Fiat
167 topics in this forum
-
Another leadership shake-up at Alfa Romeo and Maserati has taken place. Today, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced Reid Bigland will take over from Harald Wester as the CEO for the two brands. Wester will remain as FCA's chief technology officer, and Bigland will continue as the head of U.S. and Canadian sales. "I am thankful for the work Harald has carried out in the last few years establishing a sound technical framework for our two premium brands and which has culminated in the recent launch of the Maserati Levante and the Alfa Romeo Giulia" said FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne in a statement. "It is time now for our efforts to be directed towards the global commerci…
Last reply by David, -
-
-
- Editor-in-Chief
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 852 views
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles currently finds itself in hot water with the German transport ministry (KBA) for missing a meeting last week to talk about the use of software that turns off emission controls. Then word came out from the KBA that FCA declined to cooperate with the investigation, saying their vehicles meet emission standards. Because of that move, the KBA is considering banning the sale of FCA vehicles. Reuters cites a report from German newspaper Bild am Sonntag where sources said the KBA could threaten the company with a sales ban if they don't comply with emission rules. Not good news since the country is FCA's second biggest European market. How did F…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
-
-
- Editor-in-Chief
- 2 followers
- 3 replies
- 879 views
Over the weekend, we reported that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Alphabet Inc. - Google's parent company - were in talks about a technology partnership to use Google's self-driving tech in a vehicle, the new Chrysler Pacifica. Yesterday, the companies made it official. This is the first time that Google has partnered directly with an automaker to integrate their autonomous tech into a vehicle. The deal will see FCA build 100 specially prepared Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vans that will be sent over to Google where they'll get to have autonomous hardware and software fitted. Both companies will share a facility near FCA's headquarters in Auburn Hills, MI. This grou…
Last reply by smk4565, -
-
-
- Editor-in-Chief
- 2 replies
- 830 views
Alphabet Inc. - Google's parent company - wants to find automotive partners to use their autonomous technologies. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is looking for partners to help offset costs of development and production. In fact, CEO Sergio Marchionne has hinted that he is open to working with a technology company. Chocolate, meet peanut butter. The Wall Street Journal has learned from a source that Alphabet and FCA are in the late stages of talks about a technology partnership. These talks have been ongoing for a few months explained the source. But why Fiat Chrysler Automobiles? Compared to other automakers, they are way behind in a number of key technology areas…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
-
- 3 replies
- 992 views
Ferrari announced today that the current CEO Amedeo Felisa will step down and Sergio Marchionne will become the new CEO. The changes are effective immediately. The change didn't come as a surprise to most people. Sources tell Reuters that Marchionne being named CEO doesn't change much as he has been in charge since former Chairman Luca Di Montezemolo quit in September 2014. Felisa has been with Ferrari for 26 years holding various roles including overseeing product development and the general manager of the brand. He was named CEO in 2008. Felisa will still be part of Ferrari's board of directors. It is unknown what this change will bring to the Italian sports car…
Last reply by FAPTurbo, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 749 views
The Fiat 124 Spider might be based on the Mazda MX-5 Miata, but it features a turbocharged engine and is slightly less than its platform - aside from the base trim. Fiat announced pricing for the 124 Spider today. The base Classica model starts at $25,990 (includes a $995 destination charge). Compared to the base MX-5 Miata Sport, the 124 Spider Classica is about $255.00 more expensive. Both models come with 16-inch wheels, black cloth seats, and LED taillights. Mazda ones up Fiat by offering LED headlights. This changes when you climb up further in the 124 Spider's trim lineup: Lusso: $28,490 ($2,395 less than the comparable MX-5 Miata Grand Touring). Comes wit…
Last reply by frogger, -
-
- Editor-in-Chief
- 4 followers
- 7 replies
- 868 views
