Fiat Spider 2000, page #28

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Officine Abarth Classiche dedicated to Scorpion heritage

It was only nine years ago that Fiat launched the Abarth brand as its dedicated performance division. But it didn't pull the name and logo out of thin air. Though it was essentially dormant for years, the Scorpion marque has a long history of tuning Italian pocket rockets for both road and race. And now it's launched a dedicated heritage division to manage its considerable history. Opening this week, the new Officine Abarth Classiche program will be responsible, among other things, for the restoration of vintage Abarth vehicles and the certification of their mechanical authenticity. Similar to the Ferrari Classiche department, private owners of classic Abarths will be able to send their pride and joy to the factory for service, maintenance, and restoration at the hands of factory technicians and with the benefit of the company's own archives. Work will be undertaken in a dedicated, thousand-square-foot workshop at the Mirafiori Abarth factory in Turin, and will of course include Abarth-tuned Fiats. But the program is also open to all the various Lancias, Alfa Romeos, Autobianchis, and Cisitalias fettled over the years by the Italian performance studio - to say nothing of the Zagato and Ghia prototypes. Beyond restoration, Officine Abarth Classiche will also organize special events for owners of vintage Abarth machinery, and undertake a comprehensive Abarth registry. It has also commissioned a book on the history of the marque, recreated company founder Carlo Abarth's office at the Mirafiori workshop, and even signed on Carlo's widow Anneliese Abarth to serve as a brand ambassador. It's an ambitious undertaking, and you can read about it in full – along with some history of the name – in the full press release below. Related Video: 18 November 2015 The Great Abarth Classiche Project - The great story of the performances and sporting grandeur of the Scorpion and the records it has broken is celebrated through the ambitious Abarth Classiche initiative.

Highlights and standouts from the 2015 LA Auto Show

This year's LA Auto Show has been packed with interesting debuts and fascinating industry trends. The Autoblog team is on the scene to examine all the new metal, and Senior Editor Greg Migliore has some show highlights for us in the video above. In particular, the new Fiat 124 Spider and Honda Civic Coupe stand out as important debuts. The Fiat is based on the excellent Mazda Miata, with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine and revised styling. The Civic Coupe is a striking redesign of an extremely popular and important model for the company. And the restyled Ford Escape looks more like its bigger brother, the Explorer. There's this an much more in our video above. Watch it and let us know what you think – and look for more LA Auto Show coverage coming soon.

The Abarth 695 Biposto Record is 190 hp tribute to speed

Abarth earned an early reputation for tuning big power from small-displacement engines. The company's Fiat Abarth 1000 Monoposto Record set class acceleration records at Monza in 1965, with Carlo Abarth himself behind the wheel. The limited edition 695 Biposto Record now celebrates the 50th anniversary of those titles with the hottest version of the Fiat 500 on the street. Abarth will limit this special 695 Biposto to just 133 examples – the company's number of historic records. They all wear Modena Yellow bodies with Tar Cold Grey trim and an enameled badge. The interior also features a numbered plaque. Beyond these aesthetic tweaks, Abarth sticks with the high-output powertrain of the standard 695 Biposto: a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder sends 190 horsepower to the front wheels through a mechanical locking differential. An Akrapovic exhaust provides great sound, too. Compared to a normal Fiat 500 Abarth, the weight of the Biposto twins drops to 2,198 pounds thanks in part to the removal of the rear seats. The combination of more power and fewer pounds lets the hatchback reach 62 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph. Brembo brakes slow things down. Inside, Sabelt buckets with carbon shells hold the two occupants tight with four-point harnesses. Like the standard 695 Biposto, we don't expect the company to offer the Record in the US. They're rather expensive across the pond; The UK press release shows a price there at the current equivalent of $55,680. Related Video: ABARTH ANNOUNCES LIMITED EDITION 695 BIPOSTO RECORD A new, limited edition version of Abarth's stunning 695 biposto, the Record, has just gone on sale, priced GBP36,610 OTR. Just 133 examples of the striking 695 biposto Record will be built for worldwide distribution. An exclusive 'Modena Yellow' finish embellished with 'Tar Cold Grey' trims, enamelled '695 Record' badge on the side and aluminium bonnet are all standard features. This small run of cars – 133 is the number of records held by the Scorpion brand – also feature 18-inch OZ alloy wheels, large Brembo brakes and a throaty Akrapovic exhaust. Inside, there is special instrument panel animation, Sabelt carbon shell seats, four point seatbelts, a cargo net and a unique numbered plate. Based on the sporting, two-seat Abarth 695 biposto, the Record version is powered by the same 190hp 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16-valve engine.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider questions if the answer is always Miata

