After the late-2010 debut of the 2011 Fiat 500, the Italian automaker plans to bring us the Fiat 500C Convertible in 2011 and the Fiat 500 Abarth in 2012. The 500 Abarth has a turbocharged version of Fiat's Multiair 1.4-liter inline-4 rated at 135 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque.
Also today, Chrysler-Fiat announced that Chryslers sold internationally will share product and dealerships with the Lancia brand. We don't see that helping either brand, unless C-F miraculously figures out a way to resurrect the Delta Integrale and move it in mass volumes.
And by the way, we've been told that by 2014, 56 percent of all Chryslers sold will be Italian in origin.
Reporting by Dan Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
chuckg says:
04:39 PM, 11/ 4/09
What a piece of junk. This is most embarrassing to the Mopar faithful.
Go back to the drawing board guys and build a real car.
This company needs to be put in the hands of Mopar people, instead of what's over there now. You guys are there to protect and enhance this great company. Just look at how you've destroyed it.
Sell the company off in pieces to people that truly care. You guys obviously don't.
inlinesix says:
04:49 PM, 11/ 4/09
I say Chrysler had it coming.
The 135 horse motor should really scoot this car.
preza says:
05:32 PM, 11/ 4/09
I love Mopar myself and was pretty annoyed by what rumours I was hearing. But to be honest, I think what they presented today makes a lot of sense. It makes use of both companies pretty fairly.
wrinklebump says:
07:53 PM, 11/ 4/09
Would love to see a 500 Abart in the States.
estreka says:
04:15 AM, 11/ 5/09
56%? Wow. Chrysler is known for fluffing up expectations, though.
dougtheeng says:
05:19 AM, 11/ 5/09
Aaah the 500...the car the media wants, but the public won't buy.
compliance says:
08:47 AM, 11/ 5/09
I want an Abarth SO bad.
inlinesix says:
10:07 AM, 11/ 5/09
I remember people, even MINI USA, saying the Mini might not sell well in the states.
Then the company reported record sales. They said at 20,000 units sold a year they would be profitable and at least in one year they sold 40,000 cars. The Mini doesn't get extremely good gas mileage, and its fairly expensive, but people bought a lot of them.
I read that this 500, with all motors, gets great gas mileage, and will cost less than a mini. The Abarth 500 is expected to cost $18,000 to $19,000. Depending on the cost of oil, dependability, state of the economy, and other factors I'd say this car stands a chance to be a winner. The 500 with the turbo motor is also supposed to get 36 mpg.
Just a thought.