Fiat 500L, 2013

 

 

 

 

•  Fiat 500L, 2013

Precisely five years after the presentation of the Fiat 500 and 55 years after the début of the historic 500, the Fiat 500L will debut - again in Turin - on 4 July 2012. It is the new chapter of the Italian icon that follows the Abarth and Cabrio versions.

The Fiat 500L combines the iconic nature of the 500 style with the functionality of Fiat's design. Expanded on the concept of 'space efficiency', the new model defies the conventional distinctions owing to its MPV passenger space, the feel of a small SUV on the road and levels of efficiency typical of a compact car. By following this novel recipe, the Fiat 500L combines characteristics peculiar to different classes to offer a concept of distinctive and versatile first car that is an alternative to the traditional saloons of the B and C segments.

After more than 800,000 cars have been sold in 110 countries worldwide, today the 500 has grown up to accommodate new experiences and needs once more. If the 500 is the super-compact car perfect for young people and the city, the Fiat 500L is the first car of the 500 family able to contain the small pleasures and life's greatest emotions all together: children, friends, journeys, music and community.

The Fiat 500L is totally new in the way it expresses its styling individuality, communicates with the outside world and opens its doors to a new on-board experience. The letter 'L' sums up the three dimensions enclosed in the new Fiat solution: Large, meant as functionality and space; Light, when 'lightness' means user-friendly technology and eco-friendliness; and Loft, a trend-setting environment where one can live life to the fullest.

The Fiat 500L can be ordered in Italy and on the major European markets starting from July 2012. The commercial launch is scheduled in Italy with an Open Day on the first weekend in October, to then progressively expand to all the other markets. Altogether, during 2013 the Fiat 500L will go on sale in more than 100 countries around the world, including the United States.

Large: efficient space
After 800,000 cars have been sold in 110 countries worldwide, today the 500 has grown up to accommodate new experiences and needs once more. If the 500 is the super-compact car perfect for young people and the city, the Fiat 500L is the first car of the 500 family able to contain the small pleasures and life's greatest emotions all together: children, friends, journeys, music and community.

There is a core topic in Fiat's history which links different moments and experiences, a route along which personalities moved by a profound sensitivity and ability to interpret the car's evolution have given their contribution. An ongoing commitment in defining products sharing a vast wealth of technical and design experiences, above all aimed at protecting that distinctive "inventive aptitude" recognised as one of the reasons for the success of Italian design worldwide, can be traced from Dante Giacosa to the new path Fiat Design has undertaken.

A succession of "records", genuine cornerstones of the Fiat brand's identity, clearly emerge from the 600 Multipla of 1956 - with respect to which the 500L project is placed in dialectical terms due to the recovery of several "archetypal" elements under the aegis of its multifunctional use and its particular morphological root - to the 500 of 1957, the 127 of 1972, the Panda of 1980, the Uno of 1983 and the Multipla of 1998 so we can understand the most radical and innovative car tuning.

The Fiat 500L is the result of a path along which Fiat designers had to tackle issues of technological feasibility, brand strategies and studies that set out to understand in advance what relationship we will have with the car in the future. An approach that attempts to go beyond the form-function connection to focus attention on the user and his needs.

500 Style: the icon of Italian style is growing
Besides being comfortable and functional, the Fiat 500L is cool. It expresses the taste of Italian style with a distinctive look and interprets Fiat's unique ability to conceive and design cars which are innovative in substance and in form. Substance turns into the concept of "space-efficiency" that distinguishes all of the most innovative Fiats in history.

Just as the 600 Multipla was the forerunner of the concept of compact people carrier, the 500L is the new Fiat interpretation of the Simply More philosophy applied to the Multispace concept. The Fiat 500L reformulates the category of compact cars for the modern family in an emotional vein by developing some of the 500's stylistic details in unprecedented forms.

The recognisable features of the Fiat 500L, marked by a body design that excludes edges and taut lines to favour "gentler" forms, refers to a "placid", non-aggressive object that conveys charm and foretells a more harmonious layout for the urban landscape and environment.

When looking at the new 500L, we realize that the iconic nature, namely the force and personality of the car's design, forms a real matrix of the entire project. Developed within the context of the new Fiat B segment platform, the Fiat 500L is an innovative car that addresses a more diversified and broader customer base and that aims at setting higher standards in terms of available on-board space and comfort. The result is a highly functional car able to "converse" with the user and offer quality to appreciate over the years.

One of the Fiat 500L's peculiarities pursued since the earliest packaging planning stages is greater interior volume, obtained by the meticulous compacting of the mechanical elements shared by designers and engineers alike. If the general lines of the vehicle's architecture follows the "cab forward" principles, from which reduction of the body and bonnet section up front is derived to the benefit of more available interior space - especially at the height of the waistline and roof - it is above all the "empathetic" vocation of the 500L's design that exalts the overall vehicle ergonomics. The Fiat 500L also boasts an extensive view of the outside and the greatest brightness of its category as it has the largest roof of its segment - 1.5 square metres of glass surface - and its windscreen pillars have been cleverly divided and tapered to offer clear advantages in terms of active and passive safety as well.

