Fiat 500 Models Add Technology, Trim Level and Exterior Colors for 2016

09/01/2015

Fiat

Beautiful Italian styling combined with functionality, efficient design and innovative technology have been hallmark attributes for the Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) - making it a timeless icon for nearly 60 years. And for 2016, the Fiat 500 will continue to deliver on these attributes by introducing new features and exterior paint colors to enhance the customer's driving experience and personalization options.

For 2016, the Fiat 500 lineup features the Uconnect 5.0 system with a 5-inch touchscreen that enables handsfree calling via Bluetooth-equipped phones, as well as voice-command control of AM/FM, and optional SiriusXM Radio and navigation system. Digital music can be streamed wirelessly from compatible Bluetooth smartphones or audio players supported by a media hub equipped with an auxiliary jack and USB port that enables recharging and seamless operation of portable devices. An integrated CD player offers additional media flexibility.

New exterior paint colors for 2016 are Spitfire Orange, Grigio Cenre (light gray), Rhino (dark gray) and Latte Menta (light green). Celeste Blue (light blue), previously only available on the Fiat 500 1957 Edition, is now available throughout the Fiat 500 lineup. Additional exterior customization is available with new-for-2016 wheel options.

Fiat 500 Turbo delivers more performance to the lineup

For the driving enthusiast who wants a Fiat 500 Sport with more power and performance, the 2016 Fiat 500 Turbo answers the call with a 135-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, dynamic styling, sport-tuned suspension, track-proven brakes and unique sport-styled interior.

The 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 with the Fiat 500's naturally aspirated 1.4-liter MultiAir engine. In addition, a track-proven C510 five-speed manual transmission offers an intermediate shaft with equal-length half shafts to mitigate torque steer. The Fiat 500 Turbo is also available with an optional six-speed automatic transmission.

The 500 Turbo offers sport-tuned spring rates, shock tuning and steering calibration, along with a unique lower-control arm for spirited handling.

For a more aggressive appearance, the Fiat 500 Turbo features an aggressively styled front fascia, pushed 2.7 inches (6.9 cm) forward of the Cinquecento's signature "whiskers and logo" face, to accommodate and cool the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine.

Bolder side skirts and unique 16-inch aluminum wheels with Nero painted pockets enhance its iconic Cinquecento shape. At the rear, a liftgate-mounted spoiler extends the roofline, while a black-accented rear diffuser optimizes airflow. For a bolder look, Nero headlamp and tail lamp bezels replace chromed units, while a high-performance brake system features brake calipers lacquered in Rosso paint.

Inside, the Fiat 500 Turbo features sport-styled seating, performance-designed leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel accented with Argento (silver) stitching and 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 standard 7-inch color TFT (thin-film transistor) cluster display allows drivers to easily monitor information.

An EPA-rated 40 mpg highway

For the individual who wants Italian style, personalization options and maximum fuel efficiency, the 2016 Fiat 500 and 500c deliver 31 mile per gallon (mpg) city and 40 mpg highway with the innovative 1.4-liter MultiAir engine and five-speed C514 manual transmission. For a more engaging driving experience, the driver can select the Sport mode on the instrument panel, which changes the throttle map for improved engine responsiveness.

The six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes is also available, providing smooth shifting and excellent fuel economy. With the six-speed automatic transmission, the driver can also select Sport mode on the instrument panel for a more aggressive shift schedule and a unique throttle map for improved engine responsiveness.

Segment-exclusive Beats by Dr. Dre audio system

Beats by Dr. Dre audio system offers passengers of the Fiat 500 and 500c models a high-definition music experience the way the artist intended. The BeatsAudio studio-quality sound system includes six premium speakers, an 8-inch dual-voice coil (DVC) subwoofer with trunk-mounted enclosure and eight-channel 368-watt amplifier with BeatsAudio digital sound processing (DSP) algorithm.

Fiat 500 and 500c models

The amplified Fiat 500 and 500c models are infused with style, technology and convenience features to make life on the go more personalized and comforting - and with the 500 Turbo, even more thrilling.

-Fiat 500 and 500c Pop

Designed for the individual who wants Italian style, efficiency and personalization options, the 2016 Fiat 500 and 500c Pop models include a five-speed manual transmission, 15-inch steel wheels with all-season tires, seven standard air bags, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, speed control, chrome exhaust tip and available 7-inch color high-definition TFT cluster display.

In addition to the features included on the hatchback model, the Fiat 500c Pop model includes ParkSense rear park assist, windshield-mounted antennae and a multi-position premium dual-layer power cloth top available in Nero, Bordeaux or Beige with wind deflector and integrated rear spoiler.

-Fiat 500 and 500c Easy

New for 2016, the Fiat 500 and 500c Easy models build on the Pop models to provide customers with additional features and personalization options. The Easy models include a unique interior with premium cloth bucket seats, standard 7-inch color high-definition cluster display, premium audio system and 15-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires. The all-new Uconnect 5.0 system, which includes a 5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth capability and integrated voice command, is also standard on the 500 and 500c Easy models.

-Fiat 500 Sport

For the enthusiast who demands Italian style with sport-tuned suspension and more convenience features, the 2016 Fiat 500 Sport model encompasses modified springs, shock tuning, steering calibration and exhaust tuning to deliver a more firm ride and responsive handling. The Sport model also includes a manual transmission and (in addition to the Fiat 500 Pop features) distinctively styled front and rear fascias with larger "honeycomb" grilles, flared aerodynamic treatment and fog lamps.

