Fiat Nuova 500

:"Fiat 500" can also refer to the former Fiat 500 "Topolino", Fiat 500 or Fiat Cinquecento (500)."Infobox Automobile


name = Fiat 500
manufacturer = Fiat
assembly = Tychy, Poland
layout = FF layout
class = City car
production = 2007-present
predecessor = Fiat Seicento
successor =
body_style = 3-door hatchback
similar = Chevrolet Matiz
Citroën C1
BMW MINI
Nissan Micra
Peugeot 107
Renault Twingo
Kia Picanto
engine = 1.2 L petrol
1.4 L petrol
1.3 L "JTD"
transmission = 5 and 6-speed manualCite web|url=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/207557/fiat_500.html|title=News/Fiat 500 is here|accessdate=2007-07-05|work=autoexpress.co.uk]
wheelbase = 2300 mm (90.5 in)
length = 3546 mm (139.7 in)
width = 1627 mm (64.1 in)
height = 1488 mm (58.6 in)
weight = 865-980 kg (1907-2161 lb)
fuel_capacity = 35 L (7.7 imp. gal)(9.2 US gal)
related = Fiat Nuova Panda
Ford Ka II
designer = Roberto GiolitoCite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/4car/rt/fiat/500/2162/4|title=Road Test: Fiat 500 (2007-) |accessdate=2007-07-04|work=channel4.com]
(Fiat Stile Centre)A new Fiat 500 was announced by Italian automaker Fiat on May 5, 2006.Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2006/cars/fiat/05/500/0305.html|title=News/03.05.2006 Fiat has planned an international operation known as “500 wants you”|accessdate=2007-07-05|work=italiaspeed.com] Images of the new Fiat 500 were presented on March 20, 2007, and the car was launched officially on July 4, 2007,Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2007/cars/fiat/07/500_launch/launch_party/0407.html|title=News/05.07.2007 in a spectacular blaze of fireworks and entertainment the new Fiat 500 arrived|accessdate=2007-07-05|work=italiaspeed.com.] with 250,000 in attendance. This was the largest launch party held in the last ten years, a testament to the 500's huge popularity Cite web|url=http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9476104|title=Why Fiat is cool again|accessdate=2007-07-22|work="The Economist"] The car was displayed in the squares of 30 cities in Italy for the launch..

The car is produced in Tychy, Poland, by Fiat Auto Poland alongside a sister model, the second generation Ford Ka due for release in 2008, and the other city car in the Fiat range, the Panda.

The 500 is almost identical to the concept car Trepiùno, presented in 2004. Strictly a four-seater, three-door hatchback and about the same length as the Panda, it is intended to compete both in the city car market and the "fashion car" niche market. The 500 may be badged in different markets as the Fiat 500, the Fiat Nuovo 500, or the Fiat Cinquecento.

The 500 is available with four different trim levels: Naked, Pop, Lounge, and Sport. Customers can choose also between 15 interior trims, 9 wheel options, 19 decals, and 12 body colours. There are over 500,000 different personalized combinations of the 500 that can be made by adding all kinds of accessories, decals, interior and exterior colours, and trims.Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2007/cars/fiat/07/500_launch/press_conference/0507_de_meo.html|title=News/05.07.2007 IN TURIN THIS MORNING THE FIAT 500 WAS INTRODUCED TO THE WORLD'S MEDIA|accessdate=2007-07-06|work=italiaspeed.com..] The car is also available with Blue&Me Navigation system.

The launch show

The launch show, which took part in the Turin's Murazzi del Po region, was a huge firework spectacle that also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the old 500 launch. The show was coordinated by Marco Balich, who was also responsible for Turin's 2006 Winter Olympic Games, and was an event never made before for a car launch. Several artists performed during the show, including Lauryn Hill, Israeli dancing group Mayumana and others. In the first part of the show, artists reproduced scenes of the 60s, such as scenes from films by Federico Fellini, a Beatle's show made by a cover band and Marilyn Monroe's iconic Happy Birthday, Mr. President, which became "Happy Birthday, dear Cinquecento" (sung by a Marilyn cover to celebrate the original 500's fifty years). Several bikes also represented the Giro d'Italia competition, filmed by a camera man inside an original 500, just like in the 60s. Both the 500 and the bikes floated on the river.Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2007/cars/fiat/07/500_launch/launch_party/0407.html|title=News/05.07.2007 in a spectacular blaze of fireworks and entertainment the new Fiat 500 arrived|accessdate=2007-07-05|work=italiaspeed.com.]