The Color & Material area of Fiat Group Automobiles specifically carried out a study aimed at classifying possible reference scenarios for the Fiat 500L, conducted to give appropriate formulations back to the sensorial experience. This research has allowed technologies and production processes such as to further increase the quality level and value of the physical, tactile and visual properties of the materials, single details and finishes to be applied, in addition to a wide range of body, roof and rim paintwork colour options.

Efficiency: the best ratio between external dimensions and interior space in its segment

According to the latest research, 4.1 metres is the average length of cars sold in Europe. It is a standard size that allows you to travel and easily move around in traffic. What is the length of the Fiat 500L? 4 metres and 15 centimetres.

But its real competitive advantage is that with only 7 cm more than a Fiat Punto, the Fiat 500L easily accommodates five passengers 2 meters tall with their five suitcases, without ever compromising passenger room. Suffice it to say that the Fiat 500L boasts the best passenger volume index in the segment: with front and rear volumes combined, passengers have a space of 3.17 cubic metres available.

The new model is leader in its category in terms of ratio between external dimensions - 415 cm long, 178 cm wide, 166 cm high and 261 wheelbase - and interior space understood both as passenger compartment and luggage compartment, which boasts a capacity of almost 400 litres, which means being able to transport up to five roller suitcases. With the Cargo Magic Space system, the load platform can also be adjusted on three levels separating fragile objects from heavy ones, clean objects from dirty ones, bulky objects from small ones. The load compartment is also filled with pockets and hooks in order to transport any object in total safety and tidiness.

Versatility: 1,500 possible configurations to meet all needs
The Fiat 500L is Large also in terms of functionality, as demonstrated by the 1,500 configurations of interior space combined with the 22 compartments of different sizes and the dashboard, suitably studied to group the instrument panel and main controls of the audio and IT devices into two distinct but adjacent zones. It is a totally liveable passenger compartment, as some interior dimensions sizes demonstrate: for example, the maximum width of the front part is 1456 mm (measured at the shoulders) while the height, from seat to roof, is 1034 mm (in the rear part the measurements are 1387 mm and 993 mm, respectively).

The numerous adjustments of the seats also contribute to top-level on board comfort. They can be adjusted on every axis using 8 different modes, starting from that of the driver that offers, as standard, a longitudinal configuration and reclining backrest while, on request, it can be electrically heated and adjusted both in height and at the lumbar level. The front passenger seat, on the other hand, can be fitted with a folding table backrest. In this latter case, you can have a handy support surface both for common objects, such as a handbag or a laptop, and for unusual items. When the rear seats are also folded down using the Fold&Tumble function, the customer can obtain a flat loading surface for the entire length of the passenger compartment (2.4 metres), in this way being able to make maximum use of the interior space.

The rear seat ensures the same versatility. It has a 60/40 split folding backrest that can be adjusted longitudinally and separately in 12 positions, with the third central head restraint and armrest offered as optional.

Light: altruistic technology
Using the car means being able to rely on its functional performance and find in it all the material and immaterial components which can make approaching it easier. The progressive acceleration of recent years has pushed technology to become a not-to-be-missed element, and more and more often it relies on the functions offered by all types of devices as a reassuring and inseparable element for our psycho-physical wellbeing.

So 'L' also stands for Light meant as that 'lightness' feeling that improves and simplifies the quality of life, that innovation that is not an end in itself, but always to man's benefit. Besides, Fiat has always been a byword for innovative cars that offer sophisticated technological solutions which are nonetheless straightforward to use and satisfy both the concrete needs of everyday mobility as well as the growing social awareness toward the environment and safety. But 'lightness' is also an easy and immediate relationship with the network connection, navigation and infotainment systems the Fiat 500L offers, which use simplified "human-friendly" interfaces.

In short, the Fiat 500L is a generous car in terms of both contents and technology, easy to use and to enjoy. A simplicity that conceals a complex engineering process requiring hours and hours of design, tests and adjustments.

A "light" engine range
Today the car must be "light" for the environment and also for the wallet of its driver. For several years increasing sensitivity on the part of consumers toward the environmental aspects has been noticed. A new consumer has thus been born, one more eco-friendly and also more mindful to costs. Respect for the environment is an increasingly important factor that this type of customer considers when purchasing a car. Economic accessibility has just as significantly become a requirement that cannot to be ignored, both at the time of purchase and during everyday use.

Reduced fuel consumption and emissions is therefore an essential requirement for the success of a car. For this reason, the Fiat 500L at launch will propose three engines distinguished by their lower polluting emissions and CO2 levels, corresponding to a real economic benefit for the customer in his everyday use of the car: two petrol - 105 HP 0.9 Turbo TwinAir and 95 HP 1.4 l 16V Fire) engines and one turbodiesel engine, the 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet 2. Each with different qualities, all exploited to the full in combination with the 5- or 6-speed manual gearboxes of the petrol and diesel engines, respectively. Last but not least, all Fiat 500L engines have been meticulously set up, which required over 10,000 hours of simulation on the benches, naturally in addition to the road tests.

