Family of Four Receive Free Paint Job after Crashing their Paint-Filled Car

It may look a scene from a slapstick comedy with an in-your face humor made for teenagers, but what you see here is the real deal. According to the reports, a family of four were carrying some 7 gallons (about 27 liters) of white paint in their Fiat Palio hatchback when they were involved in a mild fender-bender somewhere in South Africa.
While no one was hurt as a result of the accident, unfortunately, the laws of physics that state an object that is in motion will not change its velocity, were not suspended and the family of four received a well deserved lesson in safety procedures.

Via: Wreckedexotics

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Fiat Takes TV Show to Court for Defamatory Statements on Alfa Romeo MiTo

The Fiat Group has decided to take legal actions against the producers of the AnnoZero television show, which is hosted on the Italian state owned public service broadcaster, RAI, for statements made on an episode that aired on December 2.
The company alleges that the show's hosts made comments that were "highly defamatory and damaging to the image and reputation of the company, its products and its employees and based on a fabricated comparison."

Always according to the Turin-based automaker, the broadcasters referred to an article from Italian car magazine Quattroruote, which compared the Alfa Romeo MiTo QV with the Citroën DS3 THP and Mini Cooper S, to state that the MiTo was "technically inferior".
Fiat claims that not only was the magazine's overall evaluation in favor of the Alfa Romeo, but the producers mislead viewers by connecting their assumptions to an earlier test with different vehicles - or so we understood from the slightly confusing press release, which you can read for yourselves below.
Since we haven't seen the TV show, we can't take sides or form an opinion on the matter, but something tells us that Fiat would have accomplished much more if it had issued a simple statement leaving the lawyers out of this.

FIAT PRESS RELEASE:


Fiat to seek damages from the producers of AnnoZero
Fiat Group Automobiles announces that it has instructed its lawyers to initiate legal action against the producers of the television show AnnoZero for statements made on air on December 2nd that were highly defamatory and damaging to the image and reputation of the company, its products and its employees and based on a fabricated comparison.
In particular, Fiat Group Automobiles takes issue with the manner in which AnnoZero portrayed the performance of three cars, one of which was an Alfa Romeo MiTo, claiming that the "test", apparently conducted in the Autumn, demonstrated the overall technical inferiority of the Alfa Romeo MiTo, on the basis of speed alone.
The broadcast sought to give the appearance that it was connected to a test actually conducted in the Spring, using different vehicles, by the monthly publication Quattroruote – the results of which were published in the magazine’s June issue.
Incredibly, what the broadcast did not state is that Quattroruote's overall evaluation of the Alfa Romeo MiTo (1,368 cc Quadrifoglio version) – based on a comparison of technical performance, safety and comfort – was higher than for both the Citroën DS3 THP (1,598 cc) and the Mini Cooper S (1,598 cc).
Fiat therefore intends, motivated also by its desire to protect the thousands of employees that contribute daily to producing safe, technologically-advanced products, to seek damages (to be donated entirely to charity) as a defense against conduct which is both unwarranted and prejudicial to the truth.
Turin, 7 December 2010

Fiat Banking on Natural Gas Engines in the US, Thinks Hybrids and EVs Present Too Many Obstacles

Fiat’s comeback to the U.S. with the 500 is just the first piece of a larger puzzle. The company’s CEO, Sergio Marchionne, may give the green light for natural gas-powered cars to be sold in the Land of the Free, as they offer a cheaper way to cut emissions. In an interview with Bloomberg News, Mr. Marchionne noted that electric cars, favored by GM and Toyota, present “too many obstacles” with long recharge time for batteries being one of them.
Another company official, Constantinos Vafidis, who oversees transmission and hybrid development for the Italian maker, said that “natural gas is very suitable for the U.S., especially for public services and goods transportation, where vehicles are refueled from a central base”.

That’s why Fiat wants to target the commercial vehicle segment. The automaker has separated the Ram and Dodge brands last year, thus creating a standalone truck division. In 2012, the range could encompass various vans based on Fiat/Iveco platforms and brought over from Europe.
Natural gas is less expensive to produce, transport and distribute, which makes it an ideal solution for fleet operators. Currently, it costs about $1 less on average than a gallon of gasoline. Also, the additional cost for an engine running on natural gas is $3,000. For a diesel, this amounts to $3,300, while hybrids cost automakers a whopping $8,000. 