The show was broadcast live by Italian Canale 5 and by a live video stream at fiat500.com, which was watched by over 100,000 people online.

Concept

The design of the new 2007 Fiat 500 is based on the Fiat Trepiuno concept introduced at the 74th Geneva Motorshow in 2004. This car featured a distinctive retro-look, with Fiat hoping to emulate the success that the retro-styled Volkswagen New Beetle and BMW MINI have achieved in recent years, with the 500 being substantially cheaper than those cars. The basic price is €10,500 in Italy (with options, €15,000). The Trepiuno was designed by Fiat Stile Centre.Cite web|url=http://www.carpages.co.uk/fiat/fiat_the_trepiuno_part_1_18_02_04.asp|title=The Fiat Trepiuno|accessdate=2007-11-12|work=carpages.co.uk]

Safety

The new 500 has seven airbags in all models. There are also electric aids available such as ABS brakes, ESP (electronic stability program), ASR (antislip regulation), HBA (hydraulic brake assistance) and hill holder device.Cite web|url=http://www.fiatautopress.com/index.php?method=cartelle&action=article&id=20070628173853f5c00e9260766d8300b246f2ac7a0da5&group=1|title=Press Files/Fiat 500|accessdate=2007-07-06|work=fiatautopress.com] The 500 was awarded with 5 stars by EuroNCAP, succeeding the BMW MINI as the shortest car to have a five-star rating.Cite web|url=http://www.euroncap.com/Content-Web-Article/da699552-522c-4a46-a99f-992f319f54d7/cars-with-big-aspirations-fiat-500-and-kia-ceed.aspx|title=Cars with big aspirations: Fiat 500 and Kia Cee'd|accessdate=2007-08-29|work=euroncap.com] Fiat also said that the 500 was engineered so that it will be able to achieve a six-star rating when EuroNCAP starts to adopt this classification.

The Fiat 500 passed the Euro NCAP car safety tests with following ratingsCite web|url=http://www.euroncap.com/tests/Fiat_500_2007/298.aspx|title=Fiat 500|accessdate=2008-01-29|work=www.euroncap.com]
* Adult occupant = rating|5|5
* Child occupant = rating|3|5
* Pedestrian = rating|2|4

"500 wants you"

A project called "500 wants you" was launched by Fiat as part of a major online advertising campaign. The project uses the Internet to involve the public in planning the evolution of the new vehicle. The official 500 Internet page has been visited by over four million people.Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2007/cars/fiat/07/500_launch/press_conference/0507_de_meo.html|title=News/05.07.2007 IN TURIN THIS MORNING THE FIAT 500 WAS INTRODUCED TO THE WORLD'S MEDIA|accessdate=2007-07-06|work=italiaspeed.com..]

La Nuova 500 in Mexico

The Nuova 500 was introduced in Mexico in September 2008, powered the 1.4 L 16V convert|100|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on engine, transmissions are dualogic for the 500 Classic, 500 Lounge and 500 Vintagetrims or 6 speed manual gearbox for the 500 Sport Trim. The 500 Abarth variant will be introduced during 2009. It competes with the successful Mini Cooper. México became the first country in America in which the Nuova 500 is sold.

The New 500 in the United States

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has indicated that the United States may receive the newly designed Fiat 500. “Sooner or later it is a possibility that the 500 will arrive on the American market,” he said, adding “but it will not happen now, probably after 2010."Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2007/cars/fiat/04/500_usa/2404.html|title=News/24.04.2007 THE FORTHCOMING FIAT 500 WILL BE HEADING TO THE UNITED STATES|accessdate=2007-07-05|work=.italiaspeed.com...]

