Fiat 500L Adds Automatic Transmission for 2015

•2015 Fiat 500L available with six-speed automatic transmission for a total of three transmission options

•Fiat 500L Trekking's distinct, rugged exterior available in two new paint colors for 2015: Blue Tornado and Rosso Perla (Deep Lava Red)

•Fiat 500L combines the appeal of the iconic Fiat 500 with four doors and comfortable seating for five

•Innovative 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine provides the Fiat 500L with fuel efficiency combined with an output of 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque

Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 2, 2014 - Building on the style, efficiency and driving enjoyment that has made the Fiat 500 an icon, the Fiat 500L expands the Cinquecento's appeal by offering 42 percent extra interior space with comfortable seating for five, engaging driving dynamics, a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine and three transmission offerings, all wrapped in contemporary Italian design.

For 2015, the Fiat 500L is available with a six-speed automatic transmission, which is optional on the Easy and Trekking models, and standard on the Lounge model.

'The Fiat 500L offers customers the Italian style of the Fiat 500 with more space and functionality to suit their lifestyle,' said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America — Chrysler Group LLC. 'The addition of a new six-speed transmission, which complements our current powertrain offerings, will continue to fuel the success of the 500L in the American market.'

Also new for 2015, the Fiat 500L adds Blue Tornado to its broad color palette, which includes a total of 11 exterior paint colors across all models. Blue Tornado is available only on the distinct, rugged exterior of the 500L Trekking. Rosso Perla (Deep Lava Red) is also available on the 500L Trekking for 2015.

Fiat 500L

Since the modern Fiat 500's global launch in 2007, more than 1 million of these efficient and city-friendly vehicles have been sold in more than 110 countries worldwide. And now with the Fiat 500L, the Cinquecento has grown up to accommodate even more of life's greatest experiences and emotions all together: children, friends, journeys, music and community. The letter 'L' sums up the six dimensions of the Fiat 500L:

•'Leveraging,' the FIAT brand's approach to its iconic Cinquecento design DNA

•'Large,' meant as functionality and space via its 'small-wide' vehicle architecture

with 'cab forward' design that enables this Cinquecento to offer: •Best-in-class interior volume

•Best-in-class front head and shoulder room

•Best-in-class rear cargo space (with back seats up)

•'Loft,' a trendsetting environment with segment-exclusive glass A- to D-pillars and an available large dual-pane glass sunroof (20.7 sq. ft. / 1.92 m2) for panoramic views

•'Lifestyle,' four unique models, including the Fiat 500L Trekking that blends rugged styling and versatility for a Cinquecento that complements customers with a highly active lifestyle

•'Light,' when 'lightness' means human- and eco-friendly technology

Paired with its tight European handling and quick steering, the sixth dimension, 'Liters,' defines the fuel-efficient MultiAir Turbo engine in the Fiat 500L, providing class-leading standard horsepower per liter (117 hp/liter) with an output of 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. For driver precision and control, the Fiat 500L features a six-speed manual transmission, six-speed Euro Twin Clutch transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Building upon the Cinquecento's fun-to-drive DNA, the 2015 Fiat 500L features a touring-tuned chassis, which complements its MultiAir Turbo engine's best-in-class horsepower and torque.

To deliver class-leading levels of control and comfort, the Fiat 500L features a MacPherson front-suspension design with exceptional rigidity for increased cornering performance and reduced weight.

A specially designed front cross member serves two roles by providing rigidity to achieve greater acoustic comfort and to integrate a third-load line to improve energy absorption in the event of a crash. The adoption of a 'split' type shock absorber mounting transmits road vibrations to the body through two different routes for improved acoustics and better efficiency of the shock absorber.

At the rear, the Fiat 500L features a torsion axle structure with a high level of rolling rigidity to save the weight of an anti-roll bar. Unique to the North American market are specially tuned bushings that deliver ride control and comfort, with the durability needed for more treacherous unpaved roadways.

The Fiat 500L for North America features Koni frequency selective damping (FSD) front strut and rear shock absorbers to deliver improved road-holding and handling characteristics. In addition, the Koni FSD system actively filters out high-frequency suspension inputs from uneven road surfaces and adjusts for comfort and smoothness while maintaining excellent ride control.

The Fiat 500L has more than 40 available safety and security features, including seven standard air bags, reactive head restraints, electronic stability control (ESC) and ParkView rear backup camera.

Illustrating purposeful Italian design, the Fiat 500L features segment-exclusive glass from the A- and D-pillars for an interior environment nearly encapsulated by 360-degree views. For a sporty appearance, the belt- and window-molding surrounds are trimmed in Nero (black).

