Fiat 500 GQ UK details revealed

Fiat has announced UK details of the new special series Fiat 500 GQ, which made its world debut earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show.

The stylish and sophisticated Fiat 500 GQ is the result of a collaboration with GQ, the premier men's magazine, owned by Condé Nast, which sets style and culture trends across the world. 

Aimed at a predominately male audience, the new Fiat 500 GQ is dedicated to those customers who love the metropolitan lifestyle and are fans of sophisticated aesthetics and uncompromising style.

The Fiat 500 GQ blends the urban feeling of the Fiat 500 with the trendsetting spirit of GQ Magazine and comes with exclusive two-tone paintwork (Groove Metal Grey and Crossover Black), additional specification and unique styling features.

Based on the 500S, the Fiat 500 GQ is available with the same engines (1.2 Petrol 69 hp, the award-winning 0.9 TwinAir 85 hp and the 1.3 MultiJet diesel 95 hp) and with both hatchback and convertible body types.  

The exterior features exclusive standard two-tone paintwork (metallic grey/black), a grey aesthetic liner, black mirror covers, GQ logo on the B- pillar and 16-inch Sport alloy wheels coupled with a contrasting orange 500 logo on the wheel trims.

The Fiat 500 GQ’s interior features, as standard, a sports leather steering wheel with infotainment controls, Blue&Me system with Bluetooth technology, voice recognition, soft Frau Black leather seats with orange stitching and orange 500 logo fitted on the dashboard.

The car’s new upholstery was designed to offer the best possible ergonomics, for comfort and elegance. The internal look of the Fiat 500 GQ is completed by the brushed aluminium sports pedal unit and leather gear knob.

Prices start at just £13,110 OTR for the 1.2 69 hp 500 GQ hatchback version and £15,930 OTR for the 1.2 69 hp 500 GQ convertible version – prices that are £1,700 and £1,520 respectively more than the 500S versions but includeadditional specification and a number of unique styling features as standard.

“We are delighted to announce the addition of the Fiat 500 GQ special series in the UK, which joins the highly successful 500 range,” says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

“Everyone knows the Fiat 500 can be enhanced with thousands of combinations of equipment and styling options, and this sophisticated yet sporty 500 GQ model further illustrates that. It will appeal to trendsetters who will appreciate its sophisticated style and dynamism.”

On-the-road pricing for Fiat 500 GQ versions is as follows:

Model	Total OTR
Hatchback 1.2 69 hp	£13,110
Hatchback 0.9 TwinAir 85 hp	£14,510
Hatchback 1.3 MultiJet 95 hp	£15,510
Convertible 1.2 69 hp	£15,930
Convertible 0.9 TwinAir 85 hp	£17,130
Convertible 1.3 MultiJet 95 hp	£18,330

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Seat 600 gave wheels to whole nation

On the left is new Seat Mii and on the right a Seat 600. Resemblance to Fiat 600 is no coincidence.

Four decades ago this week, on July 31, 1973, the last SEAT 600 rolled off the assembly line in SEAT’s Zona Franca factory in Barcelona. It was a car that signalled a turning point in Spanish society, championing the beginning of widespread car ownership in the country.

The last four decades have seen substantial evolution in the automotive industry – and for SEAT itself – and the modern equivalent of SEAT’s original city car is the Mii.

The 600 is the icon that kick-started motoring in Spain during the years of slow recovery after the Spanish Civil War. It was made with license from Fiat, being technically a Fiat 600. No other model has become so embedded in Spain’s collective subconscious; many older drivers in Spain today recall being taught to drive in a 600 by their fathers. The car was a fixture in the everyday life of many Spanish families in the ’50s, ’60s and the ’70s.

Over the course of its 16-year production run, almost 800,000 SEAT 600 models were produced, including the four-door SEAT 800 that was manufactured between 1963 and 1968, but that was commonly referred to as a 600.

Mobility for all

The 63,000-peseta price of the SEAT 600 at launch – the equivalent of €379 (£330) today – meant that countless working class families were suddenly afforded the luxury of their own car. The impact of the arrival of the SEAT 600 was such that just one year after its launch, production had increased six-fold.

