more appealing to American customers. The automatic transmission is one of the major additions, but the North American car is also quieter and has a more comfortable ride, while the 101HP 1.4-liter FIRE engine received the MultiAir intake system as well. Fiat claims that MultiAir improves fuel efficiency and power output by 10% over the Euro-spec engine.

Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition: The Real Photos

Today, our pondering came to an end as the Marketing and Communications director of Autopolis Luxembourg dropped the first real life shots of the car in our mailbox. We believe Fiat should have released these photos instead of the 'chop from the beginning, but we'll give them props for keeping a close eye on the web-o-sphere and swiftly reacting to our post.

As for the car itself, it was created by the Italian brand's official importer for Luxembourg, Autopolis, in association with Gulf Petroleum, to celebrate the latter's 10th anniversary in the country.

Only ten examples of the Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition will be built, each priced at €25,000 (not including VAT) a piece, which is about US$34,000. Aside from the iconic Gulf Racing livery, the special edition 500s also get the 'esseesse' performance kit that pushes the 1.4-liter turbo engine's output to 160-ponies, a Monza sport exhaust and Corse-Sabelt racing buckets with the seatbacks finished in Gulf-blue.

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Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition: The Real Photos

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EPA Rates the 2012 Fiat 500 at 38MPG on the Highway

The 500 is produced at the Fiat Group’s Toluca plant in Mexico and it will start arriving in larger volumes this spring. The automaker plans to open a total of 130 dealerships, of which 40-50 will be in business by the end of March, while the rest should be open by the end of the year, according to Fiat North America.

At the start of sales three models will be available. The entry-level Pop costs $15,995, while the Sport and Lounge are priced at $17,995 and $19,995 respectively, with all prices including destination charge. The Sport model is expected to become the biggest seller of the lineup.

All models come equipped with power locks and windows, air conditioning, 50/50 split fold-down rear seat, speed control, heated mirrors, 7 airbags, 15-inch steel wheels and 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty.

Compared to its European counterpart, the U.S.-spec Fiat 500 was modified in order to be more appealing to American customers. The automatic transmission is one of the major additions, but the North American car is also quieter and has a more comfortable ride, while the 101HP 1.4-liter FIRE engine received the MultiAir intake system as well. Fiat claims that MultiAir improves fuel efficiency and power output by 10% over the Euro-spec engine.

Last but certainly not least on the public’s necessities list, the U.S. version also comes with larger cupholders.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autonews

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