You probably thought that Abarth’s 695 Tributo Ferrari was one of the hottest Fiat 500s you’ve ever seen. Well, we’d now like to introduce you to Romeo Ferraris’ modified Fiat 500 that will take part in the ‘6 Hours of Vallelunga.’

The carbon-fiber Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces an outstanding 360-hp. The hardcore Fiat 500 will be driven by Aldo Cerruti, Michela Cerruti and Maria Ferraris.

The Fiat 500 will be available in the North American market with a 1.4L Multiair engine in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Fiat 500 Racer:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Romeo Ferraris (via CarScoop)

Senior Vice President of Chrysler Powertrain, Paolo E. Ferrero, said that the Fiat 500 will be available in the North American market with a 1.4L Multiair engine in the fourth quarter of 2010. A 1.4L Multiair turbo will arrive in the fourth-quarter of 2011, Ferrero said.

The Fiat 500 will be mainly sold in metro markets at select dealers with all Chrysler brands. To sell the Fiat badged minicar, Chrysler dealers will setup a dedicated salon inside dealerships.

Chrysler did not confirm if the Fiat 500C convertible will come to the United States.

It has been reported that Chrysler will build and sell four versions of the 500 minicar in the United States starting 2010.

Fiat 500:

- By: Omar Rana

According to a report by WardsAuto, Chrysler Group LLC dealers have been told that their first batch of Fiat 500 minicars due to hit showrooms in 2011, will be sporty Abarth versions.

That means instead of the boring base 99-hp Fiat 500, we’ll be getting the 1.4L 16v turbocharged 4-cylinder variant making 135-hp. 0-60 mph for the Fiat 500 Abarth comes in 7 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph. Estimated fuel-economy comes in at 25/33 mpg (city/highway).

Visual enhancements will include a spoiler, twin tailpipes, 16-inch wheels, a new front bumper, aluminum pedals, a beefy steering wheel, leather-trimmed shifter for the 5-speed manual and sporty seats.

The Fiat 500 is expected to be priced between $18,000 to $19,000 when it hits U.S. shores.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: WardsAuto

When the Fiat 500 goes on sale in the United States in late 2010 or early 2011, the Chrysler brand will handle the distribution and sales of Fiat’s minicar, said Peter Fong, Chrysler brand CEO and head of sales for all Chrysler Group brands.

Fong said that the limited volume of the Fiat 500 and the fact that it will be the only Fiat badged car being sold in the U.S. does not require the creation of a dedicated retail network. He said that no decision has been made on how many dealers will sell the Fiat 500.

Fiat is also expected to offer the Fiat 500C convertible in the North American market along with the convertible, hatchback, wagon and the Abarth 500.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoWeek

It’s not like that Ferrari modified Fiat 500 wasn’t official yesterday but nothing is as official as high-res photos and a press release to go along with it. While you’ll notice the 695 Tributo Ferrari visually sets itself apart from other Fiat 500s, what you won’t see with your eyes are the modifications made by Ferrari and Abarth.

Power for the 695 Tributo Ferrari comes from a 180-hp 1.4L Turbo T-Jet 16v engine that is mated to an MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) with race-inspired steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. Braking power comes from 284 mm multi-section discs with fixed four-piston calipers by Brembo. Abarth says that there is a “Record Monza” variable back-pressure “dual mode” exhaust, designed to boost engine performance.

The exterior of the 695 Tributo Ferrari is painted in Scuderia Red with carbon fiber mirror housings and rear air intakes in Racing Gray. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels inspired by Ferrari wheels. The model will be built in limited amounts with the interior carrying a special plate bearing the vehicle series number.

Hop over the jump for the press release.

Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari:

Press Release:

The Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari”

The Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari” makes its world debut at Frankfurt. This new performance version of the Abarth 500 confirms the link between Abarth and Ferrari based on shared values that include a passion for performance, a racing soul, attention to detail and Italian style.