Initially, the SEAT 600 was equipped with a 633 cc engine that delivered an output of 18 hp, which remained in production for six years. The engine was upgraded to 767 cc with an increase in output to 25 hp and later to 28 hp on the D, E and L-Especial versions, which were manufactured for the remaining ten years of the 600’s lifespan.

Aside from the 800, on all variants of the 600 the body styling remained virtually intact, except for changing the ‘suicide doors’ during 1970. The original 600 engine only underwent a slight change in six years, moving to a 20 hp output from the original 18 hp, while the more modern 25 hp motor, fitted to the 600 D and E, remained unchanged until its very last year when, as an L-Especial model, it gained a further 3 hp thanks to an increase in compression. As its name suggests, the L-Especial added a touch of elegance, with plusher upholstery and an ignition key-activated anti-theft steering wheel locking mechanism. 

Aside from its ruggedness, the 600 had plenty of other virtues: first of all, its body design took full advantage of its 3.3-metre length, with a passenger compartment that in theory accommodated four occupants comfortably, and five sparingly – though in reality, several more would often be squeezed in.  

The 600 featured a basic sturdiness and was a mechanic’s delight, as repairs were easy and accessible. Furthermore, spare parts were extremely easy to come by, not only in the authorised outlets but in all parts and accessories shops, so the car was perfect for the DIY mechanic on a budget.

Performance levels in tune with the times

The 600 reached a top speed of 115 km/h (71 mph) and could cover one kilometre from standstill in 45.5 seconds – performance figures not to be sniffed at considering the car was fitted with an engine that put out 28 hp at most. Moreover, fuel consumption was 10 litres per 100 km in city driving (equivalent to 28.2 mpg) and 6.5 litres (43.5 mpg) on the open road, with a range of 461 km on a single tank of fuel.

But to demonstrate the progress made in the city car sector, by comparison the SEAT Mii 60 PS Ecomotive has a 100 mph top speed and can race to one kilometre in 35.4 seconds. It does so while consuming five litres per 100 km (56.5 mpg) on the urban cycle, and only 3.6 litres (78.5 mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. Its potential fuel tank range is 945 km (587 miles) – a substantial 484 km (300 miles) more than the 600’s.

Another significant difference is the boot volume. The 600 had to make do with only 68.5 litres, while the Mii by comparison offers nearly 3.5 times more, at 238 litres – hence visions of suitcases and belongings strapped on the roof rack of many a 600 back in the day.  

The following table shows the difference in technical performance between the SEAT 600 and the Mii:

	600	Mii
ENGINE
Type	Petrol, 4 cylinders inline	Petrol, 3 cylinders -12v
Displacement (cc)	633/767	999
Maximum power (hp/rpm)	18-28/4600-4800	60-75/5500-6200
Fuel system	Single-barrel vertical carburettor	Multipoint injection
TRANSMISSION
Type	Rear wheel drive	Front wheel drive
Gearbox	4 speed manual	5 speed manual
STEERING
Type	Worm drive	Electrohydraulic power steering
CHASSIS
Front suspension	Independent, transverse leaf spring and shock absorbers	Independent MacPherson, stabiliser bar, coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers
Rear suspension	Independent, oblique wishbone, coil and shock absorbers	Semi rigid axle, coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers
BRAKES
Front/rear	Drum/drum	Ventilated discs/drum
PACKAGE
Length/width/height (mm)	3300-3320/1380/1400	3557/1641/1478
Kerb weight (kg)	585-615	929-940
PERFORMANCE
Top speed (km/h)	90-115	160-172

The significance of urban vehicles for SEAT

Throughout its history, the SEAT line-up has featured a wide variety of small cars, including the 600, the 133, Panda, Marbella, Arosa and the Mii.

The 600 was not only the starting point of this evolution, but a truly ubiquitous model that put Spain on wheels – a genuine icon of car ownership in the country. This is backed up by the fact that back in 1970, one in of every four cars on Spanish roads was a 600.

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Fiat 500L MPW - midsize 500 for the family

Fiat presents the first official photos of the Fiat 500L MPW (called ‘Living’ in the rest of Europe), the new model that will have its world preview in July on the sixth anniversary of the 500 family.  A development of the icon launched in 2007, the new car is for living life to the full, a car which reaches out directly to a diverse public, attentive to new features and looking for a balance of functionality and design, to make room for their many interests and intended uses without compromising on style.

