Fiat 500 Press Kit sells for unprecedented price

The Fiat 500 is poised to take America by storm. When was there a $15,000 car that had a press kit so sought after enough to command $275? That is what a recently auctioned off Fiat 500 press kit sold for on Ebay.

Folks, this is no Versa, Yaris or Fiesta. The Ebay auction is the latest indication of this fact. Normally press kits sell for $10 or less... compare that with Fiat 500 press kit's going rate of $275.


Values like these are usually reserved for exotic and premium models and not $15,000 - $20,000 automobiles. Simply put, we are witnessing the start of something big and not seen here in this country for a long time, if ever. A car that spans all economic and social status. Young, old, rich or just starting out, the Fiat 500 is the car for anyone who enjoys and wants the best out of life.

If you have followed this blog over the past 2 years, you know.... If you are new, come along with us and explore the Fiat 500....


Read more about the Fiat 500 Press Kit here.

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 2012 Fiat 500 Press Kit

Efficient, elegant, useful, the design of the Fiat 500 can be described many ways. You would expect no less from the design of its very own press kit, which deserves special mention.



During the development of the press kit, there was a desire to provide the �Fiat Experience� and not just a traditional media kit. The resulting design cleverly incorporates the press kit booklet, espresso cup and saucer, and 4-gig jumpdrive containing images in an elegantly packaged, tiny watch-box-like size.



The press kits were presented to the media during the Fiat 500's launch and quickly became one of the most coveted items during the LA Auto Show. Here are some pictures and details of this rare item.







Presentation box measures approximately 5" x 5" x 5"

Presentation box contains:

2012 Fiat 500 press book which measures approximately 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" with 60 pages

USB with 2012 Fiat 500 press info and photographs

Fiat cup (measures approximately 2 1/4" high)

Saucer (measures approximately 4 1/2" diameter)


Special thanks to Chrysler Media

2012 Fiat 500 Launch at the 2010 LA Auto Show

If you missed the launch of the 2012 Fiat 500 at the LA Auto Show last Wednesday, November 17, here's the video to enjoy.


Part 1


Part 2

Courtesy of Chrysler Media

Fiat North America President Laura Soave interviewed

Fiat NA President Laura Soave with Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler/Fiat Italy CEO

Here is a great interview of Fiat North America CEO Laura Soave on Autoline Detroit (one of my favorite shows). She answers lots of questions and gives an overview of Fiat's plans in the US.

Check it out here.


With thanks to TK

The New Fiat 500 Commercial

A new Fiat commercial. I have waited for this for 27 years...


Go to FiatUSA

Get to know the North American Fiat 500 Video

Here's an introduction to the North American version of the 2012 Fiat 500, with running footage, photos and comments from Laura Soave, Head, Fiat North America, and Roberto Giolito, Head, Fiat Style. Enjoy!



With thanks to Chrysler Media

The US Fiat 500 in brief

While I go through pages of documents provided by Fiat, here's a brief overview of the 2012 Fiat 500. Just to let everyone in on something, the 500 has been UPGRADED for the US market, yes, for once we get the good stuff. I'll have more on this soon.

Here's the overview, courtesy of Chrysler Media:

New Fiat 500 Brings Italian Style Blended with World-class Craftsmanship, Efficiency and Technology to the USA

*New 2012 Fiat 500 delivers contemporary styling, beautiful craftsmanship, city-friendly proportions and timeless value

*Intelligently adapted for American roads, the Fiat 500 offers engaging driving dynamics, high quality and advanced technology, perfectly balanced with iconic Italian design

New 1.4-liter engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir� technology, invented and patented by Fiat *Group, delivers power, fuel efficiency and refinement

*Three models, 14 exterior colors and 14 unique seat color and material combinations will allow customers to configure �their own� Fiat 500

*Standard four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and four years of unlimited roadside assistance

*Starting U.S. Manufacturer�s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,500

*Customers can now configure their own Fiat 500 at Fiat USA's website here.


2012 Fiat 500 Specifications

Fiat 500 Configurator and Prices

Earlier this morning, Fiat updated the Fiat USA website with a cool build your own configurator listing the price of each model. Each car is very well equipped with A/C, power door locks and windows, heated mirrors, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with 6 speakers, 7 air bags and a lot, lot more.

I'll have more about the equipment of each car in a later post. In the meantime, go to the Fiat 500 configurator and have fun!

With thanks to Chrysler Media

First Interior Photos Of The North American Fiat 500

Here are the first interior shots posted of the new North American Fiat 500. There are some subtle differences between the NA 500 and its European cousin, like the locking glove box, shape of the window switches and the stowage compartment on the side of the console.



