FIAT Drive For the Fans

 

On April 26, 2012, 20 drivers descended upon the Las Vegas Motor Speedway to become the first FIAT® enthusiasts to participate in the Abarth Track Experience. While a day of track experience comes standard with the purchase of a FIAT 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio, this day took a distinctly different tone. Split into five teams, these professional drivers, bloggers and FIAT USA Facebook fans went head-to-head for bragging rights, and to win a day at the track for five lucky Facebook fans following along at home.

The battle was hard fought, and numerous types of driving skills were put to the test. Once the dust had settled, Team Bad Boys, who had rose to the top of the leaderboard early, held on to their lead and took home the prize.

Meet the teams and check out videos and photos to get a behind-the-scenes look at what happened out in the Las Vegas desert.

Meet the Teams

Meet the professional drivers, bloggers and FIAT USA Facebook fans who formed teams and competed to win.

Watch the video

Watch as our five teams are put to the test in these videos from the competition.

Leaderboard

Check out the photos

Get an inside look at all the action with these photos from the Las Vegas desert.

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©2013 Chrysler Group LLC. All Rights Reserved. FIAT, ABARTH and the scorpion design are registered trademarks used under license by Chrysler Group LLC.

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Your FIAT Story – Collection 8

Italy has inspired some of the greatest stories ever told.

With your help, we’re merely adding to the collection.

We love to hear your fondest FIAT memories, and we’ve gathered a few of our favorites. Don’t forget, you can share your FIAT story with us over in the FIAT Story Booth. Who knows? Maybe your story will be featured in our next batch of favorites.

You can see some of our previous favorites here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Rich Hartman

The year was 1976 and we needed a new car. FIAT was something we had heard about, so off to the FIAT dealer we went. We had 4 small girls and not a lot of money. We ended up looking at the 128 station wagon. We all fit in and that FIAT was a great little car for us.

 

Leslie Dunn

Sometime in the 60′s my Dad bought a FIAT 600 to use for the long commute to his job. When I got my driver’s license in the early 70′s my parents gave me a choice. I could have either the FIAT or my Mom’s Chrysler with the push button transmission. I picked the FIAT!

I loved that little car. I had an artist friend paint a cartoon on the roof so people in larger vehicles could look down and laugh. I drove it to the theater to see a movie and laughed when a FIAT 600 was the star of the movie! I get nostalgic whenever I see the new FIAT 500 on the road.

Steve Balla

I’d like you to meet my car.

I found it in the body shop 15 years ago in the corner and covered in 3 inches of dust. I restored this absolute rust free car 12 years ago. Can you believe it only has 19,219 miles?!?

Do you have a FIAT Story of your own? Share it with us!

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Source: http://blog.fiatusa.com/lifestyle/your-fiat-story-collection-8/

Find Your FIAT Soulmate

With more models than ever before, finding your FIAT soulmate can be tough. But this Valentine’s Day, we’ve got a few questions that may help you close the Cinquecento-shaped hole in your heart.

You value…

A. Efficiency

B. Safety and Security

C. Style

Or maybe all of the above? Look no further than the timeless FIAT 500. With a manual transmission capable of an EPA estimated 40 mpg highway (where you’ll cruise with plenty of power, precise steering and a sport-tuned suspension), the 500 boasts 35 available safety and security features, including seven standard airbags. Throw in a unique, Italian-inspired interior and exterior ripe for customization and you’ve got yourself the elusive total package.

You prefer to sunbathe…

A. Dressed

B. Nude

C. Topless

If you chose A, we’ll assume you’re very pale. If you chose B, we’ll assume you’re from Vegas. But if you chose C, let us introduce you to the FIAT 500 Cabrio. The perfect FIAT for the mild exhibitionist, the 500c offers 15 exterior color options, 12 interior color/textile schemes and a durable power top you can drop when the sun comes out to play (or quickly close when it starts to rain on your parade).

You get your rush…

A. Swimming with sharks

B. Rock climbing (at the gym)

C. Skydiving

There’s a practical way to walk on the wild side. If you chose B, the FIAT 500 Turbo is the FIAT for you. Driven by 135 turbocharged horses and a specially tuned suspension, this 500 prowls like a well-mannered beast – and dresses the part. The 500 Turbo’s aggressively re-styled front and sides combine with blacked-out tail lamps and unique wheels for a menacing take on classic form.

