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2010 Fiat 500 Abarth in Polizia livery by Bilstein
 
Not all police cars can be a Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Polizia Stradale or even a Stealth Ford Police Interceptor concept, so Bilstein has come up with a less dramatic police car and will be bringing it to the 2010 Essen Motorshow starting this weekend. Bilstein’s interpretation of a police car doesn’t necessarily have tons of horsepower under its hood, nor is it big enough to scare even the puniest of criminals. No, their choice for a police car is the cutesy Fiat 500 Abarth, proving that even the smallest cars on the market can be police cars. The Fiat 500 Abarth in Polizia livery may not scare the living daylights out of Ms. Daisy, but any tuning fan will enjoy the Bilstein B14 threaded kit added to the hatchback. This kit comes with variable height-adjustment and adds a cool look to the otherwise mundane vehicle. We are going to venture a guess that this will not be the most exciting model to appear on the Essen Motorshow’s floor. Actually, we are desperately hoping this is not one of the highlights, but the Porsche Panamera Racing Car by H&R and the Porsche 911 BT1000 by 9ff will be there, so we can rest easy. Stay with us from Sunday November 27th to Saturday December 5th to see what other cool tuned cars will see in Essen. 2010 Fiat 500 by Hamann & H&R
The Fiat 500 is adored because of its cute and retro styling, and now German tuners, Hamann, and suspension specialists, H&R, have given us even more reason to like the little runabout. This tuned version is due to debut at the Essen Motorshow in Germany going on from November 27th through December 5th. To add a little funk to the hatchback, Hamann upped the power from 135HP to a GTi-worrying 275HP thanks to some clever ECU tuning and a new exhaust. They also kitted the 500 out with new bumpers, sideskirts, and two-tone Hamann wheels that reveal the beefed up braking system. We’re not sure on the body vinyl yet, but do love the performance potential from the sorted 1.4 liter turbo mill under the bonnet. Power without control means nothing – especially in a small FWD car. So, to help make full use of the new-found ponies, H&R have developed a lowering kit for the Hamann 500 that gets it lower to the ground, promoting nippy handling and good driver feedback. They also fitted a set of their billet wheel spacers to beef up the appearance of the cute car that will surely get it noticed more often while helping out the dynamics as well. 2012 Fiat 500
Fiat is making a come-back to the US market with the smallest model in their line-up: the 500. Making its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the 500 has been heavily adapted for the U.S. customer. It will be offered in three versions: Pop, Sport, and Lounge and prices start from $15,500, but a Fiat 500 with a few options added and a 6-speed automatic transmission will easily take you to $20K. Compared to the European model, the 500 US version receives a redesigned body structure for increased strength, exclusively tailored suspension, new four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system (ABS) with redesigned front calipers for optimum brake performance, larger fuel tank, redesigned driver and front-passenger seats, new steering wheel controls and revised steering effort calibration and a new BOSE® Energy Efficient Series premium audio system. It also gets an all-new air bag system created to meet all U.S. regulatory requirements. Under the hood there is an all-new 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir technology that delivers 101 HP at 6,500 rpm and 98 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Also, exclusive for the US market there is an all-new six-speed automatic transmission. Updated 08/03/2010: Fiat USA has launched a new ad campaign in the United States to promote the tiny 500. There are two commercials promoting the model: "Simply More" and "Drive In." Enjoy! Press release after the jump. Full story 2010 Fiat 500 by Mopar Underground
Speed and power was never the calling card of this cute, little Italian import we’ve come to love as the Fiat 500. Despite not having the trademark Italian machismo than it’s more powerful compatriot – hello, Ferrari – is known for, the Fiat 500 is special for a very different reason. It’s cute, it’s affordable, and it’s a lot of fun to drive. Safe to say, it’s three of the most important things that people look for in a car. And if you’ve ever wondered how popular the little hatch is, look no further than the 60 plus awards it has bagged, including the 2008 European Car of the Year and the 2009 World Car Design of the Year. And now that Fiat has a stake in Chrysler, it would have been a crime if SEMA came along and the Fiat 500 wasn’t there to introduce itself to the land of Ford and the home of Chevrolet. Fortunately, the neckties over at Chrysler thought of the same idea and, together with Mopar Underground, have decided to give the 500 a nice dress up for its introduction to the American market. Continued after the jump. Full story First Fiat 500 in Canada sells for $85,000 at auction
A Fiat 500 “Numero Uno” was auctioned off for a stout $85,000 at the 17th annual Venetian ball in Toronto, Canada, making it the first 500 to be sold in the Great White North. Fiat’s highly anticipated return to Canada wasn’t anymore evident than the overwhelming buzz the 500 hatchback generated during the event. Bidders quickly jumped at the opportunity to own the first 500 hatch in Canada enthusiastically making bids in an attempt to go home with the car. While the identity of the winning bidder wasn’t made known, the mere fact that the winning bid reached $85,000 – proceeds from the sale will go to Villa Charities, an organization that provides "culturally sensitive care" for the elderly Italian-Canadian population - is a testament that the Fiat 500 is going to go really well in Canada. Ed Broadbear, Chrysler Canada’s vice president of marketing was impressed with how the 500 was received by his fellow Canadians. "The enthusiastic bidding for this iconic vehicle, and the fact that it sold for $85,000, underscore the excitement and interest the Fiat 500 has generated since Fiat’s return to Canada was first announced," he said.