Big news here is the transmission. It looks like the European Dualogic has been replaced by a more conventional automatic. I had reported earlier on this blog that there were rumors the Dualogic would be replaced with an AISIN sourced 6 speed automatic. Judging by these pictures, that looks to be the case. We'll find out later in the day...




Interior with what looks similar to European Pop/Lounge seats. Note the armrest. Seats also appear to be wider.



These seats are heavily bolstered and remind one of the European Sport seats.




Again, thanks to Matt at Midwest Bayless for providing these photos.

More Pictures Of The North American Fiat 500

Some more great shots of the North American Fiat 500, courtesy of Matt from Midwest Bayless. Matt writes in and says, "... Great new colors on several 500s including metallic sage, copper, brown and electric blue. All prominently displaying MultiAir engine technology."









Photos courtesy of my Premier Sponsor Midwest Bayless

Follow the Fiat 500 Preview Event On Twitter

Follow the Fiat 500 Preview Event live on Fiat USA's official Twitter page here.

More Fiat 500 Preview Event Pictures

Here are more photos from the Fiat 500 Preview Event being held tonight, November 16. Hats off to the folks that sent us these pictures for everyone to enjoy!






With thanks to my premier sponsor Midwest Bayless





Thanks Chrissy

"Rumor has it the cake boss is here . I've already seen a Fiat 500 cake..."

Thanks Patrick and Chrissy

First Fiat 500 Preview Event Picture

An artist painting the hood...

Check out the new North American bumper!

Thanks Chrissy!

Fiat 500 Designer, Roberto Giolito, at the LA Auto Show

Roberto Giolito, designer of the FIAT 500, will be able to answer questions Wednesday morning, November 17, from the LA Auto Show. Check it out on Fiat USA's official Twitter page here.

Source: Fiat USA, Fiat Group Press

Fiat 500 Preview Event Tonight

The Fiat 500 Preview Event will be held in Los Angeles tonight, Tuesday, November 16.

If you are going (and it is allowed), feel free to send a quick photo or info for those who can't make it. Send them to chris@car-evolutioncars.com

Thanks and have a great time!

Chris

You can read more about the event here.

A Special Time To Be A Fiat Aficionado...

I received this comment the other day:

Anonymous said...

I drive past the venue on my way to work everyday.
It is a new building with a tower on the back with big TV screens on it facing the 110 freeway south of I-10. It is a lot like the round silo with TV screens they built recently on the Nokia center on the same highway but on the other side of I-10.

The screens were lit for the first time last night and on it was the Fiat logo for the city to see.

Anonymous, thanks for your post. All I can say is, this is a special time for us Fiat enthusiasts.

Chris

Count down to the Fiat 500 North American debut begins

The count down to the North American Fiat 500 debut has begun on the FiatUSA website. Don't forget to register for updates there.

Fiat USA's official website

North American Fiat 500 debut information

Fiat North America will host a live webcast of the launch of the North American Fiat 500 on November 17, 2010. This will be coming live from the LA Auto Show and is open to the media and the public (!).

Below are the details, please click the link to register and set your reminders for:

November 17, 2010
2:55 PM ET/11:55 AM PT

Please login that day 15 minutes early to make sure you don't miss anything.

Live Webcast of the Fiat 500 Reveal @ the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show:

Click here to register to view the live webcast!

About the North American Fiat 500

After a 25 year absence, Fiat returns to the U.S. with the truly unique Fiat 500. Designed and built through Chrysler Group, LLC to expand their small product offerings, the Fiat 500 takes original Italian design and blends safety and comfort features tailored to North America.

With its City-friendly proportions and iconic Cinquecento (500) cues, the car is wrapped in modern Italian styling that conveys simplicity and strength. The Cinquecento is the automotive equivalent of the iPod - sleek, simple, functional, user-friendly and inspired. With the lowest C02 emissions among Europe�s best-selling automotive brands, the Fiat 500 is equipped with an in-line four cylinder Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE) featuring Chrysler�s exclusive MultiAir � system. The Fiat 500 will be available in 14 colors, including three colors inspired by the vintage appeal of the first Fiat 500.

With thanks to Chrysler Media

The Big Day

November 17th is the day we'll get answers to all (or most) of our questions. I have it on good authority that pricing, equipment, technical specs, etc., will all be released that day.

With all the information being released, I'll have to take off from work to keep up!


NOVEMBER 17........ MARK YOUR CALENDERS