European readers may already be aware of the Fiat 500 – but it was certainly a head turner on its arrival in the US at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The four-passenger vehicle includes a 1.4litre MultiAir engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and interactive driving technology. It is the first mass production engine for the North American market to feature Fiat’s Fully Variable Valve Actuation which has cylinder-by-cylinder, stroke-by-stroke direct air intake control without a throttle valve. It manages to slash carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 10 per cent while also achieving an additional 10 per cent in power as it delivers 101hp at 6,500rpm and 98lb-ft of torque.
In addition, the 2012 model comes with two transmissions – a six-speed automatic transmission that is exclusively available in the North American market; and an upgraded five-speed manual transmission with new gear ratios, improved fuel efficiency and acceleration.
The vehicle features several adaptations for the North American market including a redesigned body; an exclusively tailored suspension; more than 20 hardware modifications/additions for improved noise, vibration and harshness; a new four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system; a larger 10.5gallon fuel tank; new steering wheel controls and revised steering effort calibration; and an upgraded heating and cooling system. Also included is an all-new air bag system with seven standard air bags. Reactive head restraints are also included – they activate during a rear impact.
The Chrysler Group plans to introduce a battery electric vehicle using the Fiat 500 platform in 2012 – this vehicle was previewed earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show.
