VIDEO: Fiat Engineer Explains the Differences Between the US- and Euro-Spec 500

During the U.S. presentation of the new 2012 Fiat 500, the Italian company's Chief Engineer Fabio Dimuro explained to journalists the main differences and changes compared to the European specification model. These include - but are not limited to- exterior and interior improvements, the introduction of a more appropriate for American consumers Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission, additional insulation that helped reduce powertrain noise levels from 76 db to 71 db, the addition of MultiAir intake system to the 1.4-liter engine, while Fiat and Chrysler also worked together to redesign the car's rear-axle. Hop over the jump to watch the video.

Via Youtube [Thanks for the tip Dario]

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VIDEO: Fiat Airs first U.S. Commercial for the new 500

Fiat has released the first U.S. commercial featuring it's 500 super-mini urging buyers to "live their life with passion". Priced at $15,500, which should certainly test your passion tolerance, the 500 will be available at 130 dealerships across the country with a 101 hp 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine. Check out the video after the break to see if you can resist Fiat's Jedi-like mind-control techniques.

The little Cinquecento will have both manual and automatic transmissions and the all-important for the U.S. market, XXL cup-holders as standard. Customers can choose between three trim levels – Pop, Sport and Lounge, and numerous exterior and interior color combos.

By Csaba Daradics

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VIDEO: Fiat 500 Races Koenigsegg CCX in Swedish Webhost Ad

Here's a car race with a difference: an automotive remake of the classic Tortoise and the Hare story, starring a Fiat 500 as the tortoise and a Koenigsegg CCX as the hare. Well, not a real 500 and CCX; these are 1:24 scale models, and the whole thing is filmed in stop motion. It was made by Swedish filmmaker and photographer Robin Danehav as an advertisement for Binero, a Swedish webhosting service.

That's why this video is called 'Binero vs. Loopia', with Loopia being Binero's major competitor in what is no doubt a hotly contested segment of the market (well, I guess there are over 9 million potential customers in Sweden).

I think the moral here is...if you want fast webhosting, go for Loopia, but if you want webhosting that really cares and likes Apple products...try Binero? Eh, there must be something lost in translation, I think. Anyways, it's a cute video all the same and very well made.

Check it out and let us know what you think.

By Tristan Hankins

Hat tip to Conrad!

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New Fiat 500 Prima Edizione: Special Edition Version for U.S. Market

We assume you already know that Fiat is planning to kick off sales of the retro-styled 500 mini in North America at the end of 2010, so let us share the latest news. Fans of the Italian brand here in the States will be treated with the limited-run Fiat 500 'Prima Edizione' (Italian for First Edition), of which only 500 examples will be built.

The announcement was made at the annual convention of the Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited that took place in Asheville, NC, this past weekend. "The Fiat Cinquecento Prima Edizione was developed especially with the Fiat fans in mind," said Laura Soave, Head of Fiat North America.

So, is there something special about the 500 'Prima Edizione'? Well, not really - unless you think highly of badges and a numbered plaque. The limited edition U.S. market 500 will be available exclusively with a 1.4-liter MultiAir gasoline engine matched to a manual gearbox. Buyers can order the car in either Bianco (White), Rosso (Red) or Grigio (Gray) exterior color.

Those interested can reserve the 500 Prima Edizione through the dedicated website "www.ciaofiat.com" that will be made available at a later date.

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VIDEO: Fiat 500 & 500C with New Two-Cylinder Turbo Engine

The crew from Fiat have published some B-roll footage of the 500 hatch and cabriolet models fitted with the Italian firm's new 0.9-liter turbocharged two-cylinder gasoline unit as well as a separate (and somewhat less appealing) video of the engine alone.

The Twinair unit the first of a new family of two-cylinder engines that will be used on numerous A- and B-segment cars of the Fiat Group. This particular version produces 85HP propelling the 500 hatch from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 11 seconds and returning a combined fuel consumption of 4.1 lt/100km (57.4mpg US) with C02 emissions of just 95g/km. Read more about the new Fiat 500s in our previous post here.