It's a popular response among fans of Mazda's iconic, compact, rear-driver roadster – the answer to any question is always Miata. With the new MX-5-based Fiat 124 Spider, though, the Italians could be set to supplant Hiroshima's finest offering. That is partially because the new 124 Spider brings us something we've long been clamoring for in the Miata. Fiat ditched the MX-5's standard-issue 2.0-liter, Skyactiv four-cylinder, and replaced it with the popular 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder from the 500 Abarth. While it's worth getting excited about the new roadster's singing voice, it's the big jump in torque that will truly transform the driving experience. Rather than 148 pound-feet, there's a meaty 184 lb-ft, a figure which is paired with 160 horsepower (five more than the MX-5). As Managing Editor Ewing explained in his by-the-numbers comparison of the two roadsters, it's this new powertrain that has the most potential to change the dynamite MX-5 driving experience. Of course, we won't know how it handles for certain until we get behind the wheel. Stay tuned for that saga. As for the looks, we'd argue that they're largely subjective. Among the Autobloggers in attendance at the 2015 LA Auto Show, opinions seem to be split, with some appreciating the Fiata's extensive overhaul while others (notably professed Miata fanatic Ewing) are set firmly against it. We'd love to hear your take on the new look. Take a peek at our full gallery of images from the car's LA debut, and then register your opinion in Comments. All-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Revives Legendary Nameplate with Iconic Italian Styling and Dynamic Driving Experience - 2017 Fiat 124 Spider returns nearly 50 years after original introduction Revival of roadster continues expansion of FIAT brand in North America - Delivers iconic Italian style with modern adaptation of original Spider legend - Powered by turbocharged MultiAir 1.4-liter engine for 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, available with manual or automatic transmission Available with an array of safety and security features, plus technologies for added comfort and convenience - First 124 units will be available as limited-production Prima Edizione Lusso Auburn Hills, Mich., Nov 18, 2015 - The all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider revives the storied nameplate, bringing its classic Italian styling and performance to a new generation.

So, just how different are the Fiat 124 Spider and Mazda MX-5 Miata?

"We leveraged a great platform." That's how Bob Broderdorf, Jr., Fiat's North American director, summarizes the creation of the 124 Spider. We all know Fiat's new roadster shares its underpinnings with the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, but there are a lot of key differences to keep them separate in the eyes of consumers. Mazda may have engineered the platform, but Fiat added many of its own touches. Here, we'll take a closer look at the spec sheets of the two cars, and summarize the major differences between the Japanese and Italian roadsters. If you need a refresher, read our full First Drive of the 2016 MX-5 Miata, and glance at all the Fiat 124 Spider details in this post. Design Fiat Chrysler design lead Ralph Gilles is super excited about this car. "I think it's going to change lives," he told the assembled media at an event in Auburn Hills, MI, earlier this month. Yes, it's definitely exciting to add a small roadster to any lineup, especially one that uses such a proven platform. But we're not sure people are going to get all that jazzed about it from a design standpoint. You'll either love it or hate it, and we're kind of leaning toward the latter. Every single body panel is new, and the design is "100 percent Italian." There are a number of creases and angles throughout the exterior, with a squared-off rear end and rectangular taillamps. Fiat trusts you'll be able to spot the similarities between the new 124 Spider and the original, but we're not so sure. We can see a bit of the old car's grille on the new car's face, and the dual hood blisters are a nice throwback touch, but that's about it. Trust us when we say that this car looks way better in photos. In person, it really didn't wow us. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. One colleague told us his wife, a long-time Miata owner, hates the look of the new one but will absolutely adore the Fiat. Good for her, and good for Fiat. But based on design alone, we'll take the Mazda every single time. What about you? Dimensions When Broderdorf said Fiat leveraged the Miata's platform, that means the Italians took it as-is. The two cars ride on an identical, 90.9-inch wheelbase. The front and rear tracks lengths are the same, at 58.9 and 59.1 inches, respectively. But that's where the similarities end.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider: Japanese bones, Italian flair

