FIAT Returns to America

2012 FIAT 500 Giardiniera

2012-02-02T07:22:00.000-05:00

2012 FIAT 500 Giardiniera

Company to show US-bound 500 wagon at Geneva...

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Kim Jong Il Funeral Hearse/Limos: 1975 Lincoln Continentals (!)

2011-12-28T10:06:00.000-05:00

Full story -here-

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FIAT 500 Abarth 'Seduction' Commercial

2011-12-19T02:21:00.000-05:00

You'll never forget the first time you see this one...

commercial

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Mind-Blowing FIAT 500 Cinquone Stradale by 'Romeo Ferraris'

2011-10-14T09:59:00.000-04:00

300+ hp!

500 Cinquone 'Stradale' and 'Corsa'

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All-New 2012 FIAT Panda: Official Pics

2011-09-05T08:05:00.002-04:00

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FIAT '500 by Gucci' to Arrive in US by Xmas

2011-08-16T11:00:00.000-04:00

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1953 FIAT 8V Zagato 'Elaborata' Expected to Bring Over $1.0M at Pebble Beach...

2011-07-28T08:12:00.009-04:00

FIAT has produced only one V-8 engine (under the FIAT brand) in it's entire 100+ year history. Initially intended for a stillborn post-war flagship luxury sedan, the diminutive 2.0 liter V-8 featured 70-degree architecture, formed from two FIAT V-4s with dual Carter carbs perched atop.

This gem of a V-8 put out 110 hp @ 5600rpm -respectable for two liters in 1952- and seemed perfectly suited to a new FIAT sports car: one that could whip the big boys -Ferrari, Maserati, and Lancia- on what they thought was their 2.0L sports-car racing turf...

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FIAT 500 Blackjack Edition

2011-06-15T06:53:00.001-04:00

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FIAT to Buy-Out All of US Government Stake in Chrysler 'within Ten Business Days'

2011-06-02T08:17:00.000-04:00

Move brings FIAT majority ownership...

FIAT officials have announced that they inted to buy the US government’s full stake in Chrysler and achieve controlling interest/majority ownership of the company. The announcement comes just three days after Chrysler paid back its bailout loans from the Treasury Department, and the transaction will eliminate further government from involvement in Chrysler...

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FIAT-Chrysler to Pay Back All $7.5B in Controversial 'Bailout' Loans Next Week

2011-05-19T06:23:00.000-04:00

Sergio Marchionne's managerial prowess on display for all to see: I don't know how many observers expected this- probably not too many. But like Lee Iacocca at 1980's Chrysler, the new FIAT-Chrysler is paying off politically-controversial government rescue funds nice and early...

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2012 FIAT 500 Cabrio: under $20,000

2011-04-28T11:11:00.002-04:00

How can it miss at $19,500... in the era of $5 gas?

In fact... the 2012 FIAT 500 Cabrio will hit the market as the only convertible sold in the US under $20K, with the next step up to the 'Lounge' version costing you $23,500, but bringing all-new six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes, front- and rear-fascia chromed accents, chromed mirror caps, fog lamps, automatic climate control, BOSE Energy Efficient Series audio system with six premium speakers and subwoofer and security alarm and more... still an impressive value.

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Chrysler Provides First Look at US Market FIAT 500C Convertible

2011-04-18T10:28:00.002-04:00

Chrysler Group LLC released some photos and info on the new FIAT 500C prior to today's scheduled unveiling at the New York International Auto Show, the first time it's been shown the the American public...

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FIAT 500: Many Modifications for US Market

2011-03-29T09:01:00.001-04:00

As most of you likely are aware, American regulations differ substantially from the EU's standards for emissions, safety, and myriad details of automobiles sold in their respective markets.
In addition, consumer tastes/preferences diverge on a number of decision points in the design process between the US and The Continent...

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Fiat 500 Zagato Coupe

2011-03-17T10:33:00.003-04:00

-click any to enlarge-

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What Gaddafi Does in His Spare Time...

2011-03-01T06:40:00.000-05:00

When he's not trying on new outfits

or shelling protesters with naval artillery,

Moammar Gaddafi likes to design cars...

Seriously: meet the Libyan Rocket...

billed as "World's Safest Car"...

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Killer Shell Commercial... Starring Ferrari

2011-02-17T06:22:00.000-05:00

Here's a cool Shell commercial produced for the European market: ostensibly the Ferrari F1 racing team sponsor is selling gasoline here, but the historic Ferrari racing cars steal the show...

