Alfa Romeo Won't Come to the States Until 2013, Cancels SUV Plans

In what has become something of a joke for those closely following the Fiat Group's plans to re-introduce Alfa Romeo to the States, the Milanese firm's CEO Harald Wester told journalists in Frankfurt that the company has once again pushed back the U.S. presentation of several key models.

Wester also said that Alfa Romeo has canceled plans to build a mid-sized SUV at Chrysler Group's factory in Ohio.

In July, and following a string of delays that began in 2000, Fiat and Chrysler Group head honcho Sergio Marchionne said that Alfa Romeo would enter the U.S. market with the 4C sports car before the end of 2012, and launch a compact crossover model in 2013.

Now, Marchionne is claiming that the current debt crisis in Europe is forcing the company to reevaluate the timing of its new vehicle introductions.

"We are reviewing volumes and the timing of new products to see when it is really necessary to launch them," Marchionne said.

Under the new plan –which could very well be reassessed in a couple of months […]- Alfa will bring the 4C to the States in the first half of 2013, and the Ford Fiesta-sized MiTo hatchback in the second part of the same year.

In addition, the latest plan ditches the Jeep Liberty-based Alfa Romeo crossover and instead calls for a large rear-wheel drive sports sedan, loosely based on the next generation Maserati Quattroporte which will appear sometime after 2014.

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VW Says Suzuki Violated Agreement by Purchasing Diesel Engines from Fiat

It's no secret that Volkswagen's business relationship with Suzuki after the Germans acquired a 19.9 percent of the Japanese manufacture's shares in December 2009 under a strategic cooperation has been a deeply troubled one. However, up until now, the two sides tried to keep the problems "in house".

But today, following recent comments from the Japanese firm's chairman Osamu Suzuki that the two companies "aren't even talking", the Volkswagen Group decided to make these problems public with an official announcement.
Europe's largest automotive group said that after reviewing their partnership, it found that Suzuki broke the contract agreement by purchasing diesel engines from another manufacturer. Although VW doesn’t name the "other manufacturer", Suzuki recently made a deal with the Fiat Group to buy its diesel engines.
"Volkswagen takes the view that this contradicts the terms of the cooperation agreement. Suzuki has now been given a period of several weeks to remedy the infringement," the German company said in a statement today.
"Volkswagen considers this step regrettable, but necessary, and has offered to discuss the matter with Suzuki. At the same time, the company stresses it still regards Suzuki as an attractive investment," VW added.
The German company also said that even though the cooperation is moving slower than expected, it has not yet reached a final decision.
"In its half-yearly financial report published in July 2011, Volkswagen noted that the partnership is developing more slowly than expected and announced a review. This review has not yet been finalized," VW stated.
Suzuki has not yet released a statement on the matter.

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2012 Fiat 500

What's New for 2012

The all-new 2012 Fiat 500 ushers in the return of the Fiat brand to North America.

Introduction

There was once a car so small it made the Mini seem like a Big. A car that if you saw one on the streets, you'd swear it was a child's scale replica. That car was the Fiat 500, or Cinquecento en Italiano, and it left such an indelible impression during its 18-year lifespan that Fiat performed a Mini-like resurrection to it three years ago. Now, with Fiat purchasing Chrysler last year, the 500 has been chosen to be the pioneer model to reintroduce the Fiat brand to North America.

The 2012 Fiat 500 certainly has the potential to be the next big (or rather, small) thing. While the original 500 was the size of a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, the nuova 500 looks far more like a regular car -- albeit a tiny one. Compared to a Mini Cooper, it's 6 inches shorter in overall length and 2 inches narrower. However, it is also more than 4 inches taller, allowing for an elevated seating position that not only increases visibility but creates more interior legroom.

Should you want some sun, the 500C convertible (a.k.a. Cabrio) may be to your liking. It maintains the 500's side roof structure, but the center portion is replaced by a power-sliding cloth piece that stacks atop the flip-up trunk. Imagine a cross between a Porsche 911 Targa and an automatic pool cover. The upside is reduced wind and the ability to lower the roof at speeds up to 60 mph -- the downside is horrible rear visibility with the roof lowered.