" Et tu, Fiat? Fiat is the latest automaker to come under suspicion for excessive emissions from its diesel vehicles. So far the trouble is only in Germany, as opposed to VW's trouble in multiple countries. And instead of using VW's method of installing software that identifies when the car is undergoing an emissions test and only then turning on emissions control devices, Fiat is running out the clock. Because the German emissions test lasts around 20 minutes, Fiat is accused of having its NOx emissions control systems operate only for the first 22 minutes when the car starts up. " http://www.autoblog.com/2016/04/25/fiat-diesels-cheat-emissions-tests/?icid=autoblog|t…
Last reply by Suaviloquent, -
-
- 2 replies
- 857 views
Fiat Chrysler Automobile's CEO Sergio Marchionne is someone who speaks his mind - for better or worse. Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Marchionne expressed his skepticism on the recently unveiled Tesla Model 3, specifically on how they can make a profit. "I'm am not surprised by the high number of reservations but you have then to build and deliver them and also be profitable," Marchionne said. The Model 3 is Tesla entry into the mass-market EV segment with a $35,000 pricetag. At the moment, reservations for the new model are nearing 400,000. Marchionne doesn't see how Tesla could make money on it. But Marchionne went on to say if Tesla's Elon Musk "can …
Last reply by smk4565, -
- 2 followers
- 27 replies
- 2.7k views
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' CEO Sergio Marchionne isn't a fan of electric vehicles, especially the idea of a Ferrari EV. "With Ferrari, it's almost an obscene concept," said Marchionne. A key part of the Ferrari driving experience explained Marchionne was the noise of the V8 or V12 engines. Going with a fully electric powertrain removes something important in the experience. "You'll have to shoot me first," said Marchionne. It is rumored that Ferrari will do more with hybrid technology in their future vehicles as a way of improving fuel economy while retaining the performance the brand is known for. Source: Motor Authority View full article
Last reply by Suaviloquent, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 827 views
Fiat's performance arm, Abarth, looks to be working their magic on the Fiat 500X. Motor Trend got their hands on some new spy shots of a 500X mule sporting some interesting hardware. First off, the 500X is riding on some very unique wheels. If you're wondering why they look familiar, this same wheel design has been used on various Alfa Romeo models. Behind the wheels are a set of red-painted calipers and larger discs. The big giveaway is around back where there are two exhaust tips. As we reported last summer, the 500X could get the turbocharged 1.7L four-cylinder from the Alfa Romeo 4C. It is unclear if it will retain the 237 horsepower rating found in the 4C or …
Last reply by regfootball, -
Alfa Romeo and Maserati are in a bit of a mess. Product launches for both brands have been pushed back again and again for various technical challenges. FCA has decided to bring back a former employee to help straighten out this mess. According to Automotive News, FCA has lured former Ferrari chief engineer Roberto Fedeli from BMW to become the chief technical officer for Alfa Romeo and Maserati. His new position will have him overseeing the r&d for the two brands. Fedeli spent 26 years at Ferrari in various roles before becoming the head of r&d for production cars in 2007. He is one the major players in the creation of the brand's hybrid supercar, the LaFerra…
Last reply by oldshurst442, -
-
- 0 replies
- 994 views
http://www.motoringresearch.com/car-news/fiat-500-powerful-enough-hills-says-bbcs-watchdog-1107954951 Buyers of Fiat's new 500 with the 1.2L engine designed to meet the Euro Spec 6 emission laws say the car cannot even start on a hill let alone even get up hills. People feel unsafe in the auto. To Quote the story: “Fiat says this subtle difference might take some drivers a while to get used to. In other words, the reason all the owners we’ve spoken to can’t get up hills, is because they’re not good enough drivers. Fiat, by the way, says nothing about how you’re supposed to drive the manual 1.2.” Interesting to see they used one of the Top Gear drivers who …
Last reply by David, -
- 2 followers
- 8 replies
- 1.5k views
The times we have seen the upcoming Fiat 124 Spider in spy photos, they have been under many layers of camouflage. But a new set of shots have come in, showing off the new spider completely uncovered. Now as we have previously reported, the Fiat 124 Spider is based on the new Mazda Miata and you can see some it in the 124 Spider's overall profile. Fiat has made some changes to make it their own with longer and squarer front end. The back is also square-ish and slightly taller than the Miata. The interior is mostly Miata, aside from the Fiat steering wheel. Powertrains for the 124 Spider are expected to a be a turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder with 180 horsepower an…
