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Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth loses 10 hp in its journey to the US [UPDATE]

Update: A Fiat spokesperson got back to us about some questions about the Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth, and those quotes are now in the story. The Abarth-tuned version of the Fiat 124 Spider crosses the Atlantic to debut in US spec at the New York Auto Show. The droptop gets a much longer name on these shores as the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth, and the trip across the ocean robs it of 10 horsepower, too. The Elaborazione Abarth in the US makes 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque from its turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder. If those numbers seem familiar, it's because they are identical to the standard 124 Spider in this country. In Europe, the Abarth model makes 170 hp and 184 lb-ft from the same engine. Buyers on both continents can choose between six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. "The engine of the EMEA [Europe, the Middle East and Africa] Abarth Spider has unique tuning developed according to European regulations, so the [horsepower] number is different," Fiat spokesperson Angela Bianchi told Autoblog. Customers in the US also appear to lose out on some European features. The reveal in Geneva seems to show Brembo brakes as standard equipment on the convertible. However, the US announcement is clear that the four-piston monoblock aluminum calipers are optional here. Bianchi told Autoblog the decision to make the Brembos optional was "a decision by the brand here based on customer preference." Other than these changes, the two models are practically identical. There continues to be a stiffer suspension with mono-tube Bilstein front and rear shocks, and the limited-slip differential helps put the power down. The Abarth's Sport Mode button also recalibrates the engine, automatic transmission, electric power steering and dynamic stability control system for better response when the driver wants it. Aesthetically, the Abarth has the same retro-sporty look on both continents, too. The black hood calls back to the original convertible. Inside, black and microfiber upholstery is standard, but options include full leather or leather and Alcantara Recaro sport seats. We'll keep an eye out for smaller changes when we see the Abarth droptop in the Big Apple.

Fiat Chrysler and Renault are in advanced partnership talks

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Renault are in advanced discussions about a possible alliance, according to a report from the Financial Times citing an anonymous "person familiar with the matter." The news isn't particularly surprising, as FCA has been a constant subject of merger and alliance talks for as long as many of us can remember. We've reported on a potential tie-up between these two automakers several times, as far back as 2008 and as recently as two months ago. FCA CEO Mike Manley has mentioned the company's openness to merging with another automaker. At the Geneva Motor Show a few months back, he said, "We have a strong independent future, but if there is a partnership, a relationship or a merger which strengthens that future, I will look at that." It's no secret that FCA is much stronger in the United States than it is in Europe. For its part, Renault has basically zero presence in the United States. A partnership or potential alliance between the two could shore up each automaker's weak spots and allow the group to split investment money into new technologies, including electric vehicles and autonomy. Of course, Renault is already tied up with Nissan and Mitsubishi, but that partnership has been a little tattered since the arrest of former Nissan and Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn on charges of financial misconduct in Japan. And in addition to Renault, FCA is understood to have discussed various partnership strategies with the PSA Peugeot Citroen group. What a final agreement – if there's any agreement at all – could look like between the two global automakers remains to be seen, and the report from Financial Times cautions that many different options for FCA and Renault are currently on the table. In other words, stay tuned.

Volkswagen is not cool with a Fiat Chrysler merger

Volkswagen CEO Matthias Mueller shot down Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne's overtures for a merger in blunt fashion this week. Mueller told Reuters at the Geneva Motor Show, "We are not ready for talks about anything ... we have other problems. I haven't seen Marchionne for months." The unusually candid – and icy – response from one chief executive to another comes after Marchionne similarly pursued General Motors (again) this week. The FCA boss suggested GM might be looking for a new European partner as it prepares to unload its troubled Opel and Vauxhall divisions to PSA. A GM spokesman told USA Today that the company is not interested. Marchionne has been openly suggesting a GM merger since at least 2015, despite GM never reciprocating interest. VW's "other problems," as Mueller notes, include legal proceedings, fines, recalls, and other issues related to its long-running diesel scandal. Marchionne has long sought industry consolidation, arguing that automakers don't get a proper return on their investments in technologies, some of which are relatively similar. He's suggested sharing chassis and powertrain components could be a benefit to the collective auto sector. Skeptics argue FCA, which is smaller than GM, VW, Toyota, and others, needs a partner to survive, while its rivals already have the necessary scale to remain competitive. Related Video: