Fiat 500 for 2012 - VIDEO ENHANCED

By Bruce Hubbard - Detroit; Bradley Hubbard –Philadelphia
Auto Advisor Group
The Auto Channel

Italian architecture, art and design have defined style for centuries; Italian automobiles are legends. Italian cars like Lamborghini, Fiat and Alfa Romeo, have been at the head of the pack in many respects for decades. The exciting styles of these “poster cars” were, not surprisingly, designed by Italian design firms such as ItalDesign, whose designs also include the BMW M1 and the VW Golf.

FIAT as we all know now owns a large piece of Chrysler Group. Fiat has been around for over a 100 years. FIAT or Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino motor company which was founded as a company after acquiring other major Italian automotive brands on July 11, 1899.

Another Italian automotive bit of history is that it took the first engineer, the famous Leonardo da Vinci, to think in concrete terms of an idea similar to the modern transportation we call an automobile. It was more than 500 years ago, circa 1478, when Leonardo laid out his plans for the world's first self-propelled vehicle.

Click PLAY to watch a real working model of da Vinci's concept

Unlike Henry Ford's Model T in the early 1900s, Leonardo's car wasn't designed for mass-production. It wasn't truly a passenger car, since it didn't even have a seat. The vehicle was just designed as a special attraction for Renaissance festivals, meant to instill wonder and awe in attendees. Leonardo's car worked, but the Renaissance man was centuries ahead with yet another influential invention.

Eugenio Barsanti (1821-1864), an Italian scientist, developed in the early 1850’s his atmospheric engine. It used a "Voltaic (from Volta) pistol" as ignition mechanism. A spark skipping between two electrodes ignited the gas mixture. The Italian’s also developed a single cylinder gas engine far before Henry Ford ever used one in the Model T.

My first experience with Fiat motor cars was in 1962 when I was given a 1200 Fiat convertible. My family won a Fiat convertible 1200 model. They had no one else to give it to, so as a young man I was delighted to get the gift. The power was not much as it only had 58 horsepower. The 1222 cc, straight four cylinder engine from Fiat then would wind out in the gears but was under powered.

2012 Fiat 500

That’s why I decided to upgrade with Abarth accessories including their famous muffler systems (used on Ferrari’s for years). After I got through with upgrades from Abarth, the vehicle was a mover and shaker. Still not an Alfa Romeo but still a Pininfarina design. Having enjoyed that car to the degree I did, I fully expected to enjoy the 500 Fiat Sport and 2012 Abarth versions.

In 2007, the Fiat Group re-launched Abarth & C SpA, complete with new purpose-built premises at the Mirafiori complex in Turin, known as Officine 83. The new company's first achievements included the rally-prepared Grande Punto Abarth S2000, which won the inaugural Intercontinental Rally Challenge and two new road-going models - the Grande Punto Abarth and the new 500 Abarth.

The 2010 LA Auto Show was the venue for Fiat to introduce to North American media the new 500. They are hoping to make a success of the Fiat 500 “Cinquecento,” just as BMW did with the Mini and VW with the updated Beetle.

2012 Fiat 500

“Capturing the original Cinquecento’s iconic looks and smart packaging in a contemporary, no-nonsense design, the new 2012 Fiat 500 is artfully blended with technical, cultural and creative aspects in a vehicle that is exactly right for the times,” said Roberto Giolito, Head of Fiat Style.

Original Fiat 500

Now I see the smart people at Fiat/Chrysler doing the same thing. They will offer a base model but many customers will insist upon the Mopar (or Abarth ) upgrades.

The base model is ideal for Bradenton Florida or other Florida park communities. But, the 500 can be made into a mini fighter if accessories are added. Mopar and the “500 madness site” offer amazing upgrades today.

Four-cylinder engine options are being expanded at Chrysler Group with the introduction of Fiat Powertrain's 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder ‘Fully Integrated Robotized Engine’ (FIRE) featuring Multiair. In the early 1970s, the use of robotics in assembly plants was not common. The term “FIRE” came into existence when Fiat integrated the use of robotics in the production process of manufacturing plants. Although mechanized assembly is common today, the brand name FIRE has remained with Fiat’s powertrain lineup.

