Key Elements of the 2012 Fiat 500

There is simply no other car in its segment that offers as much in terms of features, engineering and design as the Fiat 500. With details and character worthy of a car costing 2 or 3 times that of the 500, this is not the typical econobox American have traditionally been offered.

The list below provides a quick reference guide to all the key features of the Fiat 500:


Segment Exclusives/Recognition

*Fiat 500 MultiAir technology was recognized as the �single most innovative engine technology� of the year by the International Engine of the Year Awards panel
*2009 World Car Design of the Year
*European Car of the Year 2008
*One of the most awarded cars � with 60 major awards
*The 500,000th Fiat 500 was produced in March 2010


SAFETY/SECURITY



Seven standard air bags
�including knee bag)
�driver/front passenger
�knee air bag
�side curtain
�seat mounted
Standard four-wheel disc ABS
Standard Electronic Stability Control
Standard All-Speed Traction Control
Standard Active Head Restraints
Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (warning lamp)
Standard Fix & Go quick tire repair kit Standard Electronic Brake Assist (Hydraulic Brake Assistance)
�equalizes brake pressure so optimum force over optimum time is applied
Standard Hill Start Assist
Standard Remote Keyless Entry
Standard Sentry Key
Available alarm system (Standard on Lounge)
Standard heated exterior mirrors
Standard "Follow Me Home" function (headlamp off delay)
Headlamp leveling controls
Available fog lights
Standard variable speed-sensitive wipers
Available ParkSense� Rear Park Assist
Daytime running lamps


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INTERIOR



Ergonomically designed
Standard digital IP display with integrated EVIC
Available electrochromic rearview mirror
Available leather-wrapped steering wheel w/controls incl. w/Convenience Pkg., (Standard on Lounge and Sport)
Standard cruise/speed control
Standard tilt steering column
Available heated front seats (cloth or leather trimmed) (Sport, Lounge) (Must have 6-speed automatic) (Also included in Luxury Package)
Seats designed for comfort
Standard manual height adjuster for driver seat
Standard 50/50 split fold-down rear seatbacks with adjustable headrests
Standard driver seat easy-entry (for rear seat) with memory (mechanical)
Available automatic temperature control monitors that display inside and outside temperature
as well as surface temperature
Available auto dimming rearview mirror
Standard air conditioning
Standard 12v power outlet in center console
Standard storage
�Center console with cargo nets
�Glove box with cargo net
�Passenger under-seat storage
�Five cupholders (3 front/2 rear)
�Front door pockets
�Front seatback pockets
Cargo Area
�9.5 cu ft with rear seat up
�17.5 cu ft with rear seats folded
Option Group
�Luxury Package � Leather seats, electrochromic rear view mirror, heated front seats (Lounge)


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VALUE



Connectivity and Infotainment Options and Equipment
�AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
�Auxiliary audio input jack
�Sound Systems
Standard sound system
�6 speakers
Bose Premium Audio Package
�7 speakers
�Digital amplifier
�7-channel equalizer
�Available Sirius� Satellite Radio
�Blue & Me Systems
�Blue & Me Handsfree Connect
�Bluetooth� phone connectivity
�USB port for memory stick music, iPod� connectivity; voice command for "next," "previous" and "play"
�Control with radio, steering wheel controls, or voice
�Contacts are viewable in a display on the IP
�Voice activated calling
�Tom Tom� Navigation with Blue & Me Handsfree Connect
�Includes all Blue & Me Handsfree Connect features
Available steering wheel controls for
�Sound system
�Phone
�Navigation System
Option Group
�Convenience Package � Includes Blue & Me Handsfree Connect package plus Leather Steering Wheel with Controls (must have cruise control)
Standard Warranties*
�4-year/50,000 miles Bumper to Bumper
�4-year/50,000 miles Powertrain
�4-year/36,000 miles Maintenance
�4-year/unlimited miles Roadside Assitance