Standing out amongst the engines is the brand new 105 HP TwinAir, the new generation of the multi-award-winning Fiat two-cylinder engine distinguished by a sparkling personality and low fuel consumption values thanks to its low displacement and inclusion of a high-efficiency turbocharger. In particular, the Fiat 500L TwinAir was upgraded to 105 HP with the exhaust manifold integrated in the head to better cool the exhaust gas under power and to guarantee that part of the heat of the burnt gas is recovered while the engine is warming up, which otherwise would be emitted into the atmosphere. In this way the thermal transient is reduced and increases the time in which the engine runs at optimum temperature and fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced, which total 112 grams per kilometre.

Furthermore, starting next year the 500L will be even 'lighter' due to the cleanest fuel available today: methane. The Turbo TwinAir Natural Power engine will debut in 2013 on the model. It combines - in a single engine - the cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness of the methane fuel system with the Turbo TwinAir technology that ensures excellent fuel consumption, emissions and performance values

The reduction in fuel consumption and emissions involves the design and set-up of the entire vehicle. As proven by the over 3000 hours of controls on the body and underbody carried out at the Fiat Group Automobiles wind tunnel in Orbassano (Turin), one of Europe's largest: the final result is a CX of 0.30.

New 0.9 Turbo TwinAir - 105 HP
The new 105 HP 0.9 Turbo is the maximum evolution of the TwinAir family of engines that combine the concept of downsizing (reduction of displacement and weight) with sophisticated engineering such as supercharging through a turbocharger, the exhaust manifold integration in the cylinder head and the brand-new MultiAir 2 intake valve control system. The second generation of MultiAir further optimises the engine's thermo-dynamic efficiency by modulating the amount of exhaust gases recirculated in the combustion chamber (internal EGR) thanks to a brand-new design of the intake cam profile.

The exhaust manifold in the cylinder head instead reduces the temperature of the exhaust gases (which are directly cooled by the engine cooling system). This has a positive impact on fuel consumption because the enrichments otherwise necessary to keep down the maximum temperatures of the combustion gases are reduced in order to preserve correct turbocharger operation.

The small petrol engine with 2-cylinder architecture combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox develops 105 HP at 5,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 145 Nm at just 2,000 rpm. The value of the specific power is considerable - a good 120 HP/litre - a value comparable to the sportier engines.

As on the previous Turbo TwinAir applications, ECO mode is also available for the new Fiat 500L: in this condition the maximum torque delivered is limited to 120 Nm and the power to 98 HP, allowing the power unit to function in the operating range which permits maximum efficiency and thus minimum emissions.

The TwinAir engine is a little gem also because of the good level of comfort it offers. The agreeable and characteristic timbre of the two-cylinder engine has been optimised using the balancing countershaft and dual mass flywheel that minimise vibrations and shaking. Particular attention was also paid to improving the soundproofing by studying containment solutions to reduce the levels of noise perceived in the passenger compartment and to improve the articulation index.

The Fiat 500L 105 HP 0.9 Turbo TwinAir is very brilliant in its performance (top speed of 180 km/h and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 12.3 seconds) and it is at the top of its class in fuel consumption and emissions in the homologation combined cycle at the same time (4.8 litres/100 km and 112 g/km of CO2).

1.3 16V MultiJet 2 - 85 HP
A genuine reference on the low displacement diesel engine scene, the 1.3 16V MultiJet 2 engine of the new Fiat 500L has been refined to further improve its brilliant performance and low fuel consumption. The adoption of a small refined variable geometry turbocharger, which allows the engine to deliver a higher torque at low speeds, makes it possible to match a 5-speed manual gearbox with long ratios (downspeeding concept) that without penalizing performance significantly contributes to curbing fuel consumption.

The heart of the new Fiat 500L with 1.3 16V MultiJet 2 engine is without a doubt the third generation Common Rail injection system that uses innovative injectors able to control the amount of diesel injected into the combustion chamber with utmost precision with a particularly quick and flexible injection sequence thanks to the balanced hydraulic servo valve. With these injectors, now strategies focused on optimising the increasingly advanced combustion can be achieved, such as the Injection Rate Shaping (IRS) system which involves two consecutive injections so close together in time as to generate a continuous and modulated fuel supply into the cylinders. With this method the combustion process is improved, all to the benefit of quieter operation and particulate and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

The new Fiat 500L with 1.3 16V MultiJet 2 engine has also been fitted out with a number of measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions. These include the intelligent alternator that recovers energy during the release stage and stores it in the battery, optimisation of the engine cooling circuit with a new thermostat that reduces the warm-up time, the oil pump with variable displacement that adjusts the oil pressure in the most appropriate way, reducing the power absorbed by the pump. Naturally the Start&Stop system is a must, while engine and transmission use low viscosity lubricant oil to minimise friction.

The 1.3 16V MultiJet 2 engine of the new Fiat 500L develops 85 HP at 3,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 200 Nm at just 1,500 rpm. The maximum speed is 165 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 14.9 seconds. The new Fiat 500L 1.3 16V MultiJet 2 consumes just 4.2 litres/100 km with 110 g/km of CO2 emissions in the homologation combined cycle.

1.4 16V Fire - 95 HP
Solid and reliable, the 1.4 16V of the Fire family is the entry petrol engine of the new Fiat 500L. It delivers 95 HP at 6,000 rpm and reaches a maximum torque of 127 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the engine has a 4-cylinder in-line configuration with a double overhead camshaft system that directly controls the valves.