Fiata! Fiat + Miata. That's exactly what we have here in the new 124 Spider that officially debuts in Los Angeles this week. FCA leveraged Mazda's excellent fourth-generation MX-5 Miata platform, but created something rather unique in the process. Yes, it's more than just a rebadged Mazda. See what we mean with a lot more detail, here. The big difference is design, Fiat having incorporated totally new sheetmetal for the 124 Spider. It's a polarizing look, perhaps not as friendly as the Mazda, and Fiat says it pays homage to the original 124 Spider from long ago. There's an upright fascia with rounded lamps and a nice LED running lamp signature, mimicked out back with squared-off taillamps with LEDs that light up the outline of the taillamp housings. Curves and lines abound, making the Fiat an interesting roadster to behold. Under the hood lies Fiat's 1.4-liter, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder engine, plucked from the 500 Abarth. It makes 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Fiat's quite insistent that its 124 Spider has the soul of a proper Italian roadster, and from some short teaser videos we were able to watch, it sounds like the little droptop will offer plenty of raspy, throaty, aural delight. The interior is, well, straight from the Miata, right down to the control knobs for the HVAC system, infotainment screen (no UConnect here), and window switches. But that also means the roof is easy to unlatch and throw back, the seats are surprisingly comfortable, and there's ample room for even larger drivers. Fiat will launch the 124 Spider next summer, and the first 124 examples will be offered in a limited-edition Prima Edizione Lusso trim, with individually numbered badges. Those first samples will be available in a unique Azzurro Italia (read: blue) paint. Read Fiat's full press release below for more details, and don't forget to check out or deep dive about how this car stacks up agains the Miata on which its based. All-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Revives Legendary Nameplate with Iconic Italian Styling and Dynamic Driving Experience - 2017 Fiat 124 Spider returns nearly 50 years after original introduction Revival of roadster continues expansion of FIAT brand in North America - Delivers iconic Italian style with modern adaptation of original Spider legend - Powered by turbocharged MultiAir 1.4-liter engine for 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft.

VW's Goodwill Effort, Highlights from Dubai, Fiat's Truck | Autoblog Minute

Autoblog Senior Editor Greg Migliore recaps the week in automotive news. Including highlights from VW's TDI goodwill initiative, the Dubai motor show, and Fiat's new midsize pickup. Fiat Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video dubai dubai motor show

Fiat introduces new Fullback pickup

Fiat has unveiled its first foray into the mid-size pickup truck market, the Fullback, at the Dubai Motor Show. It's not an entirely new product, confirming earlier reports. It's closely related to the Triton pickup (also known as the L200) that Mitsubishi builds in Thailand for markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Moreover, it's not likely ever to make it to North American showrooms. Riding on a 118-inch wheelbase, it measures 208 inches long, 71 inches wide and 70 inches tall. Those are identical measurements to the Mitsu, and give it roughly similar dimensions to the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon we get here. The Fullback can carry up to 2,300 pounds, and is powered by a 2.4-liter turbo diesel engine available in either 150- or 180-horsepower states of tune, and mated to a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Fiat Professional will roll out the Fullback in markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, where it will compete against the likes of the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Volkswagen Amarok. FIAT PROFESSIONAL DEBUTS NEW FULLBACK PICK-UP TRUCK AT THE DUBAI INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW - New FIAT Professional pick-up truck to be named Fullback – a name derived from the cornerstone position in rugby and American football - Available in the UK in autumn 2016, the FIAT Fullback will combine a practical double-cab body style with a spacious load area and competitive payload of 1,045kg - Powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine, with 150hp or 180hp outputs, the FIAT Fullback will have four-wheel drive as standard, combined with a manual or automatic transmission - More details, including pricing and final specifications, will be announced closer to the launch of the FIAT Fullback in the UK FIAT Professional has unveiled the all-new FIAT Fullback pick-up truck at the 2015 Dubai International Motor Show. The new, medium-duty pick-up will join the award-winning FIAT Professional range in autumn 2016 and will be available only with a practical double cab body style configuration in the UK making it an ideal vehicle for both commercial and leisure time activities. Measuring up to 1,780mm in height, 1,815 mm in width and 5,285mm in length, with a wheelbase of 3,000mm, the new FIAT Fullback will offer a competitive payload of 1,045 kg and will be powered by a 2.4-litre, aluminium, turbo-diesel engine with a power output of either 150hp or 180hp.

