[car fanatics]

Chrysler
Photo credit: Chrysler

Today at the Concorso Italiano – one of the largest gatherings of Italian vehicles in North America – the FIAT Brand introduced the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo, touting a 135-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, track-proven brakes, dynamic exterior design and sport-styled interior. The new Fiat 500 Turbo answers the call for enthusiasts who are drawn to the Italian style of the Fiat 500 but want more power and performance for their daily drive.

“We listened to our customers” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand North America. “The new Fiat 500 Turbo is the answer to all the fans that loved the style of our Cinquecento but wanted more power and performance for their daily drive. With 135 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque, the Fiat 500 Turbo hits the sweet spot between the regular Cinquecento and the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth. The Fiat 500 Turbo balances and blends the best Italian flavors that our portfolio has to offer, becoming the perfect canvas for customization.”

New 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo
Behind its performance-designed front fascia, the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo features a single turbocharger, twin intercoolers and sport-tuned exhaust to deliver 34 percent more power (135 vs. 101 horsepower) and 53 percent more torque (150 vs. 98 lb.-ft.) compared to the Fiat 500’s naturally aspirated 1.4-liter MultiAir engine.

Developed for high-output applications, the Fiat 500 Turbo is paired to the track-proven C510 five-speed manual transmission with a 3.35 final-drive gear ratio for quick acceleration and faster top speed, while achieving up to 34 mpg highway. In addition, the beefed-up powertrain features an intermediate shaft with equal-length and 23 percent larger (28.1 mm vs. 22.8 mm diameter in the Fiat 500) half shafts to mitigate torque steer. To handle the increased power and torque of the new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, larger constant velocity (CV) joints with 53 percent greater torsional strength (2600 N•m vs. 1700 N•m in the Fiat 500) deliver added durability and refinement.

For a more aggressive appearance, the new 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo features a pronounced front fascia, pushed 2.7 inches forward of the Cinquecento’s signature “whiskers and logo” face, to accommodate the new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine. Below, larger openings provide greater engine cooling, while twin “nostrils” are precisely positioned on both sides of the front fascia to maximize airflow in and out of the two intercoolers (both intercoolers are visible through the “nostril” inlets). Finishing off the front are new Gloss Black headlamps and parking lamp bezels for a more menacing look.

The Fiat 500 Turbo features bolder side skirts to create a more vertical bodyside profile, while also enhancing its iconic Cinquecento shape. Behind the unique 16-inch aluminum wheels with Nero (black) painted pockets, the Fiat 500 Turbo features a high-performance brake system with semi-metallic brake linings at all four corners, larger 11.1-inch ventilated front rotors for greater stopping power (up from 10.1-inch) and brake calipers lacquered in Rosso (red) paint. To make sure this Cinquecento properly handles the more powerful engine, the Fiat 500 Turbo features a unique lower control arm and the 500 Sport model’s sport-tuned spring rates, shock tuning and steering calibration.

At the rear, a liftgate-mounted spoiler extends the roofline of the Fiat 500 Turbo and improves the hatchback’s aerodynamic behavior. New taillamps with Gloss Black bezels replace chromed units for a discrete look. Below, the two-piece rear fascia accentuates the road-holding stance of the Fiat 500 Turbo with a black-accented rear diffuser designed to optimize airflow, while a new sport-tuned exhaust provides an enthusiast-desired sound.

Exterior colors for the 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo include Argento (silver), Bianco (white), Grigio (gray), Nero (black), Rame (copper), Rosso (red) and all-new Verde Azzurro (green & blue.)

Inside, the new Fiat 500 Turbo features sport-styled seating, sport-designed leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel accented with Argento (silver) stitching, and a Grigio/Nero (gray/black) seating and interior environment. For an even more upscale look, heated leather seating in Nero/Nero (black/black) or vivid Rosso/Nero (red/black) is available.

The 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo arrives to FIAT Studios this fall with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,500 excluding $700 destination charge.

[lengnert]

I really have to get to a dealer and drive one of these little buggers.

Of all the B segment cars, the 500 does have the most .... allure to it. I even have to admit liking the styling over the Fiesta.

[BasiliskSt]

As one of the resident Cinquecento fans, this is a good price for a fun car. I'd like to see a six-speed manual but my understanding is the structural bracing for USA safety standards precludes the European six-speed manual case. FIAT sales numbers are climbing, now beating Mini. Other Chrysler products are using the little I4 1.4 liter MultiAir Turbo. Surely the economics are improving for FIAT Chrysler on the 500 line. I do love the Euro city car flair. Read someone's comment that the Cinquecento is a momentum car. Your goal is to carry momentum through the corner rather than relying just on point to point acceleration. This style works well for day-to-day, legal fun. I thought it was a good description.

[McLovin]

lengnert;226272 Wrote:I really have to get to a dealer and drive one of these little buggers.

Of all the B segment cars, the 500 does have the most .... allure to it. I even have to admit liking the styling over the Fiesta.

I don't know, the ST is right around the corner and will offer 180hp, and better fuel economy. Hard to hate on that.

I bet it offers 95% of the handling of that tighter little 500, but 125% of the power and fun.

[BasiliskSt]

But we don't get the three door ST. I don't want a five door Fiesta ST as much as I love Fords. The 500 offers a 3-door hatch. Ford doesn't have ANY 3-doors currently in the US.

[lengnert]

Yeah, I did forget about the Fiesta ST. The 5 door isn't a deal breaker for me, as in all honesty I am not in the market to buy either.

I have driven the Fiesta SES manual and found it a fun little car, but your description of the 500, Bas, has me just wanting to see what the hubbub is about. Plus, the 500's history and styling are spot on for the segment. The B Segment is one of the few that having that old European flair has some merit to my eyes.

[McLovin]

Yeah, I guess door count matters a lot to some, but my priorities would highlight having more room, functionality, power and performance and even better fuel economy and reliability.

But I am quirky in that way.