The base models that include the base POP, the LOUNGE and the upgraded SPORT which all have the 101-hp, 1.4-liter four-cylinder with 97 lb-ft of torque for a price of nearly $16,000.00. The four-cylinder is assembled in Dundee, Michigan, and utilizes variable valve timing and lift to achieve a best of 29 mpg city and 37 highway when equipped with the manual transmission. For Chrysler to get out of bankruptcy and receive US dollars part of the deal with Fiat is that the Dundee, Michigan Chrysler facility would be operational. This potentially works well for all parties concerned since the engines will be shipped world wide: it means jobs for workers in Michigan and production at a reduced cost at the factory. The 500 is being assembled in Toluca, Mexico, in the same factory that used to assemble Chrysler’s PT Cruiser.

A specially engineered suspension delivers tailored performance for the U.S. market. A redesigned twist-beam rear suspension features retuned bushings with more built-in roll stiffness, delivering ride comfort and handling suited for American drivers. Revised front-suspension geometry reduces dive during braking and features an increased front-stabilizer bar rate for reduced body roll and added driver confidence. In addition, retuned twin-tube shock absorbers and springs, all-new structural sub-frame brace, upgraded upper-strut mounts and retuned control-arm bushings make the U.S. market Fiat 500 as nimble as its European cousin while delivering a more comfortable and quiet interior cabin.

Chrysler Group states for Italian style, efficiency and personalization options, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Pop base model includes a manual transmission, 15-inch steel wheels with chrome-accented wheel covers and all-season tires, seven standard air bags, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with auxiliary audio input, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, speed control and reconfigurable Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with trip computer, miles-to-empty, average fuel economy and tire-pressure monitoring display (TPM).

The version I would buy from the first models offered would be the 500 Sport, but it’s not any more powerful than the other 500 models. The 500 Sport comes from the firmer suspension modified springs, shock tuning, steering calibration and exhaust tuning to deliver a more firm ride and responsive handling. It also is upgraded from the Pop with 16-inch aluminum wheels, red brake calipers, unique front and rear fascias, a Bose audio system, and Bluetooth. Options available among the various trim levels include heated seats, a removable navigation system by Tom Tom, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, an $850 power sunroof, and the automatic transmission for $1000.


The Sport model also includes a manual transmission and (in addition to the Fiat 500 Pop features) distinctively styled front and rear fascias with larger ‘honeycomb’ grilles and flared aerodynamic treatment.

Between its unique 16-inch aluminum wheels with Mineral Gray painted pockets and all-season tires, the Fiat 500 Sport incorporates new bodyside sill cladding and a liftgate-mounted roof spoiler for a sporty appearance. Inside, the new Fiat 500 Sport features unique sport-styled seating in a Gray/Black interior environment., a BOSEŽ Energy Efficient Series audio system with six premium speakers and subwoofer, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technology with USB port, eco:Drive™ Application and iPod control capability. Fiat states that he $20,000 Fiat 500 Lounge is tailored to those who who want their Fiat 500 to reflect their fashion-oriented lifestyles. The Lounge has the all-new six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes, front- and rear-fascia chromed accents, chrome mirror caps, fog lamps, fixed glass roof, 15-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, premium cloth seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, BOSEŽ Energy Efficient Series audio system with six premium speakers and subwoofer, security alarm, BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology with USB port, eco:Drive Application and iPod control capability.

The new Fiat 500 features standard electronic stability control (ESC) for improved braking performance in wet or panic conditions.

The ESC system is ready to intervene by integrating key chassis control systems including electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), anti-lock brake system (ABS) and traction control systems (TCS) to control all four wheels in response to yaw and steering input.

No real Fiat 500 enthusiast will ask for less than the Abarth conversion. If you had been at the Biltmore Estate in Ashville in July you would have seen the Prima Edizione (first edition) Fiat 500. A special edition limited to 500 units. Sold out immediately to the Fiat aficionados. This was the closest thing to what Chrysler/Fiat will be bringing out later with Abarth. To learn more Google Fiat Abarth.

Abarth (owned for years by FIAT) will deliver to Fiat in the first quarter of 2012 the explosive and fun to drive Abarth version. That model will probably compete with other small cars with power like the Mazda2 and certainly the Mini.