Last reply by El Kabong, -
-
- Editor-in-Chief
- 2 followers
- 14 replies
- 1.8k views
Fiat's performance arm, Abarth is currently deciding what vehicle they should tackle next. We have reported that Abarth will be working on hotted-up version of Fiat's upcoming roadster, but they have their sights set on other models as well. “Besides the 124 and 500, we are thinking about an all-new addition to the line-up. The 500X is one of the options being considered,” said Alfredo Altavilla, Fiat Chrysler Group chief operating officer to Auto Express. Now if Fiat does give Abarth the green light to do a performance-oriented version of the 500X, it could borrow the turbocharged four-cylinder from the Alfa Romeo 4C. It would likely be detuned to produce somewh…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
-
- 2 followers
- 15 replies
- 1.5k views
We know that Fiat will be getting a new Spider courtesy of the folks from Mazda and might be shown later this year at either Frankfurt of LA. Now some new information shines a light on a possible performance version. Speaking with Auto Express, Fiat's COO Alfredo Altavilla said there will be two variations of the Fiat Spider - a 'comfortable' Fiat version and a “extreme” Abarth version. “You like performance? There will be an Abarth version,” said Altavilla. The Abarth version will get more aggressive styling, retuned suspension, and a set of larger brakes. Power is expected to come from a detuned version of the Alfa Romeo 4C producing 200 horsepower. Sou…
Last reply by frogger, -
- 1 follower
- 8 replies
- 1.2k views
FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne is quite serious on this consolidation of the automotive industry. Last month, it was reported that Marchionne emailed General Motors CEO Mary Barra about a possible tie up and wanting to meet back in March. Barra rejected this idea outright. But this isn't stopping Marchionne. The Wall Street Journal reports Marchionne is turning to activist investors to compel GM into this idea. There is prescient for this idea as earlier in the year, a group of investors approached GM to buy back $8 billion of their stock. Through negotiation, GM agreed to buy back $5 billion of stock. The other prescient goes back to 2006 when Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn …
Last reply by aurora97, -
- 5 replies
- 1.2k views
The Miata-based Fiat Spyder will soon make an appearance. Edmunds has learned from industry sources that the Spyder will debut at the Frankfurt or LA Auto Show this year. The sources go onto say that the new Spyder will boast a 1.4L four-cylinder engine and be built at Mazda's Hiroshima plant. Jason Stoicevich, head of Fiat Brand for North America wouldn't confirm a date for when we'll see it, but did say the Spyder "is a logical car for our brand." "There is a ton of heritage behind that. I think that just kind of puts the bow on the showroom for us and fills it out completely," said Stoicevich. Source: Edmunds View full article
Last reply by Cory Wolfe, -
-
- Editor-in-Chief
- 8 replies
- 1.1k views
Sergio Marchionne is planning on stepping down as head of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in 2018. But before he says good-bye, he wants to do one more big deal to help plug up holes in FCA and expand into other markets. Reuters reports that Marchionne has been putting out feelers for the past year to try and jumpstart consolidation in the industry to help share costs and bring out new technologies. But an alliance would help FCA as they have one the largest piles of debt in the industry, along with a number of other problems such as an over-reliance on a North American market and missing a good amount of the Asian marketplace. "The U.S. is where FCA is focusing now. Marchion…
Last reply by David, -
-
- 2 replies
- 1.2k views
The Fiat roadster (formally the Alfa Romeo roadster) that is being developed with a bit of help from Mazda has gotten a name. Automotive News Europe reports that the upcoming roadster will wear the 124 Spider name when it launches. This comes from Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne who revealed the name to reporters at the Geneva Motor Show this week. The name can trace it roots back to 1966 when it was used on a 2+2 convertible based on the Fiat 124. The original 124 Spider was designed by Pininfarina and come equipped with a variety of engines throughout its life including a 1.4L four-cylinder and 2.0L. Marchionne went onto say that the model would be sold worldwide,…
