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.

===========================================

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.

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.
----------------------------

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

Evolution Wins

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Wins Dave TV's Sports Car of the Year

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

This year's "Car of the Year" final on Dave TV announced that the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X has won the Sports category "Car of the Year". The new car was up against some very tough - and in some cases very expensive - competition, including the new Volkswagen Scirocco and the Porsche 911.

In a public vote the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X won out with its sophisticated, yet menacing looks, and all the power and handling to back up its rally-bred credentials. The panel of judges, including Mike Rutherford, Alistair Weaver, Ben Oliver and Nick Gibbs found that the car had "awesome amounts of power" and that the new Twin Clutch SST gearbox was excellent.

The viewing public seemed to agree as well, voting the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X into top slot ahead of all its rivals.

Lancer Evolution X

Stephane Peterhansel on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X and Racing Lancer

In all its different configurations (Sports Saloon, Sportback, Ralliart, and Evolution), the new Mitsubishi Lancer family is at the forefront of Mitsubishi Motors' renewed offensive in the passenger car segment, but with a twist.

After 36 years of rallying (starting with the Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR in 1973) and 17 years of 'Evolution' legend, it was only legitimate for the newest generation of Lancers to go racing as well, keeping the Mitsubishi sporting flame alive and supporting Lancer's initial steps in the market, be it with the Lancer Evolution Group N rally car or the more extreme Racing Lancer cross-country racer.

Tackling the uncharted territory of a South American Dakar rally this year with this all-new Racing Lancer, Mitsubishi Motor Sports' driver Stephane Peterhansel is probably in the best position to appreciate that twist, having owned Lancer Evolutions since the late 90's (with two successive 'Evo VI'), then a VIII and a IX, all the way to today's 'Project Global' Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

As he puts it:

"Very small-looking next to our Racing Lancer, the new Lancer Evolution is really a fantastic machine. With its TC-SST twin clutch gearbox and improved comfort and features, it is really a unique machine in the marketplace: set it to 'Sport' or 'Super Sport' and play with the paddle shifts and all of a sudden you are behind the wheel of a fantastic video game-like sports car. Then, move to 'Auto' and the car can travel over long distances in full comfort mode." He added: "It is meant to be less manic that my older VIs were for instance, but at the same time, I can't think of any other sports car that can offer that dual personality really"

Evolution X FQ-400

The New Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400

The New Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400

The tenth version of Mitsubishi's iconic Lancer Evolution models has a new performance flagship model to top its range, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is the fastest and most extreme version of Mitsubishi's motorsport derived machine. With 403bhp and 387lb.ft of torque on offer from its advanced, lightweight aluminium 2.0-litre turbocharged MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) petrol engine the FQ-400 is able to reach 62mph from standstill in an estimated 3.8 seconds before reaching an electronically limited 155mph - where permitted.

Ensuring all the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400's power is put to good use is Mitsubishi's sophisticated Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) four-wheel-drive system which appropriates power to the wheels that can best use it, giving the FQ-400 quite sensational cross-country performance.

The S-AWC system combines a number of electronic systems that both enhance the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400's performance and safety, with Active Stability Control and Active Centre Differential, Active Yaw Control and Sport ABS giving the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 incredible cornering ability, traction and grip. Depending on the conditions the driver can select the most suitable set-up for the S-AWC system, three choices - Tarmac, Gravel and Snow - being offered via the wheel-mounted button and displayed in the central instrument binnacle.

A heavily vented bonnet helps heat escape from the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400's turbocharged engine and a new lightweight composite front bumper incorporating Mitsubishi's trademark 'Jet Fighter' grille features carbon-fibre elements on its leading edges. Additional lighting and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights mark out the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400's nose, its added aggressiveness further enhanced by a 30mm drop in front ride height. Composite side skirts, a re-styled rear bumper with a carbon fibre diffuser, a rear wing incorporating a gurney strip and a roof-mounted 'Vortex Generator' all help manage airflow and cooling.

Despite its obvious focus the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400's suspension offers compliance thanks to the Eibach Springs and Bilstein Shock Absorbers, the FQ-400's usefulness as a daily driver not compromised overly thanks to Mitsubishi's chassis tuning. The stiff bodywork not only provides an exceptionally rigid platform for the suspension to work, but excellent crash-worthiness, the Lancer Evolution X attaining a five-star score in Euro NCAP's independent crash tests.

Standard equipment for the range-topping Lancer Evolution X model is comprehensive, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 coming with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connection, a CD-tuner with 30 Gig hard drive, DVD satellite navigation and privacy glass. Convenience features like remote central locking, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers increase the FQ-400's ease of use, the huge performance it offers not coming at the expense of usefulness. Like its Lancer Evolution X relatives it features comfortable seating for five as well as a usefully sized boot, the FQ-400 bringing all the convenience of the standard saloon car it's based upon - but with explosive performance potential.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is a standard setter, with performance that's the measure of any rival and many exotic sports and supercars costing many multiples of its �49,999 list price. Available from June 2009, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is covered by a three year / 36,000 mile warranty.

Evolution X Review

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Review

Mitsubishi Lancer Review

Introduction

Mitsubishi has a racing pedigree spanning over 40 years of Motor Sport, including four drivers and one Manufacturer World Rally Championships. The all-new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is the latest incarnation of Mitsubishi's rally inspired cars.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X was introduced to the UK on 1st March 2008, following on from a long line of Evo's, all legendary in their own right. Prices for the Mitsubishi Evo X start at �29,499 and rise to �49,999 for the newly introduced FQ-400.