Initially, there will be one engine offered: a 1.4-liter 101-horsepower four-cylinder attached to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. No, that doesn't sound like a lot of power (and it isn't), but at only 2,350 pounds, the Fiat weighs 218 pounds less than the 121-hp base Cooper, which manages to be reasonably sprightly. It's an energetic engine that sounds happy to work hard, but we'll still keep our hopes up for Europe's hot Abarth 500 model as well as the impressive TwinAir turbocharged two-cylinder that promises fuel economy in the range of 57 mpg.

Like the Mini Cooper, the 2012 Fiat 500 promises lots of character and personalization in a price category not usually known for it. It's also competitively equipped, but you could easily leave the dealership with a reasonably optioned 500 for nearly two grand less than the Mini's base price. The 500 barely tops $23,000 when loaded to the gills. Of course, cars like the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Mazda 2 offer more room for even less.

However, as sunny as the skies may seem over the new 2012 Fiat 500, there is an enormous cloud hanging over it. Italian cars are not known for their reliability, and neither are Chryslers. An Italian car built by Chrysler in the same Mexico plant that built the K-Car, the Neon and the PT Cruiser? Doesn't sound like a recipe for a long-lasting, trouble-free product. But the 500 has been sold in Europe for long enough to work out a few kinks, so who knows? We'll keep our hopes up and our ears open to early customer reviews, but buyer beware.

The 500's limited Chrysler-based dealer network is still to be determined, but when the car begins to trickle out onto America's congested streets, this adorable little hatchback could enjoy a reaction similar to that inspired by the Mini half a decade ago. Of course, the 500 has a growing list of impressive other cheap and cheerful small cars against which to compete. But even if the 2012 500 isn't the most spacious or reliable, it certainly has the attributes of "cute" and "adorable" down pat.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Fiat 500 is a two-door subcompact hatchback available as a hardtop or 500C convertible. Both body styles are available in Pop and Lounge trim levels, while the hatchback adds a Sport midgrade trim.

Standard equipment on the 500 Pop includes 15-inch steel wheels and chrome-trimmed wheel covers, keyless entry, full power accessories, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The Convenience package (standard on the 500C) adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Fiat's Blue&Me Bluetooth phone connectivity and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Bose Premium Audio package adds satellite radio along with an upgraded six-speaker system and subwoofer.

The Fiat 500 Sport gains 16-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, retuned steering, slightly different styling, a roof spoiler, foglamps, sport seats, cloth/vinyl sport upholstery and the Pop's two optional packages. Satellite radio is a separate option, however. The Safety & Convenience package (automatic transmission required) includes automatic climate control, a compact spare tire and heated front seats.

The 500 Lounge reverts to the Pop's mechanical tuning and includes its optional packages as well. Also included are 15-inch alloy wheels, exterior chrome accents, foglamps, a fixed glass roof (hatchback only) and upgraded cloth upholstery. The Convenience Group adds rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated front seats. The Luxury package adds leather upholstery and upgraded trim. A sunroof and an integrated TomTom navigation system are optional on both the Sport and the Lounge. Dealer-installed accessories like interior ambient lighting and exterior graphics are also available.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 101 hp and 98 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the Pop and the Sport. A six-speed automatic is standard on the Lounge and optional on the other trims. In Edmunds performance testing, the Fiat 500 went from zero to 60 mph in 10.8 seconds with the manual transmission -- a good 2 seconds slower than a Mini, but closer to other underpowered subcompacts. The automatic is likely to be slower.

EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at an excellent 30 mpg city/38 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined with the manual transmission. This drops to 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the automatic, which is still thrifty, but worse than almost every competitor.

Safety

The 2012 Fiat 500 comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, a driver knee airbag, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, a 500 Sport came to a stop from 60 mph in a short 119 feet.

Interior Design and Special Features

While the Fiat 500's retro styling screams "Mini fighter," its interior raises the decibels even further. It doesn't possess as many customization options and accessories as its British archrival, but the 500 does offer snazzy two-tone color schemes and plenty of neat little design cues. It also has a more straightforward control layout than the form-over-function Mini. However, the available "Blue & Me" voice-activated iPod control is practically unusable, leaving you to use the standard auxiliary jack.

As for interior quality, the Fiat is not quite up to the Mini's level. There are more hard surfaces, but compared to other cars in its modest price range, they are pleasingly textured and generally higher in quality.

