Examining the Fiat 500's Suspension

The Fiat 500 is built on the Fiat Panda's chassis and shares its suspension. The 500 has the same wheelbase as the Panda but employs wider tracks and a lower roof to improve handling.

The 500 has a "McPherson strut" front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle designed by Magnetti Marelli. This tried and tested configuration has been around for many years but has been refined for use in the 500.

Let's explore some of the details of the 500's suspension. Please note this describes the European version, but the US model is expected to use the same type with some slight tuning changes.

The Fiat Strut

As mentioned above, the front suspension is the type commonly referred to as the MacPherson strut, named after a Ford engineer who popularized the design in the late 1940's early 1950's.



However, Fiat engineers had patented this type of strut suspension in 1927. The only difference between the Fiat design and the MacPherson design was Ford's use of the sway bar to provide some degree of horizontal compliance, in conjunction with an I-shaped lower control arm.

The Fiat design used a separate sway bar and an A-shaped lower control arm.

The Fiat way of anchoring the control arm actually offers a more precise way of locating the wheels during suspension movement.

The Fiat 500 has a refined version of "The Fiat Strut" with the main difference being the use of an L-shaped lower control arm.

Details that bring this suspension into the 21st century



The Fiat 500 features a coil spring design that increases the absorption of minor surface roughness. These offset coil springs reduce side load forces acting on the strut with resulting improved absorption of slight unevenness in the road surface.

The Fiat 500 uses ductile iron control arms

Also featured are lower control arms made from ductile iron (not cheap stamped steel) with a new style bushing fitted on a vertical axis at the rear to improve the absorption of vibrations and increase road holding when cornering.

The Toyota Yaris uses cheaper stamped steel control arms typical of inexpensive cars

In contrast. the above is a control arm from a Toyota Yaris (a car that some may compare to the Fiat 500, but although similar in size, is not in the same league as the 500). Not a bad car, but the Yaris is a typical econo-car which features the usual cost cutting engineering such as cheap stamped steel control arms. Engineering details like this separate the 500 from common sub-compact cars most Americans are used to.

Sub-frame mount on left. Special control arm mount on right

The suspension sub-frame is attached to the body of the car without the use of rubber isolators. This crossmember is made from galvanized steel to guarantee improved resistance to structural corrosion and has been strengthened with box sections where it attaches to the body to ensure better filtration of the noise entering the passenger compartment.

The telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers are dual-acting and...

Upper strut mount tuned for ride comfort

...the upper strut mount has optimized axial rigidity to improve comfort.


To improve cornering, the wheel strut's geometry has been designed to maintain a better camber angle during turns. This keeps the wheel closer to perpendicular to the road.

Lower mount for the front sway bar endlink uses ball jointed sockets...

Notable on the front suspension is the way the anti roll bar end link is attached to the strut with ball jointed sockets.

...as does the upper mount for the sway bar end link. Typical of more expensive cars.

This type of end link is usually reserved for higher priced cars and boasts a greater ability to filter out vibrations when driving over rough roads.

Looking at the rear

Left side view of the rear torsion beam axle. Notice the orange elastomer bump stop. More expensive and higher tech than a traditional rubber bump stop, the elastomer bump stop is used as a spring medium and allows the springs to be softer for a better ride when lightly loaded.. They come into play when the car is heavily loaded or hits a large bump, progressively cushioning the impact and again helping the ride.

In the rear, the compact, torsion beam axle functions both as wheel locating arm and as an anti-roll bar to resist lateral motion of the wheels as the body leans in turns.

Other characteristics of the rear suspension are:



Greater comfort because the level of noise and vibration entering the passenger compartment is lower due to single (metal and rubber) bushings attaching the rear axle to the body.

On the rear of the Fiat 500. Notice how the shock absorber leans forward and not straight up. This keeps the shock from intruding into the trunk area and limiting the trunks width.

An optimized underfloor shock absorber angle that locates the shock beneath the floor to improve comfort without detracting from trunk space.

