Fiat's 500 gets a few but All-Important Tweaks for the American market - Including... Mega Size Cupholders

Auto fans in America have been watching the arrival of the Fiat 500 with a wary eye, unsure of whether or not the adorable city car will be the vehicle to return affordable Italian automobiles to the American market. Finally, the changes deemed necessary for American consumer appeal have been made, and the list isn't exactly surprising.

In order to meet Mini-esque cute-luxury requirements, the car will get a slightly softer ride, stronger engine, and a revised center console to fit 'Murrican cup-holders for those 64-oz. jugs o'cola from KFC. A new set of bumpers and body cladding is also on the menu.

The engine is essentially the same 1.4-liter 4-cylinder found in Europe, equipped with Fiat's MultiAir tech to make it meaner and cleaner. It will be matched to either a new six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The car will be built at Fiat's plant in Toluca, Mexico, so I wouldn't advise heading down to the factory to pick it up without a Kevlar vest and armed security detail. Expect to see the US-spec Fiat 500 (doesn't that sound weird?) on dealer lots in December, with official numbers showing up later this week from Los Angeles.

By Phil Alex

Via: Autonews

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Fiat Primo Roadster Study Rendered to Battle a future MX-5

Independent designer David Cardoso recently sent in his take on a possible MX-5 competitor from Fiat. The Primo is meant to be a roadster/coupe with a face similar to the Fiat family's baby 500 and a rear treatment reminiscent of the marque's older 128.

If a cute little roadster/coupe like the Primo ever made it through Fiat's gates, there's no reason it couldn't be placed right on the 500's platform as a range expander. That would also allow for the Abarth boys to put an entry-level coupe in their stable of hi-po compacts.

Everyone knows Fiat currently has its hands full trying to reinvent Chrysler, integrate its 500 into the US market, and make Alfa Romeo profitable, but a 500 Coupe sure would make an interesting addition to Fiat's lineup somewhere down the line. More pictures after the jump.

By Phil Alex

Design: David Cardoso

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

VIDEO: Fiat 500 Races Koenigsegg CCX in Swedish Webhost Ad

Here's a car race with a difference: an automotive remake of the classic Tortoise and the Hare story, starring a Fiat 500 as the tortoise and a Koenigsegg CCX as the hare. Well, not a real 500 and CCX; these are 1:24 scale models, and the whole thing is filmed in stop motion. It was made by Swedish filmmaker and photographer Robin Danehav as an advertisement for Binero, a Swedish webhosting service.

That's why this video is called 'Binero vs. Loopia', with Loopia being Binero's major competitor in what is no doubt a hotly contested segment of the market (well, I guess there are over 9 million potential customers in Sweden).

I think the moral here is...if you want fast webhosting, go for Loopia, but if you want webhosting that really cares and likes Apple products...try Binero? Eh, there must be something lost in translation, I think. Anyways, it's a cute video all the same and very well made.

Check it out and let us know what you think.

By Tristan Hankins

_______________________________VIDEO_______________________________

U.S.-spec FIAT 500 Prima Edizione Shows its Colors

Back in June, Fiat announced that the first batch of its 500 mini to be sold in the States will be the Prima Edizione limited edition models. Sporting the 1.4-liter MultiAir gasoline engine, the special 500s were available in three exterior colors – white, red and grey – and sold out pretty quickly.

Now, Fiat USA has posted three images on its Facebook page, revealing how those colors actually look on the car. Check out the gallery after the break to see for yourself.

Those who didn't get the chance to buy the Prima Edizione need not worry, as the regular versions are on their way. When it goes on sale, the 500 will be available in three trim levels: Sport, Pop and Lounge. From these, the Sport model clearly stands out with its unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts and roof spoiler. The suspension will be made sportier too, while 16-inch alloys complete the upgrades over the standard versions.

An even funkier version will follow in spring of 2011, the canvas-top convertible 500C.

The U.S.-spec Fiat 500 will make its debut at next week's Los Angeles Auto Show. We'll keep an eye open for further details on specs and pricing.

By Csaba Daradics

Link: Fiat 500 Facebook , Via: Autoblog.com

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Marchionne Says Jeep Grand Cherokee Platform Could be Used on New Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Maserati SUVs

Launched in June, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee has enjoyed a massive success, as sales last month were up 291% compared to October 2009. So it comes to no surprise that Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chrysler, is considering the use of the Grand Cherokee's architecture on a variety of new models including Fiat, Maserati and Alfa Romeo SUVs, and possibly for a future Chrysler variant.

"The [Grand Cherokee] architecture has legs. It's important for us to tap all of the hard work that has gone on inside Chrysler on the new Grand Cherokee," said Marchionne during a conference call on the Chrysler Group's Q3 financial results. "It has a level of solidity and resilience that we have underestimated."

Marchionne added that the Grand Cherokee's platform, which was developed with Chrysler's former partner Mercedes-Benz, is capable of handling more powerful engines.

If a decision were to be made, all versions of these SUVs could enter the market as early as 2012 with production to most likely take place at the Jefferson North plant, which already runs two shifts, but can easily accommodate a third should the need arise.

The Detroit plant is an obvious choice as it has shown critical progress in the quality of assembly. "I'm delighted with the performance of the Jefferson plant here in Michigan" Mr. Marchionne added.

The same plant is also used for the trial production of the 2011 Dodge Durango, which is also based on the new Grand Cherokee and is scheduled to go on sale next month.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Detroit News & Automonews

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________