Other than the Smart Fortwo, the Fiat 500 is the smallest car sold in the United States. Nonetheless, the high-mounted front seats allow for an impressive amount of legroom even for tall drivers. Sadly, however, those same tall drivers will find their heads grazing the headliner should they get a car with the available sunroof. Headroom is always tight in the backseat, as is legroom.

Behind the backseat you'll find only 6.5 cubic feet of luggage space, but here again, it's more than what's offered by the Mini. Lower the backseat in the hatchback and you'll discover a less boxy, less useful space, but it's still good enough to carry the odd bulky item.

Driving Impressions

It may be one of the slowest cars on sale, but the 2012 Fiat 500 is willing and eager to pull its weight (especially with the easy-to-drive manual transmission), and exhibits more pleasing noises than other underpowered subcompacts. The steering is rather devoid of feel and numb on center, but press the Sport button on the dash and the 500's steering firms up pleasingly. This is especially true for the 500 Sport, which we think is the model to get given its more responsive handling and ride quality that still betters a Mini Cooper's.

Fiat 500 by Gucci Series at NY Fashion Week

A stylish car associated with one of the most exclusive names in fashion needs the appropriate introduction. And that’s why Fiat chose to launch the 500 by Gucci edition of its subcompact car in the US at next month’s New York fashion week.
The special edition, which has been available in Europe since July, is mechanically identical to the run-of-the-mill US edition of the 500, but Gucci's creative director Frida Giannini customized its styling, adding the brand’s famous red and green pattern, a two-tone leather interior as well as its double-G logo in places like the wheels and the gearlever.
The Fiat 500 by Gucci will be available both as a hatchback and as a convertible, in black or white finishes.
Expect pricing of both models to be equivalent to Gucci’s other products. Just to get an idea, in Europe the hatchback starts from €17,000 (US$24,200 and the 500C convertible from €20,000 (US$28,800).

PHOTO GALLERY

 

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Lady Drives Fiat Cinquecento with the Handbrake On !!!

While we could understand if someone forgot to release a broken or a loose handbrake that allows the rear wheels to turn around with some difficulty, how can you drive a car on the road with the rear wheels completely locked down and not take any notice?
And that's exactly what we have in this video starring a lady behind the wheel of a green Fiat Cinquecento (which was the 500's predecessor in the Italian brand's range).
Not only did she forget the handbrake on, but she doesn't even pay attention to the young men trying to inform her about the brake. Follow the jump for the video. 

VIDEO

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Most US Buyers of Fiat 500 Prefer their Cars Customized and Expensive

Fiat has returned to the American market after 28 years – and it has done so in style with its colorful city car, the 500. Besides having already sold 7,982 cars since March with 3,038 deliveries in July alone, Fiat seems to be reaping great profits from its small model.
That’s because American buyers apparently like to personalize their 500 by choosing pricier editions and adding numerous options. As a result, prices go up generating bigger profits for the Italian brand.
For example, the Sport version accounts for almost half of the 500's sales, despite being $2,000 more expensive than the base Pop version, according to the brand’s chief, Laura Soave.
Moreover, the $19,500 Lounge accounts for 20% of total US sales in the first five months of 2011. Apparently, customizing seems to be the rule rather than the exception.
“A lot of what we ‘re seeing is customers really wanting to build their car” said Soave. And they’re willing not just to pay more, but also wait patiently for six to eight weeks to get their personalized 500 delivered.
The 500 is offered in 14 exterior colors and numerous options that allow for 500,000 different combinations.
Fiat already has 94 US dealerships through which the 500 is sold, and until the end of the year this number will reach 500 across the States. Finally, the high demand of the 500 has forced Fiat to increase its US inventory from the initial target of 60 days to 90 days by the end of July.

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Scagliarini Motorsports Creates One-off 4x4 504 Zagato Coupe Elaborata

American-based design house Scagliarini Motorsports has unveiled its latest creation, the 504 Coupe Zagato Elaborata, or 504cze. As the name implies, the car is inspired by Zagato’s 500 Coupe concept that was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show last March.

