2014 Fiat 500 Models Offer a Unique Combination of Italian Style, Efficiency and Engaging Driving Dynamics at an Incredible Value

•New Avorio (ivory) accented interior and new sculpted five-spoke 16-inch wheels are available on 2014 Fiat 500 Sport model

•For a customized look, new Hyper Nero (black) 16-inch aluminum wheel is available on Fiat 500 Turbo

•Continuous improvements: revised passenger seat sits 1 inch (25 mm) lower for increased headroom and now offers seat memory and arm rest

•Fuel efficiency: Fiat 500 and 500 Cabrio (500c) models deliver 31 miles per gallon (mpg) city and 40 mpg highway with manual transmission

•Turbocharged: Fiat 500 Turbo features a turbocharged and twin-intercooled 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine for 135 horsepower, 150 lb.-ft. of torque, sport-tuned suspension and aggressive look

•Studio-quality sound: segment-exclusive Beats by Dr. Dre audio system delivers a high-definition music experience the way the artist intended

•Fiat 500 is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 'Top Safety Pick' and offers more than 35 safety and security features

September 1, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Beautiful Italian styling combined with timeless functionality, efficient design and innovative technology have been hallmark attributes for the Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) – making it a timeless icon for more than 50 years. And with the multiple varieties, including the Fiat 500 Cabrio (500c) and 500 Turbo models, the Cinquecento continues to provide Americans with a unique combination of style, European handling, technology and personalization options at an incredible value.

Continuous improvements to style and functionality

For 2014, the Fiat 500 Sport model offers a fresh-looking interior environment in new Avorio (ivory). Accenting the Nero (black) interior environment, the Fiat 500 Sport now offers new monotone Avorio cloth sport seats and corresponding instrument panel trim and sport steering wheel. Outside, new five split-spoke 16-inch aluminum wheels with polished (500 Sport) or Hyper Nero (500 Turbo) face feature a more sculptural appearance and a Rosso (red) accented wheel cap that matches the lacquered brake calipers.

In addition, all 2014 Fiat 500 and 500c models include a revised passenger seat that sits 1 inch (25 mm) lower for increased headroom. For even more comfort and convenience, the passenger seat now includes an arm rest, along with seat position memory with the tilt/slide handle.

New colors for the Fiat 500 and 500c lineup include Granito Lucente (granite crystal) and Nero Puro (straight black).

Fiat 500 Turbo delivers more performance to the lineup

For the driving enthusiast who wants a Fiat 500 Sport with more power and performance, the 2014 Fiat 500 Turbo answers the call with a 135-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, dynamic styling, sport-tuned suspension, track-proven brakes and unique sport-styled interior.

The Fiat 500 Turbo features a single turbocharger, twin intercoolers and sport-tuned exhaust to deliver 34 percent more power (135 vs. 101 horsepower) and 53 percent more torque (150 vs. 98 lb.-ft.) compared to the Fiat 500's naturally aspirated 1.4-liter MultiAir engine. In addition, a track-proven C510 five-speed manual transmission offers an intermediate shaft with equal-length half shafts to mitigate torque steer. The 500 Turbo also offers sport-tuned spring rates, shock tuning and steering calibration, along with a unique lower-control arm for spirited handling.

For a more aggressive appearance, the Fiat 500 Turbo features an aggressively styled front fascia, pushed 2.7 inches (6.9 cm) forward of the Cinquecento's signature 'whiskers and logo' face, to accommodate and cool the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine.

Bolder side skirts and unique 16-inch aluminum wheels — including the new Hyper Nero finished wheel with Nero painted pockets, enhance its iconic Cinquecento shape. At the rear, a liftgate-mounted spoiler extends the roofline, while a black-accented rear diffuser optimizes airflow. For a bolder look, Nero headlamp and tail lamp bezels replace chromed units, while a high-performance brake system features brake calipers lacquered in Rosso paint.

Inside, the Fiat 500 Turbo features sport-styled seating, performance-designed leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel accented with Argento (silver) stitching and Grigio/Nero (gray/black) seating and interior environment. For an even more upscale look, heated leather seating in Nero/Nero (black/black) or vivid Rosso/Nero (red/black) is available.