Scuderia Ferrari actually pulled several near-priceless Formula One veterans out of storage and flew them around the world to film them running hard through the streets of Rome , Rio , New York , Hong Kong and Monaco.

And there are no special effects or dubbed sound here, just original 14,000+rpm cars tearing up the streets... as the genuine audio will attest. Do put on your headphones and/or crank the volume and enjoy that symphony of cylinders.

The sounds alone should bring a tear to the eye...

a video that stirs the soul:

Scuderia Ferrari Shell YouTube F1 h/t Speedunque

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FIAT 500 Abarth DA 0 A 100

2011-02-16T08:00:00.049-05:00

"0 a 100" arrives in just 7.3 seconds...

-click any to enlarge-

Surely no paucity of FIAT 500 special editions out there in the world today, emanating from both the factory and after-market. But the limited-edition 500 below is actually all-of-the-above: modified by long-time FIAT tuner Abarth, which itself is owned by FIAT these days. And this one is special indeed... built to honor the 100th anniversary of founder Carlo Abarth's birth...

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FIAT to Display Chrysler 300-based 2012 Lancia Thema in Geneva

2011-02-15T10:33:00.003-05:00

2012 Lancia Thema

A number of Chrysler-based Lancias -for sale in Europe- will debut as concepts at the Geneva Motor Show next month, FIAT has announced...

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FIAT 500 'Convertible Sassicaia' by Aznom

2011-02-11T06:33:00.002-05:00

-click any to enlarge-

Here's something different...

As FIAT rolls out numerous special edition 500's throughout the world, the aftermarket modifiers aren't far behind. Now Aznom -an Italian company that designs and manufactures various products including leather goods, furniture and occasionally special-edition, modified cars- has developed an absolutely lovely take on the 500C .... the Convertible Sassicaia.

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FIAT CEO: Alfa Romeo In Competitive Racing Not A Bad Idea!

2011-01-30T07:21:00.000-05:00

Return of a proud tradition...?

MARANELLO, Italy (Dow Jones)--Fiat SpA's (F.MI) chief executive Friday said having the Italian car maker's struggling sports brand Alfa Romeo enter competitive racing mightn't be a bad idea.

"Alfa return to racing? It's not a bad idea," Sergio Marchionne told reporters, according to MF-Dow Jones.

Marchionne was attending the presentation of Fiat-owned Ferrari's new car for the next Formula 1 racing season.

In contrast to the luxury sports car maker, Alfa Romeo loses money and Fiat is trying to revive the brand with new models and a return to the U.S...

FIAT SpA May Raise Chrysler Stake to 50+%

2011-01-03T14:37:00.000-05:00

This in today's Journal:

FIAT Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne said Monday he doesn't plan to merge operations with Chrysler Group LLC, but noted the Italian firm could lift its 20% stake in the U.S. automaker to over 50% in 2011 if Chrysler returns to the stock market.

"I think it is possible, don't know whether it is likely, but it is possible that we go over 50% if Chrysler decides to go to the market in 2011," Marchionne said on the sidelines of an event in Milan to celebrate the first trading day of Fiat's industrial division.

Marchionne took over the wheel at Chrysler in addition to his job at Fiat after the U.S. automaker's government-orchestrated bailout.

Marchionne reiterated previous remarks that Chrysler's initial public offering may take place in the second half of this year.

Marchionne, 58, has been integrating business operations between the two carmakers for the last 18 months. He said Chrysler's business developed well in December.

"In 2011, we will have to deliver what we told the markets in November 2009," he said.

Credit Suisse analysts, however, questioned Marchionne's remarks on the possible Chrysler stake increase this year.

"We remain skeptical about (his) ability to address the contractual hurdles," Credit Suisse said in a note to clients.

On Jan. 1, Fiat divided itself into two companies to allow its car and truck businesses to pursue separate development strategies. Fiat Industrial SpA (FI.MI) controls the trucks and tractors units Iveco and CNH Global N.V. (CNH), while Fiat SpA comprises the passenger car operations.

"It's a very important moment for Fiat, because it represents at the same time a point of arrival and departure," Marchionne said....

Observers believe Marchionne will be able to focus more on potential alliances in coming quarters. When asked about possible acquisitions in coming months, Marchionne said the company doesn't need to raise capital if opportunities arise. He added that Fiat has no plans to divest assets.

FIAT 500 Bicolore Edition

2010-12-06T08:00:00.089-05:00

Sporty, two-toned 'bicolore' specials an Italian tradition, and now to be brought to you American-style...