Having an edge in production costs and the U.S. being the world’s number one provider of natural gas means that Fiat could become a major player in the eco-friendly niche. The Turin-based maker is Europe’s market leader in manufacturing methane-powered cars delivering some 127,000 units last year.
The only problem is that in America, natural gas refueling stations are vastly outnumbered by gasoline stations. There are only 1,300 stations providing natural gas for 110,000 vehicles, compared to 160,000 stations selling conventional fuels. However, this problem could be circumvented if Fiat can convince government agencies and corporate fleets that natural gas is the way to go.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Bloomberg

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Chrysler Confirms 2013 Dodge Viper, Says It’s Not Going to be Based on Alfa's 8C Competizione

When the last Dodge Viper rolled off the assembly line in July, there were only rumors about a new generation. A couple of months later, new information leaked about a possible successor, said to have been an “Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione with a Viper face”, much to the dismay of Viper fanatics. Some even went as far as to speculate that the Viper could be based on the Alfa's platform.
Now, The Detroit News reports that Chrysler officials confirmed that next summer we will see the 2013MY Viper adding that it won't be based on Alfa’s supercar. In particular, Dodge CEO, Ralph Gilles, said that the new Viper “is not based on anything else” and any similarity with the Alfa is accidental, as the two cars have different proportions.

“Where the cabin is, relative to the wheels, is unique” said Gilles. “The Viper cabin is very rearward and the hood is very long. Few cars in the industry are designed with those proportions anymore” he added.
Mr. Gilles also reassured that “there won’t be a part of the car that’s untouched” and that the 2013 Viper will be “a more forgiving car to drive and accessible to more people”.

Indeed, the previous generation was an unforgiving beast, without any electronic gizmos, bent on destroying those who treated it with disrespect. Granted, this accounted for much of its appeal, but a more drivable Viper is not such a bad idea - or at least it isn't for some.
The extent to which Dodge plans to dilute the sports car's much character is not known at this point. We just hope that Chrysler will keep a fine balance between the ingredients.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: The Detroit News

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Alfa Romeo Sale to VW Rumors Surface Again

Back in April, the Fiat Group announced yet another round of plans to revive its money-losing Alfa Romeo brand, which included the development of new models and a re-launch in the U.S market. At that time, this seemed possible as the Italian maker intended to make good use of Chrysler and its RWD platforms to expand the model range.
However, at the end of August, Alfa Romeo was rumored to be hemorrhaging about €200 million (US $261 million) annually. The brand-hungry Germans over at Volkswagen felt Fiat's need and offered to take over the historic Milanese company. After much unrest, in October, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne put an end to the rumors and reiterated his turnaround strategy, while Alfa estimated losses climbed to €306 million or about $400 million.
Now, Automotive News [AN] claims that in the past months the two companies have been discussing the sale of Alfa Romeo, but Marchionne is still undecided. So, what will happen next?

Inside sources told AN that the decision is not only about money, even though Fiat could use the cash and Volkswagen has plenty of it.

But this is a classic case of the door swinging both ways. If Fiat can survive the next couple of years, which will be the most difficult period of the turnaround plan and keep Alfa Romeo, then it could count on the premium brand to spearhead its next move.
The other scenario sees Fiat earning some quick cash, but still struggling in two year’s time, so, yes, the pressure is really on Mr. Marchionne’s shoulders.
My take on the matter is that Alfa should not be sold. Fiat has the opportunity to use platforms sourced from Chrysler, so rear-wheel drive Alfa’s could make a much anticipated come-back. Not taking this step doesn’t make sense.
Furthermore, if the Volkswagen Group acquires Alfa, it will have a tough time fitting the Italian company in a portfolio that includes brands like VW, Audi and Seat. In any case, only time will tell. In the meantime, take a look at the list below, in which Automotive News reasons the benefits of keeping or selling Alfa Romeo.

