Fiat updates 500 with new display, automatic transmission for turbo models

Mon, 07 Apr 2014

Just last month at the Geneva Motor Show, Fiat announced some updates for the European-spec 500, including a new dashboard display. Now it's announced that the same updates are being applied to the US-spec model.

Similar (if not identical) to the display in the 500E, the conventionally powered 500 now benefits from a seven-inch high-definition TFT instrument display to monitor data including vehicle speed, fuel level, fuel consumption and remaining range. Data from the infotainment system is also displayed on the panel, and if you spec your Cinquecento with the rear parking sensor, that'll be displayed on there too.

There's a redesigned center console and some new color options as well, but those looking for a turbocharged experience without the hassle of swapping gears themselves will be more interested in the new automatic transmission option. Previously available only with a manual, Fiat is now offering the 500 Turbo, 500 Abarth and 500 Abarth Cabrio with a six-speed automatic transmission supplied by Aisin. Look for the new models to hit your local Fiat Studio this July, and feel free to read the official announcement below.

2015 Fiat 500 Lineup Now Features Innovative Instrument Panel with New 7-inch High-Definition Display

- Seven-inch HD TFT display helps drivers to easily monitor and configure vehicle information
- Other interior updates for driver convenience include Bluetooth streaming audio and a revamped center console with an additional USB port
- Three new exterior paint colors for 2015 are Giallo Moderna Perla (modern pearl yellow), Laser Blu (bright metallic blue) and Billet Argento (billet silver)

April 7, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The 2015 Fiat 500 vehicle lineup, to be showcased at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, will include a number of interior enhancements for increased driver convenience and ease of use, including an advanced instrument panel with a 7-inch high-definition TFT (Thin Film Transistor) cluster display.

The new 7-inch TFT cluster allows drivers to easily monitor data like speed, fuel level, Eco index and trip information. While on the main screen, an image of the vehicle is surrounded by information, including distance traveled, gas mileage and range. A parking screen helps drivers while moving in reverse if the vehicle is equipped with Rear Park Assist. Other screen options include a radio screen that displays information about the station selected and a telephone screen showing call information.

When the vehicle is in Sport mode, the TFT display becomes more aggressive in appearance, complementing the Sport mode's more engaged driving experience.

The TFT display will be standard on the 2015 Fiat 500 Sport, Lounge, Turbo and Abarth models, and optional on the Pop.

Other interior updates for 2015 include a redesigned center console. To make it more useful for drivers, the revamped console includes a new cup holder design and an additional, conveniently located USB port that is fully functional and integrated with the radio. The 2015 Fiat 500 models will also include Bluetooth streaming audio in addition to the already standard Bluetooth phone connectivity.

"Since launching in March 2011, more than 135,000 Fiat 500 cars have been sold in North America," said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC. "We continue to improve the successful 500, retaining its unique Italian flavor while adding unique features, such as a 7-inch TFT display, and incorporating Bluetooth streaming and a more functional center console."

On the exterior, new paint colors for 2015 are Giallo Moderna Perla (modern pearl yellow), Laser Blu (bright metallic blue) and Billet Argento (billet silver).

In addition to the interior improvements across the Fiat 500 lineup, the Fiat 500 Abarth, Abarth Cabrio and Turbo will add a six-speed automatic transmission as an option for 2015.

The 2015 Fiat 500 lineup will be available in studios beginning in July 2014.

About FIAT Brand
The FIAT brand stands for discovery through passionate self-expression. It encourages people to be in charge of their lives, live confidently and celebrate the smallest of things with infectious excitement. That philosophy is embodied by the North American introduction of the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento - a small car that lives big. Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, the Fiat 500 is synonymous with modern, simple design blending form, function and a pride of ownership that is genuine. The FIAT brand portfolio in North America continues to expand. In 2013, the FIAT brand launched the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio, the fully electric Fiat 500e, the Fiat 500L and Fiat 500L Trekking.