It is available in a number of outputs - FQ-300 SST 295 bhp 407 Nm 155 mph, FQ-300 5M/T 295 bhp 407 Nm 155 mph, FQ-330 5M/T 329 bhp 437 Nm 155 mph, FQ-360 5M/T 359 bhp 492 Nm 155 mph and the recently announced FQ-400 5M/T 403 bhp 525 Nm 155 mph

We drove the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-360 GSR, which at the time of testing was the most powerful of the Evo range.

Common to the Mitsubishi Evolution X range is Mitsubishi's new 2.0-litre turbocharged, intercooled four-cylinder 4B11 DOHC MIVEC petrol engine, available in four power outputs, ranging from 295 bhp to 403 bhp.

We drove the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-360 which is endowed with 359 bhp and is enough to catapult it from 0-62 mph in an eye watering 4.1 seconds and carry on to an electronically limited 155 mph. We understand that 'FQ' stands for something 'expletive' quick and even if it doesn't it is f-quick. There is very little lag from the turbocharger and once it cuts in all hell brakes loose. As the revs build up, we went from "yes this is quick" to "good grief" and then it all gets a little hazy as you change up the gears.

The five speed manual gearbox is easy to use with the four ratios being quite close although a sixth gear would have been nice when cruising, especially on the motorway - as the Mitsubishi Evo X can whine on a little and we do have to think of the environment.

It is amazing how docile the Mitsubishi Evo X FQ-360 can be for such an angry looking car, it is quite happy to potter around town behaving itself without any drama. Although you may find the clutch on the heavy side should you need to commute daily in heavy traffic.

We achieved around 24 mpg touring (light footed driving) and on the motorway we were returning around 32 mpg - use the Mitsubishi Evo as it is designed and this will drop considerably. The official fuel figures are Urban 12.9 mpg, Extra Urban 26.9 mpg and a combined figure of 19.9 mpg, so were quite happy with our figures.

Model Reviewed	Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-360
Body Type	Saloon
Colour	Phantom Black
Performance ~ manufacturers figures
0 - 62 mph	4.1 Seconds
Top Speed	155 Mph
Transmission	5-Speed Manual
Fuel Type	Unleaded Petrol
Economy ~ manufacturers figures
Urban	12.9 mpg
Extra Urban	26.9 mpg
Combined	19.9 mpg
Insurance Group	20
Euro NCAP Rating	TBA
Warranty	3 years / Unlimited miles
Price when tested on the 01/09/09	�39,999

Next Mitsubishi Evolution to go diesel-hybrid

Taking a radical diversion from previous plans, Mitsubishi is said to be working on a diesel-hybrid powertrain for its next-generation Lance Evolution. Mitsubishi is reportedly moving forward with a diesel-hybrid powertrain to comply with upcoming emission regulations.

Mitsubishi was previously working on a gas-hybrid system for the next Evo, but put the brakes on that project as Mitsubishi execs questioned the future of the Evolution model altogether. The next-gen Evolution eventually made it off the cutting room floor, but the car�s proposed gas-electric drivetrain wasn�t so lucky.

In its place, Mitsubishi engineers are now working on a diesel-electric hybrid system. Mitsubishi settled on diesel technology as it provides plenty of low-end grunt while still delivering excellent fuel economy. The diesel hybrid Evolution is being designed to accelerate from 0-60 in under 5 seconds while emitting well under 200 g/km CO2.

Like the current car, the next Evo will grip the road via Mitsubishi�s S-AWC all-wheel drive system, but it remains to be seen if the diesel-powered Evolution will be able to gain traction in its two largest markets � the United States and Japan. The U.S. and Japan are largely diesel opposed, and it�s unlikely that mentality will shift in just few short years.

Chrison's 'The Driver' animation series

I saw this posted on Eu Jin's blog the other day (EJ's Nissan Skyline GF-ER34 (??????)). Then reader 350zzz shared it too.

'The Driver' by Chrison. Who is TheDriver? - "TheDriver" is an animated tv series scheduled for a Summer 2011 release.






Here's the trailer...


Looks interesting! Awesome the R35 is going to be a main feature!

Chrison is a great animator and I'm sure you've all seen his previous work, "Extreme Limit" 2001, an official short. "Extreme Limit" is the first animated short done by Chrison and he clipped it with "No One Sleep in Tokyo" Music by EDO BOYS. You know, the stuff you hear on Initial D? *laughs*

Here's "Extreme Limit" 2001 - Official Short...


Check out the official 'The Driver' site.

Alex's old White BNR34 (Part 2)

The car still hadn't been properly registered yet but that didn't stop him from snapping away.

These ones shot in a parking garage are just beautiful...

Some night time outdoor shots.

Some pics after the plates are on,not happy with the size of the front plate,this is the only place where it doesn�t harm the airflow,normaly i would like the other side(very far left,so the police doesn�t have the number on when they take pictures),but ok,i have the Trust oilcooler,and that will go behind the left airintake.

Can you say, 'cat-less'. *laughs*

Alex's trip to the ring.

You can check out his website at Importracing.de.

Alex's old White BNR34 (Part 1)