Painted in a bright Lamborghini Arancio hue –that’s orange to you and me- the 504 Coupe Zagato Elaborata is based on the Abarth 500 esseesse with power coming from a 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged four-pot delivering 180HP and 300 Nm of torque.
But unlike the front-wheel drive only Abarth, the 504cze features an all-wheel drive system (hence the “4” in its name).
Other special features include a set of Brembo brakes, a performance exhaust system by Ragazzon, painted rear windows and Abarth front seats trimmed in alcantara.
As we speak, the 504cze is a one-off special due to be delivered to a client in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, Scagliarini Motorsports said it is willing to manufacture a limited production run if there is substantial interest from buyers.

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Video: 2012 Fiat Panda Prototypes

Fiat's engineers are putting the final touches on the third generation of the Italian firm's best-seller in the mini segment, the Panda, which will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September before going on sale in select European markets by the end of the year, with the rest to follow in early 2012.

If you're weren’t content with our recent spy photographs of the prototype 2012 Panda, you might want to take a look at this video that was said to have been filmed in Napoli, Italy.
It shows a couple of heavily cladded test models passing by on the road. Even though Fiat will keep the monobox formula of the current model, the new Panda will grow in dimensions offering improved interior space for both passengers and their cargo.
The regular Panda will be followed in about a year's time after launch by a successor to the 4x4 model while a sportier Abarth version may also be in the cards.

VIDEO

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Marchionne Says 54.5 mpg “Doable”, Hints at Retirement

Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne gave a speech today at the 2011 CAR Management Briefing Seminars. He quoted philosopher Albert Camus, talked about the reason geese fly in a V formation (they create uplift for those that follow, thus extending their range by 70%) and even used an excerpt from Alice in Wonderland, specifically a dialogue between Alice and the Queen in “Through the Looking Glass”.

Marchionne did all this to convey the message that he feels vindicated. For effectively taking over Chrysler, for receiving the bailout money when most were skeptical or openly opposed it (and paying them back six years before schedule) and for wanting to merge the American group with Fiat.
The Group's CEO explicitly stated that the US administration’s proposed 54.5 mpg by 2025 is “very doable”. He cited the example of the new Chrysler 300 full-size sedan, which is rated at 31 mpg on the highway. Although it is a far cry from the proposed targets, he said that the automotive industry has 14 years to utilize current and future technology and thus should have no trouble conforming to the 54.5 mpg target.
Marchionne believes that Chrysler is on the right track, having presented “16 all-new or significantly refreshed products” and that the integration of the two management teams was inevitable.
He also warned his audience about the rise of China “which cannot be ignored. It is the largest car producer in the world. If it exported even 10% of this production, the risk we face at our home markets is enormous”. He also hinted at his own retirement, saying that Chrysler’s future “is up to guys after me… after 2015 or maybe a year later”.
Last, but not least, Marchionne revealed later, at a radio show, that his everyday car is a “black on black” Dodge Charger SRT8. Not a “green” car, but not a bad choice at all. After all signore Marchionne and his team have 14 years ahead of them to make even the SRT comply with the new rules.

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Fiat 500C by Gucci

Fiat launched the 500C by Gucci.

The new special edition Fiat 500C comes with 16" alloy wheels with a retro design, and hub caps featuring the double "G" logo.

Like the coupe, the cabrio 500 Gucci will be available in two colors, white with matte chrome-plated elements and glossy black with shiny chrome-plated accents. The difference, obviously, is the roof which gets the green-red-green Gucci web pattern, also found on the side of the car.

The Fiat 500 Gucci are equipped with a 100 horsepower 1.4-liter engine and provided with a rear brake calipers green Gucci. The Italian home fashion line appears in overdrive,lock-covers,rugs,and seat belts.

Inside, the cabin features two-tone Frau leather seats, polished chrome trim and plenty of Gucci accents. Additionally, the car is equipped with automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and the Blue&Me infotainment system.
The Fiat 500C Prices is 20,000 Euros

　

Press Release

Fiat and Gucci introduce the new "500C by Gucci" cabriolet with an innovative European tour

On the wave of the remarkable interest attracted by "500 by Gucci" - 3000 pre-orders logged on the www.500bygucci.com website and requests from all over the world - Fiat and Gucci introduce the "500C by Gucci", a cabriolet version once again customised by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in collaboration with the Centro Stile Fiat.