By selling Alfa, Fiat could:

• Cash in between 1.5 billion to 2 billion euros. Then the post-spinoff Fiat Auto would be virtually debt-free;
• Slash product development expenditures of at least 1.5 billion euros, since Fiat no longer would have to launch five new Alfas from 2012 through 2014;
• Boost profits in 2011 and 2012, since the company would be rid of Alfa's annual losses projected at about 200 million euros;
• Reintroduce Dodge as a sporty brand in Europe, positioned above the mainstream Fiat brand. A sporty Dodge would not overlap Lancia-Chrysler, which will focus on comfort.

And here are six good reasons why Marchionne should keep Alfa Romeo:

• If Fiat can fight through the next three years, it will emerge in 2014 with fatter profit margins and a nearly debt-free balance sheet, according to Mediobanca Securities;
• Fiat can raise as much as 2 billion euros by selling Magneti Marelli, Comau and Teksid, which produce auto parts, production tooling and engine blocks. Then Fiat wouldn't have to sell Alfa, and it could focus more closely on the auto industry. Investors would like that;
• A relaunched Alfa eventually could command profit margins of 10 percent or so. That would help Fiat to generate the 3.5 billion euro annual operating profit that Marchionne has promised by 2014;
• Fiat will save money by letting Alfa Romeo and Chrysler share platforms. Moreover, Alfa could generate sales of 500,000 units a year, helping Fiat and Chrysler to achieve economies of scale. Roughly 300,000 of the 500,000 units of Alfa planned by 2014 will be based on architectures shared with Chrysler;
• Since Alfa Romeo will share its compact wide global architecture with Jeep, Fiat could produce those vehicles together in crucial growth markets such as China and Russia;
• Without Alfa Romeo, Fiat would be hard-pressed to make reasonable volumes and decent profits with mid-sized and large cars. Aside from Ferrari's handful of supercars, Fiat would be forced to eke out a profit from low-margin segments such as minicars and compact cars.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Automotive News

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Fiat to Supply Opel with Commercial Vehicles Made in Turkey

In this day and age, automakers are either buying each other up forming new groups or constantly deepening their cooperation with their counterparts. The Fiat Group, which recently acquired a 20% stake in Chrysler, is now expanding its commercial vehicle joint ventures to include GM's European Opel and Vauxhall units.
The Italian company, which has a joint venture for larger LCVs with the PSA Peugeot-Citroen Group, has signed a contract agreement with GM to supply vehicles comprising of several variants to Opel starting from December 2011. The new model will replace the German firm's Combo light commercial vehicle, keeping the same name. The range will include a number of derivatives, such as cargo vans, passenger vehicles and chassis cabs.


The new Opel Combo will be based on the same platform as the current Fiat Doblo models, with production to take place at Fiat's Tofas plant in Bursa, Turkey where the Doblo is manufactured. According to the announcement, the project calls for an initial supply of up to 6,000 vehicles in 2011, and gradually increase to at 250,000 units per year.
The new Combo will be sold by Vauxhall and Opel dealers in Europe and other markets outside of North America starting in January 2012.

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Fiat's Split Into Two Groups Results in New Logos

In about a month's time, on the 1st of January 2011, Italy's Fiat will have completed the separation of its truck and tractor business from its car making operations. The split will result in the creation of two separate groups; Fiat SpA with a clear focus in the automobile sector, and Fiat Industrial SpA incorporating the firm's truck, commercial vehicles, agricultural and construction equipment, and related powertrain divisions.
 
In a brief announcement today, the Italian giant published the logos of the two newly formed groups. Fiat SpA, which will include the Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia brands as well as the firm's 20% minority stake in the Chrysler Group LLC, will be identified by a logo displaying the word Fiat in tall, condensed blue lettering on a white background.
In contrast to the Fiat SpA logo, the Fiat Industrial SpA group, which will incorporate Iveco trucks and Fiat Powertrain Industrial and Marine as well as CNH Global NV (CNH), a subsidiary of Fiat Netherlands Holding N.V., gets a logo with burnt gold lettering on a blue background.
The new logos, designed by Robilant Associati, replace the Fiat Group logo adopted by the company in October 2005.
Following the demerger of the two groups, Fiat SpA and Fiat Industrial SpA will be listed separately on the Milan Stock Exchange with each company operating with their own management teams and boards of directors.