Thanks to the entire intake system with optimised fluid dynamics, the engine is distinguished by a particularly high volumetric efficiency throughout its operating range which makes for outstanding performance levels and, at the same time, economical fuel consumption.

The new Fiat 500L equipped with the 1.4 16V Fire engine reaches a top speed of 170 km/h with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.8 seconds. Its fuel consumption in the homologation combined cycle is just 6.2 litres/100 km with CO2 emissions staying within 145 g/km.

UConnect: always connected in total safety
The Fiat 500L is the first car of the Fiat group to be fitted out with a multimedia device based on the new generation of UConnect, the new infotainment platform developed by Fiat Group Automobiles.

UConnect was designed with the aim of creating a multifunction system able to manage all of the main media content on the car, such as the radio, mobile phone, Media Player, iPod or smartphone and in the near future a navigation system. In this way the driver can simply, quickly and safely access them hands-free while keeping his eye on the road.

The new device is based on a 5" colour touchscreen, one of the largest of the segment, which lets the driver access all the main functions, from the analogue and digital radio (DAB) up to all the main multimedia resources (Media Player, iPod, iPhone, smartphone) that can be connected by USB port and AUX-IN connector.

The system also includes an advanced Bluetooth interface to access extra functions such as phone call management or reading received SMS text messages via text-to-speech technology, the innovative Audio Streaming system that reproduces music files and web radio stations directly from your smartphone in streaming via Bluetooth on the UConnect device.

The new radio is based on the Windows Embedded Automotive operating system and has an advance user interface with functions such as the previously mentioned text-to-speech, voice recognition (in 11 languages) and audio controls on the steering wheel so that the driver can access all of the main infotainment contents without taking his hands off the steering wheel.

The UConnect system also introduces the eco:Drive Live application for the first time on a car. Developed by Fiat Group, it helps the driver reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by monitoring his driving style in real time and giving tips so his driving is even more eco-friendly.

The system will soon introduce new functions such as the built-in navigation system developed in collaboration with TomTom. Moreover, the system will let the customer use a large number of apps on the on-board system via integration with his smartphone starting in 2013. In this way he can always be in touch with his friends on Facebook and Twitter or be updated on traffic, news and weather in real time.

The UConnect radio is designed to permit new software functions to be implemented and updates to be installed during the entire life cycle of the vehicle so that the system is always up to date and ready for future evolutions.

Fiat 500C Abarth, 2013

 

 

 

 

•  Fiat 500C Abarth, 2013

The Fiat 500 Abarth brought world-class performance and precision, purposeful and aggressive styling, high power-to-weight ratio and limited-production volume to North American driving enthusiasts in 2012. Adding even more excitement to Karl Abarth's line of "small but wicked" cars, the new 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth Cabrio harks back to his open-air track cars of the 1960s, while delivering the most visceral experience of any modern Cinquecento to date.

Open-air freedom with an intelligent power cloth top and rigid structural design
With the Fiat 500 Abarth's high-performance DNA intact, the new 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth is engineered with the same track-proven attributes that have made the hatchback model a success on European and North American roadways and racetracks, but now brings even more fresh air and the unmistakable Abarth-tuned exhaust note into the cabin.

With just the push of a button, the Fiat 500C Abarth's power-operated cloth top retracts up to the rear spoiler during speeds up to a best-in-class 60 mph (a midway point can be chosen by pressing the button anytime in between). Press the roof button again, and the roof will neatly fold all the way open and tuck neatly behind the rear head restraints (up to 50 mph). The power operated cloth top is also intelligently designed.
For access to the Fiat 500C Abarth's trunk, premium "parallelogram" liftgate hinges conveniently position the liftgate out of the way, while the power-operated cloth top automatically retracts back to the rear-spoiler position to avoid any obstruction.

In addition to its cleverly designed multi-position power-retractable cloth top, the Fiat 500C Abarth's fully stamped body-side silhouette retains the iconic Cinquecento form while delivering added structural strength and 70 percent less header shake than key competitors. In addition, its longer windshield and minimized header design maximize rear-seated passengers' outward visibility, while minimizing cabin turbulence.

"Abarth treatment" and tradition continue to deliver extraordinary results
In the late 1950s, Karl Abarth believed that race cars with brilliant performance could be derived from small, lightweight, everyday driving cars — including the original Cinquecento (500). And his tradition of track-ready small cars continues today by utilizing the high-performance 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth as a base point for the new cloth-top Fiat 500C Abarth.

Staying faithful to the performance principles that made the Abarth name a success, the 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth continues the brand's motorsport traditions:

• Everyday performance car - Track-ready capability, high horsepower-per-liter engine, combined with the quality, efficiency and refinement expected in a world-class small car
• Competitive - Benchmark levels of performance, track-proven reliability and durability
• Aggressive - Purposeful and functional performance design, Abarth-tuned powertrain control module (PCM) and performance-tuned exhaust with menacing sound
• Attainable - State-of-the-art powertrain and chassis technology once limited to premium-priced performance cars
• Racing heritage - More than 60 years of performance and competition tuning, including active international series races today

1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with 117 horsepower per liter
Like the Fiat 500 Abarth, the new 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth features the track-proven 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine for 160 horsepower, up to 170 ft.-lb. of torque and 0-to-60 mph performance in the low 7 second range.

