Paul Tan's Automotive News » Fiat

Fiat 695 Abarth Maserati Edition – limited run of 499 units

Danny Tan — Mon, 21 May 2012 02:38:19 +0000

We already have the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari, now comes the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition, the latest limited edition Fiat 500. Limited to 499 units, the Maserati Edition made its debut on the 30th anniversary of the Mille Miglia, which Enzo Ferrari called “the most beautiful race in the world”.

If the Tributo Ferrari shows off Abarth’s sporty character and racing spirit, this Maserati Edition epitomises elegance and comfort of a GranTurismo, but with the dinky handling of a mini car.

Based on the open-top 500C, the Maserati Edition is powered by a 1.4 T-Jet turbo engine (Garrett 1446 turbo) boosted to 180 hp and 250 Nm at 3,000 rpm. Paired to the electrically operated manual Abarth Competizione gearbox, this small car is capable of 0-100 km/h in less than seven seconds, while top speed is 225 km/h.

Brembo 305 mm brake discs with grey fixed four-piston calipers can be seen behind the 17-inch wheels, in Maserati’s trademark “Neptune” design. Koni shock absorbers with FSD valves are also included. Abarth promises “inspiring sound” above 3,000 rpm with the variable back-pressure “dual mode” exhaust, which hexagonal shape tailpipes follow after Maseratis.

The car here is in Pontevecchio Bordeaux. This Maserati colour is achieved with special three-layer paintwork which reflects light and accentuates the shine of the colour. The soft top is made of grey fabric.

Inside, the sand beige leather seats have containment strips featuring single-layer padding, while the dash and gearbox trim are finished in a special matte carbon lining. The door panels have a special UV-LUX treatment, which gives them a grey “flocking” effect. The steering wheel has beige leather inserts and a tricolour hub, while the instrument panel has been specifically designed by Jaeger.

Other details include aluminium pedals sill plates, carbon fibre kick plate with graphics and a plaque. Lastly, the Maserati Edition comes with a JBL ICE system with nine speakers and an eight-channel amplifier. Great ingredients for a desirable little package.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Fiat Linea a.k.a. Punto Sedan gets a facelift

Danny Tan — Tue, 08 May 2012 07:59:17 +0000

The Fiat Linea, which is a sedan bodied Punto with extended wheelbase for developing countries, has received a facelift. The front end of the Linea is now more rounded in appearance, compared to the “single grille divided in two” look of the original Grande Punto, which it’s based on.

Lots of chrome for the front end – grille surround, horizontal grille slats, lower bumper U-shaped element – but the Linea manages to not look too tacky. The headlamps and the foglamps are unchanged, as are the tail lamps.

At the back, there’s a full length chrome strip that matches the chrome side rubbbing strips. The license plate has been shifted to the bootlid, garnished by yes, a chrome bar.

Inside, the “luxury” theme continues with a cabin colour combo of beige and black. The dashboard has been modernised with rounded A/C vents, a new stereo and gloss black trim. Safety kit includes ABS, ASR and ESP. Already in production in Turkey, the Linea is available as a 78 hp 1.4 petrol, 96 hp 1.3 diesel and 107 hp 1.6 diesel.

Looks decent enough compared to other sedans that started life as a B-segment hatch, but nowhere near as stylish as Fiat’s latest saloon, the Viaggio.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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GALLERY: Fiat Viaggio, the handsome Italian Dodge Dart

Danny Tan — Wed, 02 May 2012 05:45:38 +0000

Here’s the handsome Fiat Viaggio in its full glory, unveiled at the recent Beijing show. The C-segment sedan is based on the CUSW (Compact US Wide) architecture, the most advanced within the Fiat Group now. Also underpinning the new Dodge Dart, the CUSW platform is derived from the one beneath the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

Described as a “premium class” sedan, the Viaggio will be the only car in its segment to offer exclusively modern turbo engines (1.4L T-Jet 120 hp and 150 hp) in the Chinese market. Two gearbox options are available – Fiat’s latest generation six-speed (dry) dual-clutch transmission and a five-speed manual.

As the first Fiat-Chrysler joint project, the Fiat Viaggio will be produced in the new GAC Fiat production plant in Changsha, Hunan province.

A really handsome sedan to these eyes. Style comes naturally to the Italians, it is true! Click here for a look at the Dodge Dart.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Fiat Viaggio world preview at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show

Chris Ng — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 02:51:12 +0000

It is not much but here are some teasers of the Fiat Viaggio, which the Italian carmaker says is a totally new model. Fiat will throw off its covers at the 2012 Beijing International Motor Show that is slated to happen next week.