The special two-tone version -the FIAT 500 Bicolore- shown at Bologna earlier this month will indeed be going into production, and one in an expected ongoing series of special versions that really lay-on the charm...

The wraps were pulled off this special Bicolore 500 at the Bologna Motor Show, which features a white and red paint scheme apparently inspired by “the retro world of '50s American cars and the extraordinary pop art movement.”

The car shown is based on the 85bhp 500 TwinAir in Pop spec. There are no mechanical changes, but as well as the new paint scheme, the car gets alloy wheels, coloured electric window switches and an interior chrome kit.

The white and red model will be the first of a number of two-tone versions that Fiat will introduce in the coming months. The new models will be the latest in a long line of special 500s that have been sold in different markets around the world, including the FIAT 500 by Diesel and 500 Pink that have been sold in the UK, and the 500 Orange which has apparently been a big hit with Japanese buyers...

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New FIAT USA TV Commercial... (video) vs 1957 Retro FIAT 500 Commercial

2010-11-23T12:00:00.051-05:00

Welcome back!

And here the original in 1957 Italy...

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FIAT 500: Over 500,000 Possible Combos!

2010-11-22T12:00:00.101-05:00

Truly one-of-a-kind order takes about 30 days...

The personal expression made possible by the FIAT 500 options menu is sure to be a hit with US buyers, as FIAT aims to sell 50,000 of the cars here in the first year.

The 500's natural rival -BMW's Mini/Mini Cooper- moved about 38,000 units last year... but the FIAT -with final assembly in North America- enjoys a dramatic $5000 price advantage over that product...

The car, which goes on sale in January, will be available in three versions—"Lounge," "Sport" and "Pop"—offering 14 exterior colors, 14 seat colors, six wheel styles and a range of graphical designs that can be applied to the car's body panels, allowing customers to make their Fiat just about the only one of its kind.

All told, there will be about a half a million combinations, Chrysler says.

Chrysler hopes the chance to individualize the tiny 500 will draw a wide range of customers, from teens buying their first car to baby-boomers downsizing to a smaller vehicle.

.......

For those who don't want to wait, the company plans to hold a pool of the most popular versions that can be customized with features added at dealerships, such as stripes and checkerboard decals on the roof.

The 500 has a starting price of $15,500. The company plans to sell the model only in major urban markets, where most small cars are sold. New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and Washington, D.C., are expected to be the 500's top five markets.

The 135 Fiat dealerships, or "studios" as Ms. Soave calls them, are decorated with tile and bold colors, designed to immerse customers in a modern Italian feel.

While the car is going by the English name 500 here and not "cinquecento" as it's pronounced in Italy, a little knowledge of Italian will help to sort through the color choices. Ivory-and-black seats, for example, are "avorio-nero" while the bright red exterior-color choice is "rosso brillante."

The 500 will feature a six-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual; a voice-activated stereo and information system; and large cup holders to cater to the U.S. market.

WSJ FIAT.com

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American-Market FIAT 500 Makes Debut at LA International Auto Show (video)

2010-11-22T10:50:00.000-05:00

$15,500... 101 HP... and 40+ mpg!

Italian automaker FIAT is returning to the U.S. market and taking aim at the Mini Cooper, saying Wednesday its peppy Fiat 500 subcompact will cost $15,500 - almost $5,000 less than the Mini -when it arrives here next month.

Fiat also named 130 U.S. dealers who will initially sell the car in 39 states. Fiat, which took over management of Chrysler Group last year, gave Chrysler dealers first dibs on the franchises but required them to set up separate sales and service areas for a more European boutique feel.

The 2012 Fiat 500, a three-door hatchback with rounded styling that evokes the original 500 from 1957, will be Fiat's first vehicle in the U.S. since it pulled out of the market in 1983 because of rust problems and other quality issues. The company unveiled the North American version of the 500 at the Los Angeles Auto Show Wednesday.

A convertible version of the 500 will come to the U.S. next year, with electric and high-performance versions the following year. A four-door version also is planned.

The 500 has been popular in Europe since it went on sale in 2007, and the North American version will have many of its characteristics, including a manual transmission option and a wide variety of colors and accessories for personalization. But it's also tailored for U.S. tastes, with upgraded heating and cooling systems, a quieter interior, cushier seats and a bigger fuel tank.

The North American 500 also has Fiat's new, 1.4-liter, four-cylinder Multiair engine, which improves fuel economy and emissions by controlling air intake...

FIAT's advanced MultiAir engines explained -here-