Compared with the Fiat 500C's naturally aspirated 1.4-liter MultiAir engine, the boost to 160 horsepower on the Fiat 500C Abarth is largely due to its single turbocharger that operates off engine exhaust and utilizes energy that would normally be wasted through the tailpipe. The turbocharger spins up to 230,000 rpm to convert exhaust heat and pressure to a rotational force that drives a compressor. The compressor draws cool air and pumps it into the intake manifold at increased pressure (maximum 18 psi / 1.24 bar) that results in a greater amount of air in the cylinder and, hence, more power.

The 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo's induction system includes two intercoolers located behind the driver- and passenger-side air inlets of the Abarth-styled front fascia. The intercoolers are designed to remove heat in the air charge that the turbocharger generates while compressing incoming air (higher air density for more power). Reducing heat provides a cooler, denser air charge that helps increase the potential for more power.

Other high-performance engine component upgrades include an Abarth-designed fresh-air intake system with high-flow air filter and smooth-flowing plumbing for maximum power. And to make sure the engine is operating with minimal exhaust gas restriction, an Abarth-designed concentric "double-tip" dual-exhaust system delivers a high-performance look with menacing Abarth-tuned sound.

Developed for high-output applications, the Fiat 500C Abarth is equipped with the track-proven C510 five-speed manual transmission. Proven on the European 500 Abarth models, this transmission features a 3.35 final-drive ratio for quick acceleration and faster top speed, while maintaining fuel efficiency.

Designed to handle the increased torque loads, the Fiat 500C Abarth's C510 transmission includes an intermediate shaft with equal-length half shafts to mitigate torque steer. Compared with the Fiat 500C, the 500C Abarth features 23 percent larger half shafts (28.1 mm diameter vs. 22.8 mm diameter in the Fiat 500C) for increased strength and to reduce torsional stress in the driveline during performance driving on the road or track. To handle the increased power and torque of the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, larger constant velocity (CV) joints with 53 percent greater torsional strength (2,600 N•m vs. 1,700 N•m in the Fiat 500) deliver added durability and refinement.

Track-ready performance hardware
For more than fun under the sun, the new 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth is designed, engineered and tested to deliver the high-performance driving and enduring capabilities needed for track use.

Like the hatchback, the new 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth features an enhanced front- and rear-suspension design to deliver the precision handling, steering and refinement needed for high-performance driving. Compared to the Fiat 500C, the Fiat 500C Abarth features a unique MacPherson suspension design with 33 percent stiffer front spring rates and 0.6-inch (15 mm) lower ride height (compared to the Fiat 500C) for improved handling and minimal body roll. Abarth-designed cast-iron front lower control arms provide improved lateral stiffness, while an increase in negative camber to -1.5 degrees delivers improved grip and steering precision. In addition, dual-valve frequency selective damping (FSD) KONI twin-tube struts deliver road control and maximum grip, while actively filtering out high-frequency suspension inputs from uneven road surfaces to adjust for comfort and smoothness.

The beefier rear-suspension design of the Fiat 500C Abarth takes the Fiat 500C model's (already 300 percent stiffer than the European Fiat 500) twist-beam design further, with a torsionally rigid rear axle designed with strengthened coil-spring supports for greater durability. A 0.87-inch (22 mm) Abarth-specific solid rear stabilizer bar increases cornering grip. For improved handling, minimal body roll and ride-height control (when fully loaded), the new Fiat 500C Abarth features 12 percent stiffer rear springs with 0.6-inch (15 mm) lower ride.

For 10 percent quicker steering to enhance responsiveness, maneuverability and high-performance feel, the Fiat 500C Abarth features a 15.1:1 (up from the Fiat 500C's 16.3:1) steering-gear ratio. Compared to the Fiat 500C, the 500C Abarth features a uniquely tuned electronic power steering (EPS) calibration for increased steering response and feedback. In addition, the Fiat 500C Abarth features a road crown and cross wind compensation algorithm, which automatically compensates for temporary situations where there is a constant push of the car to one side or another, assisting the driver against driving during such conditions.

The Fiat 500C Abarth features a high-performance brake system with semi-metallic brake linings at all four corners, and larger 11.1-inch ventilated rotors for greater stopping power (up from 10.1-inch). Both front and rear brake calipers are lacquered in Rosso (red) paint for an athletic look. An Abarth-tuned electronic stability control system (ESC) features a three-mode calibration to maximize the Fiat 500C Abarth's handling capabilities on and off the track. When ESC is selected from "On" to "Partial Off" or "Full Off" on the instrument panel, the 500C Abarth's innovative torque transfer control (TTC) system maximizes throttle performance during on-throttle cornering.

Standard on the Fiat 500C Abarth are 16 x 6.5-inch cast-aluminum wheels with 195/45 R16 Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires that deliver all-season traction and low-noise characteristics. For even more performance, larger and wider 17 x 7-inch forged-aluminum wheels keep this Cinquecento lightweight at each corner and feature high-performance three-season Pirelli P-Zero Nero tires with a 205/40 R17 size for a wider stance and reduced profile for improved handling.

Exterior and interior design enhancements added only for performance gain
The aggressive styling of the Fiat 500C Abarth embodies the Abarth brand tradition in full — purposeful and intentional details all designed to improve the car's performance, while enhancing the clean and simple design language of the Cinquecento.