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
-
- Editor-in-Chief
- 2 followers
- 8 replies
- 1.3k views
Today, Fiat announced pricing for their latest member of the U.S. lineup. The 500X crossover when it arrives at dealers in the second quarter of 2015 will have a price of $20,900 (includes destination) for the base Pop model. The rest of 500X lineup pricing follows, Easy: $23,200 Trekking: $24,000 Lounge: $25,750 Trekking Plus: $28,000 Engines for the 500X include the turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder with 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque or a 2.4L four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is available on the Easy through Trekking Plus models for an additional $1,900. Source: Fiat Press Release is on Page 2 …
Last reply by mikka254, -
-
- 1 reply
- 911 views
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a $3.5 million fine for Ferrari as it failed to comply with oversight requirements. The agency announced today that the Italian sports car maker had not submitted early warning reports for the past three years. These reports are important for NHTSA as it helps them identify potential or existing safety problems. Federal law requires manufacturers these reports quarterly. Previously, Ferrari was qualified as a a small-volume manufacturer which exempted them from providing these reports. However, Ferrari was still required to notify the agency of any fatal accidents involving its vehicles, something it didn't do…
Last reply by David, -
- 3 replies
- 1.3k views
The most iconic brand of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will become its own company. The company announced today that it plans to spin off Ferrari into its own separate company as part of a plan to raise capital that will support the FCA's future growth. Once the separation happens, Ferrari will put 10 percent of its shares on the stock market "in the United States and possibly a European exchange". The remaining 90 percent will be distributed among FCA's existing shareholders. "Following our acquisition of the minority interest in Chrysler earlier this year, the transformation of Fiat and Chrysler into FCA was completed earlier this month with our debut on the New York Stock…
Last reply by daves87rs, -
- 1 reply
- 1k views
Ferrari's showing for the Paris Motor Show is the Ferrari 458 Speciale A. The 458 Speciale A (Aperta) is the convertible version of the 458 Speciale and features most of the the lightweight materials found on the coupe. The difference is the addition of a folding aluminum roof which can open or close in 14 seconds, and only adds about 110 pound to the weight of the Speciale A. Power comes from a 4.5L V8 engine which makes 605 horsepower and 397 pound-feet of torque. Ferrari says the 458 Speciale A can hit 60 MPH in about 3.0 seconds (about a tenth slower than the coupe). The Special A also features Ferrari's Side Slip angle Control (SSC) system which varies the torque di…
Last reply by David, -
- 0 replies
- 777 views
Ferrari's long standing chairman Luca di Montezemolo announced today that he will step down from the company on October 13th. Taking his place for the time being will be Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne. Montezemolo has a long and storied career at Fiat and Ferrari. He started at Fiat before moving to the prancing horse in 1973. There he became Enzo Ferrari's assistant. A year later, he was named head of the Scuderia (racing division) the following year. Montezemolo worked hard and helped the team reach great success. Because of his efforts with Scuderia, he was name head of Fiat's racing activities. In 1991, Montezemolo was named chairman of Ferrari. How…
Last reply by William Maley, -
- 2 replies
- 1.5k views
The balance act of performance and emissions is difficult to say in the least, but Ferrari thinks they have figured it out. According to Vittorio Dini, Ferrari's Powertrain Director, the company plans on increasing performance while reducing CO2 emissions by 20 percent by 2021. "Our average CO2 emissions are currently about 270 grams of CO2 per kilometer. We want to use all the available technologies to reduce emissions by 3 percent each year, which means approximately a 20 percent decrease by 2021," Dini said to Automotive News Europe. How does the company plan on pulling this feat off? By using turbocharging and hybrid systems. Ferrari is turning to downsized V8 engin…
Last reply by yougojay,
-
Subscribe to Cheers & Gears
Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.
Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
You can view subscription options here.
*a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show
-