We know that Viaggio is based on the CUSW (Compact US Wide), which is also the same platform as the Dodge Dart and have the similar DNA to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

The four-door, five-seater measures 4,679 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and have a wheelbase of 2,708 mm. Two turbocharged engines are tasked to give the Viaggio some go; both are 1.4 litre T-Jet engines that generate 120 hp and 150 hp, and paired to either a five-speed manual or a Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDTC) developed by Fiat Powertrain.

Although the Viaggio’s lines were put to paper in Torino, the car will be made from July 2012 in Hunan province, or the GAC-Fiat World Class Manufacturing plant in Changsha, to be exact. The Viaggio will hit Chinese showrooms from the third quarter this year.

In case you are wondering how the Chinese will pronounce Viaggio, well, don’t worry. Fiat is giving the car a Chinese name, Fei Xiang, which means ‘flying’ in English. Fancy that.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Fiat 500X – the cinquecento goes the crossover route

Anthony Lim — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:19:03 +0000

Fiat is looking to add yet another model to its 500 range, with the latest variant to be a crossover called the 500X. The vehicle, when it arrives, will join the three-door 500 hatchback, the 500 Abarth, 500C convertible and the 500L four-door hatch (seen in the photos), which made its debut in Geneva last month, making it five in the family.

The crossover, which will sit on a widened version of the Punto platform, will be the longest model in the range at around 4.2 metres long, and is set to replace the Sedici in the Fiat lineup, according to reports.

Production is slated to begin in December next year at the company’s Mirafiori factory in Turin, making the vehicle the first 500 variant to be built in Italy. It’ll be available in both 2WD and all-wheel-drive versions.

Engine choices for the European market will be a 900 cc two-cylinder and 1.4 litre petrol mills, as well as a 1.3 litre MultiJet II diesel. The reports add that a Jeep sister model, code-named the B-SUV, will be built alongside the 500X, with production for that one set to begin in the second quarter of 2014.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Fiat Viaggio sedan for China – a rebadged Dodge Dart

Danny Tan — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:43:37 +0000

Fiat is taking another stab at the automotive gold mine that is China. The Italian company will debut a new compact sedan at the Beijing Auto Show next month and will start making the car in China by July.

Called Viaggio, which means journey in Italian, the sedan is a rebadged C-segment Dodge Dart, which in turn is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. At At 4,670 mm long and 1,830 mm wide, the Viaggio is about the same size as a Ford Focus Sedan.

The Viaggio will also be the first model from Fiat’s 50:50 joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group. The Viaggio will be made at the partners’ new factory in the city of Changsha in Hunan. Fiat hopes the sedan will help boost sales in China to 300,000 units by 2014 from less than 1,500 units last year. Currently, Fiat only sells CBU imports.

The Viaggio will be powered by locally-built normally aspirated and turbocharged versions of Fiat’s 1.4L engine. There are also plans for a hatchback version, which could be exported back to Europe as a Bravo replacement, sources told Automotive News Europe.

Unlike some European rivals, Fiat hasn’t had much success in China. It had a loss-making JV with Nanjing Automotive that failed in 2007. Fiat then attempted to tie up with Chery, but it didn’t work out as well. Third time lucky perhaps?

Click here for more on the Dodge Dart, including a full gallery.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Fiat 500L: 5-door Fiat 500 to make Geneva 2012 debut

Paul Tan — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:11:41 +0000

These are the first shots of the new Fiat 500L, the newest member of the Fiat 500 family, with the L in its name meaning “Large”.

The 500L is bigger and has 5-doors instead of 3, with a cab forward cabin design. Fiat says the 500L has MPV passenger space combined with the feel of a small SUV on the road, along with the dimensions and efficiency of a B segment car.

I’m thinking – doesn’t Fiat already sort of have a product like this in its range called the Fiat Panda? I suppose the 500L is an Italian take on large versions of modern incarnations of retro classics, like the Mini Countryman.

The Fiat 500L will make its public debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March, with an initial engine range consisting of two petrol engines – TwinAir and 1.4L as well as a 1.3 liter Multijet diesel.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Fiat 500L 5-door hatch coming soon, 7-seater on the way!

Danny Tan — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:25:30 +0000

Fiat’s reborn icon is about to grow in size. The popular retro styled 500 will get a five-door hatchback variant called 500L, L for large. Codenamed L-Zero, the supermini sized 500L will make its debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Reports say that the 5dr’s front end is similar to the current 500, although the 500L will sit on a widened Punto platform. The 500L will be around 4,150 mm long, which is about 60 mm longer that the current three-door 500 hatch. European sales start in July, followed two months later by a seven-seat version that is around 10 mm longer than the five-seater.