About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, FIAT and Mopar vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group's culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat's complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, SRT Viper and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

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Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio Offer Automatic Transmission Option for 2015

- Six-speed automatic transmission available as an option to five-speed manual transmission on 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio
- Specially tuned automatic transmission maintains high-performance legacy of Abarth models while delivering accessible performance to more customers
- 2015 Fiat 500 Turbo will also offer an optional automatic transmission

April 7, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The high-performance 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio, to be showcased at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, will be available with an optional six-speed automatic transmission, helping to broaden the customer base for the high-performance version of the Fiat 500.

"Adding an optional automatic transmission makes the Abarth and Abarth Cabrio accessible to an entirely new group of customers who want to enjoy the thrilling driving experience of the Fiat 500 Abarth with the convenience of an automatic gearbox," said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC.

To ensure the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio remain true to their high-performance and track-ready heritage, the six-speed automatic transmission – Aisin AW6F25 six-speed – has been reinforced with more clutch plates and a more robust heat treatment to allow for higher torque capability. The Sport mode calibration allows for an even more engaged driving experience with special features such as fuel-cut upshifts, rev-matching downshifts, brake-assist downshifts, corner gear hold and fast-off gear hold, as well as a more aggressive pedal map.

Both the automatic and manual transmission options for the 2015 Fiat Abarth and Abarth Cabrio will be paired with the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine. Both Abarth models will continue to include the segment-exclusive Abarth Track Experience, which allows Fiat 500 Abarth drivers to learn how to maximize their driving skills with a full day of professional driving instruction.

Fiat 500 Turbo
The Fiat 500 Turbo was introduced in 2012 for driving enthusiasts who wanted the Italian style of the Fiat 500 with more power and performance for their daily drive. For the 2015 model year, the Fiat 500 Turbo will also offer the Aisin AW6F25 six-speed automatic transmission as an option to pair with the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine.

As one of the more affordable turbocharged vehicles available, the Fiat 500 Turbo amplifies the Cinquecento's power, performance and personalization levels while keeping the character of the iconic Fiat 500.

"When it was launched two years ago, the Fiat 500 Turbo hit the sweet spot between the regular Fiat 500 and the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth," said Stoicevich. "The availability of the automatic transmission now makes this sweet spot even sweeter, by expanding the Turbo's appeal, particularly among young buyers who can now buy one of the most affordable turbocharged cars in the market with the convenience of an automatic transmission."

The Fiat 500 Turbo continues to offer a distinctive look, with an aggressively styled front fascia, bolder side skirts and unique 16-inch aluminum wheels. At the rear, a liftgate-mounted spoiler extends the roofline, while a black-accented rear diffuser optimizes airflow.

In addition to the optional automatic transmission offering for the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Turbo models, the entire Fiat 500 lineup will receive interior updates for 2015, including an innovative instrument panel with a 7-inch high-definition display to help drivers easily monitor vehicle information.

The 2015 Fiat 500 lineup will arrive at Fiat studios nationwide in July 2014.

About FIAT Brand
FIAT - Life is Best When Driven. The FIAT brand stands for discovery through passionate self-expression. It encourages people to be in charge of their lives, live confidently and celebrate the smallest of things with infectious excitement. That philosophy is embodied by the North American introduction of the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento - a small car that lives big. Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, the Fiat 500 is synonymous with modern, simple design blending form, function and a pride of ownership that is genuine.

Reminiscent of the original Cinquecento, the Fiat 500 and Fiat 500c (Cabrio) build on the vehicle's global popularity. Since its initial launch in 2007, more than 1,000,000 Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 100 countries around the world. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned more than 80 international awards, including being named the 2008 European Car of the Year, 2009 World Car Design of the Year and Best New Engine of 2010 (Fiat MultiAir® Turbo). In the U.S., the 2012 Fiat 500 was named "Best Buy" in the subcompact category by Consumers Digest and was deemed a "Top Safety Pick" by the influential Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This year, the 2013 Fiat 500 was named to the "10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" list by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com and the new 2014 Fiat 500L was recognized as a "Top Safety Pick" by IIHS.

The FIAT brand portfolio in North America continues to expand. In 2013, the FIAT brand launched the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio, the fully-electric Fiat 500e and the Fiat 500L, an all-new five-passenger model that expands FIAT's brand style and efficiency into the growing B-segment.

By Noah Joseph