After 27 years, Fiat is making its return to the United States. This change comes after Fiat took a controlling interest in the Chrysler brand, and made plans to combine the two automakers to become a larger player in the global auto industry. This month, the first "Fiat Studio" is opening at Village Motors in Los Angeles, and will be followed by 130 others around the country. Seven of these dealerships will be opened by AutoNation, the largest automobile retailer in the world.
The first model making its way to the U.S. will be the Fiat 500, a small, four passenger hatchback. The vehicle, which will compete with the likes of the Mini Cooper, Toyota Yaris, and Hyundai Accent, is likely to appeal to those looking for a cute, stylish, and exciting vehicle. The body shape is reminiscent of the 1960s Volkswagen Beetle, while the plastic body color appliqués on the dashboard offer a fun reminder that this is a newer and younger hatchback. With 300 hundred different color and trim combinations to choose from, the hatchback is also highly customizable. The three different trim levels, the Pop, Sport, and Lounge, and 10 different interior and exterior color choices allow consumers to design a vehicle that fits their needs and style, and gives a one-of-a-kind feel.
A jury comprised of 76 journalists and industry experts from 36 different countries were convinced by the 875 cc unit's low emissions, high fuel economy and impressive output for its size, awarding it four awards: “Best New Engine 2011”, “Best Green Engine 2011”, “Best Sub 1-Liter Engine” and the “International Engine of the Year 2011” overall award.
Currently available in a turbocharged configuration developing 85-horsepower, the TwinAir is offered on the Fiat 500 and 500C, and will soon find its way under the hood of the new Lancia Ypsilon supermini. Fiat is also planning the introduction of a naturally aspirated version producing 65-horses as well as another high-performance turbocharged variant with 105HP. The TwinAir will also be offered in a more eco-friendly 80HP Turbo bi-fuel version.
“Fiat has now produced one of the all-time great engines,” said Dean Slavnich, editor of Engine Technology International and co-chairman of the International Engine of the Year Awards. “Who would have thought that a two-cylinder unit could have won the International Engine of the Year title when we launched the Awards in 1999? Its triumph is a clear signal that less is more: people want low-emission, fuel-efficient yet po
