Press Kit: 2012 Fiat 500

Auburn Hills, Mich. February 22, 2011 - Adapted for U.S. customers, the new 2012 Fiat 500 features an all-new 1.4-liter engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir^® technology. Invented and patented by Fiat, MultiAir provides world-class levels of power, best-in-class 30 mpg city (manual transmission) fuel efficiency, quality and refinement.

“The new Fiat 500 enables the individual to be more ecologically responsible with its industry-first MultiAir engine technology and eco:Drive™ Application that will improve driver efficiency,” said Joe Grace, Vehicle Line Executive, Fiat 500. “The new Fiat 500 delivers the complete efficiency package. MultiAir technology offers up to 10 percent greater fuel efficiency and power while decreasing CO2 emissions up to 10 percent compared to engines without the system. And to make sure the driver is maximizing the vehicle’s world-class engine, the Fiat 500’s eco:Drive Application can coach smoother driving behavior to help reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and fuel cost at the pump.”

Fiat 500 embodies a new vision of technology’s role in the achievement of sustainable mobility
Fiat’s new world-class 1.4-liter engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir technology powers the 2012 Fiat 500 and reduces emissions while improving fuel economy and power.

Delivering spirited driving and well-suited for the Fiat 500’s lightweight design and city-friendly size, Fiat’s efficient and responsive 1.4-liter MultiAir in-line four-cylinder engine provides 101 horsepower (75 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 98 lb.-ft. (133 N•m) of torque at 4,000 rpm. When paired with the five-speed manual transmission, the Fiat 500 delivers up to 38 highway mpg and a best-in-class 30 mpg city.

Helping to achieve 10 percent greater fuel efficiency and power while decreasing CO2 emissions up to 10 percent compared to engines without the system, the new 2012 Fiat 500 features the world’s first Fully Variable Valve Actuation (FVVA) system on a production engine. Also known as MultiAir, this innovative intake-valve system replaces a traditional overhead cam with hydraulic actuation controlled by four, fast-responding, electronic solenoids – delivering instantaneous air-fuel adjustment at any time in the engine cycle for maximum efficiency and power.

The Fiat 500’s eco:Drive Application helps to improve driving efficiency
The new 2012 Fiat 500’s state-of-the-art eco:Drive Application demonstrates that an automaker’s environmental responsibility should not stop when the car leaves the production line but rather extend into the actual way customers drive their cars.

Fiat’s eco:Drive Application collects all necessary data relating to vehicle efficiency and, through the BLUE&ME™ USB port, transmits it on to any USB memory stick. Once the driver plugs the memory stick into his or her personal computer, the system presents the driver with the Fiat 500’s detailed environmental performance, including the CO2 emission level for each trip. In addition, Fiat’s eco:Drive Application analyzes the driver’s style and provides recommendations on how to modify his or her driving style to help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Originated in Europe, Fiat’s eco:Drive Application has encouraged drivers to set challenges – CO2 reduction targets for specific journeys or over a set period of time. And as part of a global “eco:Ville” community, the system encourages all drivers to come together and pool their fuel and emissions savings to illustrate how many drivers’ individual contributions help the greater good.

All-new six-speed automatic delivers added performance and fuel efficiency
The new 2012 Fiat 500 offers two reliable, robust and sophisticated transmissions uniquely designed for improved efficiency and driving fun.

An all-new six-speed automatic transmission provides the new Fiat 500 with smooth shifting and excellent fuel economy. For more engaging driving, the driver can select the ‘Sport’ mode.

Should the driver select ‘Sport’ mode on the instrument panel, the all-new six-speed automatic transmission provides greater driving enjoyment. Through advanced powertrain management, ‘Sport’ mode enables quicker gear changes, a unique throttle map for improved engine responsiveness and allows each gear to be held for longer periods near the redline.

An upgraded five-speed manual transmission features new gear ratios for the U.S. market, allowing the new Fiat 500 to deliver improved fuel efficiency and quicker off-the-line acceleration. For improved durability and pedal feel, a new self-adjusting hydraulic-clutch system is standard on the manual-transmission-equipped Fiat 500.