It is rumored that the 135-horsepower Abarth version will make it to U.S. shores after 2010. The car would likely be sold in U.S. Alfa Romeo dealerships after Alfa Romeo (set to return to the U.S. in 2009) retains a firm foothold in the market.Cite web|url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/06/11/fiat-might-bring-abarth-500-minicar-to-us-market-after-2010|title=Fiat might bring Abarth 500 minicar to US market after 2010|accessdate=2008-01-18|work=autobloggreen.com]

Fiat chief technology officer Harald J. Wester revealed there are two new small cars in the works and the 500 minicarwill be sold in North America, although he didn’t give a timeline. He also confirmed the car would be produced at either a U.S. plant or one of Fiat’s existing facilities in South America.Cite web|url=http://www.motorauthority.com/news/industry/fiat-in-talks-with-chrysler-confirms-500-for-us|title=Fiat in talks with Chrysler, confirms 500 for U.S.|accessdate=2008-05-17|work=motorauthority.com]

In May 2008, reports surfaced on a venture between Chrysler and Fiat, which could possibly see Fiat using Chrysler's excess manufacturing capacity to produce the Fiat 500 in North America for the United States market. The proposed Fiat 500 line for the United States would be sold as its own, separate brand, rather than under the Fiat name.Cite web|url=http://wot.motortrend.com/6249920/auto-news/fiat-mulling-range-of-500s-for-us-may-use-chrysler-plants/index.html|title=Fiat mulling range of 500s for U.S., may use Chrysler plants|accessdate=2008-05-28|work=motortrend.com]

Engines

At launch three engines are available: two petrol and one diesel engine. All the engines meet the Euro5 standards.Cite web|url=http://www.fiatautopress.com/index.php?method=cartelle&action=article&id=20070628173853f5c00e9260766d8300b246f2ac7a0da5&group=1|title=Press Files/Fiat 500|accessdate=2007-07-06|work=fiatautopress.com] The 1.3 Multijet is equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as standard. Despite the vehicle's name implication, the lowest displacement is 1242 cc, notably higher than the previous 500s. However, a 900 cc two-cylinder engine has been planned, but despite this, it will still put it above both 500s.

Future

Fiat is planning to expand the 500 range far beyond the current hatchback model. The first new version will be the Abarth 500. Powered by Fiat's 1.4 multiair turbo engine, the Abarth will be available with a standard Auto PS|135|0 engine, or a hard-core Auto PS|160|0 'ss' version incorporating the Alfa Romeo Q2 Torsen C limited slip differential. Fiat was originally planning to unveil the Abarth at the Bologna motor show, but due to unprecedented demand for the 500 Fiat has been forced to delay the official launch of the Abarth 500 until the 2008 Geneva motor show. Sales of the Abarth 500 are likely to start in LHD markets in the Summer of 2008, and will be launched in RHD markets towards the end of 2008. A cabriolet version is planned, with sales starting in early 2009. Fiat are also likely to go ahead with a 500 estate, in homage to the 500 giardanetta of the 1960s. An S.U.V version is being considered by Fiat too. If it gets the go ahead Fiat will launch this model in 2011. The 500 will be one of the first cars to receive Fiat's new generation of small engines. The all new 0.9 turbo engine will be launched in the winter of 2008. This will replace the 1.2 and normally aspirated 1.4 engines. This engine will be available in 90 and Auto PS|110|0 forms. As these engines are lighter than the engines they replace, performance will be improved. The big plus about these engines is not the added performance, but the extra fuel economy.Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2007/cars/fiat/07/500_variants/1007.html|title=10.07.2007 Fiat 500 to generate Cabriolet and Abarth models, as well as potential Wagon and SUV|accessdate=2007-07-27|work=italiaspeed.com/2007] . A stop-start system is also planned to be offered in the near future on the 1.2 and 1.3 Multijet.Cite web|url=http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/218757/fiat_500.html|title=Fiat 500|accessdate=2008-03-23|year=17th March 2008|work=evo.co.uk]

Production sold out

The 500 has enjoyed phenomenal sales success so far. Within 3 weeks of the 500's launch the entire year's production of 58,000 had been sold out. To date, Fiat has received more than 205,000 orders for the 500. Amazingly, the Fiat 500 isn't available yet in many major markets. While Italy obviously has been the 500's main market, (In October 2007, some 9000 cars have been sold in Italy, making it the 3rd bestselling car there) the 500 is gaining a strong following in many countries. Fiat France had received more than 10,000 orders by the end of October 2007. With Fiat planning to release the 500 soon in many other countries demand is likely to increase further. To cope with this demand Fiat has announced that production has been increased to 200,000 in 2008. The 500 was launched January 21^st 2008 in UK.Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2008/cars/fiat/01/500_london_eye_event/2101.html|title=22.01.2008 LONDON EXTRAVAGANZA MARKS UK ARRIVAL OF THE FIAT 500|accessdate=2008-03-20|work=italiaspeed.com/2008/cars/fiat] By 2010 production (including the new Abarth, cabriolet and estate versions) is likely to break the 350,000 barrier. Cite web|url=http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/fiat/fiat-500-sold-out-in-3-weeks-prompts-extra-production/|title=Fiat 500 sold out in 3 weeks, prompts extra production|accessdate=2007-07-29|work=motorauthority.com]

Production to be started in Italy

As a result of the 500's huge success, Fiat is planning to start production of the car in Italy. This will start in the final quarter of 2008, following the upcoming renovation of the Termini Imerese factory in Sicily. Up to 120,000 Fiat 500s a year may be produced there. Fiat wants to increase production at this plant as currently the plant only makes 100,000 cars a year, despite boasting a capacity of 300,000 units.Fact|date=July 2008

Awards

*What Car? readers' affections 2007Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2007/cars/fiat/11/500_what_car/1311.html|title=13.11.2007 FIAT 500 TOPS WHAT CAR READERS' POLL|accessdate=2007-11-17|work=www.italiaspeed.com/2007/cars/fiat]
*CAR Magazine: Car of the Year 2007Cite web|url=http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/news.php?sid=1226&page=1|title=VIDEO: Car of the Year 2007|accessdate=2007-11-02|work=www.carmagazine.co.uk]
*EuroCarBody 2007 awardCite web|url=http://www.automotive-circle.de/Seiten/AwardE07Facts.html|title=9th European Car Body AWARD|accessdate=2007-11-17|work=automotive-circle.de]
*European Car of the Year for 2008Cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=ANE|title=Fiat 500 is clear car-of-the-year winner|accessdate=2007-11-15|work=autonews.com]
*The World’s Most Beautiful Automobile (City Car and Small Car category)Cite web|url=http://www.design-italia.it/inglese/dettaglio.htm?tipo=news&idx=1042|title=News 18 November 2007|accessdate=2007-11-21|work=design-italia.it]
*AUTO EUROPA 2008Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2007/cars/fiat/11/500_auto_europa_2008/2011.html|title=20.11.2007 FIAT 500 WINS AUTO EUROPA 2008|accessdate=2007-11-21|work=italiaspeed.com/2007/cars/fiat/11]
*Fifth Gear: Best Small Car 2007
*Top Gear: Best 'City Car' 2007Cite web|url=http://www.topgear.com/content/timetoburn/sections/galleries/other/awards07/03/|title=TG Awards '07|accessdate=2008-01-03|work=topgear.com]
*Auto 1 Europa 2008 - (Auto Bild) Cite web|url=http://www.autobild.de/artikel/auto-1-von-europa-2008_594340.html|title=Auto 1 von Europa 2008 — autobild.de — 05.03.2008|accessdate=2008-03-07|work=autobild.de]
*2008 ‘What Car?’ Green Car of the Year Award
*Auto Express: "Best City Car" 2008 Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2008/cars/fiat/08/500_autoexpress_city_car_award/2008.html|title=Fiat 500 crowned Best City Car by Auto Express|accessdate=2008-08-21|work=italiaspeed.com]
*evecars.com Best Supermini/City Car Award 2008Cite web|url=http://www.easier.com/view/News/Motoring/Fiat/article-198362.html|title=Fiat 500 takes another major industry award|accessdate=2008-08-22|work=easier.com]
*evecars.com readers Sexiest Car of 2008Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2008/cars/fiat/09/500_evecars_award/0709.html|title=EVECARS.COM READERS VOTE FIAT 500 AS SEXIEST CAR OF 2008|accessdate=2008-09-07|work=italiaspeed.com]

References

External links

* [http://www.fiat500.com/ Official Fiat 500 website]
* [http://www.my500.co.uk/ My500 - Independent Fiat 500 Community]
* [http://nf500.com/ Unofficial Fiat 500 resource]
* [http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/new_car_reviews/article2036127.ece Fiat 500 Review at Times Online]
* [http://autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Fiat-500-500/226391/ Fiat 500 first drive]
* [http://autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Fiat-500/226492/ Future models based on the 500]
* [http://www.flickr.com/groups/nf500/ New Fiat 500 Flickr Group]
* [http://www.nuova500.co.uk/ Independent Fiat 500 website & forum]
* [http://www.fiat500blog.de/ Independent German Fiat 500 website]
* [http://www.fiatforum.com/500 The FIAT Forum - FIAT 500 Forums]