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Fiat 500 Arancia Special Edition
 
We’ve lost count on how many special edition models Fiat has of the 500 mini hatchback, although it’s not really a question of having one too many. Besides, it’s their car, and if they think that it’s a good idea to churn out limited edition upon limited edition of the same model, then more power to them. The latest one that’s going to be released is being called the 500 Arancia and, similar to other special edition 500 models in the past, it’s going to be limited to just 300 units. And as for the Arancia, the car will have an exclusive home in the land of Toyota and Honda, Japan. It’s fitting too because the model takes its name from the Japanese translation of ‘orange’, which, in case you haven’t noticed, is the color of the car. As far as what you can expect from the 500 Arancia, well, it comes with a chrome package and 15-inch allow wheels on top of the orange paint finish and the customized orange and white interior. Apart from that, the only thing that makes this car ‘limited’ in the sense of the word is that it’s only going to Japan and only 300 buyers will have a chance to own one. Fiat 500 finally headed to America
After a long and lengthy absence, Fiat is finally returning to the US, and they’re bringing with them the 500 hatchback. The US-spec version of the minicar, which will be sold in the US through Chrysler, is set to make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, giving us a first-hand look at Fiat’s first offering to the US market after an extended absence in the country. Earlier this week, the Italian auto conglomerate hosted a meeting with 400 of its car dealers to gauge the amount of interest for the 500 in America. Apart from these dealerships, Chrysler is also looking at opening about 165 Fiat dealerships across the country, more specifically in areas where there is a healthy market for small hatchbacks that the 1.4-liter 500 hatchback can take full advantage of. According to Laura Soave, Head of Fiat Brand North America, “Our dealers will be able to interact with a group of individuals that are not part of their current customer base.” “These are individuals interested in Italian automotive design coupled with fuel efficient technology," she adds. As part of Fiat’s return to the US, the company is set to begin their retail network later this year with plans of bringing in the American version of the 500 and following that up with the release of the 500 Cabrio edition sometime in 2011. An Abarth 695 for $60,000! In what world?
When Abarth unveiled the 695 Tributo Ferrari Edition earlier this month, it came with a price tag of 35,500 euro (that’s around $45,000 at the current rates). We thought that was a crazy price for an Abarth model, but, apparently, that’s nothing compared to what the Spaniards have to pay. Spain’s prices for the little hatchback were announced at a costly sum of €46,339, or about US$58,900 at the current exchange rates. Come on, really now! With that money, in Spain, you can choose between a Nissan 370Z 331HP V6, a VW Scirocco R 265HP, an Alfa Romeo Brera 260HP 3.2 JTS V6, a BMW 135i Coupe 306HP, or a Subaru Impreza WRX STI 300HP! Looking at the choices in this price range, why would anyone go for the Abarth? As a reminder, the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is powered by a 1.4L turbocharged engine mated to a 5-speed C510 gearbox. This combination leaves the Abarth with 180hp and a top speed of 140mph. The 0-62mph sprint gets accomplished in under seven seconds. A sport button is placed in the dashboard to give the gearbox, engine control unit, and steering a racier feeling complete with more response from the car. of course, these numbers and features still don’t add up to the competition with a price tag like the one it is exhibiting. 2010 Abarth 500 RS-S by G-Tech
How often do you have the chance to see a tuning kit for an already tuned car? Not that often right? Well, we guess it was about that time because G-Tech has unveiled a performance package for the Abarth 500. While in its standard version, the Abarth 500 gets a 1.4 16v Turbo petrol engine that delivers a maximum of 135 HP at 5,000 rpm and a peak torque of 206 Nm at 3.000 rpm. G-Tech has increased the engine’s power to an impressive 207 HP and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque by adding Garrett loaders, larger injectors, new spark plugs, and a cat back exhaust system. The result is a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 second and a top speed limited to 140 mph. Next to the engine upgrade the tuner is also offering a coilover suspension, green body accents, and 17-inch alloy wheels. What do you guys think of this? Is it an attempt to make "one better" than the previous tuner or just an innocent modification to a vehicle that had just happened to be worked on before? You decide and hit us up with some comments. Video after the jump. Full story Abarth prepares Fiat 500 Speedster
After unveiling their customized versions for the 500 and 500C, Abarth have announced plans to build their own coupe version of the Fiat 500. Their model will pay tribute to the 1959 Zagato Abarth 750 T and will be offered in both open and closed versions. The car will feature a new enlarged tail spoiler, big wheels, and multiple detail changes compared to the 750 T. It will be the first modern Abarth with body styles exclusive to the marque. On the interior the rear seats will be removed, in the style of the Italian coupes of the 1950s and 1960s. The next Abarth coupe will be powered by a 1.4 liter T-Jet engine that develops a total of 178 HP (same from the limited-edition Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari). The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be made in 7.4 seconds and top speed will be higher than in any other Abarth model. 2010 Fiat 500C Sardinia by Romeo Ferrari