To improve aerodynamics and the necessary engine compartment space for the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, the Fiat 500C Abarth's features a more pronounced front fascia. For additional air intake, the signature "Abarth" shield floats on a finned surface and a larger intake below consists of three inlets with broader openings than the Fiat 500C. For a more aggressive look, twin "nostrils" are precisely positioned on the front fascia to maximize airflow in and out of the two engine intercoolers (both intercoolers are visible through the "nostril" inlets).

Abarth-designed side skirts give the Fiat 500C Abarth an athletic profile, while 16-inch or optional 17-inch lightweight forged-aluminum wheels fill the flared wheel arches and provide ventilation for the performance brake system.

From the rear, an Abarth-designed cloth-top-mounted spoiler extends the roofline and improves the vehicle's aerodynamic behavior by creating additional downforce. Below, the two-piece Abarth-styled rear fascia accentuates the road-holding stance and optimizes airflow output with its rear diffuser. In addition large concentric "double-tip" exhausts provide an exclusive Abarth-tuned sound and look.

The interior design theme of the 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth is an artistic blend of clean lines and functional performance appointments. An Abarth-designed steering wheel features a thick rim, perforated leather and flat bottom to provide the look, feel and increased roominess desired during at-the-limit driving. A large concentric instrument cluster with 160-mph speedometer, tachometer and trip computer sits behind the steering wheel, and features a leather-wrapped cluster brow wrapped in Nero (black) leather with Rosso (red) accent stitching. To the left, an analog turbo-boost gauge with integrated LED shift light in the center that illuminates to an instant before redline to optimize gear changes. Below the instrument panel, Abarth-designed aluminum pedal covers feature Nero rubber trim for a decidedly racing look, while the Nero leather shift knob with Rosso accent stitching provides a precise feel of the shifter.

Unique Abarth-styled front performance seats feature a one-piece design with large side bolsters, a racing-harness pass through, accent stitching around the perimeter and integrated side-thorax air bags. To highlight that this cabrio has the most interior space, rear-seat legroom and shoulder room among key competitors - the rear passengers' upper seatbacks are raised and bolstered for added back support.

Beats by Dr. Dre
New for 2013, the segment-exclusive-and first-time-ever-in-a-cabrio integration of Beats by Dr. Dre audio system offers passengers of the Fiat 500C Abarth a high-definition music experience the way the artist intended. The Beats Audio studio-quality sound system includes six premium speakers, an 8-inch dual-voice coil (DVC) subwoofer with trunk-mounted enclosure and eight-channel amplifier with Beats Audio digital sound processing (DSP) algorithm.

Abarth-tuned "Sport" mode
The Fiat 500C Abarth features a standard-equipped "Sport" mode calibration for more engaging driving. Should the driver select Sport mode on the instrument panel, the Abarth-tuned PCM unleashes the full power of the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo (torque increases from 150 ft.-lb. to 170 ft.-lb.) with linear throttle response and a more performance-weighted steering feel. When Sport mode is not engaged, the Cabrio returns to "Normal" mode and limits the torque in first and second gears to enhance fuel efficiency and minimize CO2 emissions.

Abarth shift light with turbo-boost gauge
An additional benefit of the Abarth-tuned PCM is the driver's shift light with turbo-boost gauge mounted left of the instrument cluster. Should the driver choose to switch to "Sport" mode, the Fiat 500C Abarth's LED-illuminated shift light flashes as the engine speed approaches the redline — giving the immediate feedback needed on the track or during high-performance driving.

BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology
BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology is an in-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows the Fiat 500C Abarth driver to operate a Bluetooth-compatible phone while keeping his or her hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Using a series of voice commands, the driver can place phone calls and access the phone's address book. BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology supports most mobile phones with Bluetooth technology.

Innovative TomTom navigation
With the available TomTom navigation with BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology, the Fiat 500C Abarth integrates an innovative 4.3-inch (10.9 cm) TomTom portable navigation device that docks on top of the instrument panel. With its large touchscreen, simple map displays with available real-time traffic, weather and points of interest, TomTom Navigation with BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology is intuitive for the driver to use. And with its direct integration into the Fiat 500 Abarth's interior system, the driver is able to use steering-wheel-mounted controls to make operation even easier.

More than 35 safety and security features including Abarth-tuned electronic stability control (ESC)

State-of-the-art connectivity and more than 35 safety and security features keep passengers of the 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth connected, comfortable and secure.

The Fiat 500C Abarth features seven standard air bags, including driver and front-passenger advanced multistage air bags, driver's knee air bag, full-length side-curtain air bags and standard seat-mounted side pelvic-thorax air bags, all offering enhanced protection to all occupants in the event of a collision.

In addition, the Fiat 500C Abarth features a unique three-mode electronic stability control (ESC) system standard for improved braking performance in wet or panic conditions. The Abarth-tuned ESC system features a three-mode calibration including "ESC On" to "ESC Partial Off" and enthusiast-desired "ESC Full Off."

