More info on the Fiat 500

[mdrburchette]

I don't have to tell you guys how excited I am over the new Fiat 500. While I have been patiently awaiting my little Rossa #19, I've been gathering information on what we should expect. Here is what I've found so far:

There are three models of the 500 available: The Pop, the Sport and the Lounge. The Prima Edizione will be a Sport model. The warranty offered is a 4 year, 50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty with 3 years of free maintenance.
The changes made to "Americanize" the little car are as follows:
•Suspension modifications to handle U.S. roads, often rougher than those in Europe.
•Upgraded heating and air conditioning for the temperature extremes in the U.S.
•A six-speed automatic transmission, not available in Europe, but expected to account for 60% to 70% of U.S. sales.
•A larger, 10.5 gallon gas tank.
•Seats tailored for long-distance comfort.

From what I can tell, these cars are not stripped of options. Check out the US Fiat site at:
http://www.fiatusa.com/ and build your own.

[kmead]

One of the things I really want are heated seats.

I have them in my Golf and it is the best 150 bucks I have ever spent on a car. Better by far than AC in the climate I live in.

I sorely hope they add it to our cars.

Wonder what the out the door price will be?

[mdrburchette]

Check your email. I just received an email stating price and options. I don't know if they offer heated cloth seats. That is one option I love on my Grand Prix.

[kmead]

Thanks for the tip.

I think they just lost my sale.

I really had my heart set on a 6 speed manual. This clearly states the car will have a five speed.

Why we don't get one is beyond my understanding. VW has done the same thing with their cars, a six speed manual in Europe and a widely spaced 5 speed here. Ford did the same thing to the Fiesta, another car I was interested in. The GTI at least comes with a six speed manual.

I don't think they are including heated seats, although it does have features from one of the trim packages what include the heated seats (the automatic climate control).

I will be making my decision over the next few weeks, although not a big lover of the much bigger GTI it is looking more likely given the relatively high price of the special edition 500. Given how long I keep cars the cost differential between the car I want and a cheaper car is not worth thinking about.

That or just wait for the Abarth in hopes it is actually a more Sport version than this clearly luxo optioned version of the car. Waiting isn't a problem as my ten year old Golf has only 58k miles so there is really no big rush for me (and I am staving off my boys starting to drive), I don't need another car.

Bummer.

[kmead]

Wednesday. November 17.2010

Dear Pnma Owner

It is with great pride that we announce the debut of the FIAT 500 today at the 2010 Los Angeles
International Motor Show.

We want to thank you for the passion you have expressed for the FIAT 500, and we want to share with
you more information on the product you've reserved.

Pncing:
The MSRP for the Prima Edizione IS $19.500
(including destinatIOn). There were very few
options when vehicles were ordered: the power
sunroof is priced at $850, and the engine heater is
pnced at $50.

Availability:
We are looking to deliver the Prima Edizione FIAT
500 in the first quarter of 20 I I.

Please expect more communication shortly on hO'N
we will introduce you to your new FIAT SOD, more
information on the location your local FIAT Studio
and how we plan on delivering the vehicles.

The spec for the car is:

PRIMA EDIZIONE FEATURES:
Custom Grey & Black Cloth Seats Wlth Accent Strtchlng
Unique 16" Aluminum Wheels with Black Pockets
Automatic Temperature Control
SIRIUS® Satellrte Radio
Security Alarm
Pnma Edlzione Badge
Gloss Black Painted Roof and Mirrors
Black Body Stripe
Graphite Instrument Panel Bezel
Numbered Badge on Instrument Panel
Floor Mats With Prima Edizione Logo
I.4L 4 Cylinder MultiAir Engine
5-Speed Manual TransmISSion
BOSE- Premium Audio System
Blue & Me Handsfree Communication
7 Airbags
Power Windows, Lodes & MIrrors
Red Brake Calipers
Rear Spoiler
Sport Tuned Suspension
Fog lights,
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

[Daniel]

What about the Rust is there a Charge for that option or is it included like our other Fiats got for FREEEE ???

Nice to hear we got something the Europeans didn't ( 6 speed AT ) for a change !

•Suspension modifications to handle U.S. roads, often rougher than those in Europe.

So they are calling our roads crap ? ok they are at least over here in So Cal

•A larger, 10.5 gallon gas tank.

10.5 this is larger i wonder what the Euro Tanks hold ? anyone know the MPG ratings .

500 Abarths >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e31asnmR ... ature=fvwp
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpAFi9nIJVQ&NR=1

[lanciahf]

New Fiat TV Commercial http://www.njfiats.org/joomla15/index.php

[spidernut]

7 air bags in a Fiat 500? In an accident, you'd turn into the Michelin man or the Staypuff Marshmallow man with all those airbags!

[Snoopy]

Heated seats are an option you can choose.
Someone like my 6 speed

10.5 this is larger i wonder what the Euro Tanks hold ?

35 Liter / 9.25
I have to stop every 400km / 250 Miles if i drive fast (similar with the Spider).
The diesel if you drive "very quiet" allows nearly 800km / 500 Miles

[So Cal Mark]

the 500 chief engineer told me only the rear suspension was re-tuned for the US. That usually means more understeer, not so much ride quality. The US market has always feared letting the rear end come around. The thinking is that drivers will slow more if the front end plows into a corner. He also told me the rear suspension on the Prima Edizone was tuned differently than the other models. Perhaps we're getting the Euro setup?

[Snoopy]

They change the rear suspension in 2009 starting with the 500C. New stabilizer and other parts.

[So Cal Mark]

drum brakes in the rear? how retro

[Snoopy]

Drums are only for the small engines...

[Daniel]

so no convertibles ? i saw some online in europe !

[Snoopy]

Hmm at this time the "convertible" is only for us