In addition to a monotone look, the five-passenger Cinquecento offers even more style with its 'floating' roof painted in Nero or Bianco (white). The Fiat 500L also provides first- and second-row passengers with cityscape views through a 20.7 sq. ft. (1.92 m2) dual-pane glass system.

Exterior paint colors for the 2015 Fiat 500L Pop, Easy and Lounge models include Grigio Chiaro (graphite), Blu Chiaro (light blue), Grigio Scuro (gray), Verde Bosco Perla (forest green), Rosso Perla (Deep Lava Red), Rosso (red), Mocha Latte, Bianco (white) and Nero (black).

Fiat 500L Trekking: the adventurous side of the 500L

Designed with the active and thrill-seeking North American customer in mind, the 2015 Fiat 500L Trekking expands the appeal and practicality of the Fiat 500L with distinct, rugged looks; an athletic two-tone interior environment; unique front and rear fascia designs; flared wheel arches and larger 17-inch wheels to support its adventurous personality.

Making the Fiat 500L Trekking distinct from the 500L Pop, Easy and Lounge models is the addition of aggressively styled front and rear fascias with Grigio Chiaro (graphite) accents for a bolder look. Unique Grigio Chiaro wheel arch and body-side sill moldings give the Fiat 500L Trekking a more adventurous look, while larger 17 x 7-inch aluminum wheels hint at the urban-utility vehicle's handling capabilities. For 2015, exterior paint colors for the 500L Trekking include the new and exclusive Blue Tornado, Grigio Scuro (gray), Verde Bosco Perla (forest green), Rossa Perla (Deep Lava Red), Mocha Latte, Bianco (white), Nero (black) and Giallo (yellow).

A unique two-tone Nero/Marrone (black/brown) interior environment continues the Fiat 500L Trekking's rugged-athletic theme. At the center of it all, an Uconnect 5.0 system features a 5-inch intelligently and intuitively designed touchscreen interface, handsfree calling and Bluetooth streaming audio, as well as voice-command control of the radio and a media hub for seamless integration of portable devices. For even more capability, the Fiat 500L Trekking is available with the premium Uconnect 6.5 system with its larger 6.5-inch touchscreen radio, dealer-activated navigation with intuitive map graphics and a premium media hub with SD card reader.

Fiat 500L features innovative technology

Uconnect 5.0

The 2015 Fiat 500L features the Uconnect 5.0 system with a 5-inch touchscreen that enables handsfree calling via Bluetooth-equipped phones, as well as voice-command control of AM/FM, and optional SiriusXM Radio, USB media port and navigation system. Compatible smartphones, equipped with Bluetooth and Message Access Profile (MAP), can receive text messages and send from a list of 18 pre-defined messages. Digital music can be streamed wirelessly from compatible Bluetooth smartphones or audio players supported by a media hub equipped with an auxiliary jack and USB port that enables recharging and seamless operation of portable devices. An integrated CD player offers additional media flexibility.

Also available on the Fiat 500L is the Uconnect 6.5 model with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, voice operation of AM/FM and standard SiriusXM Radio, mobile phones and navigation with intuitive map graphics. Additional features include handsfree calling, text messaging (with MAP compatible phones, check UconnectPhone.com for compatibility) and audio streaming via compatible Bluetooth-enabled phones, personalization settings and a premium media hub with USB and auxiliary ports, as well as SD card reader. Both Uconnect 5.0 and 6.5 systems are available with optional ParkView rear backup camera.

eco:Drive

The 2015 500L offers the FIAT brand's state-of-the-art eco:Drive, demonstrating that an automaker's environmental responsibility should extend beyond the production line to the actual way customers drive their cars.

Included on Uconnect 5.0, eco:Drive collects and calculates all necessary data relating to vehicle efficiency and transmits it to the 5-inch touchscreen so drivers can view the information in real time. The information also can be transmitted through the USB port to any configured USB memory stick. Plug the stick into a personal computer, and the feature details vehicle performance, such as per trip CO2 emission levels. In addition, eco:Drive analyzes the driver's style and provides recommendations on how to modify his or her driving style to help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Beats by Dr. Dre Audio system

The 2015 Fiat 500L offers its passengers a music experience the way the artist intended. The Beats Audio studio-quality sound system includes six premium speakers, including a 6.5-inch dual-voice coil (DVC) subwoofer with trunk-mounted enclosure and eight-channel amplifier with Beats Audio digital sound processing (DSP) algorithm.

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