Abarth Driving Experience for new owners
Included with each 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth is the opportunity for new owners to attend a segment-exclusive driving experience at no additional charge. The Abarth Driving Experience is an entire day of full-throttle training, guided by professional instructors from the Richard Petty Driving Experience to ensure fun and top-level instruction in a safe and structured setting.

Fiat 500 Sport, 2011

•  Fiat 500 Sport, 2011

The reborn and reimagined Fiat 500 is arriving soon to America. Born in Italy, perfectly tailored for America, the Cinquecento is as vibrant and engaging as it is fit and nimble. The Fiat 500 Sport, featured in these images, illustrates Fiat's smart and stylish design aesthetic. Like the original Fiat 500 a half-century ago, the new Cinquecento continues its timeless value while embracing individual expression and opportunity - all infused with world-class craftsmanship.

The Cinquecento offers unique adaptations for the North American market and is designed for individuals who demand that style and fashion can coexist with practicality and functionality. Matching its sport-tuned suspension, the Fiat 500 Sport features athletically styled front and rear fascias with a larger grille and flared aerodynamic treatment. Between its unique 16-inch aluminum wheels with Mineral Gray painted pockets, the Cinquecento incorporates new body-side sill cladding for an enhanced sport appearance.

Completing the athletic vehicle's appearance are Performance Red painted brake calipers, a chromed exhaust tip and gloss black shadow-line window trim. The Fiat 500 Sport also features an available SkyDome power sun roof for an ultra-open view of the world. The Fiat 500 will be also available in the Pop and Lounge models with unique exterior cues and different equipment options.

The world-class 1.4-liter engine with Fiat's state-of-the-art MultiAir™ technology powers the Fiat 500 Sport. MultiAir significantly reduces emissions while improving fuel economy and power delivery by up to 10 percent when compared to similar engines.

The Fiat 500's technology, driving dynamics and interior features have been intelligently adapted for the North American market, and it will offer small-car buyers a stylish, high-value alternative. The all-new Fiat 500 will be available for ordering later this year in the Sport, Pop and Lounge models, followed by the all-new Fiat 500C (cabrio) in the spring of 2011.

Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato Concept, 2011

• Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato Concept, 2011

The Fiat 500 Coupé Zagato - the concept created by one of the most famous automotive design names in the world, with the collaboration of the Fiat Group Automobiles' Centro Stile - makes its debut at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show.

Presented at the Fiat stand, the prototype stands out for its sinuous yet decidedly sporty and contemporary contours, inspired by the namesake predecessor built in the 1950 by the famous Italian bodyworker on the chassis of the 500. Yet while Zagato had then completely revamped the exterior style of the basic model, today the designers emphasised the silhouette of the Fiat 500, already similar to a coupé, giving it an even more aggressive appeal. In addition, the unique shape of the roof features the characteristic "double hump", the true emblem of Zagato, teaming the lowering of the car with retaining excellent interior comfort.

Like many historic custom-built cars, the concept car affords the classic "2+2 seater" formula, retaining the compact dimensions of the basic model: indeed, it is 355 centimetres long, 163 cm wide and 149 cm high, with a 230 centimetre wheelbase. So it is a compact car which "conceals" under the bonnet the revolutionary TwinAir 105 HP engine which maximizes the "fun to drive" of this car, while ensuring, consistently with the downsizing philosophy, excellent performance levels against a considerable reduction in fuel consumption and emission levels. To achieve this objective, the engine features a specific "turbomatching" (engine-turbocharger coupling).

The 105 HP TwinAir engine, which has never been used on any of the Group's models yet, is therefore the ideal engine to be installed in compact sized sporty cars, as demonstrated by the high torque delivered (155 Nm at 2,500 rpm) and the absolute world record in terms of absolute power (105 HP at 5,500 rpm). In addition, at 124 HP/litre, this engine is also one of the world leaders in specific power. All while ensuring reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions unrivalled in this category: 95 g/km.

Designed mainly for a young and dynamic male target, the Fiat 500 Coupé Zagato Concept also accommodates the needs of a female target owing to the painstaking pursuit of stylistic solutions resulting from the most interesting trends on colours and materials. For instance, the prototype livery is Pop Yellow, a specific three-layer bodypaint colour tending towards white which emphasises the vehicle contour while giving it a pop image, full of energy and brimming with personality.

Fiat 500, 2008

Fiat 500, 2008

Dante Giacosa's Fiat 500 was launched on July 4, 1957, as a cycle of rebirth was closing after the devastation of war, and a period of radical renewal of the company's product range was also coming to an end, opening the way for a cycle of successes in the coming decade, a period that we can consider one of the brightest in the brand's one hundred year history. The parallel with the new Fiat 500 is clear; it concludes the cycle of extraordinary rebirth of recent years, but thanks to its stylistic and technological features, it also represents the spark of a lasting process of expansion.
Fiat's goal has not been to design a car that 'looks like' a 500, but one that 'could be' the Fiat 500 again. The new Fiat 500 opens the way for an innovative process in a number of environments that are very significant for today's customers, clearly outlining where its ambitions lie in relation to the future positioning of the Fiat brand. The Fiat 500 respects the original concept in its shape and function, as you expect in these cases, so that it can evoke all the emotions and memories that make all 'icons' eternal, raising them beyond the limiting dimension of their category.

But first and foremost it is important to underline the innovations that the new model is able to bring to this class of product for the first time.