You’re frequently on the run from…

A. Clowns

B. Angry villagers

C. Zombies

Does it really matter? You can outpace them all in the FIAT 500 Abarth. The perfect match for any performance junkie, we promise you’ll feel like a first-rate rebel whether you’re pacing this Scorpion at the track or just picking up your dry cleaning. And if you’re the kind who prefers to do your rebelling topless, the soon-to-be-available FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio has your presumably bare back.

The mother you most identify with is…

A. Mother Hubbard

B. Mother Earth

C. Whistler’s Mother

If you chose B, we assure you that she’d agree the FIAT 500e* is the right ride for you. Combining 116 MPGe-level sustainability with style featuring a slick white front fascia, model-specific cast aluminum wheels and a uniquely electric interior, no other emission-free vehicle achieves 0-60 in nine seconds while looking this good. And you can always take it to get your dog a bone. While wearing grey and black.

You need more room for…

A. Cargo

B. Passengers

C. Cargo and Passengers

If you need a ride that will give you space, no matter what it’s for, then the FIAT 500L is the ride for you. At 26” longer, 6” higher and 6” wider than the base 500 (with three extra doors), the 500L shows just how much is possible when a little ingenuity is applied to one versatile platform. Turbocharged, well-equipped and highly customizable, the 500L is a flexible, and functional.

So, did you find your FIAT soulmate? We may be biased, but we wouldn’t kick any of ’em out of the garage.

Let us know which FIAT 500 is the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle in the comments!

*FIAT 500e available Spring 2013, only in California.

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FIAT in 2013

With new models (and exciting new twists on existing favorites) hitting FIAT Studios in 2013, this year may well be the year that you buy a new FIAT 500. But with a model to match nearly every lifestyle, how do you know which vehicle’s personality is the best fit with your own? By consulting the handy guide below, of course.

For the efficient, worldly, trendsetter with an appreciation for classic design…FIAT 500

For those who love to drive, the 2013 FIAT 500 offers a one-of-a-kind experience that will thrill your senses.  The manual transmission delivers added enjoyment and now features an EPA estimated 40 mpg on the highway (where you’ll cruise with plenty of power, precise steering and a sport-tuned suspension as you imagine winding through the Italian countryside). While the classic Italian design and heritage will attract many to get behind the wheel of the Cinquecento, you’ll notice that no detail has gone untouched. Among 35 available safety and security features are seven standard airbags that add peace of mind, and a slew of unique interior and exterior design appointments — including more than 100 accessories from Mopar — allow for nearly endless customization of this Italian icon.

For the sun-loving exhibitionist who dreams in color…FIAT 500 Cabrio

If you want all the FIAT 500 has to offer, plus the thrill of driving in open air, consider the FIAT 500c. You’ll still get to choose from 15 exterior color options and 12 interior color/textile schemes, but you’ll also get to pick the color of a three-position power top you can drop when the sun comes out to play, and quickly close if ever the clouds threaten to rain on your parade.

For the bold small-car aficionado who likes to live on the edge…FIAT 500 Turbo

Some people love the practicality of a small car but need a little more…oomph. For you, there’s the new 2013 FIAT 500 Turbo. Powered by 135 turbocharged horses, engaged through a performance manual transmission and grounded with its sport-tuned suspension, the FIAT 500 Turbo excites the very core of car enthusiasts and is available now. With its aggressive body design, blacked-out lamps and unique wheels that hint at its performance-disc brake system, the FIAT 500 Turbo adds a sinister personality to the classic Cinquecento.

For the adrenaline junkie who lives for speed and performance…FIAT 500 Abarth

Of course, you could be the type of person who can’t get enough oomph. For you, there’s the high-performance and track-proven FIAT 500 Abarth. Its legendary ways are small but so entirely wicked that we promise you’ll feel like a first-rate rebel whether you’re pushing this Scorpion to its limits at the track or just picking up the week’s groceries. And if you’re the kind who prefers to do your rebelling topless, the new 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio will be available in time for spring.

For those who want a no-compromise electric vehicle with unmistakable Italian style and fun-to-drive performance, the all-new zero-emissions . . . . . all-new FIAT 500e

By driving electric, you’re doing a good thing for Mother Earth. We didn’t think she’d want you punished with a car that sacrifices style for sustainability, and thus the FIAT 500e was born. With its European-tuned chassis wrapped by a striking design and unique color palette, the all-new 2013 FIAT 500e delivers good looks with great performance and range. The FIAT 500e arrives in the second quarter of 2013 to FIAT Studios in California.