The new Fiat has all the charm of the 500, the agility of a city-car, is as compact as a mid-size car, has the comfort and contents of a C-segment station wagon or saloon and the space and the versatility of an MPV. These are the ingredients of a new conception of the car, which is not based solely on technical specifications, but also on how it is experienced in life, to create a magic combination. 

The 500L MPW is therefore the perfect marriage of effective use of space and unmistakeable ‘made in Fiat’design. With an additional third row of seats, the new car is the most compact ‘5 + 2-seater’ MPV in its segment: it is 435 cm long, 178 cm wide and 167 cm high. What’s more, despite being 20 cm shorter than a C-segment Station Wagon, the Fiat 500L MPW ensures exceptional values in terms of comfort, space and load capacity, as demonstrated by a volume of 638 litres. 

The new model therefore assumes its position as the first car for the whole family which reaches out to all consumers, able to win over both men, thanks to its characteristics of functionality and efficiency, and women, due to its beauty, intelligence and style. And it’s bound to please children as well: to their eyes it will be attractively spacious. In short, the Fiat 500L MPW  is the superlative expression of Fiat’s characteristic ingenuity in creating vehicles that make everyday life more simple, and a bit more fun as well.

At launch, the Fiat 500L MPW will be equipped with two petrol engines - 95 HP 1.4 16v and 105 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo - as well as two turbodiesels: 105 HP 1.6 MultiJet II and 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet II, the latter also with automatic transmission.

The range includes two trim levels (Pop Star and Lounge), both with 5 or 7 seats, 19 body colours (including 11 two-tone combinations) and 6 interior trims, 15 different types in terms of alloy wheels and hub caps: in total, no fewer than 282 combinations are possible. The new Fiat 500L MPW offers equipment worthy of a higher segment, as demonstrated by the new leather interiors, integrated navigation system and rear camera to assist with reversing manoeuvres.

The Fiat 500L MPW will be produced in the new Serbian factory at Kragujevac, while orders will open in July in Italy, to be extended progressively to the other countries of Europe.

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Gucci designed Fiat 500s return to U.S.

It's small, it's all about style. The Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition, the combination of Italian craftsmanship and style in a small car, brings two of Italy's most respected brands together for an encore. The new limited-edition 2013 Fiat 500 and 500c Gucci Edition models will return to America with a new discrete appearance inside and out while continuing to meet the popularity and market demand of the previous edition.

"It doesn't get better than this: two brands like Gucci and Fiat collaborating on an encore of the fastest-selling Fiat 500 that we ever had in our U.S. portfolio," said Jason Stoicevich, Head of Fiat Brand North America - Chrysler Group LLC. "The success of the Fiat 500 by Gucci demonstrates that there is a clientele in America that appreciates and demands high-quality small cars loaded with the craftsmanship, technology and the style that only the Italians can offer. Almost all of the vehicles of this new edition have been spoken for by our studios, and they can't wait to start selling them again.

2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition
For 2013, the Gucci Edition models now offer a new Nero (black) monotone interior environment that complements Gucci Nero or contrasts Gucci Bianco (white) eye-catching glossy pearl-glass exterior paint and Gloss Nero lighting bezels. The new Nero interior space is stylish yet functional, down to every last detail: chic embroidery, exclusive materials, bright (with Gucci Nero) and satin (with Gucci Bianco) chrome accents, the velvety varnish on the instrument panel and seats wrapped in Poltrona Frau leather with signature "Guccissima" print. Premium Nero leather accents are also found on the interior door panels and on the hand-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel.

For customers who prefer a two-tone environment, the 2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition models reintroduce the original two interior color schemes. Tied to the Gucci Nero exterior color is an interior detailed with Bianco/Nero seating and accents, while the Gucci Bianco exterior color features the reciprocal Nero/Bianco theme.

