Fiat 500 US Market

Ditto. Need an Abarth!

 

As far as I know Abarth will be available sometime late 2011. No pre orders yet.

 

My understanding as well, but even the best Abarth bits come as kits, I'm in Germany the week after next and am planning on seeing what will fit in my luggage. According to Fiat in the UK, they are only selling the kits to authorized installers. But as this is an Italian company, where there is a will, there is a way...

I've heard that the first batch is scheduled to be on the assembly line the first week in December.

 

Maybe you should wait a while before you buy the Abarth bits as I've been told that 80% of the parts on the US models differ in one way or another from the Euro ones... bumbers, safety, emmisions etc.

Also the 500 Prima Edizione's that are presold will be manufactured in Europe (Poland), and there after in Mexico in the old Chrysle PT Cruiser plant.

JD

 

The first discussion is what is available and what can be sold. I'm mainly interested in the suspension, wheels and aero bits right now. The Abarth base model is a turbo and that will likely not meet emissions in its current form.

As far as a true Abarth model, I'd rather start with a Grande Punto model if they come here.

 

Abarth R3t for me.

http://www.netcarshow.com/fiat/2010-500_abarth_r3t/

 

I got #485 in white with a sunroof. I'm really hoping I can choose the 1.4 Turbo motor. We'll see in the coming months...

 

Didn't have time to stop at the Fiat dealer in Germany last week, still have time to sort that out anyway.

Looks like the first 500 are spoken for.

http://www.windsorstar.com/cars/Deposits+paid+Fiat/3589275/story.html

Wait list is at 1k.

Cool.

 

Not surprised

 

"The announcement of which Chrysler dealers will be awarded the Fiat dealer franchise could come as early as tomorrow, October 15.

Chrysler expects to name 165 dealers in 119 U.S. markets to sell the Fiat 500. In contrast, there are 95 MINI dealers in the country."

-Fiat 500 blog spot

 

Its about time!

 

Got an email from Fiat yesterday saying I was awarded a spot, #473. Link didn't work so I called the customer service number and the rep took my number and informed me that they were having technical issues with the site and that someone from Fiat would be contacting me to discuss pricing and all that.


So it looks like car #473 could be mine.


Does anyone know the pricing yet?? If so, PM me please!

 

We don't know pricing yet, but expect no more than 20K

 

Wow, that is very encouraging.

 

"Fiat North America sent an email out to Chrysler dealers earlier today advising them that they are putting the finishing touches on the dealer selection process this weekend and will have an announcement of which dealers will be awarded the Fiat franchise next week.

The email also mentioned how Fiat NA was "...very impressed with the content, creativity and the energy that went into each proposal".

Fiat blog, 10/15/10

 

Let me tell you that all you guys who bought the early will wish that you would have waited for the Abarth model

I have been driving one these last two weeks I've been in Italy mi cousin has one

 

Who says I am only getting one 500?

 

It's not a Ferrari. Having two is like having a Mini and a Mini S .

 

More than one driver in this household, and insiders are telling me the Abarth isn't coming until 2012 anyway.

 

Having driven many and owned a few 500s over the years I don't see the big deal other than Fiat is making a return.

In Europe Fiat as alway been a cheap car.

 

The excitement over Fiat's return to NA is due to them being unavailable here for the last 2 1/2 decades. That being said, unless they are as reliable as the new Mini, the excitement will turn to frustration quickly...

 

I am pleased to say that car #488 will be Bianco with a sunroof.



Well, for now. The rep from Fiat told me this can be changed later.


I am very excited though!

 

And due to the fact that this is a great car. As has been said, it is a lot harder to build a good cheap car than a good expensive car. Having driven the 500, I can say it exudes a quality that seems to exceed its price. Add in great looks, fun to drive and superior gas mileage, and Fiat will have to work hard to screw this up.

 

Don't jinx it Sam!

Don't forget, the individual responsible for Fiat branding did OD in a transvestite's apartment...

 

Pick pick pick