2016 Fiat 500 Abarth on 2040-cars

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2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth is lacking its sting

After seeing the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth at the New York Auto Show, we're starting to understand the convertible is essentially Fiat's take on the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club trim. Thing is, the Abarth name is synonymous with big performance out of tiny engines, and that's exactly what the latest Fiat 124 Abarth gets in Europe. We want it here, too. Despite the scorpion badge on the fender, this model makes the same 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet as the standard 124 Spider. By way of comparison, the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 170 horsepower in Europe. Customers here can choose between a six-speed manual or automatic to route power to the rear wheels through a limited slip differential. The Elaborazione Abarth isn't completely without improvements, though. The droptop gets a stiffer suspension with Bilstein shocks, and a Sport Mode button adds an extra edge when drivers want it. Brembo four-piston calipers are optional, and the US model keeps the European Abarth's retro touches like the black hood. Unfortunately, Abarth's performance legacy holds the Elaborazione Abarth back, rather than helping it. The Mazda MX-5 Miata Club gets most of the same upgrades, including a limited-slip differential, Bilstein shocks, and optional Brembo brakes. However, the Miata's sporty trim is easy to accept because it's just part of the regular lineup; Mazda doesn't attach a brand name with racing history to the sharper model. In contrast, the scorpion badge on this 124 Spider makes the convertible hard to accept as a real Abarth. Related Video:

Fiat adds Adventurer Edition package to 2018 500X compact crossover

Fiat says it will offer the 2018 500X in a new Adventurer Edition package starting this summer, adding a rugged outdoors theme to its quirky Italian subcompact crossover. The Adventurer Edition is based on the 500X Trekking model, and its more sporty front and rear fascia designs. It adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, black roof rails, crossbars, orange mirror caps and body-side graphics along the bottom of the doors. It also gets front and rear splash guards. Inside, buyers get a molded rear cargo tray and all-weather front and rear slush mats. It'll come in a choice of four exterior paint colors: a white clear coat, black clear coat, graphite grey and grey metallic. Interior color choices are black or brown. The 500X Trekking is equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a nine-speed automatic. It's available with front- or all-wheel drive, the latter of which uses a disconnecting rear axle to improve efficiency when all-wheel-drive isn't needed. It also comes with a slew of advanced safety technologies and a Uconnect 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Choosing the Adventurer Edition package will add $945 to the $24,680 starting price for front-wheel drive and the $26,580 floor for all-wheel-drive-equipped version. Both include Fiat's $995 destination charge. Related Video:

PSA unions vote in favor of merger with Fiat Chrysler

PARIS — The majority of unions representing workers at Peugeot maker PSA are in favor of a planned $50 billion merger with Fiat Chrysler, PSA executives and union representatives said. However, the unions said that once the merger deal was signed, they would be seeking detailed information about the plans for the combined company. At a PSA works council meeting, all trade union representatives on the council voted to give a favorable opinion on the merger. "We will remain vigilant about the social impact and await a clearer and more detailed picture of the plan's implications for plants, volume, and how much work will be given to the foundries," said Franck Don, representative of the CFTC union. "But the project in the form it's been presented makes sense because the two groups complement each other, are in good financial health, and thanks to the new format will attain a critical size which is vital in the auto business today." The merger would help the firms pool resources to meet tough new emissions rules and investments in electric and self-driving vehicles, as well as counter a broader downturn in car markets. Securing support from Europe's powerful trade unions will be critical for the merged company, which will employ more than 400,000 staff and operate hundreds of factories worldwide. The deal has stirred concerns in Germany and Britain where plants making Opel and Vauxhall cars have seen jobs cut in recent year as part of a cost-cutting drive. UAW/Unions Chrysler Fiat Citroen Peugeot PSA