Fiat and Chrysler Announce Plans to Build New Cars and SUVs for Alfa Romeo and Jeep at Mirafiori Plant

The Fiat Group has revealed plans to create a new joint venture with its North American partner Chrysler LLC at its historic Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy. Under the new plan, Fiat will bring a U.S. platform to Turin for production of larger segment passenger cars and SUVs for the Jeep and Alfa Romeo brands.

"These will be flagship models for Jeep and Alfa Romeo, the most international brands of the two Groups with significant development potential globally," said Fiat in a statement.

More than half of the vehicles to be produced at Fiat's Mirafiori plant would be for international markets outside the European Union and especially for North America. Although Fiat did not get into any specific details on the future models, the automaker said that they are expected to come to market in the third and fourth quarters of 2012.

"Bringing this new platform to Mirafiori will result in potential production of up to more than 1,000 vehicles per day or some 250,000-280,000 vehicles per year, resulting in full utilization of the current workforce and opening the way for potential new jobs," said Fiat.


The Italian automaker added that the total investment will be more than €1 billion, divided between Fiat and Chrysler in proportion to volumes produced for each brand.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity for Italian industry to produce cars of quality and prestige. Mirafiori has all the elements necessary to achieve a leap of quality and become a world class plant, producing cars for Europe, North America and other markets around the world," Fiat said in a statement released to the press.

Hamann and H&R Jointly Tune the Fiat 500 Abarth with 275HP

Tuning firms Hamman and H&R have joined forces to create a monster out of the Fiat 500 Abarth with an insane power boost to 275-horsepower.

Beginning with the engine bay, Hamann's engineers used forged pistons, enhanced connection rods, new camshafts and a modified turbocharger to increase the 1.4-liter petrol unit's peak output to an impressive 275 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. That's 196.4 hp/liter, more than double of what is considered to be an excellent ratio.

All that oomph is sent to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission with a race clutch, as the factory version would be torn apart. There's also a limited-slip differential (LSD) to improve traction.

It's clear that this Abarth must be very fast, so adequate stopping power is a must. The German tuner offers a choice of sport brakes, with four-piston calipers and discs ranging from 264 to 305 mm in diameter.

It would a shame if this much grunt wouldn't be accompanied by proper looks. Fortunately, Hamann didn't disappoint as it fitted the 500 Abarth with an aggressive two-tone bodykit, featuring modified bumpers, extra-wide wheel arches, lowered side skirts and two- or four-pipe exhaust system, plus a large diffuser.


Oversized 18-inch alloys wrapped around in 215/35 or 225/35 high-performance tires complete the package.

With Hamann's work done, H&R took center stage developing a new coil-over suspension and widening the car's tracks with wheel spacers. According to the company, these changes also made the steering more accurate as the firmer suspension reduces pitching and swerving movements to a minimum.

The H&R Hamann FIAT 500 Abarth will be on display at the Essen Motor Show, starting Saturday, November 27. More information on pricing and availability should follow soon.

By Csaba Daradics

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Fiat 500 Abarth in Polizia Livery coming to Essen Motor Show

We're not sure if it's allowed here in the States (though we can't see why not), but here's a cool idea for future owners of the Fiat 500 looking into personalization options. The Fiat 500 Abarth in Polizia livery is the creation of German suspension manufacturer Bilstein and it will be displayed at the firm's stand at this week's Essen Motor Show. Along with the colors of the Italian Police force, the 500 Abarth also gets a set of white alloy wheels and Bilstein's B14 threaded kit with variable height-adjustment.

VIDEO: Fiat Airs first U.S. Commercial for the new 500

Fiat has released the first U.S. commercial featuring it's 500 super-mini urging buyers to "live their life with passion". Priced at $15,500, which should certainly test your passion tolerance, the 500 will be available at 130 dealerships across the country with a 101 hp 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine. Check out the video after the break to see if you can resist Fiat's Jedi-like mind-control techniques.