For the urban explorers who need more room for their people and their stuff…all-new FIAT 500L

Taking the FIAT 500 and adding 26 inches more in length, plus 6 inches more in height and width, the all-new 2014 FIAT 500L delivers 42 percent more interior space, added flexibility, seating for five and turbocharged performance. And for those who want a Cinquecento that matches their active, take-on-the-world lifestyle, the all-new 2014 FIAT 500L Trekking expands the appeal and practicality of the FIAT 500L with distinct, rugged looks; an athletic two-tone interior environment; unique front and rear fascia designs, flared wheel arches and larger 17-inch wheels to support its adventurous personality. The FIAT 500L will be available this summer.

So, will 2013 be your year to buy a FIAT? Let us know which 500 model is the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle.

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Source: http://blog.fiatusa.com/vehicles/fiat-in-2013/

Confessions of a Customizer

   

Customization is more than a hobby, it’s an obsession.

What better place to indulge that obsession than at one of the world’s largest automotive specialty trade events?

Building on our debut in 2011, 2012 was also a big year for FIAT^® brand at the SEMA Show. We ramped up to the event by inviting our fans to tell us about their love for customization, and then invited one lucky fan to come to the SEMA Show. There, they got the full SEMA experience, complete with a meet and greet with some of the customizers who modified FIAT 500 vehicles for the show.

At the show, we unveiled three custom Cinquecentos: Beach Cruiser, Café Racer and a FIAT 500 Abarth by Magneti Marelli. To learn more, check out photos and videos from the SEMA Show below!

Photos

Check out behind-the-scenes photos of FIAT brand’s preparation for SEMA.

Modified vehicle is a show vehicle only, and is not street legal. All modifications to the vehicle were made by a third party with non-Engineered/Validated Chrysler Group LLC parts (which voids the warranty and may adversely impact performance and safety.)

Customizers Confess

Watch as customizers confess their obsession and talk about modifying FIAT 500 vehicles.

SEMA Livestream Videos

Check out FIAT at the SEMA Show with videos from our Livestream.

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©2013 Chrysler Group LLC. All Rights Reserved. FIAT, ABARTH and the scorpion design are registered trademarks used under license by Chrysler Group LLC.

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FIAT at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show

One of the most well-known aspects of Chicago is the prevalence of Italian heritage throughout the entire city. From Taylor Street to the 22nd Ward to the denizens of Grand Avenue, the decades-old influence of Italy can be seen in nearly every part of the city. As the 2013 Chicago Auto Show kicks off, it’s easy for visitors to see the design and influence of Italian-inspired style throughout the city. It’s this close affinity for Italian culture and heritage that makes Chicago a perfect kind of town for a cruise in a FIAT 500.

FIAT is proud to be a part of the Chicago Auto Show and to bring a fresh look at Italian auto design to its visitors. Be sure to stop by our display to learn more about the upcoming year for FIAT, and it’s a great chance to check out the FIAT 500s that will be on display firsthand. You’ll be able to see our new models, such as the 500L and 500e, as well as our special editions, the 500 Cattiva and the 500 Tenebra. Visitors can even sign up for an opportunity to take one of our Italian beauties for a spin at the co-sponsored test track area. Unfortunately, they won’t let you open up the engine down Michigan Ave. Trust us, we asked.

Will you be at the Chicago Auto Show this year? What are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below!

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Source: http://blog.fiatusa.com/events/fiat-2013-chicago-auto-show/

Beats Audio Premium Audio System

Next weekend the music industry will celebrate another year of great sounds by handing out awards to its brightest stars. But if you’ve been cruising in a 2013 FIAT 500 equipped with a Beats Audio system, then your own musical celebration likely started long ago.

Beats Audio™ was developed in 2009 by legendary hip-hop producer Dr. Dre. He sought to deliver the full spectrum of sound experienced in a real recording studio by combining science and artistry in portable audio equipment such as headphones and notebook computers.

Two years later, Dr. Dre brought Beats Audio™ to the automotive industry, working directly with engineers to design and tune an exclusive 10-speaker sound system first introduced at the New York Auto Show.

The Beats Audio™ system made its FIAT debut a year later, in the new FIAT 500.  What makes the Beats Audio™ experience unique to the FIAT 500? Well, Dr. Dre personally worked with FIAT engineers across all FIAT 500 models to create a sound experience customized to the shape and size of each individual 500 model. This guarantees our drivers a truly one-of-a-kind sound experience.