Engine options will most probably include Fiat’s TwinAir turbocharged two-cylinder 900 cc engine (85 hp), a 1.4L petrol with 77 hp or 105 hp, as well as a 1.3L diesel with 75 hp or 95 hp.

The current Fiat Idea small MPV will be discontinued at the end of this year, and the 500L will fill that hole in Fiat’s European range. Continental rivals will include Citroen’s C3 Picasso, Ford’s B-Max and the MINI Countryman. The 500L will be built in Kragujevac, Serbia.

The modern Fiat 500 has been a success for the Italian brand, finding more than 770,000 new homes since 2007. Last year, Fiat sold over 195,000 units of the 500 worldwide, including 26,000 units in North America, a non-traditional market for small cars.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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VIDEO: Jennifer Lopez stars in Fiat 500C Gucci Edition ad

Danny Tan — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:21:46 +0000

Finding a celebrity that embodies what one is selling is a tried and tested formula. It works like this: Perhaps if I spray on more Hugo Boss perfume, than I can be as suave as Ryan Reynolds. Or if she uses SK-II religiously, she’ll be as desirable as Gong Li when she’s 45. The Fiat 500C Gucci Edition is elegant, thinks its maker, so they have chosen Jennifer Lopez to endorse the small car.

“No matter where you’re from, elegance is hard work. It’s taking style, performance, and originality, and making them look easy,” says Jenny from the Block, who is seen driving an Empire State plated black Fiat around NYC.

The ad shows what’s special about this 500C – the Gucci badge on the tailgate, the brand’s famous green-red-green stripe on the folding fabric roof, the same stripe on the seatbelts and the Double G logo on the shifter. For girlfriends and wives, those are the equipment that count, not horsepower, torque or an extra cog.

I know what car I want, if I was a rich girl. Wait, that’s the wrong singer!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon supports breast cancer research

Danny Tan — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:02:24 +0000

Yet another limited edition, but this one’s for a good cause. The US market Fiat 500 “Pink Ribbon” limited edition was created in partnership with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), which mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

Only 250 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon units will be available at Fiat Studios in October. For each sale of the $22,500 car, Fiat will donate $1,000 to BCRF, with a minimum of $50,000 contribution from the carmaker.

Based on the 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge model, the Pink Ribbon is available in Argento (silver) and Bianco (white) exterior paint colours and features a signature dark pink body stripe with “500″ logo and an accenting “ribbon” in light pink.

Inside, highlighting this limited edition model are Nero leather front and rear seats with pink accent stitching on the perimeter and signature “500″ logo embroidered on the front seatbacks and a pink ribbon embroidered on the floor mats. Pink accents are also hand-stitched through the leather steering wheel.

And to match this specially appointed Cinquecento, a pair of uniquely designed Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon key fobs will act as a constant reminder that you’re driving a good cause.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Fiat Punto facelift set for debut at Frankfurt 2011

Paul Tan — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:04:46 +0000

The Fiat Punto has ended up being one of those cars that have gone beyond a traditional 5 year lifecycle. It was originally launched in 2005 as the Grande Punto, and was renamed the Punto Evo in 2009 when it was given a first facelift. Now Fiat has announced a second facelift, set to debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show this month. There are two new engines – a new 0.9 litre Fiat TwinAir Turbo making 85 PS and 145Nm of torque, as well as a 1.4 litre Multijet Diesel making 85 PS and 200Nm of torque.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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First images of new third generation Fiat Panda

Paul Tan — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:37:19 +0000

Here are the first pix of the new third generation Fiat Panda, which will make its public debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

It’s turned out to be quite a handsome car, said to be slightly larger and with softer lines than the previous generation Panda it will replace. Fiat has also updated it with the latest trends like daytime running lights, fitted in the area between the fog lamps and the head lamps.

A few small and fuel efficient engine options will be available – a 69 horsepower 1.2L, a 65hp 2 cylinder TwinAir 0.9L, an 85hp 2 cylinder TwinAir turbo 0.9L, a 75hp 1.3 MultiJet diesel, and flex fuel versions of the 0.9L and 1.2L engines. A more powerful Abarth Panda is also said to be in the works.

Look after the jump for a small photo gallery of the new Panda.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Fiat CEO Marchionne warns against underestimating China

Danny Tan — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 02:52:16 +0000

In many automotive circles, whether at the mamak or in boardrooms, China is still the butt of jokes. However, underestimating Chinese carmakers may not be that wise, if one remembers that Japanese and Korean cars were once in the same position. Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is warning against that.

“If anyone deludes themselves that they can ignore China, they will pay a huge price. China’s auto industry has grown tremendously, and they have some of the most updated current technology. They should not be underestimated. We cannot afford to be unprepared for the ascent of China, reassuring ourselves of our invincibility,” Marchionne told an auto industry seminar in Michigan.