Orders will start in August. The car will be distributed worldwide and from September will be on display in selected Italian Fiat showrooms. It will have a price tag of 20,000 euros. Furthermore, as from 19 August, "500C by Gucci" will be the star of an original tour that will stop at some of the most famous places in Europe.

All the exclusivity of the "500 by Gucci" - attention to detail, feeling of elegance and style - is enhanced in this new version, and made even more attractive by the innovative electric soft top for opening a "window onto the sky".

The new convertible version will be available in two sophisticated body colours: white with matte chrome-plated elements and glossy black with shiny chrome-plated accents. For both, the soft top is black with the characteristic green-red-green Gucci web pattern printed lengthwise (the same graphic pattern is sported on the side of the car). Furthermore, the side pillars of the saloon version are maintained and with its special sliding electric top the Fiat "500C by Gucci" can be enjoyed all year round.

The exterior of the Fiat "500C by Gucci" is embellished by 16" alloy wheels characterised by the unmistakable retro design of the spokes, in perfect harmony with the exterior colours: an absolute first for cars in this category. The hub caps have a double "G" logo in matching body colour and the Gucci signature in italics is displayed on the tailgate and on the door pillar.

The passenger compartment of the Fiat 500 by Gucci also brims with style: stylish stitching, exclusive materials, satin and polished chrome-plated elements, a velvet-effect finish on the radio panel and two-tone Frau leather seats with Guccissima print. The "Gucci" web theme also appears on the seats, gearbox, key cover, mats and, with an innovative finish, on the seat belts.

Fiat "500C by Gucci" will of course come complete with a great deal of standard equipment: automatic climate control system, seven airbags (front, side, window and knee), Blue&Me system integrated with rear parking sensors, car radio with CD-MP3 player and leather steering wheel with radio controls.

Before debuting in showrooms in August the "500C by Gucci" will be the star of an original tour that will stop at some of the most charming locations in Europe. The first stop will be at Saint Tropez (from19 to 27 August) followed by Berlin (8 - 14 September), Barcelona (25 September - 2 October), London (16 - 23 October) and Geneva (23 - 30 October). In Italy, the tour will start from Forte dei Marmi (22 - 28 August) and then reach Rome (4 - 11 September), Florence (19 - 26 September) and Milan (8 - 16 October).

A striking 5-by-5 metre crystal cube with elegant shiny black lacquered bottom and top will be set up for each stage of the tour. Inside, set like a precious jewel, an example of the exclusive cabriolet will be on show. At night, the installation will light up creating a suggestive atmosphere that will further enhance the elegant car and the prestigious location. The stage is completed by three small showcases displaying some of the articles in the "500 by Gucci" collection, which comprises travel accessories, small leather goods, track suits, bomber jackets, driving gloves, eyewear and a watch.

Like the saloon version before, an original advertising campaign has been created for the Fiat "500C by Gucci" in which the car features next to model Natasha Poly. The selected Fiat dealerships that will be displaying the "500C by Gucci" will receive copies of an exclusive lifestyle brochure created as a fashion catalogue and designed to bring out the class and one-of-a-kind nature of this extraordinary interpretation of the glamorous world of 500 in artistic photographs.

Turin, 2 August 2011

Fiat 500 by Gucci, Priced from €20k

With the "500 by Gucci" hatchback having already logged some 3,000 pre-orders online, Fiat wasn't about to let a good run go to waste. Today, the Italians announced the release of topless version that goes by the name "500C by Gucci".


Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini once again customized the special edition version of the 500C in collaboration with the Centro Stile Fiat. The chief difference between the two models is that Giannini removed the green-red-green Gucci web pattern from the 500C's profile and placed it on the car's electrically operated black top.
Like the hatchback model, the 500C by Gucci will be available in either white with matte chrome-plated elements or glossy black with shiny chrome-plated accents.
Other exterior details worth mentioning are the 16-inch spoked alloy wheels with a double "G" logo on the hubcaps and Gucci signature in italics displayed on the tailgate and on the door pillar.
Inside, we find the same upgrades and unique elements seen on the hatch including the bespoke Gucci upholstery, satin and polished chrome-plated elements, and a velvet-effect finish on the radio panel.
The topless model will be available for order this month and from September will be on display in selected Italian Fiat showrooms. In Italy, the 500C by Gucci will have a price tag of €20,000 (approximately US$28,900).

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