* revised 1/20/11

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PERFORMANCE




1.4L MultiAir Engine
�Variable Valve Timing
�101 hp, 28 city/37 highway mpg Preliminary estimate- Actual TBA ;)
Transmissions
�5-speed manual
�Aisin 6-speed with AutoStick
6-speed automatic
Eco:Drive Fuel Economy Management
�Downloadable computer application designed to help you improve how efficiently you drive
�Analyzes driving style and provides tips on using less fuel, saving money, and reducing CO2 emissions
�Plug in a USB device to record driving style. Can listen to music, make a call, etc., from same usb drive
Push button Eco � Sport Mode
�Throttle, shift points and steering adjustments are more responsive
Suspension
�Normal duty
�Sport-tuned (Sport)
10.5-gallon fuel tank


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Features



Exterior
�Fixed Glass Roof (Lounge)
�"Sky Dome" Power Sunroof (option)
�Body-color front and rear fascias (Pop, Sport)
�Body-color w/chrome front and rear fascias (Lounge)
�Body-color body-side molding w/integrated 500 badge (Lounge)
�Chrome belt molding (Lounge)
�Black belt molding (Pop, Sport)
�Standard chrome door handles
�Body Kit (Sport)
�Body-color rear spoiler (Sport)
�Bright stainless exhaust tip (Sport, Lounge)
�FIAT badging, front fascia and liftgate
�15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers (Pop)
�15-inch aluminum wheels (2 styles) (one Pop, one Lounge)
�15-inch aluminum wheels, polished with black pockets (Sport)
�15-inch aluminum wheels with premium finish (Lounge)
�16-inch aluminum wheels (Sport)
�500,000 customization combinations



Interior
�Two-tone design (option)
�Leather


Sources: List taken from Chrysler LLC, Chrysler Media

The 2012 Fiat 500: Improved and Refined (part 2)

This article is part two of an earlier post where we began examining the differences and improvements of the 2012 North American Fiat 500 over the European version (read part one here).

We'll continue the story of the new Fiat 500 with a look at the interior and other key features.

Interior

The US Fiat 500 Sport seats...note the armrest.

To adapt the Fiat 500 to American driving requirements Fiat looked at how we drive.

Americans typically spend more time commuting in their cars, with commutes of an hour or more being typical. To accommodate these requirements, Fiat redesigned and improved the driver and passenger seat comfort, specifically in the seat cushion area.

An armrest was also added to enhance comfort and entry to the rear seat has been improved over the European car with an easy access system.

Another shot of the Fiat 500 Sport seats. Compare them to...

... the European Fiat 500 Sport seats. The US car has a more cushioned seat, more suitable for long distance driving. The differences between the two cars are very hard to detect in this picture.

The US Fiat 500 has round power window switches outlined in chrome trim and no parting seam (see below).

The European Fiat 500 console has squared off power window switches with a construction seam running just below them.

The US Fiat 500 has optional heated seats. You can see the controls just to the left and right of the shifter. In Europe, heated seats appear to be a dealer installed option with switches installed between seats near the handbrake.

New heated-seat controls have been relocated to the lower instrument panel for added convenience, while larger heated-seat elements provide front-passenger comfort in colder weather.

The US Fiat 500 has cruise control with the control buttons having been added to the right side of the steering wheel. These replace the radio controls of the European car, which are now combined with the left side steering wheel controls.

The European Fiat 500 has radio controls on both sides of the steering wheel.

One area often mentioned in road tests on the European 500 was its road noise level. This has been thoroughly examined and addressed with newly designed floor, tunnel, trunk and instrument panel sound-deadening material. Additionally, new body and door seals, along with foam-in-place carpeting, help make the US Fiat 500 the quietest version yet.

The heating and ventilation system has also been upgraded for the North American climate. Be it the frigid weather in northern Canada or the torturous heat of Death Valley, the Fiat 500 has been adapted to handle these extremes in stride.

Here is another shot of the console in the US Fiat 500. It has a cleaner look without the seem running through the middle of it. Also note the glove box lid and the storage netting on the side of the console. Just visible are the enlarged cup holders.

The console on the European Fiat 500 has a large assembly seam that breaks up the the smooth look. The European car also has an opening compartment on the side of the console but no glove box lid. Just visible are the smaller European cup holders (yes, the Euro car has cup holders!)

The European Fiat 500 has a package shelf under the dash with a small drop down compartment for the owners manual.

The European Fiat 500 Sport interior. Compare the seats, headrest and head liner...