“The excuse that we did not understand or that we underestimated the scale will serve no purpose. Rather we need to continue to work to make our industrial base more competitive, because the day of reckoning is inevitably coming.”

The Italian pointed out that at present, Chinese carmakers produce almost entirely for domestic consumption, but “even assuming China were to export only 10% of what it produces, the risk we face in our home markets is enormous.”

He has reason to worry. Fiat is fighting for market leadership in fast growing Brazil, the world’s fourth largest car market and a target for the Chinese. Chery has started construction of its first factory outside of Sao Paulo and expects to churn out 50,000 vehicles a year there by end 2013. Meanwhile, Jianghuai Automobile (JAC Motors) is to invest between $600 and $900-million for its maiden Brazilian assembly plant that will start operating in 2014.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Fiat 500 “First Edition” arrives in China – only 100 units

Anthony Lim — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 01:30:29 +0000

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Ahead of the Fiat 500′s official debut in China in September, the Italian automaker has previewed a “First Edition” version, which is a limited run of 100 units made exclusively for the Chinese market. The car is embellished by creative graphics penned by five young Chinese designers from Shanghai.

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Based on the 500 Lounge, the Mexican-made “First Edition” has a special three-coat pearlescent white body colour, red leather interior and wears a special badge on the door pillar. It’s powered by a 1.4 litre MultiAir unit offering 101 hp at 6,500 rpm and 133 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, mated to a six-speed auto transmission.

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It special livery has been exclusively created for Chinese customers, and consists of five high-impact designs from Yan Wei, Leilei, Mee Wong, Nod Young and Benny Luk adorning the sides of the car, and these are supposed to symbolise the bonds between Italy and China. Getting one requires an element of luck though – apparently, how it works is that any Chinese customer who places an order for a Fiat 500 from now until September 15 will take part in a final draw entitling them to replace the car they ordered with a “First Edition” version.

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Fiat has big plans for the 500 in the country – it plans to have an assortment of versions and specials as it goes along, including the 500byGucci, which arrives next year. On more standard ground, the Mexican-made 500 marketed in China will have a range that includes three trim levels (Pop, Sport and Lounge), 12 body colours (metallic, non-metallic and three-coat pearlescent), nine colour-material combinations for upholstery and two interior environments (black or ivory). Only one engine choice – the 1.4 MultiAir – is available.

Click to enlarge

Separately, the company is set to launch the first example of its collaboration with local partner GAC, a new saloon made entirely in China at its plant in Changsha, at the end of next year.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Funny looking Opel Combo van is a rebadged Fiat Doblo

Danny Tan — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 05:04:20 +0000

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These are first official pictures of the next generation Opel Combo, which rivals the Renault Kangoo and Peugeot Partner, among other compact vans. It will replace the current Combo, which has served since 2001. The new Combo is no longer based on the Corsa supermini, but is a rebadged Fiat Doblo, saving costs for both brands.

The panel van version now offers a choice of two wheelbases – 2,755 mm or 3,105 mm – giving an overall vehicle length of 4.39 and 4.74 metres respectively, as well as two roof heights, 1.85 m or 2.10 m. The Combo is also available as a car-van, with five or seven seats and a paneled or glazed body.

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Van variants can be ordered with one or two optional sliding doors, while the “car” version has both sliding doors as standard and comes with a top-hinged tailgate. An asymmetrical double wing door is also available. An additional rear roof hatch can be installed to transport ladders, for example. With up to 3,800 litres of space in SWB form and 4,600 litres with the LWB, the Combo offers the largest load volume in both classes.

The new Opel Combo is available with six engines: four diesels, one 95 hp 1.4 petrol and a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) unit. The diesel range comprises 1.3 and 1.6 CDTI motors, each with 90 hp, as well as a 1.6 CDTI with 105 hp. The top performer is the 135 hp 2.0 CDTI. The CDTI engines only need to be serviced every 35,000 km or once a year.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Fiat to build its dual clutch transmission in China

Anthony Lim — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 04:54:28 +0000

Fiat will produce its dual clutch transmission in China for its Chinese market vehicles, according to reports – the transmission will be used in vehicles built by Fiat’s 50-50 joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group.

The DCT box will be made by Hangzhou Haveco Automotive Transmission, a three-way JV equally owned by Fiat, Guangzhou Auto and state-owned Hangzhou Advance Gearbox Group. Production of the transmission is slated to begin in 2013, HAG said in a statement. Plans are in place for an investment of 2.3 billion yuan (US$355 million) for the production of the new transmission, and in the long term, the JV will be increasing its annual transmission output to 500,000 units, HAG added.