Now available in all 2013 FIAT 500 models, our segment-exclusive 368-watt Beats Audio Premium Audio System™ includes six a-pillar, door and rear-quarter-mounted speakers, along with an 8-inch Dual-Voice Coil (DVC) subwoofer operating Beats Audio’s™ exclusive Digital Sound Processing (DSP) algorithm.

Through that careful blend of hardware (the speakers) and software (the algorithm), the Beats Audio™ system provides a listening experience as close as possible to what an artist intended in the studio – an experience enhanced with USB connectivity for your MP3 player and SiriusXM Satellite radio available on all 500 models, and the hands-free audio controls that come standard across the 500 line.

You can learn more about all of the audio systems available in 2013 500 models at FIAT USA. Let us know what you love about yours and which songs of the past year had you performing a one-man/woman concert behind the wheel.

 

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Your FIAT Story – Collection 5

Italy has inspired some of the greatest stories ever told.

With your help, we’re merely adding to the collection.

We love to hear your fondest FIAT memories, and we’ve gathered a few of our favorites. Don’t forget, you can share your FIAT story with us over in the FIAT Story Booth. Who knows? Maybe your story will be featured in our next batch of favorites.

You can see some of our previous favorites here: 1, 2, 3, 4

Russ Wollman

After a mere one hundred topless yards one sunny North Carolina day in March 1973, a new 124 Sport Spider seduced me and took me home. A year later, when the X1/9 debuted, I knew I would have one. I drove the first one that came to Raleigh and was duly flabbergasted. But I had to wait until 1982 for one of my own. So for a few years, both Fiat sports cars had become my great friends, and they helped me live la dolce vita in the southern US. When I see them for sale online now, I’m still tempted. They still make me swoon. Che belle macchine! 

Ira Schwartz

Peer Pressure?

I’ve owned one FIAT before (a 124 Spider back when I was in law school- 39 years ago!), but despite having also owned an Alfa Spider (a law school graduation gift from my parents) and four Ferraris, I never considered buying another until the Abarth became available in the US.

It seems that three of my friends who also spend a lot of their time at the racetrack with their Ferraris decided, independently, to order Abarths as their new daily-drivers, so I guess I too succumbed to peer pressure. I ordered a 2013 in grigio with rosso mirrors/stripes- as you can see from the attached photo, it very nearly matches my Ferrari Challenge car.

I’ve only had the Abarth for a few days, but I think it’s going to make a fun daily car when I’m not flogging the Ferrari around the track! 

Vonnie Webb

My first new car is a 2012 FIAT 500c at age 53. I love my car!

Do you have a FIAT Story of your own? Share it with us!

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Source: http://blog.fiatusa.com/you/your-fiat-story-collection-5/

Close Up: FIAT 500 Abarth Tenebra Concept

It’s Groundhog Day, and we’ve done our bit for future early springs by making sure no creature can see its shadow in the FIAT 500 Abarth concept known as Tenebra – “darkness” in Italian.

The Tenebra debuted at Detroit’s North American International Auto Show last month. Our take on one of the hottest trends in automotive design, the Tenebra eschews the vibrant coats typically associated with the Abarth in favor of a matte Grigio (grey).

In the Tenebra’s matte finish, the Abarth’s signature lines are striking. Carefully considered details add subtle shine, including Nero (black) chrome trim and Gloss Nero exterior light bezels, Abarth body-side stripe and mirror caps.

Exterior flair rounds out with new 16” Hyper-Black wheels and a roof-size scorpion decal that must be seen to be truly appreciated.

The matte treatment continues inside, enhancing a carbon fiber instrument panel and a carbon fiber shift knob and parking brake. Grigio-trimmed Nero leather covers a flat-bottomed steering wheel and racing-inspired seats.

Of course, no Abarth’s beauty lies purely above the surface. Pop the Tenebra’s hood and you’ll find the signature turbocharged 1.4L MultiAir engine ready to drive a track-ready chassis with 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque.

Stay tuned for details on when you or your favorite woodland creature might see the Tenebra prowling a street near you.

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Source: http://blog.fiatusa.com/vehicles/tenebra-concept/

FIAT Reflects

Few industry events produce buzz like Detroit’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), making it the place for the world’s leading automakers to be both seen and heard. With the 2013 show nearly upon us, what better time to recap the excitement of the 2012 show?