... to the US Fiat 500 Sport. They look very similar but there are some differences, the seats appear to be taller and slightly larger. The front seat headrests are of the active type (they move to protect the neck in an accident) and the head liner is in black. The Pop and Lounge versions have a light color headliner like the European car.

The European Fiat 500 dashboard

The US Fiat 500 dashboard...nearly identical

In Europe, Fiat offers a premium stereo upgrade for the 500 called the "Interscope" sound system, and comprises of six speakers (two tweeters, two woofers and two full-range, all 40 W), one 100 W sub-woofer and a 30 W amplifier.

In the US, a new BOSE� Energy Efficient Series (EES) premium audio system is available. The Bose system is engineered for a vehicle's unique acoustic signature and in the Fiat 500, features six premium speakers and a subwoofer.

This component of the Bose sound system appears to be the amplifier.

Some Details

The European Fiat 500 projector beam headlight

The US Fiat 500 projector beam headlight...note the 500 logo

The US Fiat 500 Pop has a plain tailpipe

The US Fiat 500 Lounge and 500 Sport have a polished tip

The US Fiat 500 stows the optional space-saver spare tire under the car. The European car keeps its spare inside the trunk. Speculation suggests this was moved to increase luggage capacity and/or to accommodate the strengthening of the rear chassis for higher speed US rear crash standards. We'll try to confirm this.

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You might think this is the end of the story, but, as they say, this is just the beginning. There is still plenty to explore on the new Fiat 500, so watch this space....


With thanks to Chrysler Media
Photo Credits: Matt from Midwest Bayless, an Anonymous Fan, Patrick and Chrissy,
Fiat Group Press and Chrysler Media

Read Part One Here.

Criswell Fiat to receive new Fiat 500 within week

Criswell Fiat of Gaithersburg, Maryland will receive one of the first Fiat 500 demo cars in the country. Fiat sales manager, Giles Bibic says the car should arrive very shortly, within a weeks time.

Criswell Fiat will be one of the very first Fiat dealers up and running in the US and will receive their demo car ahead of others who are not as far along in their facility requirements.

Check them out here: Criswell Fiat and call 1-888-418-2268!

It is reported the bulk of Fiat dealers are scheduled to receive a demo car by mid January with the Prima Edizione to follow shortly after. The grape vine says for folks who purchased a Prima Edizione, the cars will go to the dealer nearest you that is up and running. Stay tuned...

So Great News!!

New Fiat 500 Launch Video

A great new launch video was posted on Fiat USA's Youtube channel. Lots of details and the lovely Laura Soave giving an overview of the new Fiat 500...




Check out Fiat USA's Youtube Channel

The Fiat 500 test driven for more than 4 million miles

By the time the Fiat 500 gets to the showrooms it will be among the most throughly tested cars in the world. Fiat and Chrysler have partnered on making the 2012 Fiat 500 the best version yet.

Read below how they tested the 500:

Putting the Fiat 500 to the test...

Fiat 500 engineers tested the new 2012 model for more than 4 million miles during its reliability and durability evaluations at the Chrysler Group�s scientific labs, proving grounds and on public roads in various climates.


This video shows how some of the testing is being conducted and how they rack up all those miles.

Public-road reliability testing, initially done by Fiat prior to the 500�s European launch, is being conducted again in North America to validate the recent engineering changes as well as to collect feedback from American drivers.





The fleet of early-production Fiat 500 vehicles is being tested day and night on various road surfaces in different North American climates to identify any potential reliability issues. The drivers also scrutinize functional aspects of each vehicle, such as heating and ventilation systems, storage compartments and window operation.



While this testing is overseen by the Engineering team, the test drivers are not part of the Fiat 500 development team and most do not have engineering experience. The test drivers were intentionally selected to reflect the diversity of American customers of different ages, sizes and ethnicities. The development team reviews the test results each day and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure the quality of customer vehicles.



�The Fiat 500 is an icon of efficient personal transportation, and for its U.S. premiere, we adapted the entire vehicle while retaining its Italian essence,� said Doug Betts, Senior Vice President � Quality, Chrysler Group LLC. �The Fiat 500 is an excellent package to start with. As we enhanced it to match North American driving conditions and consumer expectations, we also made sure to preserve the world-class fit-and-finish standards achieved by Fiat�s development team.�

�The new 2012 Fiat 500 has been intelligently adapted for the North American market,� Betts added. �Our customers may not know the research and validation we�ve done, but they will love the one-of-a-kind driving and ownership experience � and that�s our real goal.�


Press release courtesy of Chrysler Media

The 2012 Fiat 500: Improved and Refined (part 1)

The 2012 Fiat 500 is an evolution of the award winning European car that was introduced in 2007. Every aspect of the new Fiat 500 has been examined by Fiat, improved and refined to keep 500 at the forefront of design and to adapt the car to the North American market.

In this post, a first of two parts, we'll take a look at what was changed.


Improved Chassis



The chassis of the current European Fiat 500 was derived from the Fiat Panda (which dates back to 2003). It was revamped in 2007 for use in the 500 and has held up very well. In Europe, the 500 is scheduled for a refresh in 2012, when it was expected to use a revised chassis from the 2011 Fiat Panda.

Now, with the release of the North American Fiat 500, it appears our 500 has received the upgraded chassis ahead of its European cousin.

This platform upgrade will give the North American 500 numerous advantages over the European car.

The revised platform boasts significant improvements in torsional rigidity, strengthened crash structures and improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics.



This has been achieved through the use of even more high strength steel when compared with the European 500 platform, reinforcing the side rocker panels, the rear cross member and frame rails.

Additionally, the roof on the US Fiat 500 has been strengthened to better withstand US spec rollover crash tests and the reinforced rockers and side members will help cope with higher speed US rear and side impact tests.

Revised Suspension

The 2012 Fiat 500 features a redesigned rear suspension. The red arrow points to the fuel filler hose and the yellow one points to the suspension travel. Now compare them in the picture of the European car's suspension below...

The suspension of the 2012 Fiat 500 has also undergone significant improvements compared with the Euro version. Fiat's goals were to keep the Fiat 500 nimble while delivering a comfortable and quiet interior cabin for highway driving. They achieved this by redesigning and retuning the suspension.

The red arrow points to the fuel filler hose on the European Fiat 500. Notice how this hose is out in the open. The US car above shows a hose relocated and less vulnerable. The yellow arrow shows the suspension travel. The US car appears to have more travel, which is always a good thing on rough roads. This helps contribute to a better ride.

A re-engineered twist-beam rear suspension features re-tuned bushings and more built-in roll stiffness, delivering ride comfort and handling better suited for American roads.

Here's another shot of the fuel hose on the 2012 Fiat 500. Hidden, detail changes like these illustrate how closely Fiat examined the 500 and the lengths they went to improve the already award winning design.

The front-suspension features revised geometry which reduces brake dive and a larger front-stabilizer bar that tames body roll and adds to driver confidence and control. Also, the electric assist steering effort has been re-calibrated to increase stability at highway speeds especially during crosswinds.

In addition, re-tuned struts/shocks and springs, an all-new structural sub-frame brace, upgraded upper-strut mounts, and re-tuned control-arm bushings make the NA Fiat 500 handle as well as the European car, but with a more comfortable and quieter interior.

New all season 15-inch and 16-inch tires further reduce road noise.

All this improved comfort and quietness is noticeable at highway speeds and is one area identified in the European car that needed attention.

Quieter Engine

A new engine cover for the 2012 Fiat 500 absorbs noise...Nice!

An all-new 1.4-liter MultiAir engine cover with an acoustic-dampening design minimizes engine noise intrusion into the cabin, and premium hydraulic powertrain mounts minimize engine vibrations.

Additionally, the 2012 Fiat 500 has over 20 specific hardware modifications/additions for improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

European Fiat 500 engine cover*

An new, enlarged 10.5 gallon gas tank (the Euro 500 holds 9.25 gallons) is better suited for the longer distances Americans typically drive.

Better Brakes

The 2012 Fiat 500 has brake rotors that have a coating (light grey color on rotor) that protects rotors from rust, while new calipers contribute to better stopping compared with the European 500. The wheels on the North American car features dark grey painted inside spokes (or what Fiat calls pockets) and a lip protector around the outer edge of the rim. This protector keeps auto car washes from scratching the wheel

The wheel on the European Fiat 500 is similar but notice the spokes (or pockets) are not painted and there is no raised lip around the outer edge.

The brake system of the Fiat 500 has always been cutting edge with four wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control.

Now for 2012, the Fiat 500 brake system offers even better performance. New designed front calipers have better stopping power and brake pads made from an organic compound that reduce brake dust and noise.

New brake rotors have an anti-corrosion coating that improves durability and offer smoother braking.

All season radial tires... note the wheel lip protector.

A revised electronic stability control (ESC) system is tuned for the Fiat 500�s new all-season tires. New wheels are designed to avoid unsightly curb rash from car-wash tire guides and feature painted accents.

Improved Wipers

Even the windshield wipers on the 2012 Fiat 500 have been improved. They feature a better swept area and high quality all season blades.

New windshield wipers feature an all season, flexible silicone uni-blade design.


In addition, a new rear wiper is designed to protect against car-wash damage while providing a wider swept area.
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Keep an eye out for part 2 of this post, where we'll examine the other changes to the 2012 Fiat 500.


Read Part 2 Here

Sources: Chrysler Media
* The Car Spy Photostream

The New 2012 Fiat 500: Overview

�The new Fiat 500 changes the rules of personal transportation and delivers a new sense of individual expression and opportunity.� � Laura Soave

The New 2012 Fiat 500

Beautiful Italian styling combined with timeless functionality, efficient design and innovative technology � these are the attributes that made the original Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) a timeless icon. More than 50 years later, the same qualities make the new 2012 Fiat 500 relevant for an entirely new generation of drivers.



�The Fiat 500 has always been the right car at the right time,� said Laura Soave, Head of Fiat Brand North America. �The new Fiat 500 brings something truly unique to a fast-growing segment in America, delivering Italian-by-design function, value and efficiency intelligently tailored for our market.�

Fiat�s successful small-car formula worked then and still works now
Like the original Cinquecento, the new Fiat 500 showcases the brand�s ingenuity to build world-class small cars that ignite a spirit of the times through simple design, beautiful craftsmanship and timeless value. As a result, the Fiat 500 has continued to surprise and delight customers worldwide for more than 50 years.




Satisfying the individual mobility need for Italians and other Europeans after the Second World War, the original Fiat �Nuova� 500 became a catalyst in 1957 for the country of the �poor but beautiful� to be not quite as poor. With almost 4 million examples produced between 1957 and 1975, the small and efficient Fiat 500 succeeded in providing an affordable, comfortable and reliable transportation solution while helping to ignite Italy�s post-war economic recovery.



More than 50 years later, and thanks to its stylistic and modern technological features, the new Fiat 500 represents the spark of another milestone along the lasting process of expansion. And this is where history starts again.

The 2012 Fiat 500 caters to a new generation of Americans who want their vehicle to be as engaging, individualized, ecologically responsible and technologically savvy as they are.



�Like the original Cinquecento a half-century ago, the new Fiat 500 changes the rules of personal transportation and delivers a new sense of individual expression and opportunity. At a time when America is getting back to basics with a fresh awareness of the environment around, the new Fiat 500 identifies with today�s minimalistic attitude and delivers with state-of-the-art eco-friendly technology wrapped in world-class quality, craftsmanship and style,� added Soave.



This modern-generation Fiat 500 offers safety, fuel economy, quality and advanced technology perfectly balanced with iconic Italian style. With its city-friendly four-passenger A-segment size, engaging driving dynamics, all-new fuel-efficient 1.4-liter Fiat MultiAir� engine, state-of-the-art Blue & Me� Handsfree Communication technology, seven standard air bags and new quality and refinement adaptations for the U.S. market, including an all-new six-speed automatic transmission, the 2012 Fiat 500 offers a driving and ownership experience unlike anything available today.



Reminiscent of the original Cinquecento, the 2012 Fiat 500 builds on the vehicle�s global popularity. Since its initial launch in 2007, more than 500,000 Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 80 countries around the world. The model�s unquestionable popularity is the result of the Fiat 500�s great ability to deliver unmatched personalization options with advanced solutions in terms of quality, engine and passenger comfort. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned 60 international awards, including being named the 2008 European Car of the Year.


Press release courtesy of Chrysler Media