Fiat and Guangzhou Auto’s new assembly plant, which is under construction, is set to begin operations towards the end of the year, with an initial annual capacity of 140,000 cars and 220,000 engines.

The JV’s first product is set to be the Fiat C-medium, with the likes of the second-generation Dodge Caliber – which will make its debut next year – entering the Chinese market badged as a Fiat. The current Caliber wears a CVT, but there are plans to also offer a nine-speed auto transmission for the new model by 2013, though whether this is globally or region-specific remains to be seen.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Despite VW stake, Suzuki will continue Fiat collaboration

Danny Tan — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 03:22:19 +0000

Many would expect the relationship between Suzuki and Fiat to drift apart after Volkswagen bought a 19.9% stake in the Japanese carmaker. But no, both parties are set to continue their 10-year old cooperation and expand it further. Currently, Suzuki builds the Sedici for Fiat in Hungary (Fiat buys 20,000 units a year) and produces Fiat diesel engines under license in India.

Now, according to two persons in the know, Suzuki Chairman Osamu Suzuki met Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne and Fiat chairman/controlling shareholder John Elkann in Turin last week. He offered to build the next generation Sedici for the Italians.

A rebadged SX4, the current Sedici was launched in 2005 and production will end in 2013. Fiat’s product plans does not include a replacement for it, but they might want to have one as the Sedici is Europe’s top-selling small SUV. An option is a small SUV planned in 2013 by Chrysler’s Jeep unit (code-named B-Jeep), but no decision has been made yet.

Moving to India, market leading Suzuki has asked Fiat for permission to double its annual production of the 1.3L diesel engine to 400,000 units as demand for diesels grow, although Fiat prefers to built the additional engines for Suzuki itself in an underutilised, 300,000-unit a year engine plant in Ranjangaon, India, which is part of Fiat’s JV with Tata Motors.

This DDiS engine that features in cars like the popular Maruti Swift is a 1,248 cc commonrail turbo unit with 75 PS and 190 Nm of torque. It’s paired only to a five-speed manual ‘box.

At the high level meeting, the bosses also discussed the possibility of Fiat subsidiary Magneti Marelli supplying Suzuki in India with an automated manual transmission system. The gearbox they’re talking about could be the one used in the Proton Savvy AMT.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Bravo replacement won’t be a regular hatch, Fiat to ‘do a Nissan Qashqai’ to rival Golf and Focus

Danny Tan — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 01:10:45 +0000

Not many know of it here, but Nissan has pulled off a masterstroke by introducing the Qashqai (called Dualis in Japan) in 2007. The C-segment family hatch market is not a friendly place for those trying to snatch sales from the Golf and Focus, even more so for a Japanese brand.

So instead of taking the market head on, they made an SUV styled car to offer something different, and it has paid off handsomely. The British made Qashqai is the fifth best selling C-segment car in Europe, behind only to the Golf, Focus, Astra and Megane, which all have more bodystyles. A Nissan that sells more than the equivalent Peugeot, Skoda and Fiat in Europe? Wouldn’t have dreamt that with the Almera for sure!

Now comes the news that Fiat will be using the same strategy for their next C-segment car. Group CEO Sergio Marchionne wants them to replace the pretty but slow selling Bravo with an all-new high-roof crossover inspired by the Qashqai. Marchionne first hinted at this in Detroit early this year, and the decision was finalised late last month, according to Automotive News Europe. Sources said that this car will appear in 2013.

Actually, the Bravo vs Qashqai comparison is apt. Both cars came into the market in 2007, with the Fiat having sexy good looks and home territory advantage. But the taller riding car outsells the Italian one by 5-to-1. Sales of the Bravo have been slipping badly. Only 44,850 units found new homes in 2010, which is less than what the Skoda Yeti, a niche product, managed.

Fiat’s original aim was to sell at least 120,000 Bravos a year. The company said the car would make a profit as long as 75,000 units were sold a year. That target was hit in 2007 and 2008, but never since.

Will this “crossover strategy” work for Fiat? Nothing’s certain, but it’s surely a better bet than taking on the giants in a straight fight!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Into the black – Fiat reports 520 mil Euro profit in 2010

Anthony Lim — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:52:19 +0000

Looks like Fiat finally has something to smile about. In the fourth quarter of 2009, the company reported a loss of 283 million euro. For the same period in 2010, it managed to get well into the black, earning 318 million Euros, which is about 1.33 billion Malaysian Ringgit.

Much of this profit was due to improved sales of its industrial-based vehicles, though this will also be the last time that Fiat will report as a group – it has separated its automotive and industrial business to improve efficiency.

