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2017 Fiat 124 Spider: Japanese bones, Italian flair

Fiata! Fiat + Miata. That's exactly what we have here in the new 124 Spider that officially debuts in Los Angeles this week. FCA leveraged Mazda's excellent fourth-generation MX-5 Miata platform, but created something rather unique in the process. Yes, it's more than just a rebadged Mazda. See what we mean with a lot more detail, here. The big difference is design, Fiat having incorporated totally new sheetmetal for the 124 Spider. It's a polarizing look, perhaps not as friendly as the Mazda, and Fiat says it pays homage to the original 124 Spider from long ago. There's an upright fascia with rounded lamps and a nice LED running lamp signature, mimicked out back with squared-off taillamps with LEDs that light up the outline of the taillamp housings. Curves and lines abound, making the Fiat an interesting roadster to behold. Under the hood lies Fiat's 1.4-liter, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder engine, plucked from the 500 Abarth. It makes 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Fiat's quite insistent that its 124 Spider has the soul of a proper Italian roadster, and from some short teaser videos we were able to watch, it sounds like the little droptop will offer plenty of raspy, throaty, aural delight. The interior is, well, straight from the Miata, right down to the control knobs for the HVAC system, infotainment screen (no UConnect here), and window switches. But that also means the roof is easy to unlatch and throw back, the seats are surprisingly comfortable, and there's ample room for even larger drivers. Fiat will launch the 124 Spider next summer, and the first 124 examples will be offered in a limited-edition Prima Edizione Lusso trim, with individually numbered badges. Those first samples will be available in a unique Azzurro Italia (read: blue) paint. Read Fiat's full press release below for more details, and don't forget to check out or deep dive about how this car stacks up agains the Miata on which its based. All-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Revives Legendary Nameplate with Iconic Italian Styling and Dynamic Driving Experience - 2017 Fiat 124 Spider returns nearly 50 years after original introduction Revival of roadster continues expansion of FIAT brand in North America - Delivers iconic Italian style with modern adaptation of original Spider legend - Powered by turbocharged MultiAir 1.4-liter engine for 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft.

Fiat Chrysler chief Mike Manley to head European auto lobby group ACEA

MILAN — The European carmakers' association (ACEA) has appointed Fiat Chrysler Chief Executive Mike Manley as its new president from January 2020, it said on Thursday. Manley will take over the role from PSA Chief Executive Carlos Tavares, who has served two one-year terms as ACEA President, the Brussels-based lobby group said in a statement. Manley is helping Fiat Chrysler Chairman John Elkann — the head of Italy's Agnelli family, which controls FCA — in talks with Tavares to finalize a merger agreement between the two groups, which would create the world's fourth-largest automaker. FCA and PSA, the maker of Peugeot and Citroen, are expected to sign a binding agreement by the end of the year.. ACEA said its priorities for next year included setting a plan on how to manage the transition to carbon-neutral road transport while ensuring the economic sustainability of the European auto sector. The ACEA president is elected for one year, with the option for a further one year term, by the CEOs of the group's associates – the 15 largest Europe-based car, van, truck and bus manufacturers. Government/Legal Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Chrysler Fiat

Fiat sees demand for new hybrid 500e small car of 100,000-110,000 units a year

MILAN — Market demand for Fiat's new hybrid 500e small car amounts to around 100,000-110,000 units a year, a group executive said on Thursday, as the company offers a cheaper version of its fully-electric model (EV). Fiat maker Stellantis last month announced it would add hybrid versions of its 500e small electric car and Jeep Compass SUV, to be manufactured in Italy, amid a global slowdown in electric car sales. The "mild" hybrid 500e will combine a petrol engine and a battery, but not have a plug. The head of the Fiat brand for Europe Gaetano Thorel said in a media roundtable that market demand for the hybrid 500e was worth 100,000-110,000 units per year. The fully electric version sold fewer than 80,000 units last year. "There are many clients out there who would like to own a 500e, but cannot afford it. Now we're giving them a chance to own it," he said. The hybrid 500e will be based on the same platform as the 500e EV, while Fiat is phasing out the old version of the 500, both petrol-powered and hybrid, which was assembled in Poland. The selling price of the 500e EV starts form around 29,000 euros ($31,600), excluding government purchase incentives. It is also being launched in the United States. Fiat brand CEO Francois Olivier said the hybrid 500e would cost "a few hundred euros" more than the one produced in Poland, which starts from around 18,000 euros, as it will offer further technological features. Production is expected to start in the first quarter of 2026 in the Mirafiori complex in the Fiat's hometown of Turin, in Italy. ($1 = 0.9187 euros)