Abarth and Ferrari are two great names that have contributed, with conviction and dedication, to the legend of Italian racing that is known around the world. The legendary men behind both marques followed very similar careers: first drivers, then tuners and finally heads of companies that command genuine respect in the world of motor racing. These extraordinary men were associated in the past: in 1953, for example, a unique Ferrari-Abarth was born, the Ferrari 166/250 MM Abarth. The car raced in various international trophies including the legendary Mille Miglia. The tie between the two companies has been reinforced above all by the exhaust systems designed by Abarth specifically for the cars built at Maranello: numerous exhaust systems have been made for various Ferrari models, some of which have won World Championship titles.

The two brands have recently renewed their collaboration. The first result of this was the supply of a limited and numbered series of Abarth 500’s to Ferrari’s European dealers in recent months for use as “courtesy cars”.

Now, attention turns to the new Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari”, an exclusive vehicle that not only enables Abarth to extend its range by entering into the luxury sports car market, but also offers Ferrari customers a small but exciting small car for all their mobility needs, including practical urban mobility.

The new Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari” is distinguished by a number of stylistic changes, but more importantly by substantial modifications developed by Abarth and Ferrari engineers. The engine, for a start, is a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v, tuned to develop over 180 HP. This is combined with an MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) electromechanical gearbox with race-inspired paddle gearshift that makes full use of the engine’s performance by reducing gearshift times.

To improve acceleration, the car is fitted with performance tyres on 17” alloy wheels featuring a design inspired by Ferrari wheels. The suspension and braking systems have also been strengthened to cope with the extra power: 284 mm multi-section discs with fixed four-piston calipers, both by Brembo, and special shock absorbers let you enjoy performance in total safety.

And of course there is a “Record Monza” variable back-pressure “dual mode” exhaust, designed to improve engine performance and deliver an inspiring sound over 3,000 rpm.

On the outside, the car is finished in Scuderia Red, with carbon fibre door mirrors and with details like the wheels and rear air intakes in Racing Grey. This new Abarth is equipped with Xenon headlights with dipped and main beam functions for improved light emission and excellent efficiency under all weather conditions. Made by Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting, these elements deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen lamp headlights.

The interiors are also personalised and demonstrate the attention to detail and the sporting style that are common to both brands. “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” seats are fitted and finished in black leather with a shell and seat base in carbon fibre. These seats offer a perfect blend of racing characteristics – light weight (10 kg less than the standard seat) and the ability hold the body steady against lateral and longitudinal forces, thanks to body support elements filled with crush-resistant foam – with the ergonomics and comfort of road seats.

The black leather steering wheel is characterised by red leather inserts and a tricolour hub on which the MTA gearshift paddles are mounted, while the instrument panel is specially made by Jaeger, and inspired by typical Ferrari instrumentation. Attention to detail has gone into the floor too: the foot wells are covered entirely in non-slip aluminium and the racing pedals are personalised with the Scorpion logo. The interior is embellished with other details too, like special kick plates and a plate bearing the vehicle series number.

- By: Kap Shah

Aston Martin and BMW are both in talks with Toyota to use the Japanese automakers iQ platform for a future minicar. According to AutoExpress, while Ferrari won’t be building a minicar anytime soon, it will be teaming up with Abarth to build a customized version of the Fiat 500.

Known as the 695 Tributo Ferrari, the special-edition Fiat 500 features Ferrari’s Scuderia Red paint job and is powered by 180-hp 1.4L turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a race-derived 6-speed transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle-shifters.

Ferrari also upgraded the suspension and added red Brembo brake calipers for extra stopping power. The 695 Tributo Ferrari rides on 17-inch alloys wheels.

Fiat 500 - 695 Tributo Ferrari:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: AutoExpress

According to sources that spoke with The Wall Street Journal, Chrysler Group LLC and Fiat SpA plan on building the US-spec Fiat 500 compact car at Chrysler’s plant in Mexico. Insiders familiar with the matter say that Chrysler is also looking to make a small Fiat engine for the 500 at Chrysler’s Trenton, Mich. facility.

