We learned today that the Fiat 500 will launch in the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2010, so we'll start calling it the 2011 Fiat 500. It will debut with Fiat's Multiair 1.4-liter four-cylinder presumably making in the neighborhood of 100 horsepower. A turbocharged version will come later on, though no word if the resulting car will get Abarth badging.
Other interesting news: Chrysler's family of four-cylinder engines (1.8-liter, 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter) from the now defunct alliance with Hyundai and Mitsubishi will live on but will be modified with Fiat's Multiair system and direct-injection technology.
Multiair is the Italian automaker's variable valve timing technology, and it's among the most advanced of its kind. Fiat's powertrain expert, Paolo Ferrero, describes the Multiair system as, "variable valve timing on steroids." We'll bring you more details on the tech side of it at a later date.
The other bit of powertrain news is that Fiat intends to share its 6-speed dual-clutch transmission with Chrysler, though it hasn't said which model(s) will get it.
Reporting by Dan Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
inlinesix says:
11:11 AM, 11/ 4/09
I can't say "Multiair" is really the best name I've heard for a VVT technology.
Interesting though.
1487 says:
11:33 AM, 11/ 4/09
why is so much attention being paid to this small car that wont sell in appreciable numbers? All of the media hype about this car is unjustified because it won't sell in numbers that are going to help Chrysler's bottom line.
altimadude00 says:
11:57 AM, 11/ 4/09
I think the Fiat 500 will be the deathblow for the defunct VW "New" Beetlel. Oh it's already is defunct? Nevermind then.
bankerdanny says:
12:45 PM, 11/ 4/09
I don't see why the 500 can't sell strongly. BMW sells lots of Mini's and the 500 is not much smaller than the mini (~6" in wheelbase and 4" in length and 2" in width). The typical Mini owner would not lose much in terms of useable space, and the 500 might end up with a slightly better power/weight ratio than the base Mini.
The 500 could actually provide a meaningful boost to Chrysler's sales (although not so much to the bottom line since the profit on small cars is typically very low).
felonious says:
01:02 PM, 11/ 4/09
Does anyone know where that photo was taken?
inlinesix says:
05:00 PM, 11/ 4/09
I see this car being a good seller for Fiat if they have comparable reliability.
firstwagon says:
07:39 PM, 11/ 4/09
"why is so much attention being paid to this small car that wont sell in appreciable numbers?"
It should be interesting to see. The Fiat 500 sells in large numbers around the world and is considered one of the coolest affordable cars on the road.
It likely won't sell well to older Americans who still judge cars by size but what about young people? Scion became cool selling rebodied Echos with nothing but some lame ads.
Imagine if they had a really fun little car with tonnes of character?
I know it will be a hit here in Canada but I'll bet if they can price it enough below the Mini they will sell everyone they can get in the US too.
estreka says:
04:43 AM, 11/ 5/09
Wagon: Contrary, I think the 500 will sell mostly to old people. All those PT Cruiser buyers have to go somewhere, right?
firstwagon says:
09:29 PM, 11/ 5/09
estreka
Don't think so.
The PT is stylish, practical and boring to drive. The perfect recipe for older people looking for something that's a little different but won't inconvenience them too much.
Like the Mini the 500 should be cool to all ages. It stands out, is a hoot to drive but is just practical enough to appeal to more then just hard core sports car drivers.