As for the entire 2010 on the whole, the news for the Italian company – which has a 25% control of Chrysler – was equally pretty. Fiat reported a full-year profit of 520 million euro, which is a swing around from the 838 million euro loss reported in 2009. It has forecast an 37 billion euro revenue for its auto-related businesses for 2011.

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Fiat Freemont based on Dodge Journey unveiled!

Paul Tan — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:19:19 +0000

This is yet another new Fiat-Chrysler collaboration – the Fiat Freemont is a tough-looking crossover 7-seater vehicle for the European market, based on the Dodge Journey but with an updated fascia and tighter suspension settings to suit European driver preferences.

The Dodge Journey that this Fiat Freemont was based on was just unveiled in November last year at the LA auto show. The Fiat Freemont will make its public debut at the Geneva show this year. The Freemont will replace the Fiat Ulysee, and frankly it really looks so much more appealing than the PSA-Fiat collaboration Eurovan-derived Fiat Ulysee.

The people mover will be front wheel drive, and will initially be offered in Europe with two variations of Fiat’s 2.0 litre MultiJet diesel making 140 horses and 170 horses respectively. A 3.6 litre Chrysler Pentastar petrol V6 will be offered later with all-wheel drive.

The Freemont will be imported into Europe from the Toluca Car Assembly plant in Mexico, where both the Freemont and the Journey is built.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Dodge Journey to be Fiat Ulysse replacement in Europe?

Anthony Lim — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 05:45:11 +0000

It’s not just a case of austerity in terms of development costs, the idea of cross-sharing is – makes sense in this day and age, if you’ve got the right product for the job, that is. In the case of the Fiat Ulysse MPV, of which production has just been discontinued this month, the speculation is that its replacement will not be another Fiat-derived vehicle, but the Dodge Journey, which will be rebadged as a Fiat offering in Europe.

According to reports, the Fiat version of the large minivan will be named the Freemont, and the vehicle will make its debut in Geneva next March and begin selling in European markets in June.

Engine choices will include a Fiat-based 170 hp 2.0 litre turbodiesel, which will be the first time ever a Chrysler platform will utilise a Fiat pot. In the US, the Dodge Journey was recently given a facelift, and the update made its debut at the Los Angeles show last month.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Novitec tunes up the Fiat Abarth 500 to 212 hp!

Anthony Lim — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 01:22:34 +0000

So you have a Fiat Abarth 500, all 135 hp of it from the stock 1.4 litre T-Jet four-cylinder pot. Pacy enough, but not fast. You want quick. Well, does 212 hp sound like it’d be fast enough then?

Tuning specialist Novitec is offering just that with its NT4-Corse power kit, which boosts power output of the standard turbocharged block to 212 hp and upping the torque from 206 Nm to 325 Nm at 3,400 rpm, in the process offering the souped-up 500 a 6.8 seconds 0-100 kph sprint time as well as a 223 kph top speed.

The NT4-Corse kit (which goes for 3,016 euros) consists of a special turbocharger, a more efficient fresh air supply, an optimised air-cleaner box with sport air-filter cartridge as well as a Novitec Corse high performance exhaust system, larger injection nozzles and a special fuel pressure control. Additionally, the engine electronics are upgraded with the Novitec Powerjet 2 auxiliary control unit.

That’s not all you can do with the 500. A host of other items are available, starting with an upgraded suspension – take your pick from Novitec sport springs, which lower the ride height by some 35 millimeters, or a height-adjustable sport suspension made from stainless steel, which includes stiffer gas-pressure shocks.

There are wheels as well – custom-tailored one-piece Novitec N10 light alloy wheels in 17- or 18-inch diameters, and the eight double-spoke design wheel is available in silver polished or matte black painted versions.

Also in the mix is a Novitec front spoiler lip made of carbon-fibre, which attaches to the underside of the standard front fascia, and black-tinted lateral turn signals.

Gallery after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Fiat gears up for its return to the US in December

Anthony Lim — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 04:10:30 +0000

There’s certainly keen interest in Fiat over in the US as the company moves closer to its much-anticipated market return there in December. A limited-edition Fiat 500 model, called the Prima Edizione (First Edition, to give it its suffix in English) sold out in no time after the 500 unit run was announced in July.

Last week, one of these select Cinquecentos was auctioned off for US$69,000 at the National Italian American Foundation 35th Anniversary Gala, with the proceeds from the auction going to the NIAF’s education and scholarship program. It’s easily the most expensive Cinquecento around (costing more than something like a BMW 550i XDrive, mind you), but all for a good cause, in this case.

The Fiat 500 Prima Edizione, which comes in three colours – Bianco (White), Rosso (Red) and Grigio (Gray) – are all manual transmission versions and will each feature a sequential VIN and Prima Edizione badge according to production order.