Sources also said that the group is considering building a Fiat-derived compact car slightly larger than the 500 in the U.S. as well.

Chrysler spokesman Gualberto Ranieri declined to comment on the report.

It was recently reported that Fiat/Chrysler will build and sell four versions of the 500 minicar in the United States.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WSJ

Celebrating Abarth’s return to the Dutch market, Fiat and Abarth have released this limited edition 500 Competizione.

Power comes from the same 1.4L 4-cylinder turbo used in the standard Fiat 500 Abarth that produces 135-hp with a peak torque of 152 lb-ft. To make it special, the Abarth Fiat 500 Competizione features a black-roof, 17-inch black alloy wheels and Abarth graphics on the side. Inside, the special-edition model gets Competizione logos with navigation, an upgraded audio system and climate control as standard.

Only 10 units of the Abarth Fiat 500 Competizione will be made with prices starting at €24,995 ($35,214 USD).

Abarth Fiat 500 Competizione:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

We were just wondering last week if Fiat/Chrysler will offer the Fiat 500C convertible when the 500 comes to the United States in 2010. Today it has been confirmed that Chrysler will build and sell four versions of the 500 minicar in the United States starting 2010, reports Automotive News.

Robert Giolito, designer of the Fiat 500 and the head of Fiat styling, confirmed that Chrysler will build four different models of the compact Fiat car including a hatchback, convertible, station wagon and sporty hatchback.

Giolito said that a fifth model, a four-wheel-drive SUV, is also a possibility.

Fiat announced last week that it sells 54 percent of the 500 outside of Italy and expects the number to grow significantly when the car goes on sale in the United States. The Fiat 500 will be the only model that will where the Fiat badge when it comes to the stateside.

Fiat 500 C:

- By: Omar Rana

Fiat’s retro-styled 500 minicar has helped the Italian automaker achieve a first: Selling more units of a model outside its home market than inside.

“We sell 54 percent of the 500 outside of Italy, something that has never happened before at Fiat,” Lorenzo Sistino, Fiat brand CEO, told Automotive News Europe.

Of course that number will increase when the Fiat 500 comes to the U.S. in 2011. Sistino declined to comment on Fiat’s expected sales volume in the United States. The Fiat 500 will be the only Fiat-badged model sold in the U.S. as a result of Fiat SpA and Chrysler Group LLC’s partnership.

2009 Fiat 500C:

- By: Mo Eladawy

Fiat has already confirmed that its 500 minicar will come to the United States in 2011. However, it has yet to confirm whether or not the Fiat 500C, the convertible version of the 500, will come to the stateside.

Until Sergio Marchionne makes a decision, we can enjoy some new images of the Fiat 500C along with a new video of the drop-top minicar in action.

Click through for the video and the updated high-res image gallery.

2009 Fiat 500C:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Chrysler’s PT Cruiser was scheduled to go out of production at the company’s Toluca, Mexico plant by this summer. Well, we have some good news for you PT Cruiser fans – the model will soldier on and will come off the line in December of 2010.

Originally the PT Cruiser was supposed to have a 5-year run when it was introduced in 1999. However, when Chrysler ended up producing 205,000 units in 2001 alone to keep up with demand, they kept the model going through the whole decade.

Think of the PT Cruiser as a place holder – after Fiat gains more access to Chrysler plants and dealers, the model will be replaced by Fiat based models.

After December 2010, the Fiat 500 will take over the PT Cruiser’s spot at the Toluca plant and so will the Fiat Panda, which will be sold as a Jeep in North America.

- By: Mo Eladawy

Source: Inside Line

We already know that the Fiat 500 will be the only Fiat badged model that will be sold at Chrysler dealerships when Chrysler is officially handed over the Italian automaker. According to people familiar with the plan, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has been leading a team of several dozen engineers and executives in finalizing plans to cut costs on purchasing parts and to pave the way for the introduction of the 500 minicar to the U.S. market.