An EPA estimated 40 mpg highway

For the individual who wants Italian style, personalization options and maximum fuel efficiency, the 2014 Fiat 500 and 500c deliver 31 mile per gallon (mpg) city and 40 mpg highway with the innovative 1.4-liter MultiAir engine and five-speed C514 manual transmission. For a more engaging driving experience, the driver can select the 'Sport' mode on the instrument panel, which changes the throttle map for improved engine responsiveness.

The six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes is also available, providing smooth shifting and excellent fuel economy. With the six-speed automatic transmission, the driver can also select 'Sport' mode on the instrument panel for a more aggressive shift schedule and a unique throttle map for improved engine responsiveness.

Segment-exclusive Beats by Dr. Dre audio system

Beats by Dr. Dre audio system offers passengers of the Fiat 500 and 500c models a high-definition music experience the way the artist intended. The Beats Audio studio-quality sound system includes six premium speakers, an 8-inch dual-voice coil (DVC) subwoofer with trunk-mounted enclosure and eight-channel 368-watt amplifier with Beats Audio digital sound processing (DSP) algorithm.

Fiat 500 and 500c models

The amplified 2014 Fiat 500 and 500c models are infused with style, technology and convenience features to make life on the go more personalized and comforting – and with the 500 Turbo, even more thrilling.

Fiat 500 and 500c Pop

Designed for the individual who wants Italian style, efficiency and personalization options, the 2014 Fiat 500 and 500c Pop models include a five-speed manual transmission, 15-inch steel wheels with chrome-accented wheel covers and all-season tires, seven standard air bags, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with auxiliary audio input, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, BLUE&ME handsfree communication technology with USB port, eco:Drive application and iPod control capability, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, speed control, chromed exhaust tip and reconfigurable Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with trip computer, miles-to-empty, average fuel economy and tire-pressure monitoring display (TPM).

In addition to the features included on the hatchback model, the Fiat 500c Pop model includes ParkSense rear-park assist, windshield-mounted antennae and a multi-position premium dual-layer power cloth top available in Nero, Bordeaux or Beige with wind deflector and integrated rear spoiler.

Fiat 500 Sport

For the enthusiast who demands Italian style with sport-tuned suspension and more convenience features, the 2014 Fiat 500 Sport model encompasses modified springs, shock tuning, steering calibration and exhaust tuning to deliver a more firm ride and responsive handling. The Sport model also includes a manual transmission and (in addition to the Fiat 500 Pop features) distinctively styled front and rear fascias with larger 'honeycomb' grilles and flared aerodynamic treatment.

Between its unique 16-inch aluminum wheels with Mineral Gray painted pockets (or new optional 16-inch five split-spoke design with polished face with dark Mineral Gray painted pockets) and all-season tires, the Fiat 500 Sport incorporates unique bodyside sill cladding and a liftgate-mounted roof spoiler for a sporty appearance. Completing this athletic vehicle's design theme are Rosso painted brake calipers attached to a sport-tuned suspension and fog lamps. Inside, the Fiat 500 Sport features unique sport-styled seating and a sport steering wheel surrounded by a Nero/Grigio (black/gray) or Grigio/Marrone (gray/brown) interior environment and FIAT premium audio system with six premium speakers and 276-watt amplifier. Available heated leather seating in Nero/Nero or vivid Rosso/Nero delivers an upscale look.

Fiat 500 and 500c Lounge

Tailored for individuals who want their Fiat 500 to reflect their fashion-oriented lifestyles, the 2014 Fiat 500 Lounge model features premium amenities (in addition to the Fiat 500 Pop features) including front and rear fascia chromed accents, chrome mirror caps, fog lamps, fixed glass roof, 15-inch cast-aluminum wheels with nine-spoke design and all-season tires, premium cloth seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, SiriusXM Radio, FIAT premium audio system with six premium speakers and 276-watt amplifier and security alarm.

In addition to the features included on the hatchback model, the Fiat 500c Lounge model includes 15-inch cast-aluminum wheels with seven split-spoke design, ParkSense rear park assist, windshield-mounted antennae and a multi-position premium dual-layer power cloth top available in Nero, Bordeaux or Beige with wind deflector and integrated rear spoiler.

Fiat 500 Turbo

For the driving enthusiast who loves the 500 Sport's looks but demands more power and performance, the 2014 Fiat 500 Turbo offers a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine that delivers 135 horsepower, dynamic styling, track-proven brakes and unique sport-styled interior.