The 2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition models feature several exclusive design elements that highlight the Cinquecento's iconic style. A signature Gucci Verde/Rosso/Verde (green/red/green) web stripe runs along the entire bodyside perimeter on the Fiat 500 by Gucci, or across the length of the power-retractable cloth top on the Fiat 500c by Gucci model. Chrome cursive "Gucci" signatures complete the door frames and hatchback, complementing the bright (Gucci Nero) or satin (Gucci Bianco) chrome-accented exterior mirrors, door handles and hood spear. Adding to the vehicle's sculpted fenders are uniquely designed, retro-inspired 15-inch aluminum wheels color-keyed to the Gucci Nero or Gucci Bianco exterior paint. For even more sophistication, the wheel design includes center caps with interlocking "GG" hubcaps and brake pads lacquered in signature Gucci Verde (green).

The 2013 Fiat 500 by Gucci Edition has a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $23,750, while the 2013 Fiat 500c by Gucci Edition model starts at $27,750 (both models do not include $800 destination). The new Gucci Edition models arrive in spring of 2013 and will be offered for a limited time only.

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This got to be one of the coolest (excuse the pun) fridges ever

The ‘SMEG 500’ fridge, produced by Smeg and Fiat with the stylistic collaboration of Italia Independent, had its world preview in Paris last week. The event took place at the Colette concept store in Rue Saint-Honorè.

Enticing the eye, raising a smile, applying the passion of creativity to the use of technology: these are the design concepts that have always inspired  Fiat and Smeg. This special chemistry has resulted in the exclusive ‘SMEG 500’, a fridge which fulfils its function while showing off a new look, becoming an object which captures, intrigues and attracts the eye.

An authentic icon of Italian manufacturing, the Fiat 500 thus expands its appeal into the bars and living rooms all over the world.  The ‘SMEG 500’ fridge extends the ‘Fiat 500 Design Collection’ of exclusive products – a sofa, a table and a console table – all inspired by the car which, more than any other, has marked the collective imagination of Italy.

Technical details of SMEG 500 (who cares since it looks fabulous?)

• Energy class A+
• total net capacity 100 l
• opening/closing with 2 sliding doors
• 3 removable bottle holders
• 1 dedicated shelf for cans
• adjustable thermostat
• automatic defrosting
• energy consumption 115 kWh/year
• climate class ST
• sound level 42 dB
• rated power 70 W
• dimensions: H83×W125×D80 cm (max. height bonnet open: 150 cm)
• Colours available: white, green and red.

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All-New 2014 Fiat 500L

2014 Fiat 500L Lounge

Expanding on the style, efficiency and driving enjoyment that has made the Fiat 500 an icon for nearly 57 years, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L expands the Cinquecento’s appeal by offering 42 percent extra interior space with comfortable seating for five, engaging driving dynamics and a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with two fuel-saving, six-speed transmissions. All this comfort and technology is wrapped in contemporary Italian design with a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,100 (plus $800 destination).

“The all-new Fiat 500L expands the reach of the FIAT brand in North America, appealing to customers who like the contemporary Italian style of the Fiat 500 but need more space and functionality to match their lifestyle needs,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Fiat 500L offers the whole package, with best-in-class interior space, class-leading horsepower, exclusive technology features and the style that only Italians can create.”

Value-loaded Models
Leveraging the style, technology, efficiency and convenience features that made the modern Fiat 500 an international success, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L builds upon these attributes through four exciting models.

Fiat 500L Pop
Designed for customers who want Italian style, versatility, efficiency and personalization options, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Pop includes a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with six-speed manual transmission, premium Koni frequency selective damping (FSD) front struts and rear shock absorbers, bi-halogen headlamps with daytime running lamps, 16-inch chrome-accented wheel covers, all-season tires, stainless-steel exhaust tip, black exterior mirrors with driver- and passenger-side spotter mirrors; heat, air conditioning, power lock and windows with one-touch up/down, cruise control, body-color instrument panel, six speakers, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with trip computer, miles-to-empty, average fuel economy and tire-pressure monitoring (TPM) display; steering wheel controls, six-way cloth seats with driver and front-passenger height adjust, 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks with segment-exclusive fore-aft adjustment, recline and tumble/slide feature; tilt and telescoping steering column, 12-volt console and auxiliary power outlets, multi-position cargo area trunk panel, cap-less fuel-filler door, floor mats, interior observation mirror and dual sun visors with vanity mirrors.