In related news, Chrysler last week began selecting its Fiat dealers, announcing that it wants dealers in 119 markets in the US and will name more by year’s end. The US dealers will be ready to take orders for the Fiat 500, which the company is hoping to move 50,000 units of in the first year. Alfa Romeo is expected to join this particular renaissance in 2012.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Fiat five-seater mini-MPV to be built in Serbia – is this the new Fiat Idea?

Anthony Lim — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 04:05:53 +0000

Resurrecting plans for production after they were frozen in 2009 due to the global recession, Fiat is set to build its L0 five-seat mini-MPV, effectively the replacement for the current Fiat Idea, at its factory in Kragujevac, Serbia.

The vehicle will sit on a Fiat 500 platform, but which is longer and wider than that of the two-door compact. You could of course call it a 500 with a tail, as the impression suggests. The current Idea, as well as the Lancia Musa, is underpinned by a chassis used in the second-generation Punto.

Fiat Automobili Srbija, which in the past was where state-owned automaker Zastava assembled Yugos, will build the five-seat MPV for the European market, as well as a seven-seater L0 version for both European and US markets, beginning the second quarter of 2012 after test production takes place next year.

The plant will have an output capacity of 200,000 cars a year, with possible expansion to 300,000 vehicles if demand increases.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Fiat looking to offload Ferrari shares to purchase more stake in Chrysler?

Jacob Alexander — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 10:21:41 +0000

Reports from an Italian publication have come in stating that Fiat is considering selling-off a partial stake in Ferrari to raise funds for a takeover of fledgling Chrysler. Fiat has a 20 percent stake in the US automaker, while it owns 85 percent of the Ferrari brand. Fiats are supposedly ready to sell quite a sum of its shares, as long as it retains a 51 percent majority balance of the shares.

Fiat already have plans to increase that 20 percent to 35, but money from Ferrari would allow the Italian automaker to purchase a controlling stake of 51 percent from Chrysler. Industry analysts state that Fiat plan to do this sometime in 2011 or 2012.

Fiat has denied all of these reports so at this point it’s all speculation. It also contradicts with a previous statement by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne that they are planning to take their share in Ferrari up to 90 percent.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Abarth reveals Esseesse versions of 500C and Punto Evo

Danny Tan — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 03:52:40 +0000

Abarth’s conversion kits have been a huge success, with the scorpion brand reporting that one Abarth 500 in three is upgraded with the official kit. With that in mind, it’s only logical for the Fiat tuner to expand the market for its Esseesse kit designed to “improve performance, handling and safety without having to sacrifice the car’s low emissions and fuel consumption”. The latest recipients are the Abarth 500C and Abarth Punto Evo.

The Punto Evo Esseesse has 180 hp and 270 Nm, top speed of 216 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. This is an increase from the standard Abarth, which has 165 hp/250 Nm and a fixed geometry Garrett turbocharger on the supermini’s 1.4-litre Multiair engine. A six-speed manual is the only gearbox option.

The Esseesse pack for the 500C gives the cute little convertible enough poke to potentially scare bigger opposition. It now pushes out 160 hp and 230 Nm from 1.4-litres, compared to the standard Abarth’s 140 hp/206 Nm. Top speed is 209 km/h and 0-100 km/h takes just 7.6 seconds. That’s pretty fast for a “girly car” in standard Fiat form.

Both Esseesse cars come in Campovolo Grey, named after the airfield located opposite the company’s historic headquarters in Corso Marche, Turin. The Punto Evo gets 18′-inch alloys in a special titanium-coloured design, Abarth Corse by Sabelt seats in black leather and a Blue&Me MAP satellite navigation system complete with telemetrics developed with Magneti Marelli. The 500C has the latter too, plus a Record Monza exhaust silencer (dual mode with variable counter pressure) that enhances engine sound above 4,000 rpm.

Fascinating stuff. More pics after the jump.

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Volkswagen Group said to be interested in Alfa Romeo, but Fiat wont give it up so easily!

Jacob Alexander — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:03:54 +0000

It seems that VW may be looking to buy an Italian brand, if reports from Autonews is to be believed, despite there being word in the past that VW already had all the brands it can handle. Two VW executives have said that VW are “seriously interested” in buying Alfa Romeo.

Another unidentified manager at VW also revealed to Automobilwoche: “Alfa is a globally recognized brand with sporty genes and a great tradition. If such a treasure could be had, we must not hesitate… too long.” This comes despite Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn stating: “Our appetite for buying in Italy is fully satisfied.”

As much as VW would like to buy the Italian brand, parent company Fiat aren’t interested in selling. A high-ranking Fiat exec revealed to the publication, “We have no intention at all of selling the brand to Volkswagen,” opting to stick to the turnaround plan Fiat (and Chrysler) has laid out for Alfa Romeo.