2010 Fiat 500 La Dolce Vita by Fenice Milano
Italian tuning house, Fenice Milano, made quite a stir recently with their rather flamboyant rendition of the Rolls Royce Ghost. Calling it ‘the Diva’, the tuned-up Ghost was anything but tame. Turns out, that wasn’t the only car the tuning firm recently played around with. From the minds that brought us the Rolls Royce Diva is another aptly named creation, the Fiat 500 La Dolce Vita. In fairness to the people over at Fenice Milano, these guys certainly didn’t waste any time and effort blinging up the Fiat 500. It’s got 24k gold inserts all over the car, including the side mirrors, the headlights, and the side pillars. Oh, and that doesn’t even count the gold exhaust pipe and those 17” wheels. On top of all of that, Felice Milano also gave the 500 a hand-made teak detailing, giving it a rather lavish, if not eye-catching, finish. Whether this special edition Fiat 500 is a home run or a big strike out is in the eye of the beholder. But whatever you may think of it, Fenice Milano really went for a car that completely grabs your attention. And if you’re interested in one, there are limited pieces available on Jameslist, where it comes in two colors: the Deep Red Sportiva and the Golden Pearl White Classica. Fiat 500 Prima Edizione sold out in the US
Fiat had high hopes for the 500 city car in the US, and their faith was rewarded tenfold after the first batch of their little compact hatchback was scooped up faster than even they anticipated. Chrysler has announced that the limited edition “500 Prima Edizione” – yep, all 500 of them – have been sold. That means that if you were thinking of getting any one of the three colors offered – Blanco White, Grigio Gray, or Rosso Red - well, tough luck. On the other hand, hope is not lost, as Fiat - via Chrysler - will begin accepting orders for the standard 500 beginning in the early part of next year. Interested buyers will also get the chance to pick whatever trim of the 500 they like the most, including the Sport, Pop, or Lounge trims with the 500C scheduled to be released in 2011. Laura Stove, Head of Fiat brand North America, was excited about the reception the 500 has received in the US. “It’s important that the Fiat enthusiasts and fans are among the first to receive their very own Fiat 500 Prima Edizione special edition vehicles, as they share the same excitement about the brand’s presence in North America," she said. "As we begin to introduce Fiat to North America, our goal is to develop a solid relationship with our customers so they are made to feel as part of the brand.” Clearly, the strong reception received by the 500 in the US is a pretty good start for Fiat and the Italian brand is hoping that it’s a sign for more good things to come . 2011 Fiat 500 Sport
Chrysler is ready to attack the Mini Cooper with its U.S. version of the Fiat 500 Sport, and they are not holding back. The Fiat 500 will be offered in Sport, Pop, and Lounge models, all available for order later this year. Wait until our beautiful spring in 2011 and Chrysler will also throw in a Cabrio version. The only model Chrysler gave specific details on was the Fiat 500 Sport and with that information we now know that the Sport will come with new front and rear fascias, a larger grille, and a flared aerodynamic treatment. The exterior is showcased with 16-inch aluminum wheels with Mineral Gray painted pockets, performance red painted brake calipers, a chromed exhaust tip, and gloss black shadow-line window trim. Customers may not see a Cabrio until 2011, but with the Sport, customers will be able to gaze out of their SkyDome power sun roof. Under the hood there will be a new 1.4-liter engine with Fiat’s state-of-the-art MultiAir technology giving it an improved fuel economy. As for the last two models, Fiat has only mentioned that they will come with "unique exterior cues and different equipment options." Press release after the jump. Full story 2011 Abarth 500C Esseesse
In 2008, Abarth released their Abarth 500 package, and a few months later, they followed it with the Esseesse package at the Paris Auto Show. It seems the blueprints were laid out at that point because Abarth just unveiled their 500C, which is the company’s first convertible, and are planning to unveil the Esseesse package for the convertible at the same auto show at the end of this month. The package includes perforated, ventilated front disc brakes (diameter 284 mm x 22 mm), perforated rear disc brakes (diameter 240 mm x 11 mm), high performance front brake pads, front and rear Koni shock absorbers with FSD valve, specific red springs set lower than those on the original car, and Abarth esseesse 7” x 17” ET35 alloy wheels painted white or titanium, combined with 205/40 ZR17 tires. Under the hood there is a 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet engine that delivers a maximum of 160 HP and 230 NM of torque. Of course, due to the added weight of the convertible, the 500C completes the 0-60 mph sprint in 7.6 seconds which is 0.2 seconds slower than the 500. Top speed also takes a small hit at 130mph compared to the 131mph top speed of the 500. It’s a small price to pay for a convertible though, and one that was to be expected. The package is finished by four sensors to record correct tire pressure, a special “powered by BMC” air filter and Esseesse badges for the engine cover and tailgate. Press release after the jump. Full story Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa receive Fiat Abarth 695 Ferrari Tributo
Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa have one of the coolest jobs in the world. Not only to they race Formula One cars for a living – at Ferrari, no less – but the two also get paid millions by the bucket to do it. But if there’s one perk that really emphasizes just how good these two racers have it, it’s that they receive cars as gifts as if they were free pens and cup holders. So it doesn’t really surprise us to find out that both Alonso and Massa were each given their own Ferrari Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari. Just like that, they get their hands on a limited edition Abarth because they’re high-profile employees of the Fiat-owned Ferrari brand. Like we said, we’re not shocked by of this. Jealous? You have no idea. But shocked? Not really. While the special edition Abarth is nowhere in the price range of a Prancing Horse-badged Ferrari, it’s still cool enough to drive around town, especially since it comes with a boatload of unique features, including enough carbon fiber on the bodywork, 17-inch Corsa Grey alloy wheels, and Sabelt bucket seats. And that’s on top of the 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces somewhere around 180 horsepower. Most of us would have to pay around $50,000 for this car. Alonso and Massa get it for free. Then again, those two aren’t exactly what you’d call ‘most people’. | featured reviews:Fiat 500 latest reviews:
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