The rear of the Toyota Yaris. Notice how the shock sticks nearly straight up, encroaching on rear trunk space. Compare the angle to the Fiat's

The above is the rear suspension from the Toyota Yaris. Notice how the rear shock absorber is near vertical. Compare this with the Fiat 500 rear shock angle. The Toyota design intrudes into the trunk, narrowing its width. The Fiat design doesn't intrude into the trunk, maximizes space, and is an example of Fiat's acknowledged small car design leadership.

Rear Axle beam bushing provides toe-in effect during cornering, providing increased stability

Greater driving stability due to the bushings attaching the rear axle to the body. While cornering, they generate a wheel toe-in effect that ensures excellent driving stability even under difficult conditions. They also display great longitudinal flexibility when hitting bumps.

Handling is improved because the folded sheet steel torsion beams torsional rigidity has been tuned to provide balance between front and rear.

Starting in December 2009, all Fiat 500 sedans have a rear sway bar fitted, improving the ride and handling

New Suspension Upgrade with improved ride comfort

From December 2009, all Fiat 500s have a rear antiroll bar installed. With this addition, Fiat has been able to soften the spring rates and improve the ride of the 500. This addresses the one criticism that had been leveled on previous versions of the 500 (keep this in mind when you read older European road tests on the 500. When a review mentions the ride, they are talking about the older car).

Previously, the rear torsion beam axle was tuned to act as an anti-roll bar. The slight increase in weight of the new sway bar is offset by the improved comfort. Handling has, by all accounts, been improved.

It should be noted that the Fiat 500C and the 500 Abarth had the rear anti-roll bar from the start of their production.



Here's an excerpt of the Fiat tech bulletin provided to UK Fiat dealers:

"Starting with the production of the new MultiJet engine, all Fiat 500�s will be fitted with the stabilizer bar which was already introduced with the Fiat 500C. The anti-roll bar is a 21mm diameter solid steel bar, fixed to the crossmember using brackets made from a single piece of steel and part in rubber. This represents a quality intervention designed to improve the comfort and the handling of the car with a far more absorbent ride quality as you�ve experience in the Fiat 500Cs."

Steering



Although it is possible to get manual steering in some countries in Europe, most models of the Fiat 500 have electric power steering called DualDrive.

This innovative, speed-sensitive power steering system, comes with two operating modes and uses an electric motor, rather than a hydraulic pump driven by the engine, which results in a considerable reduction in both fuel consumption and noise.

The system offers a choice of two settings via a button on the dash marked "City".

The normal setting (off) ensures maximum feedback and driver involvement.

Pressing the "City" button lightens the steering to minimize effort, and is therefore ideal for urban driving and low speed maneuvering.

To ensure maximum safety under all driving conditions, both settings offer identical power assistance over 44 mph, thus ensuring a steering wheel response suited to high speed driving.

Additionally, the 1.4-liter Sport model has a "Sport" button in place of the "City" button and, when activated, provides increased steering effort and sharpened throttle response.

500 Abarth changes



The Abarth�s suspension is firmer and 15mm lower than the standard 500. A Rear anti-roll bar has always been standard.



The popular 500 Abarth Essesse kit adds the following:

17-inch alloy wheels, stiffer suspension setup, an additional 5 mm lower ride height, cross-drilled brake discs and upgraded pads.

Also featured in the Esseesse kit, the 1.4-liter turbo engine gets higher boost due to revised ECU and a less restricted air filter. Max power has increased by 25hp to 160hp, while max torque is lifted from 152 to 170 lb-ft.

References: The New Fiat Guide by Jan P Norbye 1969, Fiat 500 E Learn Manual, Fiat Group Press

Breaking news on the Fiat 500 and 500C: Production Dates...

In the interest of keeping people who follow this blog informed, here's the latest:

The Fiat 500 sedan is scheduled to go into production on December 13, 2010. Now this date has been around on the internet so it's not big news, however, according to an anonymous source, the Fiat 500 will be badged as a 2012 model and this production will run to July 2012.

The Fiat 500C... Just in time for summer 2011!

For fans of the open top Fiat 500C, the breaking news is there is confirmation that production will start March 28, 2011 and will end at the same time as the 500 sedan, in July, 2012. The 500C will also be marketed as a 2012 model.