The Fiat 500 will make it to the U.S. showrooms by the end of 2010 – so if you’re looking for a reliable, good looking, fuel-efficient compact car, just wait because the 500 is expected to get more than 40 mpg as measure by the U.S. regulatory standards.

The group of engineers and executives are working hard to get the compact hatch ready to meet U.S. safety standards.

At the 2009 New York Auto Show in April, Chrysler’s vice chairman Jim press was heavily promoting the 500 by driving one onto the stage.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Reuters

Chrysler’s bankruptcy documents reveal that the Fiat/Chrysler alliance would give Chrysler four vehicle platforms, two engines and two transmission families from the Italian automaker. The documents said that specific vehicles would include the Fiat 500, Alfa Romeo MiTo and the Milano 940.

The affidavit of Tom LaSorda, Chrysler’s vice chairman and president, said that access to Fiat’s technology and platforms is a critical part of the partnership between the two automakers. ”Fiat would give Chrysler access to its 3.0-liter diesel engine and 1.4-liter gas engine technology, critical pieces for Chrysler to meet the new fuel economy standards,” LaSorda said.

“Chrysler and Fiat have identified four vehicle platforms and two engine and transmission families that can be used in the alliance,” said LaSorda. “Among those platforms are Fiat’s highly successful C-EVO platform, which Fiat and Chrysler have agreed to manufacture at one of Chrysler’s U.S. plants, and Fiat’s small car F500 and Fiat’s hatchback.”

LaSorda said that the shared technology and platforms will bring huge cost savings to Chrysler. He said that without Fiat, it would cost Chrysler nearly $8 billion to $10 billion to built four new platforms, two engines and two transmission families. Time wise, LaSorda said it would take Chrysler four to five years to achieve these goals.

By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

Tom LaSorda, Chrysler’s soon to be retired vice chairman, said today that Fiat-based Chrysler vehicles could be sold in the U.S. in as little as 18 months. Outgoing CEO Bob Nardelli said that the Chrysler and Fiat alliance will bring the Auburn Hills automaker a “much broader portfolio of products.”

“We’ve done a lot of pre-work in terms of homologations and emissions,” LaSorda said. “Eighteen months is practical. Three years is fundamentally wrong. We can do it faster.”

Chrysler’s President Jim Press said that the automaker will eliminate some current models that will overlap new vehicles. He did not say which vehicles will get the ax.

Chrysler has not yet said which Fiat products will make their way to U.S. dealerships or where they will be produced.

So far, what we do know is that Fiat is considering bringing the 500 minicar to the U.S. by next year. On Wednesday, the UAW said that a major reason for it to agree to new concessions was a commitment from Fiat to “produce a new small car in one of Chrysler’s U.S. facilities.” 

Can we please get the Alfa Romeo MiTo?

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Inside Line

The 2009 New York Auto Show is just around the corner and the 2009 World Car of the Year finalists have been announced. Picked from an initial list of 51 new vehicles from all over the world, the top three contenders for the 2009 World Car title include the Ford Fiesta, Toyota iQ and the new Volkswagen Golf VI.

Finalists for the 2009 World Performance Car include the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Nissan GT-R and the new Porsche 911 Carrera. The 2009 World Green Car finalists include the Honda FCX Clarity, Mitsubishi i MiEV and the Toyota iQ. Contenders for the 2009 World Car Design of the Year include the Citroen C5, Fiat 500 and the Jaguar XF.

To be eligible for the overall World Car award, a vehicle must be in production and sold in at least two continents during 2008.

Winners will be announced at the 2009 New York International Auto Show on April 9, 2009.

Barbie is turning 50 on March 9th and while many of you are wondering how she still looks so young and in shape, Fiat will be gifting her the new Fiat 500. Fiat will hand Mattel the pink Fiat 500 at Barbie’s 50th birthday celebration in Milan.

Barbie will then pull up to her birthday party on March 9th at 6:30 pm accompanied by her special drive – Ken (after he gets through with Sergio Marchionne). Maybe Fiat will give Ken a Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione on his birthday.