The little Cinquecento will have both manual and automatic transmissions and the all-important for the U.S. market, XXL cup-holders as standard. Customers can choose between three trim levels – Pop, Sport and Lounge, and numerous exterior and interior color combos.

By Csaba Daradics

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Fiat Prices American 500 from $15,500

Now that Fiat/Chrysler is gearing up for the full-out debut of the American 500, information has been spilling over the levies like it's 2005. After recently giving you the heads-up on the car's Americanization and the full list of dealers, we're happy to provide you with the ability to build and price your own little Cinquecento (courtesy of Fiat's US site).

Once it's made available to the public, the 500 will be available as three models (Pop, Sport, Lounge) providing a total of 14 colors and 14 "unique seat color and material combinations". The 2012 Fiat 500 will start with an MSRP starting at $15,500 before the usual dealer mark-up. It will also come with a 4-year / 50,000 mile warranty no matter which trim level you choose.

The Pop is the base model with chrome-accented 15s, a geared-for-America five-speed, and a variety of standard features like a CD/MP3 stereo system, power accessories, and electronic vehicle monitoring. The Sport adds a re-tuned suspension, 16s, unique front/rear fascias, and a few other accessories deemed "sporty" (like a spoiler and different muffler). The Lounge goes the premium direction, with chrome accents, different 15s, and a more upscale feel; it also gets an automatic transmission.

The automatic transmission that's available with the Lounge is an all-new six-speed unit, while both transmissions are hooked up to Fiat's 101-horsepower / 98 lb-ft 1.4-liter MultiAir mill. If the manual transmission is more your style, Fiat offers a self-adjusting hydraulic clutch system as standard. Computer-wise, there's a new interactive system that analyzes your driving style and informs you (via USB stick and PC) on ways to drive a bit more efficiently.

Fiat North America head honcho Laura Soave says, "The new Fiat 500 now brings something truly unique to one of the fastest growing segments in North America, delivering Italian-by-design function, value and efficiency intelligently tailored for our market."

By Phil Alexa

Modifications for the American Market

- Redesigned body structure for increased strength

- Exclusively tailored suspension for the U.S. market to keep the Fiat 500 nimble while delivering a comfortable and quiet interior cabin for highway driving

- Over 20 specific hardware modifications/additions for improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)

- New four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system (ABS) with redesigned front calipers for optimum brake performance

- Larger 10.5-gallon fuel tank for extended driving range

- Upgraded heating and cooling system for North American climate extremes

- Redesigned driver and front-passenger seats feature a new armrest and seat cushion for improved comfort on long journeys

- Easy-entry system designed into the new front seats

- New steering wheel controls and revised steering effort calibration to increase stability at highway speed (against crosswinds)

- New BOSE Energy Efficient Series premium audio system features six premium speakers and a subwoofer

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Chrysler Selects 130 Dealers for Fiat Brand Across the USA

Coinciding with the Fiat 500's American debut at the LA Show today, the Chrysler Group released details on the 130 dealers that will represent the brand in the United States. The company said that all the appointed dealerships have plans in place and will be ready to take orders for the 2012 Fiat 500 subcompact which will be offered at launch with a 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine. To see if there's a Chrysler shop with Fiats in your area, follow the jump for the complete list.

Chrysler Group's Fiat dealers in the USA:

FIAT of Birmingham - AL
Terry Spitzer

FIAT of Little Rock - AR
Steve Landers Jr.

FIAT of Tucson - AZ
John Grant & Doug Moreland

FIAT of N. Phoenix - AZ
AutoNation, Inc.

FIAT of Avondale - AZ
John Grant & Doug Moreland

FIAT of Scottsdale - AZ
Larry Van Tuyl & Coye Pointer

FIAT of Chandler - AZ
Don Luke

FIAT of Irvine - CA
Robert H. Tuttle & Jim Click

FIAT of Costa Mesa - CA
Jonathan Gray

FIAT of Ontario - CA
R.J. Romero

FIAT of San Diego - CA
Joe C. Gardon

FIAT of Thousand Oaks - CA
Andrew P. Shaver

FIAT of Carlsbad - CA
Christopher Baker

FIAT of Roseville - CA
AutoNation, Inc.

FIAT of Concord - CA
Lithia Motors

FIAT of North Sacramento - CA
Carlos Hidalgo

FIAT of Downey - CA
Paul Antepara

FIAT of Long Beach - CA
Bob Davis

FIAT of Palm Springs - CA
Jorge L. Velarde

FIAT of Fremont - CA
Carlos Hidalgo

FIAT of San Francisco - CA
Kent Putnam

FIAT of Puente Hills - CA
Alexander Hwang

FIAT of Torrance - CA
AutoNation, Inc.

Motor Village of LA - CA
Howard Drake

FIAT of Westminster - CO
AutoNation, Inc.

FIAT of Denver - CO
Doug Moreland

FIAT of Hartford - CT
E. Clayton Gengras Jr.

FIAT of Branford - CT
John Lavallee & Robert Lavallee

FIAT of Wilmington - DE
Larry Giacchino

FIAT of Daytona Beach - FL
Randall Dye

FIAT of Sarasota - FL
Donald Osborne & R.W. Geyer

FIAT of West Palm Beach - FL
Jim Arrigo

FIAT of Winter Haven - FL
Ralph Mahalak

FIAT of East Orlando - FL
Frank Rodriguez

FIAT of Sawgrass - FL
Jim Arrigo

FIAT of Clearwater - FL
Alfred Andrews

FIAT of Fort Myers - FL
Frank Galeana Jr.

FIAT of West Miami - FL
Robert Potamkin, Alan Potamkin, & Walter Ritter

FIAT of Winter Park - FL
John Fields

FIAT of Morrow - GA
Don Jackson

FIAT of Newnan - GA
Don Jackson

FIAT of Buford - GA
AutoNation, Inc.

FIAT of Marietta - GA
Fred Brillanti

FIAT of Honolulu - HI
Marc J. Cutter

FIAT of Highland Park - IL
John Fields

FIAT of Schaumburg - IL
Aaron Zeigler

FIAT of Orland Park - IL
Michael Bettenhausen

FIAT of Greenwood - IN
Tom Miller

FIAT of Carmel - IN
Fernando Falcon

FIAT of Gary - IN
Cary Bosak & Skip Bosak

FIAT of Olathe - KS
Steve Landers

FIAT of Louisville - KY
Winston Pittman

FIAT of New Orleans - LA
Raymond Brandt

FIAT of Shreveport - LA
Steve Landers & Denny Rogers

FIAT of Norwood - MA
Peter Catanese

FIAT of Peabody - MA
Brian Kelly

FIAT of Cape Cod - MA
Joe Laham

FIAT of Worcester - MA
Herb Chambers

FIAT of Owings Mills - MD
Jerome Fader

FIAT of Glen Burnie - MD
Creston Tate

FIAT of Gaithersburg - MD
Harry Criswell

FIAT of Frederick - MD
Creston Tate

FIAT of College Park - MD
John Darvish

FIAT of Portland - ME
John J. Quirk

FIAT of Clinton Twp. - MI
Carl Galeana

FIAT of Novi - MI
David Fischer

FIAT of Bloomfield - MI
Bill Golling

FIAT of Inver Grove Hts. - MN
Peter Hasselquist & Jack Shimota

FIAT of Brooklyn Center - MN
David Luther

FIAT of Creve Coeur - MO
Louis Fusz Jr.

FIAT of Cary - NC
Rick Hendrick &
Gerald Desmond

FIAT of Omaha - NE
Mickey Anderson

FIAT of Cherry Hill - NJ
Charles Foulke, Jr.

FIAT of Dover - NJ
Eric Nielsen

FIAT of Somerville - NJ
Albert DiFiore

FIAT of Ramsey - NJ
Ray Van Duren

FIAT of Albuquerque - NM
Patrick Melloy

FIAT of Las Vegas - NV
Carolynn Towbin & Josh Towbin

FIAT of Westbury - NY
Joel Sporn

FIAT of Rochester - NY
Ray Helfrich

FIAT of Orchard Park - NY
Bill Loecher & Scott Biehler

FIAT of Albany - NY
Stanley Metzner & Donald Metzner

FIAT of Patchogue - NY
Gary Brown

FIAT of Manhattan - NY
John Monninger

FIAT of Albany - NY
Stanley Metzner & Donald Metzner

FIAT of Staten Island - NY
Joe Manfredi & Nick Manfredi

FIAT of Larchmont - NY
Alfredo Gulla

FIAT of Brooklyn - NY
John Giuffre Sr.