The end of production of both the 500 sedan and 500C in July 2012 corresponds to a major refresh of both models in Europe.

The Fiat 500 and 500C are due for a redesign in 2012

After the July production is over, we can assume that the new redesigned 500 will be phased in later that year.

You can keep up to date on launch information here. Launch info can also be viewed by clicking on the quick link on the upper left corner of this blog under "Popular Topics".

Fiat 500C spy video

Here is a spy video taken a few days ago of a Fiat 500C undergoing high altitude testing in Colorado.

In the above video, the exterior doesn't show any noticeable differences from the Euro 500C. Of course, that might change as there is talk about a modified bumper to meet US license plate and other standards.

Currently the 500C is due out next year, probably just in time for summer

Elle Macpherson and the Fiat 500C

The Fiat 500 has a growing list of celebrities that love to be seen with it. The 500 has that certain chic factor going for it and it is certainly one of the "it" cars of recent times.

Here's the latest celebrity succumbing to its charms: Australian supermodel, actress, philanthropist and businesswoman, Elle Macpherson.

Here's a press release from Fiat on how Macpherson feels about the 500C.

The new Fiat 500C, just recently launched on main European markets, has a new fan: the supermodel Elle Macpherson. Already the owner of a 500, as soon as she set eyes on the convertible version, Elle wanted to try it out and promptly fell in love with it.

�I love the Fiat 500C, it has that sexy, cool Italian thing going on!� says Elle. �I like the way the car drives � it�s perfect for cities with its small turning circle and the easy way it maneuvers through London�.

The Fiat 500C was launched in the UK earlier in July and is guaranteed to be one of the �greatest hits� among the motoring public, also in view of its decidedly competitive price.

Fiat Group Press

Fiat 500C: Design analysis

Let's take a detailed look at the new Fiat 500C with the help of Fiat & Abarth Style Director, Roberto Giolito.

Alluring shape and innovative design

"The Fiat 500C is not only the "open" version of the 500 launched in July 2007," explains Roberto Giolito, Fiat & Abarth Style Director. "In fact, thanks to the wide range of available versions, this new model is really a whole new car in its own right, with a strong personality inherited from the original 1957 model and an undoubted sentimental value brought to it by so many fans over the years. If, on the one hand, the Fiat 500C respects the original version, on the other it enriches it with new features which, thanks to stylistic choices, afford each one of us maximum freedom of use".

Windshield of the Fiat 500C: Notice how it goes up to meet

the fabric roof. This shows the attention to detail

(and expense) that Fiat lavished on the Fiat 500C. Most

small car makers in this segment would skip this detail

design work.

Windshield of the Fiat 500: Compare to the 500C,

the windshield is shorter and there is a steel panel

between the windshield and the glass roof panel.

First of all, the front of the car differs for a slightly higher windscreen needed to resize the upper cross member; this gives a better view for the rear passengers, a stronger body and superbly clean lines. These are also enhanced by the continuity of the windscreen, which extends to the fabric roof without exposing any part of the bodywork (an extremely elegant and technologically sophisticated solution in keeping with the spirit of the 500C).

From the side, the car stands out for the outline of the pillars which present strong arches with the shape of the soft top. The soft top really defines the upper lines of the 500C and gives it a more slender look compared with the saloon version

Staying with the side view, the alloy wheels also stand out: one option is 16 inches, with a cross-spoked design that has echoes of the original 1960s spoked wheels;




another is 15 inches, with a more fluid design (both wheels have the classic cup-shaped locking nuts embossed with the 500 logo).

Design elements at the rear of the Fiat 500C: chrome trim,

functioning roof spoiler and a back window in glass

with defroster element.

But it is the rear aspect of the new car that is most different, particularly the clear division between the upper fabric part and the car's steel bodywork, emphasized by chrome trim like that of the 500 versions from 1957 onward. This stylistic element makes the rear of the car appear wider by creating a horizontal line across it. In addition, the rear window (in glass with an electric defroster) is more rounded. While retaining the same visibility as the 500 saloon, its smoother corners are closer in design to its 1950s forerunner.