Fiat teases upcoming new 124 roadster

Enthusiasts have been waiting for some time for the debut of the Fiat 124. And we've had some pretty good glimpses at what to expect along the way. But now Fiat has dropped the first official teaser images to prepare us for the arrival of its upcoming new roadster. The model tipped to revive the number 124 represents Fiat's version of the program that has already given us the new Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Italian counterpart was originally slated to wear the Alfa Romeo badge, but concerns that customers wouldn't welcome an Alfa made in Japan led FCA to repurpose the program as a Fiat. That brand already produces its vehicles in locations around the world, including the 500 in Poland and Mexico, the 500L in Serbia, and the upcoming Tipo in Turkey. Another Fiat made in Japan, then, wouldn't be as much of a stretch as it would be for Alfa Romeo, which manufactures exclusively in Italy. As we were able to see from the most recent spy shots, the Fiat 124 will adopt similar (if not identical) proportions and layout to the MX-5, but with its own unique sheetmetal. And that, as you can see from these line drawings, will include a prominent belt line melding into a muscular rear haunch. Expect FCA's own engines to slot in under the hood, including the turbo four from the Fiat 500 Abarth and the more potent one from the Alfa Romeo 4C. Given Fiat's timing in releasing these teasers, we have a good feeling the 124 could debut at the LA Auto Show later this month. The SoCal auto expo always proves a good setting at which to unveil a new convertible – especially one as vital to a brand's US presence as the 124 will be for Fiat. So watch this space.

Mopar highlights wild SEMA creations, AWD Challenger Concept

Thanks to 15,345 square feet of display area, FCA US' Mopar division certainly has ample space to display its parts and accessories at the SEMA Show. To lure attendees to check out all of those cars and components, the company is now revealing ten tuned vehicles for this year's aftermarket event. This isn't even the brand's whole fleet for the show, but it includes some major highlights for Dodge and Ram fans. A lack of traction traditionally makes rear-wheel-drive muscle cars dismal to drive when the weather gets slippery, but the Dodge Challenger GT AWD Concept (above) solves that age-old problem at SEMA. In addition to powering all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic, it boasts an angry-looking, wide-body kit with aggressively flared wheel arches. The asymmetrical stripe with Header Orange accents also adds some extra panache to the Destroyer Grey and Matte Black color scheme. The coupe can back up the macho look thanks to the Scat Pack 3 Performance Kit that adds 75 horsepower and 44 pound-feet of torque to the 5.7-liter V8. However, before you get too excited about driving one this winter, FCA US spokesperson Ariel Gavilan tells Autoblog: "It is only a concept." Mopar isn't done tuning Dodges for SEMA. The Charger Deep Stage 3 shows what's possible with the company's catalog by packing the Scat Pack 3, strut tower braces, coilover suspension kit, and bigger brakes. Meanwhile, the blacked-out Dart GLH Concept tries to harken back to the style of the famous Omni GLH by fitting a red-accented body kit, including a Mopar Performance aluminum hood. If the standard Ram 1500 Rebel is somehow too subdued, check out the Rebel X (right) in a vibrant shade called Copper. To be ready for anything offroad, it wears some muscular flares to fit 17-inch beadlock wheels and 35-inch Toyo tires. A concept, two-piece front skid plate protects the front. Drivers should also be comfortable no matter where they drive thanks to prototype Katzkin leather seats and a concept air-ride suspension. Chrysler enjoys some mods, as well. The 300 Super S has suave style with Matte Cerulean paint, concept 22-inch wheels, and a grille with little Mopar Ms dotted around it. Performance also sees a boost with a tuned engine, bigger brakes, and coilover kit. The gray 200 S Mopar is similarly stylish with a complete body kit, including a conceptual, dual-vented hood. Fiat and Ram's commercial models aren't left out of the SEMA fun, either.