For us, that excitement came in large part thanks to the North American FIAT 500 Abarth.

Introduced a few months prior in Los Angeles, the Abarth got its formal introduction at the 2012 Detroit show, in the heart of the American automotive industry.

 

These Nero (black) and Rosso (red) models rotated on a slick white platform, their modern take on legendary Scorpion style capturing admiring glances from all directions.

But Abarth’s beauty isn’t skin deep – also on display last year was its innovative 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged engine, built for North American models only an hour south of Detroit, in Dundee, Michigan. In the Abarth, the engine’s rated at 160 horsepower, achieving greater efficiency through FIAT’s unique electrohydraulic MultiAir valve-timing system.

Of course, the 2012 FIAT 500 had its own admirers. With over 500,000 combinations straight from the factory, it’s easy to customize any 500. This model had a little something extra from Mopar, as is clear from its embellished hood, side mirrors and wheels.

You don’t want to miss what we have planned for NAIAS 2013. We’ve been working in our lab, building the new personalities of the FIAT 500 that will leave your head spinning (or just show you your perfect fit). We can’t give you too many hints, but be on the lookout for three special edition FIAT 500 vehicles to bring some serious attitude and flavor to Detroit.

What are you most excited for this auto show season? Let us know what you’re looking forward to in the comments below.

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FIAT @ NAIAS 2013

At 2012’s North American International Auto Show, the FIAT 500 Abarth was on full display as it introduced itself to the North American market. That’s a lot of excitement to top, but with three fresh takes on classic Cinquecento style to share, we couldn’t be more excited to hit Detroit’s biggest stage.

FIAT 500 Gucci II Edition

The 2012 FIAT 500 By Gucci artfully combined fine Italian automotive and fashion design. In the new FIAT 500 and FIAT 500c by Gucci II models, the signature European flair inherent to both brands is even more pronounced.

Again sporting Gucci’s iconic red and green “web” accents along either Bianco (white) or Nero (black) body panels – and across a black power top on the 500c – Gucci II models also feature Gucci-trimmed black wheels and new deep-tinted headlamp lenses, which add a major touch of sophistication.

Inside, matte-black trim provides a sleek, strong compliment to black seats highlighted in red and green, topped with Gucci-logoed headrests. A new all-black Gucci-trimmed steering wheel and MTX sport shift knob complete the runway-ready look.

FIAT 500 Abarth “Tenebra” Design Concept

People expect (and receive) high style from the only Italian high-performance car in the market, but the Abarth Tenebra gives new meaning to our credo of passionate self-expression.

Outside, matte Grigio (gray) paint makes for a striking contrast with gleaming Nero (black) chrome trim, Gloss Nero headlamp, tail lamp and parking lamp bezels, and new 16” Hyper Nero aluminum wheels. A gloss body-side stripe and mirror caps add extra sizzle, as does a Gloss Grigio roof-size scorpion.

Yes, you read that correctly – a roof-size scorpion.

The gray/black contrast continues inside, where Nero leather performance seats with Grigio accents combine with a signature Abarth flat-bottom, race inspired steering wheel and instrument cluster.

Authentic matte carbon fiber runs the length of the instrument panel just above the Beats by Dr. Dre audio system, which operates six premium speakers, a trunk-mounted subwoofer and 8-channel amplifier.

FIAT 500 “Cattiva” Design Concept

We know that it was love at first sight, but get ready to fall in love all over again with an appropriately trendy take on the FIAT 500 Turbo.

Inspired by the sporty excitement of the 500 Turbo’s innovative 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged engine, the 500 Cattiva’s exterior is finished in Rame (copper) with contrasting Nero Chrome accents. Tinted headlamp, tail lamp and parking lamp bezels add to the aggressive stance suggested by the Gloss Nero roof and outsized liftgate spoiler.

Inside, Nero rules, with black leather seats, steering wheel and manual shift knob trimmed in hand-stitched Argento silver.

The 500 Cattiva features the same dynamic sound system as the Abarth Tenebra concept, as no party would be complete without the block-rocking Beats.

If you’re heading to NAIAS this year, let us know what you think of our new designs, and be sure to check out the recently announced 500 Abarth Cabrio, 500e and 500L models that will also be on display.

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Source: http://blog.fiatusa.com/vehicles/fiat-naias-2013/