Fiat News: 2015 Fiat 500 Lineup Gets Some Updates

[William Maley]

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Fiat has announced some changes are incoming for the 2015 500 lineup.

For starters, the 500 Turbo and Abarth models will now have the option of a six-speed automatic. Previously both models could only be equipped with a five-speed manual. The brand hopes the option of the automatic will bring more people into the showrooms.

Other changes for the 500 lineup include the introduction of a seven-inch high-definition TFT instrument display that will display vehicle and infotainment data; a redesign center stack, and new color choices.

"Since launching in March 2011, more than 135,000 Fiat 500 cars have been sold in North America. We continue to improve the successful 500, retaining its unique Italian flavor while adding unique features, such as a 7-inch TFT display, and incorporating Bluetooth streaming and a more functional center console,"said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC.

The 2015 Fiat 500 lineup arrives at dealers this July.

Source: Fiat

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

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2015 Fiat 500 Lineup Now Features Innovative Instrument Panel with New 7-inch High-Definition Display

- Seven-inch HD TFT display helps drivers to easily monitor and configure vehicle information

- Other interior updates for driver convenience include Bluetooth streaming audio and a revamped center console with an additional USB port- Three new exterior paint colors for 2015 are Giallo Moderna Perla (modern pearl yellow), Laser Blu (bright metallic blue) and Billet Argento (billet silver)

April 7, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The 2015 Fiat 500 vehicle lineup, to be showcased at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, will include a number of interior enhancements for increased driver convenience and ease of use, including an advanced instrument panel with a 7-inch high-definition TFT (Thin Film Transistor) cluster display.

The new 7-inch TFT cluster allows drivers to easily monitor data like speed, fuel level, Eco index and trip information. While on the main screen, an image of the vehicle is surrounded by information, including distance traveled, gas mileage and range. A parking screen helps drivers while moving in reverse if the vehicle is equipped with Rear Park Assist. Other screen options include a radio screen that displays information about the station selected and a telephone screen showing call information.

When the vehicle is in Sport mode, the TFT display becomes more aggressive in appearance, complementing the Sport mode's more engaged driving experience.

The TFT display will be standard on the 2015 Fiat 500 Sport, Lounge, Turbo and Abarth models, and optional on the Pop.

Other interior updates for 2015 include a redesigned center console. To make it more useful for drivers, the revamped console includes a new cup holder design and an additional, conveniently located USB port that is fully functional and integrated with the radio. The 2015 Fiat 500 models will also include Bluetooth streaming audio in addition to the already standard Bluetooth phone connectivity.

"Since launching in March 2011, more than 135,000 Fiat 500 cars have been sold in North America," said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC. "We continue to improve the successful 500, retaining its unique Italian flavor while adding unique features, such as a 7-inch TFT display, and incorporating Bluetooth streaming and a more functional center console."

On the exterior, new paint colors for 2015 are Giallo Moderna Perla (modern pearl yellow), Laser Blu (bright metallic blue) and Billet Argento (billet silver).

In addition to the interior improvements across the Fiat 500 lineup, the Fiat 500 Abarth, Abarth Cabrio and Turbo will add a six-speed automatic transmission as an option for 2015.

The 2015 Fiat 500 lineup will be available in studios beginning in July 2014.

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[Drew Dowdell]

Interesting... my friend in Boston who bought a 500 last year wanted the Abarth or at least the Turbo, but wouldn't buy it without the automatic. Not because he can't drive manual (well... he can't...his shifting drives me nuts.. but he's owned a few) but because he didn't want a manual in the city.

[G. David Felt]

So 45,000 cars a year, not bad for an ugly little turd. I can see an Automatic growing another 5-10K cars a year, but color, redesigned center stack and the TFT display I do not see helping dealers sell that much more. The two dealers here in the greater seattle area both have over 200 each on the lot and still have some new 2012 models they are not heavily discounting to try and sell since they are sitting on a butt load of 2013's and now the 2014's are here.

Fiat needs to get a bigger version and 4 door version going.

[balthazar]

Amazing in this day & age they wouldn't offer an auto in those models.

[Drew Dowdell]

well it is one of the possible reasons we're not getting the Ford Fiesta ST Diesel

[William Maley]

Fiat needs to get a bigger version and 4 door version going.

You know Fiat has a bigger version called the 500L.. Its on sale at the moment.

[G. David Felt]

Fiat needs to get a bigger version and 4 door version going.

You know Fiat has a bigger version called the 500L.. Its on sale at the moment.

Forgot about that turd too, yet the dealer web sites here do not list any. Seems a glut of 2 door 2013 is the majority inventory.

[balthazar]

Have I not seen fiat 4-dr ads, the one with the 2 guys in the desert?

[G. David Felt]

Have I not seen fiat 4-dr ads, the one with the 2 guys in the desert?

NOPE, Last ad I saw was the J Lo ad.

[balthazar]

I've seen this one on TV for a week or 2 now :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBtVOmhnw-k

Hilarious how infinitely "big" can be defined, eh?

[A Horse With No Name]

Amazing in this day & age they wouldn't offer an auto in those models.

I have worked on a college campus for the last year or so (Capital unviersity). I count three manuals on a campus with 3000 students....a Fit, a 2002 Miata similar to mine, and a Dodge Dart. Interestingly, the Dart and Fit are driven by females.

Fiat needs to do something, theya re selling Fiats with major cash on the hood....

[G. David Felt]

I've seen this one on TV for a week or 2 now :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBtVOmhnw-k

Hilarious how infinitely "big" can be defined, eh?

That is actually funny that they would even consider calling it BIG!

Amazing in this day & age they wouldn't offer an auto in those models.

I have worked on a college campus for the last year or so (Capital unviersity). I count three manuals on a campus with 3000 students....a Fit, a 2002 Miata similar to mine, and a Dodge Dart. Interestingly, the Dart and Fit are driven by females.

Fiat needs to do something, theya re selling Fiats with major cash on the hood....

So you are saying that having performance with an auto transmission is a good thing.

[A Horse With No Name]

If it keeps them selling performance cars, yes!