This would involve selling 500,000 Alfa Romeos a year, which is said to be an ambitious target if still under Fiat. ”Maybe Alfa could get to a half million unit sales a year, but only after the brand is sold to Volkswagen,” said one analyst from Credit Suisse automotive research department.

”Alfa plans to sell 85,000 units in the United States in 2014, therefore Fiat’s plan really means it wants to boost sales in Europe from 100,000 units to more than 400,000. I do not see how they will be able to steal so many buyers from their German competitors, “ said another analyst in Milan, laying out the facts.

Unfortunately no one really knows the Alfa’s financial predicament at the moment, as Fiat doesn’t separate financial results for its brands, but sources say that Alfa has lost between 200 million and 400 million Euros a year over the past 10 years. Thus if Fiat’s turnaround plan for Alfa doesn’t work, VW could be a viable option for the company.

Source

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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The Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari – inspired by Scuderia

Jacob Alexander — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 01:31:04 +0000

Fiat released the special edition 500 based Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari in right hand drive recently, confirming that the UK market will get 152 units of the 430 Scuderia inspired £29,600 baby hatch.

The Abarth 695 comes with a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine with 180 hp and 250 Nm, good for 0 to 100km/h in just 7 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h. Fuel consumption is 5.4L/100 km so you can have your cake and eat it. The engine is mated to an electro-hydraulic Abarth Competizione transmission. Other goodies include sports tuned suspension and 284 mm multi-section discs with fixed four-piston calipers by Brembo. There’s a Sport button on the dash which activates a more racy setting for the gearbox, ECU and steering.

The most eye catching thing is the Scuderia Red paint scheme with white racing stripes along with carbon fibre caps, 17 inch Corsa Grey wheels covered in high performance tyres, additional air inlets and “Record Monza” variable back-pressure “dual mode” exhaust which comes to life at 3,000 rpm.

The yummy cabin features sports seats finished in black leather with the shell and seat base in carbon fibre, while the instrument panels feature Jaeger craftsmanship inspired by Ferrari. The steering gets red leather inserts and a tri-colour hub on which the gearshift paddles are mounted. The floors are given aluminium-like carpets along with Abarth emblazoned aluminium pedals.

This is one desirable small car that’s bound to be a collectible. Enjoy the high res pictures after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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First official images of the new Fiat Uno supermini

Danny Tan — Wed, 05 May 2010 07:32:05 +0000

This is Fiat’s new Uno supermini that will first go on sale in Brazil, followed by other South America countries. The car is new, but the name is not – the original Uno is the Punto’s predecessor and was sold from the 1980s till the mid-90s.

Like most old Fiats, production soldiered on in developing nations and the Uno is very popular in places like Brazil. If my memory serves right, the five-door Uno was brought into Malaysia by Torino Motors at the turn of the century – it’s no surprise that not many were bought, as the car looked like a relic that time travelled into the new millennium!

Anyway, this new car measures 3,770 mm long, 1,643 mm wide and 1,490 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,370 mm. Boot space is 280 litres. This puts its size between the Panda and the Grande Punto, although it could be a different case in positioning. Word is that Fiat also plans to make and sell this car in Europe and Russia, but nothing has been confirmed. Initial cars will roll off Fiat Brazil’s Betim plant.

The new Uno will come with a choice of two new Flex Fuel petrol engines – a 1.0-litre unit with 75 bhp and a 1.4-litre unit with 85 bhp. As it’s a low cost model, you won’t find Fiat’s nice Multiair engines in this range. Both powerplants are paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. There’s a pseudo-SUV style variant badged as “Way” that comes with 4X4 style body cladding and raised ride height, but the range is FWD only.

The original Uno featured sharp lines; this one is round and appears cuddly. The distinctive design cue here are the three slats that make up the car’s “grille”. The Uno should be a spacious car to sit in, judging from the high-roof look, and while the interior is relatively spartan, the design is rather cheery and stylish. One of the pictures show a net on the front passenger seat that secures loose items; a good idea. More images after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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Brand new Fiat Uno revealed thanks to leaked images

Harvinder Sidhu — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:52:02 +0000

This is the all new Fiat Uno which is expected to go into production in 2012. Images of the new Uno were leaked out and we can now have a full view of it. The design is all right to me although it looks like it’s sitting a little too high – or does this mean that there could be a crossover variant?

Rumor has it that this new model utilizes a shortened version of the platform used in the Grande Punto. It should be as long as a Mazda 2. The new Uno will be first built at the company’s Betim plant in Brazil. Continue reading to view another image.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:43:48 +0000.

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