Another important feature of the new car is the boot: this opens upwards without protruding from the shape of the vehicle (this means there is no need to step away when loading luggage). In addition, if the soft top is down, an electronic device lifts it a few centimeters to allow the boot to be fully opened. This is an extremely functional and streamlined solution which can be appreciated both for its usability, and for the way it integrates with the vehicle. It should be stressed that the Fiat 500C is "best in class" in its segment for the ease and versatility of loading and unloading. Merit for this goes to the spacious luggage compartment (with a capacity of 182 liters - just three liters less than the saloon version), the traditional upwards-opening boot and wide access.


Finally, the soft top of the new convertible comes in three colors (ivory, red and black) to match the numerous body colors (six pastel, three metallic and two opalescent). Some of these are inspired by the vintage colors of its forerunner while others are up to date and boast a really contemporary look. Among these, three were created specifically for the Fiat 500C: pearlescent Ragamuffin Red, Tech House Grey (typical of high performance super cars) and elegant Goth-Metal Blue. (The latter is available for the whole range).






The interior of the Fiat 500C is equally exclusive, and boasts top quality materials. In particular, the new sporty seats are upholstered in a high-quality fabric which constitutes an important feature of the car for its feel and durability. The back and cushion of the rear seats are very enveloping and the side panels are upholstered in leather. As an optional extra, the interior of the Fiat 500C can be upholstered in black, beige or red Frau leather. The chrome trim and a dashboard that matches the exterior color and is decorated by an exclusive 500C logo complete an elegant and functional interior that can comfortably accommodate four people.



An innovative soft top for a unique style

Bodied colored roof spoiler on the Fiat 500C contributes

to its excellent coefficient of drag of 0.33.

The soft top of the Fiat 500C is a true object of design, characterized by a sophisticated electrically controlled movement and innovative technical solutions. In particular a molding of the same color on the soft top acts as a spoiler and houses a third brake light, creating similar aerodynamics to the saloon version and a Cx of 0.33. This excellent figure puts the Fiat 500C at the top of its class, and is achieved by an optimized rear spoiler profile and rear wheel covers.

Rear spoiler of the Fiat 500C incorporates third brake

light that can still be seen when the top is down.

The comfort of the rear passengers has also received special attention, as pr oven by an air-flow speed of 7 m/s with the roof open. In addition, when the soft top is down, the spoiler is arranged so that the third brake light can always be seen. The double-layered roof fabric ensures the best possible insulation from the outside and, along with the internal coverings of the pillars, completes a superb finish for the mechanisms controlling the opening and closing of the roof.

The roof of the Fiat 500C can be opened to the first position

at any speed, like a big sunroof.

The automatic electric soft top can be controlled either by buttons near to the interior ceiling light or from the remote control. In addition, the soft top can be operated throughout its horizontal travel (as far as the spoiler) at any speed. Vertical movement can be engaged at any speed under 60 km/h (37 mph).

Exterior views of the Fiat 500C. The roof can be

operated by a remote control.

The soft top is also easy to use: to open it, just press the button for at least half a second to trigger the movement that then continues automatically up to the spoiler (a midway point can of course be chosen by pressing the button again). Press the button again for at least half a second to fully open the roof. When using the remote control, the roof can be opened only as far as the spoiler. The same processes will close it; for safety reasons, the roof stops at around 25 cm from complete closure (just press the button again to complete the movement).

When the boot is open, the soft top can only be closed (the opening function is de-activated). However, if the roof is fully open and the boot needs to be opened, when the boot is opened the soft top automatically moves to a midway point to avoid obstructing loading operations.


With thanks to Fiat Group Press

Launch of the new Fiat 500C

The exciting new Fiat 500C was launched over the weekend on July 4, exactly 2 years after the launch of the new Fiat 500. It was previously unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Fiat 500C is coming to America, along side the regular 500, the Fiat 500 Abarth and the yet to be released 500 Giardiniera. Come take a look, with the help of Fiat Group Press, at this open roof version.

The Fiat 500C was created by the Centro Stile Fiat design centre with input from enthusiasts all over the world via the website the "500 Wants You". This is in keeping with Fiats philosophy of "a car for the people, by the people"..

Based on the sedan version, it has identical dimensions but has the added feature of a folding electric top. The top design is similar to the type that was on the original.

According to Fiat

"..The decision to re-interpret the original design in modern key, with an electric sliding roof but a stylistic design that retains the shape of the classic car makes the Fiat 500C less of a seasonal product and one that can be enjoyed the whole year round. In short, all these features make this new vehicle one of the most successful convertibles in the modern city-car segment."

"A true object of design, the soft top of the Fiat 500C stands out for its elegant electrically controlled movements and its impressively finished and carefully selected technical features, from the glass rear window to the third brake light built into the soft top itself. Available in three colors (ivory, red and black), the clever soft top is matched with various paint finishes including three ad-hoc creations: a pearlescent Ragamuffin Red, a Tech House Grey so typical of sporty super cars, and Goth-Metal Blue (the latter available for the whole range)."

The interior is also in keeping with the cars haute couture design:

"...The Fiat 500C has an exclusive feel to its interior, which is embellished with top quality and highly desirable fabrics, including Frau leather upholstery, and a long list of market-dependent standard and optional features: from automatic climate control to the innovative Interscope HiFi System, from the Blue&Me Map portable navigation unit to the smart wind-stop, and from the Start&Stop system to the new collection of customizable options."

Two years after the launch of the sedan and continuing now with the new 500C convertible, the Fiat 500 is still getting rave reviews.

Fiat puts it this way:

"...the Fiat 500 continues to be talked about and confirms its status as a real Italian style icon, able to win over the public and critics worldwide. The best evidence of its success are the 30 awards it has won across the globe, the 11 million Internet users that have visited its website (viewing a total of 200 million pages) and the more than 360,000 orders so far received across the 59 markets in which it is being sold."

"In short, as an expression of Italy's finest automotive design, the 500 is not merely a super-compact city car, but a real platform upon which Fiat Automobiles is building a whole family of cars with advanced technology and high attention to detail. The new 500C represents another step forward in this direction."

We are definitely in for a treat when we get cars like the Fiat 500C here in the USA.

The Fiat 500C at the 79th Geneva International Motorshow

If you couldn't be at the world premier of the Fiat 500C at the 79th Geneva International Motorshow, here it is. Enjoy!

Some pictures of the new Fiat 500C

The New Fiat 500C

Fiat just released some pictures of the new Fiat 500C it will launch throughout Europe this spring. I was pleasantly surprised it wasn't a full convertible. I like the old fashioned sliding top. It reminds me of the Lancia Scorpion (Monte Carlo to the rest of the world) I had . With any luck we'll see it in the USA. Below are some details on it:

The New Fiat 500C

The worldwide preview of the Fiat 500C presentation will take place at the next Geneva Motorshow, March 5-15, 2009.

The new Fiat 500C comes with an electric soft top and is the same size as the Fiat 500 sedan at 139.8 inches x 64.9 inches x 58.6 inches (3.55 m x 1.65 m x 1.49 m). The 500C offers the same three power plants as the 500 sedan:

1.3 liter 75 HP Multijet Turbodiesel with a 5-speed manual transmission

1.2 liter 69 HP gasoline engine with either manual or robotized Dualogic transmission

1.4 liter 100 HP gasoline engines with either manual or robotized Dualogic transmission

A neat standard feature of the new 500C is the innovative �Start&Stop� system, a device controlling momentary engine shutdown and subsequent restarting. How this works is at every stop when shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch, the engine is switched off and then restarted simply by selecting a gear. This improves the already great gas mileage and reduces exhaust emissions.

Other neat features are the electric top as mentioned above, built in center high mounted stop light and the glass rear window. The trunk features excellent loadability with the soft top fully open, thanks to a clever parallelogram hinge device for the trunk lid.

The top is available in three colors (ivory, red and black), the 500C will be matched with several bodywork color schemes, two of which have been conceived specifically for the new car, i.e. a brilliant Pearl Red and a special Warm Grey typical of sports supercars.

The new Fiat 500C is a great addition to the 500 line up!