The 135-horsepower MultiAir Turbo engine features a single turbocharger, twin intercoolers and sport-tuned exhaust to deliver 34 percent more power (135 vs. 101 horsepower) and 53 percent more torque (150 vs. 98 lb.-ft.) compared to the Fiat 500 Sport's naturally aspirated 1.4-liter MultiAir engine. Additional powertrain upgrades include a track-proven five-speed manual transmission, intermediate shaft with equal-length and larger half shafts and larger constant velocity (CV) joints. Brake performance is improved with semi-metallic brake linings at all four corners and larger 11.1-inch ventilated front rotors (up from 10.1-inch) with unique lower control arm.

Additional exterior enhancements include a performance-designed front fascia with twin 'nostrils,' Gloss Black headlamp, tail lamp and parking lamp bezels, bolder-styled side skirts, liftgate-mounted spoiler, two-piece rear fascia with black-accented rear diffuser, sport-tuned exhaust and unique 16-inch aluminum wheels with Nero painted pockets. Inside, the Fiat 500 Turbo features sport-styled seating, sport-designed leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel accented with Argento stitching and Grigio/Nero seating and interior environment. For an even more upscale look, heated leather seating in Nero/Nero or vivid Rosso/Nero is available.

Fiat's successful small car formula worked then and still works now

Like the original Cinquecento, the 2014 Fiat 500 and 500c showcase the brand's ingenuity to build world-class small cars that ignite a spirit of the times through simple design, beautiful craftsmanship and timeless value. As a result, the Fiat 500 has continued to surprise and delight customers worldwide for more than 50 years.

Satisfying the individual mobility need for Italians and other Europeans after the Second World War, the original Fiat 'Nuova' 500 became a catalyst in 1957 for the country of the 'poor but beautiful' to be not quite as poor. With almost 4 million examples produced between 1957 and 1975, the small and efficient Fiat 500 succeeded in providing an affordable, comfortable and reliable transportation solution while helping to ignite Italy's post-war economic recovery.

More than 50 years later, and thanks to its stylistic and modern technological features, the modern Fiat 500 represents the spark of another milestone along the lasting process of expansion. And this is where its history started again.

Reminiscent of the original Cinquecento, the 2014 Fiat 500 builds on the vehicle's global popularity. Since its initial launch in 2007, more than 1 million Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 110 countries around the world. The model's unquestionable popularity is the result of the Fiat 500's great ability to deliver unmatched personalization options with advanced solutions in terms of quality, engine performance and passenger comfort. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned more than 80 awards, including being named the 2008 European Car of the Year, 2009 World Car Design of the Year, Best New Engine of 2010 (FIAT MultiAir Turbo) and a 2012 'Recommended Pick' by Consumer Guide.

by Fiat

With more than four million produced during its twenty-year production run, the tiny Fiat 500 was something to behold. Easy to spot by its rounded egg-like body, the Fiat 500 filled a need for utilitarian transportation for the Italian masses when it was introduced in 1957. The post-war European market needed an affordable option, and the rear-engined Fiat 500 was just the solution. The rear-engine design was taken from the Volkswagen Beetle and proved popular enough to be adopted by several other carmakers.

The designer behind the 500 was Dante Giacosa, who was famed for being one of the greatest designers in Fiat's history who not only dealt with the car design but also had a big hand in the engineering. A cheap and practical town car, the Nuova (new) 500 was debuted in July 1957 and is considered one of the first city cars and lasted until 1960. Giacosa was extremely motivated to construct a car that packed more into a smaller space and he did this by making the engine mount at the rear side. It featured a smaller two-cylinder engine than all newer models and produced just 13 bhp. The Nuova featured a fabric roof that folded entirely back to the rear of the car, similar to the Citroën 2CV. It was one of three models that came with 'suicide doors'. A stylish Sport version of the Nuova came with a special red stripe and more power in the engine.

With kart-like handling, the four-seat 500 was powered by an air-cooled 479cc flat twin, which eventually was boosted to 499cc that gave 18 bhp. With a top speed of 55mph, the 500 was an incredibly popular and practical vehicle of choice throughout Europe. Weighing at only 1,100 pounds, the 500 had a wheelbase of 72.4 inches, a length of 116.9 inches, and a height of 52.0 inches. The 500 had a Cx (aerodynamic resistance coefficient) of 0,38, which was quite impressive for the era.

