Photo: Fiat
Back in April, Fiat announced that it would be offering an automatic transmission on sporty versions of its iconic 2015 Fiat 500, and now these clutchless hatchbacks are one step closer to reach customers as production has commenced at Chrysler’s Toluca Assembly Plant in Toluca, Mexico.
For 2015, the Fiat 500 Abarth and Turbo will offer the choice of a standard five-speed automatic or an optional six-speed manual gearbox.
Like the standard version of the Fiat 500, the Turbo and Abarth will be available with Aisin six-speed auto. In the Fiat 500 Turbo, the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 135 horsepower and 150 lb-ft (203 Nm) of torque, but opting for the Abarth increases power output up to 160 hp and 170 lb-ft (230.5 Nm). Despite giving up the ability to manually shift, this new transmission should help make these turbocharged 2015 Fiat 500 models quicker and more efficient.
In addition to the new transmission, all 2015 Fiat 500 models will get the updated instrument gauge cluster that is now comprised of a seven-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) color display. This digital gauge will be optional on the entry-level Fiat 500 Pop and standard equipment on the Sport, Lounge, Turbo and Abarth. This large circular gauge displays more information to the drive such as trip information, speed, driving range, audio and telephone systems.
If equipped with Rear Park Assist, the TFT display has a screen that displays information relayed by the rear sensors. Perhaps the coolest feature of the new gauge cluster is that it changes colors and gets a more aggressive appearance when the driver tips the transmission into Sport mode.
The 2015 Fiat 500 goes on sale this summer, but Chrysler has yet to announce final pricing for the various models. Chrysler is also waiting to announce how much the automatic will add to the cost of the Turbo and Abarth, but in other trim levels of the Fiat 500, it was a $1,250 (EUR 920) option for the 2014 model year.
For 2015, the Fiat 500 Abarth and Turbo will offer the choice of a standard five-speed automatic or an optional six-speed manual gearbox.
Like the standard version of the Fiat 500, the Turbo and Abarth will be available with Aisin six-speed auto. In the Fiat 500 Turbo, the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 135 horsepower and 150 lb-ft (203 Nm) of torque, but opting for the Abarth increases power output up to 160 hp and 170 lb-ft (230.5 Nm). Despite giving up the ability to manually shift, this new transmission should help make these turbocharged 2015 Fiat 500 models quicker and more efficient.
In addition to the new transmission, all 2015 Fiat 500 models will get the updated instrument gauge cluster that is now comprised of a seven-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) color display. This digital gauge will be optional on the entry-level Fiat 500 Pop and standard equipment on the Sport, Lounge, Turbo and Abarth. This large circular gauge displays more information to the drive such as trip information, speed, driving range, audio and telephone systems.
If equipped with Rear Park Assist, the TFT display has a screen that displays information relayed by the rear sensors. Perhaps the coolest feature of the new gauge cluster is that it changes colors and gets a more aggressive appearance when the driver tips the transmission into Sport mode.
The 2015 Fiat 500 goes on sale this summer, but Chrysler has yet to announce final pricing for the various models. Chrysler is also waiting to announce how much the automatic will add to the cost of the Turbo and Abarth, but in other trim levels of the Fiat 500, it was a $1,250 (EUR 920) option for the 2014 model year.
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