In addition, the Fiat 500L Pop includes the innovative Uconnect 5.0 with its 5-inch touchscreen display, radio voice commands, handsfree phone, Bluetooth-audio streaming, text message reader, personalization settings and media hub (USB and auxiliary ports) for seamless integration of portable devices. Safety features include seven standard air bags, reactive front head restraints, vehicle theft security alarm, child seat anchor system and electronic stability control (ESC) with Hill-start Assist.

The 2014 Fiat 500L Pop model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $19,100 (plus $800 destination charge).

Fiat 500L Easy
Providing customers with versatility and efficiency and even more style and comfort features, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Easy takes the Fiat 500L Pop model and adds standard 16-inch aluminum wheels, deep-tint rear glass, body-color exterior mirror caps, front-seat center console with armrest, leather-wrapped square-in-circle designed steering wheel, premium leather-wrapped shift knob with chrome accent, vinyl-wrapped instrument panel available in three colors, unique cloth seat fabric and six-speaker FIAT premium audio system with 520-watt amplifier.

The 2014 Fiat 500L Easy model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $20,195 (plus $800 destination charge).

Fiat 500L Trekking
For customers who want the perfect blend of rugged styling and versatility to match their active lifestyle, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking adds to the Fiat 500L Easy model with aggressively designed two-piece front and rear fascias with Grigio Chiaro (graphite) inserts, fog lamps, satin-finished “whiskers,” door handles and unique lower front- and rear-fascia accents, Grigio Chiaro wheel arch and body-side sill moldings, Grigio Chiaro recessed license plate area and lower left- and right-side reflector surrounds, and larger 17 x 7-inch aluminum wheels with wider 225/45R17 all-season tires. Inside, the Fiat 500L Trekking features a painted instrument panel bezel and a unique two-tone Nero/Marrone (black/brown) interior environment that carries through on its leather-wrapped steering wheel, door and door-panel armrest bolsters, low-back bucket premium cloth seats and floor mats.

The 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $21,195 (plus $800 destination charge).

Fiat 500L Lounge
Tailored for individuals who want their all-new Fiat 500L to reflect their stylish lifestyle and need for premium appointments and convenience technologies, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Lounge model adds on to the Fiat 500L Easy model with an innovative Euro Twin Clutch six-speed transmission, 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, chrome body-side moldings and mirror caps, dual sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, premium vinyl-wrapped instrument panel available in two colors, premium heated leather front seats with power four-way adjust, two-way power driver’s side lumbar, 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks with segment-exclusive fore-aft adjustment, recline and tumble feature; integrated armrest with cup holders, automatic dual-zone climate control and auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass.

The 2014 Fiat 500L Lounge model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $24,195 (plus $800 destination charge).

Premier Packages Include No-charge Technology Features and More than $1,700 of Added Value
During the first year of Fiat 500L production, a no-charge Premier Package will be included with Easy, Trekking and Lounge models. This limited-time launch package will include ParkSense rear-park assist, ParkView rear back-up camera and Uconnect 6.5 with a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen and navigation. The Uconnect 6.5 features voice operation of navigation, AM/FM and mobile phones; handsfree phone and Bluetooth-streaming audio, text message reader, personalization settings, premium media hub with SD card reader, auxiliary jack and USB inputs.

For customers that want even more technology on the Fiat 500L Easy and Trekking models, the Premier Package +Beats/SiriusXM is available and adds SiriusXM and Beats Audio studio-quality sound system with six premium speakers, 6.5-inch dual-voice coil (DVC) subwoofer with trunk-mounted enclosure and eight-channel amplifier with Beats Audio digital sound processing (DSP) algorithm.

About the Fiat 500L
Since the modern Fiat 500’s global launch in 2007, more than 1 million of these efficient and city-friendly vehicles have been sold in more than 110 countries worldwide. And now with the all-new Fiat 500L, the Cinquecento has grown up to accommodate even more of life’s greatest experiences and emotions all together: children, friends, journeys, music and community. Customers can visit:http://www.fiatusa.com/en/2014/500L/ to obtain more information about the all-new Fiat 500L

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