Care to learn about some of the customizations of the Barbie pink Fiat 500? Check out the press release after the jump.

Click through for more images and the press release.

Fiat 500 for Barbie:

A Fiat 500 Show Car Birthday Gift For Barbie®
Fiat 500 makes headlines once more, as befits an authentic Made in Italy icon. This time it’s an original Fiat 500 show car dedicated to the most famous fashion doll ever: Barbie®. This exceptional vehicle, created by a partnership between the Fiat Centro Stile and Mattel, will be given officially to Barbie® on 9 March next, at her fiftieth birthday celebrations in Milan.

It’s a fashionista car but quite tongue-in-cheek and with lots of charm: just like Barbie® herself. The gleaming paintwork resembles varnish and definitely makes for a shock effect, achieved with deep lacquered colour using ultra fine aluminium plunged in deep, up-to-the-minute pink. The seating is upholstered in strikingly soft fabrics: silver laminated Alcantara® is not only trendy but plush to the touch and its glimmer bounces as far as the roof panel. Then there are mats enhanced with natural silk yarn and sleek viscose, not to mention lip glosses in brilliant colours stored in the glove compartment, plus a LED-decked vanity mirror to ensure perfect application. And there’s more. The car has more features than a crown has jewels! Crystals sparkle on interior bezels, hubcaps, outer window mouldings and antenna and even outline the doll’s famed silhouette on the pillars. Lastly, this Fiat 500 show car also has its own glossy cover, featuring the distinctive Sixties version of the Fiat 500 and a Barbie® autograph.

The latest Fiat 500 show car will appear in public for the first time on Monday 9 March, from 6.30pm onwards, when it will race through the quintessential streets of Milan’s fashion district. Barbie® will be aboard and she’ll have her own special driver: Ken, of course. On arriving at the entrance to La Rinascente department store, in Piazza Duomo, Barbie® will leave the car and walk the unique pink carpet created just for her. The band Nena will be playing live in the background, reviving some of the most famous pop songs from the fifty years of the legendary fashion doll’s existence.

Roberto Giolito, creator of the Fiat 500, had this to say about the Mattel-Fiat partnership scheme: “All-American Ms Barbie® already has a number of ‘transport solutions’ available, like thundering GTs and motor homes with endless accessories. So if she’s spotted a 500 and wants one as a gift for this landmark birthday, it’s a signal typical of modern times that there’s a renewed need for dreaming the simple things in life, which give so much, allow us to lighten up, thrill who’s born beautiful or just feels beautiful, but doesn’t have to prove anything. After all, Barbie® already has everything. Sleek Barbie® is a looker, smart enough to listen to everyone, a universal ambassador opting for a car that never divides but frees everyone from having to declare their social status. The new 2009 version celebrates her birthday with a model that offers a better view of the sun and the stars, all the better for continuing to dream, especially daydreams.

So you get rid of your gas-guzzling, massive horsepower car in order to save your bank account from being drained due to (well, not so much anymore) high gas-prices. You then by yourself a minicar thinking you’ll get outstanding fuel-economy (which you most likely will) and will also spend less on your daily commute. Nonetheless, what you don’t realize is that when you feel the “need-for-speed” you’re not going anywhere with the minimal horsepower you have under your hood.

As the auto industry shifts its product lineup to the current consumer behavior of compact vehicles, Rinspeed is one tuner that is embracing that change in the automotive tuning market. At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Rinspeed will show the world it’s E2 – a concept car based on the Abarth version of the Fiat 500.

The car offers two different power levels at the touch of button. The 60-hp ‘Commuting’ mode will allow you to average a fuel-economy of 59 mpg (U.S. terms) while the 160-hp ‘Highway’ mode will give you 100 more horses to zip through traffic while averaging a fuel-economy of 34 mpg. All this is controlled by a small button in the cockpit that affects the engine electronics.

We think it’s a brilliant idea. How about you?

Rinspeed E2: