12 Fiat 500 Pop Lounge Black Automatic Red Interior on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Fiat 500L ad gets saucy with Paul Revere

At new vehicle first drives, there's a pretty set series of events before an automaker throws you the keys to their new baby. Predictably, there's a design presentation, a mechanical deep dive, and increasingly, an infotainment system walkthrough. Less known but just as common, however, are the marketing presentations, wherein execs talk about target customers and periodically show print and video 'creative' for their campaigns. Usually, we assembled media dutifully watch, nod and smile when shown commercials, but that's about it. Laugher - let alone universal gales of the stuff - is rare. But that's exactly what Fiat got when it showed us this not-yet-approved ad for its new 500L.
This minute-long Italian Invasion spot has gone on to hit television screens already, largely in a less-effective 30-second form, but we like this full-length director's cut best. It riffs off the historical vibe of some of Chrysler's best efforts over the last few years (the Dodge Challenger Freedom spot comes to mind) with a humorous and sexy play on the Paul Revere "The British Are Coming!" folk tale. If you haven't seen it already (it's just now going viral), scroll down to check it out. And if you already have, well, it's still worth a second look.

Fiat Panda Cross is a tiny off-roader for city and country

Fiat already offered its compact Panda in a slightly off-road oriented 4X4 trim, but at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show it's debuting the Panda Cross that takes the style even farther. The Panda Cross is meant to be a utilitarian hatchback that drivers can use in the dirt if the need arises.
The Cross comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system with a standard electronic-locking differential, and for added traction, drivers can lock the diff below 30 miles per hour. Power is provided by either a 1.3-liter diesel four-cylinder with 80 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque or the 900-cc turbocharged two-cylinder with 90 hp and 107 lb-ft. Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual.
On the outside, the Panda Cross gets a new front air dam that looks like drilled metal and fog lights integrated into the front end. The rear is reworked with chrome tailpipes and a bumper painted to look like a skid plate. The interior is a mix of fabric and pleather seats, plus a copper-colored dashboard. The Panda Cross will be on sale in Europe this fall, but don't expect to see it Stateside. Feel free to read more in the press release below.

Fiat recalling 500e for faulty power inverter

Chrysler is recalling 4,141 Fiat 500e models from the 2013 and 2014 model years because they could lose power. According to the automaker, the power inverter module could allow coolant to seep onto electrical components. This could cause a short circuit and power loss. The part in question is responsible for altering the electric current.
The company discovered the problem while reviewing warranty claims, and it found five cases where the fault actually occurred. It's not aware of any injuries or accidents tied to this issue. The recall affects cars built between September 24, 2012, and April 4, 2014, and all of them are in the US. Chrysler will contact owners directly to schedule the repair.
This is the second recall for the electric hatchback. Chrysler previously had to repair more than 270 of them last year to replace bolts that secure the vehicles' half shafts.