Between its unique 16-inch aluminum wheels with polished face and Mineral Gray painted pockets (or optional 16-inch aluminum five split-spoke design painted bright silver) and all-season tires, the Fiat 500 Sport incorporates unique bodyside sill cladding and a liftgate-mounted roof spoiler for a sporty appearance. Completing this athletic vehicle's design theme are Rosso painted brake calipers attached to a sport-tuned suspension and fog lamps. Inside, the Fiat 500 Sport features unique sport-styled seating and a sport steering wheel surrounded by a Nero/Grigio (black/gray) or Grigio/Avorio (gray/ivory) interior environment and FIAT premium audio system with six premium speakers and 276-watt amplifier. The standard 7-inch TFT color cluster display and available leather seating in Nero/Nero or vivid Rosso/Nero deliver an upscale look.

-Fiat 500 and 500c Lounge

Tailored for individuals who want their Fiat 500 to reflect their fashion-oriented lifestyles, the 2016 Fiat 500 Lounge model features premium amenities (in addition to the Fiat 500 Easy features) including front and rear fascia chromed accents, chrome mirror caps, fog lamps, fixed glass roof, 15-inch cast-aluminum wheels with split nine-spoke design and all-season tires, premium cloth seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, SiriusXM Radio, standard 7-inch TFT color cluster display, FIAT premium audio system with six premium speakers and 276-watt amplifier and security alarm.

In addition to the features included on the hatchback model, the Fiat 500c Lounge model includes 15-inch cast-aluminum wheels with seven split-spoke design, ParkSense rear park assist, windshield-mounted antennae and a multi-position premium dual-layer power cloth top available in Nero, Bordeaux or Beige with wind deflector and integrated rear spoiler.

-Fiat 500 1957 Edition

Created to celebrate 57 years of the original 1957 Nuova Cinquecento, the limited-production Fiat 500 1957 Edition continues for the 2016 model year. The Fiat 500 1957 Edition includes a sport-tuned suspension for improved handling, 16-inch forged aluminum wheels with retro body color design, throwback "FIAT" badges, and a premium Marrone (brown) and Avorio (ivory) leather interior.

The model is available in four classic exterior colors: Bianco (white), Verde Chiaro (green), Latte Menta (light green) and Celeste (light blue). For a two-tone look, Verde Chiaro, Latte Menta and Celeste exteriors are paired with a signature Bianco painted roof and mirror caps.

-Fiat 500 Turbo

For the driving enthusiast who loves the 500 Sport's looks but demands more power and performance, the 2016 Fiat 500 Turbo offers a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine that delivers 135 horsepower, dynamic styling, track-proven brakes and unique sport-styled interior.

The 135-horsepower MultiAir Turbo engine 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 Sport's naturally aspirated 1.4-liter MultiAir engine. Additional powertrain upgrades include a track-proven five-speed manual transmission, intermediate shaft with equal-length and larger half shafts and larger constant velocity (CV) joints. Brake performance is improved with semi-metallic brake linings at all four corners and larger 11.1-inch ventilated front rotors (up from 10.1-inch) with unique lower control arm.

Additional exterior enhancements include a performance-designed front fascia with twin "nostrils," Gloss Black headlamp, tail lamp and parking lamp bezels, bolder-styled side skirts, liftgate-mounted spoiler, two-piece rear fascia with black-accented rear diffuser, sport-tuned exhaust and available 16-inch Hyper Nero aluminum wheels. Inside, the Fiat 500 Turbo features sport-styled seating, sport-designed leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel accented with Argento stitching and Grigio/Nero seating and interior environment. For an even more upscale look, heated leather seating in Nero/Nero or vivid Rosso/Nero is available.

Fiat's successful small car formula worked then and still works now

Like the original Cinquecento, the 2016 Fiat 500 and 500c showcase the brand's ingenuity to build world-class small cars that ignite a spirit of the times through simple design, beautiful craftsmanship and timeless value. As a result, the Fiat 500 has continued to surprise and delight customers worldwide for more than 50 years.

Satisfying the individual mobility need for Italians and other Europeans after the Second World War, the original Fiat "Nuova" 500 became a catalyst in 1957 for the country of the "poor but beautiful" to be not quite as poor. With almost 4 million examples produced between 1957 and 1975, the small and efficient Fiat 500 succeeded in providing an affordable, comfortable and reliable transportation solution while helping to ignite Italy's post-war economic recovery.

More than 50 years later, and thanks to its stylistic and modern technological features, the modern Fiat 500 represents the spark of another milestone along the lasting process of expansion. And this is where its history started again.

Reminiscent of the original Cinquecento, the 2016 Fiat 500 builds on the vehicle's global popularity. Since its initial launch in 2007, more than 1 million Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 110 countries around the world. The model's unquestionable popularity is the result of the Fiat 500's great ability to deliver unmatched personalization options with advanced solutions in terms of quality, engine performance and passenger comfort. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned more than 80 international awards.

About FIAT Brand

The FIAT brand stands for discovery through passionate self-expression. That philosophy is embodied by the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento - a small car that lives big. Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, the 500 is sold in more than 100 countries around the world and is synonymous with modern, simple design blending form, function, technology and a pride of ownership that is genuine.

In North America, the Fiat 500 was introduced in March 2011 and was soon followed by the Fiat 500c (Cabrio), the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio, the fully electric Fiat 500e and the five-passenger Fiat 500L. The FIAT brand continues to expand with the introduction of the Fiat 500X, an all-new crossover that combines Italian style with functionality, performance and all-wheel drive confidence. The all-new Fiat 500X arrived at FIAT studios in the second quarter of 2015.

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