The 'D' replaced the original Nuova in 1960. Similar in appearances to the car it replaced, two differences set the models apart: the engine size and the roof. The D came with an uprated 499 cc engine that produced 17 hp as standard and continued to be used until the end of the L in 1973. The roof for the D didn't fold back as far as the Nuova, but it that earlier roof was available as the 'Transformable'. The D also came with 'suicide doors'. Torino Motors assembled the 500D in New Zealand and it was locally dubbed the 'Fiat Bambina'.

The 500 was offered as the 'Giardiniera' station wagon variant in addition to the two-door coupe in 1960 until 1975. The wagon had the standard engine laid on its side, an additional 10 cm wheelbase that made room for a useable rear seat, larger brakes, and a full-length sunroof. Called the K or Giardiniera, the estate version of the Fiat 500 is the longest-running model. To create a flat loading surface, the engine was laid under the floor of the trunk. The roof stretches all the way to the rear and didn't stop at the driver and front passenger like other models of the time. The K came with 'suicide doors', and unlike other models, it continued to carry these doors into the 1970s. Production moved to Desio in 1966 and the Giardiniera was constructed by Fiat subsidiary Autobianchi. Production of the Giardiniera tallied at 327,000 which later examples featuring Autobianchi rather than Fiat badging.

The Fiat 500 F or Berlina was produced from 1965 until 1973 and spans two periods of 500 production, the D and the L. Because of the two production periods, the F model is very easily confused and misidentified. The F sported the same badging as the D from 1965 until 1969, but the two models can be easily told apart by the positioning of their door hinges. The F produced from June 1965 finally featured front-hinged doors while the D has 'suicide doors'. From '69 until '72 the F was sold next to the Lusso models as the less expensive 'base model' version. There wasn't much mechanically different from the F and L, but the main differences lay in the bumpers and the interior. The L had an extra chrome nudge bar, and the inside of the L featured a fresher updated look while the F interior didn't change from the original 1957 design.

Introduced in 1968 was the L or Lusso 500 model. It featured a modern interior that included a revamped dashboard and paid special attention to comfort and style for the passenger. The 500 L was produced until 1972.

The final version of the 500 was the R or Rinnovata version. The R model sported a larger 594 cc engine that was designed by Abarth with a more practical power rating of 23 bhp and a full synchromesh gearbox. This final model was much more comfortable than the previous version yet was more simply equipped and trimmed than before. The fuel gauge was removed and only the low fuel indicator was left.

Several custom models of the 500 were produced, including the 'Jolly' version by Carrozzeria Ghia with inspiration taken from the very exclusive Fiat 600 Jolly. The Jolly came with wicker seats, a chopped-roof, no doors, and usually seen with a canopy roof.

Showing that they had a lot of muscle behind their compact frame, seven Fiat 500s contested the first and only Liège-Brescia-Liège Rally in July of 1958. They were beaten by Messerschmitt TG500 and the Berkeley SE492s, but the little Italian cars show their rugged side and proved they were capable of incredible durability. Reputed to be the smallest car to complete a world circumnavigation, a 1969 Fiat 500 traveled 32,000 road kilometers in less than 100 days. In 2005, a 1973 500 took a 16,000 km trip traveling through Russia for a 100-day journey. Its progress was documented by newspaper and television stations worldwide and eventually a book entitled La bizzarra impresa ('The bizarre exploit') was published about the trip. In 2007 this same car became the first Fiat 500 to reach the Sahara dunes was taken around the Mediterranean Sea for over 10,000 kilometers.

The Fiat 500 was produced from 1957 until 1975 and was replaced with the Fiat 126. The 500 R was sold alongside the 126 for two years before the 500 was retired. More than 3.6 million Fiat 500 cars were sold during its lifetime and at the end, the production had been outsourced to a Polish company called FSM. The 126 never reached the same popularity as its predecessor in Italy. In March of 2007, Fiat debuted the all-new 500 model, based on the '04 Fiat Trepiuno concept. Its arrival coincided with fifty years since the original 500. The new 500 is also dubbed the bambino and competes with the Mini Cooper and the Volkswagen Beetle.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_500

http://www.vihti500.info/history-of-fiat500.php

http://www.fiat500america.com/fiat500-history/

by Jessican Donaldson