FIAT of Toledo - OH
Jim Yark

FIAT of Akron - OH
Adam Huff

FIAT of Cincinnati - OH
Robert Reichert

FIAT of Bexley - OH
Bobby & Bill Dawes

FIAT of Youngstown - OH
Bob & Chuck Eddy

FIAT of Strongsville - OH
Gary Panteck & Paul Hrnchar

FIAT of Dublin - OH
Dwayne Hawkins

FIAT of Mentor - OH
James Brown

FIAT of Oklahoma City - OK
Bob Nouri

FIAT of Tulsa - OK
Group 1 Automotive

FIAT of Beaverton - OR
Brad Tonkin & Ed Tonkin

FIAT of Allentown - PA
Frank Gerenser III

FIAT of Greensburg - PA
Paul Schimizzi

FIAT of Downingtown - PA
Jeff D'Ambrosio

FIAT of Wexford - PA
Corina Diehl

FIAT of Langhorne - PA
Bruce Toll

FIAT of Providence - RI
Michael Grieco

FIAT of South Charlotte - SC
Damian Mills

FIAT of Nashville - TN
Gary Mathews

FIAT of Memphis - TN
Al Gossett

FIAT of San Antonio - TX
Ernesto Ancira Jr.

FIAT of El Paso - TX
Mack Massey

FIAT of Houston - TX
Jack Helfman

FIAT of Clear Lake - TX
John Garff

FIAT of Austin - TX
Nyle Maxwell

FIAT of The Woodlands -TX
Alfred Flores & Bruce Glascock

FIAT of Fort Worth - TX
Hershell Hunter

FIAT of Plano - TX
Ray Huffines

FIAT of Sugar Land - TX
Group 1 Automotive

FIAT of Hurst - TX
Conrad Holt

FIAT of Salt Lake City - UT
John Garff

FIAT of Newport News - VA
S. Rick Gallaer, Jr.

FIAT of South Richmond - VA
James Whitten

FIAT of Fredericksburg - VA
James Gramm

FIAT of Norfolk - VA
Bill Shepherd

FIAT of North Richmond - VA
Frank Pearson

FIAT of Sterling - VA
AutoNation, Inc.

FIAT of Seattle - WA
AutoNation, Inc.

FIAT of Vancouver - WA
Richard W. Hannah

FIAT of Tacoma - WA
Phillip W. Bivens

FIAT of Kirkland - WA
Greg Rairdon

FIAT of Milwaukee - WI
John Bergstrom

FIAT of Kenosha - WI
Andy Palmen

Fiat's 500 gets a few but All-Important Tweaks for the American market - Including... Mega Size Cupholders

Auto fans in America have been watching the arrival of the Fiat 500 with a wary eye, unsure of whether or not the adorable city car will be the vehicle to return affordable Italian automobiles to the American market. Finally, the changes deemed necessary for American consumer appeal have been made, and the list isn't exactly surprising.

In order to meet Mini-esque cute-luxury requirements, the car will get a slightly softer ride, stronger engine, and a revised center console to fit 'Murrican cup-holders for those 64-oz. jugs o'cola from KFC. A new set of bumpers and body cladding is also on the menu.

The engine is essentially the same 1.4-liter 4-cylinder found in Europe, equipped with Fiat's MultiAir tech to make it meaner and cleaner. It will be matched to either a new six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission

The car will be built at Fiat's plant in Toluca, Mexico, so I wouldn't advise heading down to the factory to pick it up without a Kevlar vest and armed security detail. Expect to see the US-spec Fiat 500 (doesn't that sound weird?) on dealer lots in December, with official numbers showing up later this week from Los Angeles.

By Phil Alex

Via: Autonews

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