You might remember Romeo Ferrari for their tuning package for the Alfa Romeo MiTo. However, today the tuner has focused their attention to another Italian car: the new Fiat 500C. The new package is called the "Sardinia" and is dedicated to the island with the same name. Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is well known as an exclusive holiday spot for the jet setting crowd. This special edition will be limited to only 50 units and will be painted in an exclusive twin tone emerald green-beige finish. The exterior package includes 16" wheels in a multispoke design, a polished finish, and a dual exhaust at the rear. The interior of the 500C has quite an interesting feature as the beige theme from the exterior gets thrown in with a special cork from the oak trees found in Sardinia. The cork is used on the gear lever and center console trimming. The emerald green found on the outside of the car also makes its way into the vehicle by use of the green floor mats. The leather seats include a beige-sand color contrast. 2011 Fiat 500 Blackjack
Fiat has unveiled a new special edition 500 for the European market. It’s called the Blackjack and its name clearly stems from the unique body color with black opaque treatment. The new 500 Blackjack will go on sale in September and will be priced at €13,850 (in Italy). The unique matte black paint is enhanced by polished elements (whiskers, handles, mirror housings and door-plate) and the 16" alloy wheels are painted in black with a red frame in the center. The same black color found on the exterior of the car also finds its way into the interior as it is completely blacked out. The only highlights can be found in the burnished silver seams that glisten off of the steering wheel and gear. The black extends into the combination leather and fabric seats unless you want to throw in some color with the option of red seats. The new Fiat 500 Blackjack is available with all of the engines found in the 500 range combined with a five- or six-speed gearbox. Fiat is also offering the new TwinAir 85HP 0.9-liter two-cylinder turbo petrol. 2010 Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione
This past weekend Fiat North America unveiled the special edition Cinquecento Prima Edizione that will go on sale at the end of 2010. It will be limited to only 500 units and will be available in just three colors: Bianco (White), Rosso (Red), and Grigio (Gray). The new Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione will be powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine mated to a manual transmission. It will be distinguished by an exclusive Prima Edizione badge, individualization options, quality and advanced technology, all wrapped in iconic Italian style. "The Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione was developed especially with the Fiat fans in mind," said Laura Soave, Head of Fiat North America, who personally presented the opportunity to the Fiat aficionados. "For over a quarter of a century, the members of this Club have kept the spirit of the Fiat and Lancia brands alive in North America through their unique and passionate support for true Italian design. We really value their loyalty, and the Prima Edizione is our gift of appreciation to these fans on behalf of Fiat North America." The first to be able to sign up for the Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione (or Fiat 500 First Edition) were the club members at the Fiat-Lancia club event in Asheville, NC. There, the head of Fiat North America, Laura Soave, passed out a sheet to give the members the opportunity to be the first to put their names down for the special edition. Don’t worry, Fiat lovers, you’ll get a chance to place your order soon as well courtesy of www.ciaofiat.com. Press release after the jump. Full story2010 Fiat 500 and 500C Twin-Air
In July 2007 Fiat unveiled the 500 city car. Three years later we find ourselves in the present and the Italian company added an innovative 900 cc TwinAir two-cylinder 85 HP engine to both the 500 and the 500C models. The new engine will be available starting September. The new Twin-Air engine was developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and implements the revolutionary MultiAir system combined with specific fluid dynamics optimized for maximum fuel efficiency. It also delivers 43% less CO2 than an engine of equal performance. Next to the new engine, the two models will be offered with Blue&Me – TomTom, the latest evolution of the Blue&Me system. This system displays navigation and driving information functions on a beautiful color touch screen. The Blue&Me also allows you to manage your telephone. In addition to these features, the Fiat 500 will also arrive in dealerships with a new media player to further display the added significance of the Blue&Me - TomTom. Press release after the jump. Full story 2010 Fiat 500 with 268 HP by Pogea Racing
Pogea Racing has unveiled an exclusive tuning package for the Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition. In its standard version, the car’s engine delivers a total of 165 HP and 230 NM of torque. However, Pogea has managed to obtain a total of 268 HP and 330 NM of torque. For that the tuner changed the exhaust system and replaced it with a larger stainless steel exhaust system, modified downpipe, and a new catalytic converter. There is also a new brake system with identical weight to the OEM brake system, but with about 1.8m reduced braking distance when compared to the OEM brakes. The car also gets a modified intake cooling system, a center-mount, a larger, more efficient intercooler, and carbon fiber parts of the Assetto Corse. Fuel injection is optimized by changing fuel pressure valves and using upgraded Bosch fuel injectors. The package is finished by leather work, individual suspension systems, and carbon fiber parts. Press release after the jump. Full story | featured reviews: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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