2012 Fiat 500 - rear seats fold down

Sure, some journalists say the Fiat 500 offers a great base model, but the truth is to match Mini they better get the Abarth in now. Fiat knows that. Just look at my photos from Detroit at the North American International Auto Show.

2012 Fiat 500

The American “Cinquecento” 500 is about 36 kilos, roughly 80 lbs, heavier than versions sold elsewhere in the world. The North American 500's new four-wheel antilock brakes have redesigned front calipers. In addition, organic brake linings and a new anti-corrosion coating for the rotors. The electronic stability control has been revised for our market's all-season tires, and our fuel tank has been enlarged to 10.5 gallons, for longer driving range.

2012 Fiat 500

I prefer the 500 Sport version. It has a better suspension including larger bushings stiffer suspension. On the highway at 70 mph plus the ride is excellent. The back roads and mountain passes with their switchbacks let the 500 show off its “go cart” handing. The 90 inch wheel base and weight of approximately 2500 pounds the base 500 drives very well I would want to wait for my Fiat 500. That would be for the Fiat performance model that the Abarth division will bring to North America. Chrysler knows they must even bring over a better version of the European Abarth model. They have decided on the Alfa Romeo MITo Quadrigogio Verde that delivers 170 horse with 170 foot pounds of torque. Torque comes on at 3000 rpm while the 170 horsepower comes in at 6750 rpm. Don’t expect to see the new 6 speed automatic that will be available in Europe come to the US immediately.

Now that Daimler has taken over distributorship of the USA for the Smart Car I see the real winners will be Mini and Fiat. Penske could not get people to buy the Smart car and decided to cut his losses.

Fiat as well as Mini have had experience in selling their vehicles in Europe. The larger Mini with so many years of experience in the North American market are still king. With their many models and with the options they have and will continue to be a winner. The pricing is more than the 500 base Pop or Sport version. The front wheel drive Fiat 500 buyers are expected to decide what configurations and extras will be added from their customizing “on line.” The buyers could buy the Toyota Yaris or the new Scion for less than a well equipped base 500 saving perhaps $1000.00 but those at Fiat including Laura Soave feels buyers will prefer a customized Fiat 500. Time will tell.

The Chrysler’s Mopar division already with Fiat have a great product and accessory guide for those that want to build their Fiat 500. Look at the wheels and tires, interior of one I photographed at the North American International Auto show. They did what all the young market would demand. In addition Fiat has come out with clothing and other accessories for the Fiat lover.

I remember being in Daytona’ Tuner where young drivers had their Honda’s, Mazda’s, Scion’s, Mini’s all tricked out. Every car had to be customized. I can surely see Mopar and Abarth models of the 500 selling to the youth market and even older enthusiasts. As stated previously the 500 Aftermarket customizers are ready to bring the Italian 500 into a fight with the Mini.

2012 Fiat 500

The way gas prices are going the first Fiat 500’s should sell well. The first models available in North America will be the coupe, to be followed shortly after with a convertible version and then within a year the more powerful Abarth model. Even later Fiat will offer an electric-powered model. We even seen spy shots of an All Wheel Drive Model. The future depends on the American buyers falling in love with the Fiat 500. VW did it with the Beetle. Mini and BMW are the winners now and they certainly will continue to produce only better Mini Brand vehicles. I believe that Fiat/ Chrysler will spend a lot of money to promote the 500 and that should bring in customers.

The marketing of the new 500 is the job of a suburban Detroit woman. Laura Soave has had marketing experience at VW and and Ford before Marchionne hired her to handle the marketing world wide. She speaks fluent Italian which surely will be valuable in her job. She states she actually saw the 500 as a young child in Italy. Now she is in charge of that petite and cute vehicle she saw with her parents so many years ago.

According to the PR department Rick Deneau and Laura Soave state that all 2012 Fiat 500 models will come with a standard four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and four years of unlimited roadside assistance. Following VW and others the Fiat 500 includes a three-year/36,000-mile maintenance program that includes wear-and-tear items and trip-interruption reimbursement.

Click PLAY to watch the complete Fiat 500 Press Conference at the 2010 LA Auto Show

The Fiat 500 history is long. The first Fiat 500 named a Topolino (meaning mouse) was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. Launched in 1937, three models were produced until 1955, all with minor mechanical and cosmetic changes.

YELLOW 500 PHOTO