Chrysler officials had zero information about the Fiat 500 BEV ("Battery Electric Vehicle") in their booth at the Detroit auto show. They told us only that it's a one-off concept that explores possibilities for the future -- a future that evidently includes Fiat 500s of all colors and varieties being sold in the U.S.
We got to see the possibly electric car with its hood up while a support staffer pasted an "Electra" label on the nose of the car. There's a metal box and some coated wires in there suggesting a front-drive electric motor. But there's no telling if they're real. And those big black wheels certainly don't seem to be wrapped in typical EV low-rolling-resistance rubber.
jederino says:
03:22 PM, 01/12/10
This is a great color. Subdued and refined for a wee little car. And, I'd be glad for cars NOT sporting low-rolling-resistance rubber, because safety and grip should be the priority. Seek efficiencies elsewhere.
inlinesix says:
04:10 PM, 01/12/10
I'd like to take a spin in the 500 Abarth.
firstclass says:
04:11 PM, 01/12/10
I don’t really care for the electric Fiat 500, but I am excited about the 500. When I read comments people say about it they claim it’s a niche car, they compare it to the smart car, they say the Mini market will shun/destroy it and Americans will see it as a clown car. I think this car has a lot going for it and not just because it’s popular in Europe. In my opinion this car is more Mini than the new Mini and Italian chic (sheek) appeals more to me than British uppity. I think this car is getting a bad name for its new ties with Chrysler. Either way…however people embrace it, I hope it sells well.
firstwagon says:
04:24 PM, 01/12/10
"because safety and grip should be the priority"
They look like great summer tires but not for the reasons of safety and only sometimes for grip. Tires like that are only fair in the rain and downright dangerous in the snow.
You buy them because you want them, don't try to put a practical spin on them.
estreka says:
05:00 PM, 01/12/10
Jderino - I could agree more. Tires are a terrible place to find energy savings.
inlinesix says:
06:01 PM, 01/12/10
firstclass: +1
rick8365 says:
06:24 PM, 01/12/10
Is that Tony....fixing something again??
jederino says:
06:46 PM, 01/12/10
@firstwagon, summer tires are typically better in all conditions at relatively warm temperatures, and these appear to have deep channels for water. They aren't shaved track specials! Low resistance tires are a compromise in all weather conditions, and are for sucka's and the EPA ratings.
firstwagon says:
07:16 PM, 01/12/10
jederino
Actually both those tires and the low resistance tires are a compromise and are for "sucka's".
That wide a tire on that light a car will hydoplane in the rain far worse then even a cheap no name set of worn WalMart all seasons.... grooves or not.
Driven at sensible speeds the hard compound tire will provide adaquate traction and will likely out last the car... and it will be drivable in the snow.
The Fiat would be much better with narrower 50 or 55 series tires then 40 series.
firstclass says:
07:46 PM, 01/12/10
Are those tiers really that wide for its size that hydroplaning would become an issue ? Or are you saying that for the sake of argument. Tiers are regional and customers and dealers will fit the car with what fits their tastes or climate. I had no idea that jederino simple comment would have sparked such a debate. I’m sure Fiat picked the tiers based on what looked best for display purposes.
firstwagon says:
10:16 PM, 01/12/10
I was bored and the spelling is tires.
firstclass says:
08:47 AM, 01/13/10
Entertaining none the less, sorry English is my second language.
jederino says:
09:43 AM, 01/13/10
It is entertaining to get some vigorous dialogue back and forth, and I hope I was respectful, because this is just pleasant chatter between fellow enthusiasts. By the way, would we accept "tyres" in deference to our old world friends?
firstwagon says:
11:09 AM, 01/13/10
"would we accept "tyres" in deference to our old world friends?"
Of course. :)
yellowbal says:
11:40 AM, 01/13/10
I think most tests show that Summer Tires out perform All Season tires in Dry + Wet for temperatures over 45F. There are exceptions of course.
Winter tires out perform both in snow and ice. The best combination would be to have Summer + Winter tires.
jederino says:
05:15 PM, 01/13/10
^^That's how I roll in Seattle. Thanks yellowbal!