First of all, the widespread involvement in the development of the model and of the marketing plan, with the participation of over 3,000,000 enthusiasts who have submitted their ideas to the project, through the www.500wantsyou.com website. This initiative is a new cultural approach to relations between manufacturer and client, making Fiat one of the most open organisations, close to the expectations of the public. 'The 500, the car of the people, by the people': this slogan sums up the philosophy behind the development of a project which, in the best Fiat tradition, 'democratises' access to contents and technologies that have never been offered in this segment before.

The first time that a car has been launched with the full range of engines (69 bhp 1.2. 75 bhp 1.3 Multijet with DPF and 100 bhp 1.4 16v) ready to meet the emissions limits set by Euro 5 standards, more than two years before the legislative deadline, a tangible sign of Fiat's determination to reaffirm its leadership where the environment is concerned.

The first time that a compact car (3.55 metres) has been built to achieve a 5-star rating in the EuroNCAP impact tests, and it is ready for the 6-star test if and when the new rating is introduced.

Safety at all costs, with no impact on prices, a bold decision, which confirms Fiat's intention of extending its strategy of leadership to vehicle protection, totally consistent with decisions taken in recent years as regards the Panda and the Croma, right through to the Grande Punto and the Bravo.

It is a safe product, not only for its structural sturdiness, but also because of the choices made in the construction of the range of outfits and services: 7 airbags as standard equipment (it is the only compact to offer a kneebag), and an advanced ESP available with all engines (standard on the 100 bhp 1.4 16v), are absolute novelties in this segment.

The first 'small' car to offer so much in the way of content: 4 specification levels, 3 engines at the launch, 12 colours, including 6 vintage colours that will bring the 1950s and 1960s to mind, plus tri-coat white produced by a process that is usually only adopted on luxury cars, 15 types of upholstery including luxurious Cordura and Frau Leather, 9 types of wheel rims, and 19 types of stickers, making a total of more than 500,000 variants (549,936 to be precise); the most interesting include the electric fragrance diffuser, with a choice of 3 different fragrances, and coloured key cases, an approach similar to that in the mobile phone market that lets you match the colour of the key to that of the bodywork, or to select another pattern of your own choosing. There has never been such a lavish array of accessories on such an accessible car.

The Fiat 500 is an inclusive not an exclusive concept and Fiat felt that this was the best way to meet the tastes of all its potential customers, without distinction, from the most minimalist to the most eccentric. The idea of creating a product that could adapt to the needs of the individual was also expressed in the decision to surpass all the competition in the process of incorporating electronic technologies into the passenger compartment (Plug In). A second generation Blue&Me is available, and an iPod can be easily incorporated thanks to the socket and the battery charger. A new portable navigator was developed specially for the Fiat 500 with Magneti Marelli, which is fitted directly on the dashboard and connects to other vehicle functions.

The concept of customisation is not limited to the product, but extends to the world of services and forms of payment. For example, with the '500 Cents' and '50to500' formulas from Fiat Group Automobiles Financial Services, the customer will be able to purchase any version of the Fiat 500 including customisation, for ¤ 5 a day, and with no down payment, or to pay 50% of the sum immediately and the remainder after 2 years.

Plenty of offers and possibilities, because the Fiat 500 must be the car for everyone: it is the car of the people, made by the people, for the people. The Fiat 500 is the 'New Fiat' and the 'New Fiat' belongs to everyone.

For the company, the birth of the Fiat 500 represents the start of a new chapter, a declaration of the role that Fiat aims to interpret in the future on the market and in society. The stimulus to a new model of conscious consumption. A model for the exploitation of experience in the automotive field that focuses on quality and emotions, on uniqueness rather than on mass-production, where simplification does not mean doing without. The Fiat 500 is the tangible synthesis of these aspirations.

Fiat 500 Barbie Concept, 2009

Fiat 500 Barbie Concept, 2009

The Fiat 500 makes headlines once more, as befits an authentic Made in Italy icon.

The fashionista car but quite tongue-in-cheek and with lots of charm: just like Barbie herself.
The gleaming paintwork resembles varnish and definitely makes for a shock effect, achieved with deep lacquered colour using ultra fine aluminium plunged in deep, up-to-the-minute pink. The seating is upholstered in strikingly soft fabrics: silver laminated Alcantara is not only trendy but plush to the touch and its glimmer bounces as far as the roof panel.
There are mats enhanced with natural silk yarn and sleek viscose, not to mention lip glosses in brilliant colours stored in the glove compartment, plus a LED-decked vanity mirror to ensure perfect application.

Roberto Giolito, creator of the Fiat 500, had this to say about the Mattel-Fiat partnership scheme: "All-American Ms Barbie already has a number of 'transport solutions' available, like thundering GTs and motor homes with endless accessories.
So if she's spotted a 500 and wants one as a gift for this landmark birthday, it's a signal typical of modern times that there's a renewed need for dreaming the simple things in life, which give so much, allow us to lighten up, thrill who's born beautiful or just feels beautiful, but doesn't have to prove anything.
The Barbie already has everything. Sleek Barbie is a looker, smart enough to listen to everyone, a universal ambassador opting for a car that never divides but frees everyone from having to declare their social status.