What is your favorite Fiat model of all time?
There are so many different models of Fiats that have been produced over their long history, but the vehicle I most enjoy is the X1/9. The X1/9 was quite a radical production car when it was introduced in Europe in 1972 (1974 in N. America), and within a few years, it became the largest-selling mid-engined car in the world. Its futuristic styling by Carrozzeria Bertone was so advanced that when people see an X1/9 today, they often ask if it is a new model. Its combination of sharp styling and superb handling performance made up for its somewhat lackluster power. However, those who have owned and driven the X1/9 have usually performed performance modifications on the drivetrain to improve power output. There was nothing on the market that offered anything close to the X19’s striking Italian design and advanced features such as 4-wheel independent suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, manual transmission, and overhead cam engine at such an affordable price, and in the pre-owned market, this probably remains true even today.
[Photo Credit:Fiat]
Which model are you most looking forward to when they are released in the USA?
The new Fiat 500 is certainly the new Fiat to which I most look forward to owning, though it will likely not be badged as a “Fiat” when it arrives in North American showrooms. It has been a sensation since it was introduced on July 4th, 2007, on the 50th anniversary of the first “Cinquecento” offered for sale. The new Fiat 500 has been called, among other things, “the iPod of today’s cars,” mostly in reference to its innovative styling and its versatility when it comes to addressing modern motoring needs and its ability to be customized to suit an owner’s lifestyle and tastes. What’s more, there are “performance” versions of the new 500 that will certainly make it the rival of many other small, high-performance vehicles in its class.
[Photo Credit:Fiat]
What are your views on the new Fiat 500? How successful do you feel a model like this will be in the USA?
The new Fiat 500 is an amazing reincarnation of an automotive icon, capturing the spirit of the original 500 in a thoroughly modern package without being too “retro” in its appearance. Fiat has capitalized on the traits which made the 500 famous while endowing the new car with the most up-to-date technology and features. I have no doubt that the 500 will be a big success in the USA because it offers unique, innovative styling in a package that address today’s automotive needs, including great looks, peppy performance, and excellent fuel economy. One only has to consider how BMW’s MINI became an overnight sensation when it was introduced several years ago. The Fiat 500 is in the same class, and will likely experience the same level of market acceptance. Many fans believe that the Fiat 500 “out-minis the MINI!”
If you were to order a Fiat 500 what would be your choice for one? Options etc.
If I were to order a new Fiat 500, I would certainly want to have the “full boat” of options and performance specifications. About a year after the new 500’s introduction in Europe, high-performance versions appeared, and hopefully, those versions will be offered in North America. Of particular interest to me and other enthusiasts is the Fiat 500 Abarth SS, a model tuned by the legendary Abarth works. Overall, American buyers will likely prefer the more powerful versions of the 500, so I think it’s unlikely that the smaller-engined or diesel versions would be offered in the USA. If MINI can do so well with their “John Cooper Works” high-performance edition, I see no reason why the Abarth incarnation of the 500 couldn’t achieve the same sort of popularity.
In your recent press release the club has announced that it stands “ready to assist Chrysler in promoting the sales and ownership of North American versions of Fiat and Alfa Romeo vehicles, regardless of where the cars will be built or the name brand badges affixed to the cars.”
How does Flu.org plan to do so?
Automobile marketing has changed a great deal over the past decade. New ways to promote vehicle sales have been used by all the major car manufacturers, including innovative marketing programs that utilize the consumer fan base of certain cars. Special niche marketing campaigns have been built around the enthusiast community for brands like MINI, VW, Corvette, and Viper, often calling upon car clubs devoted to these vehicles to conduct rallies, conventions, “ride and drive” experiences” and other such events. The network of Fiat fans within the “Fiat-Lancia Unlimited” club is firmly established and well-organized, and its members would relish the opportunity to be involved in any special marketing programs the new car might spawn. Club FLU conducts an annual international convention, “Fiat FreakOut,” which would be an ideal venue for showcasing the new 500 and other Fiat-based vehicles. In addition, there are quite a number of FLU chapters spread out across the USA and Canada which could certainly become involved in regional marketing and promotional endeavors.
After decades of being the butt of jokes and living in relative automotive obscurity in North America, Fiat fans are thrilled to be experiencing a new level of interest in the Fiat marque. The members of Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited, who have tenaciously “carried the flag” for the brand for so many years, are finally being rewarded for their enthusiasm. We look forward to motoring into the future in vehicles that express the Italian spirit on wheels! To join in the fun, Italian car enthusiasts are urged to visit the club website at www.flu.org.
About 2009 Fiat Freakout 2009:
Fiat Freak Out is the National Convention for the club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited. We are a club open to all Italian car makes. The event is the largest of it's kind in North America for enthusiasts of these Italian autos. Fiat Freak Out is the celebration and national gathering for the club. The event is hosted each year by a local chapter and moves around the country. Bring any Italian car or bring the family sedan and make a vacation out of it. Take time to visit Valley Forge and Philadelphia and all the rich American history. The traditional Saturday Concourso D'Elegance is only part of a very active convention. This year we've more than filled a traditional weekend with activities. In fact, our schedule starts on Thursday and continues into Monday.
26th Annual National Convention
August 13th - 17th, 2009
Valley Forge, PA
"Experience the Revolutions"
Interview Copyright : LuxVelocity.com
Hi Robb, Very nice. I just wanted to point out that FFO may move around more than just all over your country. Don't forget about we Canucks to the North who are also Fiat enthusiasts.
I am so thrilled to hear that the X 1/9 is your favorite Fiat, I couldn't agree more.
My everyday car is a Chrysler Sebring, convertible of course. How nice that my "other" car is now technically part of the Fiat family.
What car to take to FFO, what car to take. :-)
See you there,
Cheryl Paget
Posted by: Cheryl Paget | 05/13/2009 at 10:31 AM
I cannot wait to get some fresh Italian metal back in my garage. My sole surviving Alfa is getting a bit long in the tooth! The new Lancia Delta is HOT! So are the new Alfa Romeo Spider and the Alfa 159. I have owned 4 Lancia Betas including one Zagato and several Alfas and two Fiats! I am holding my breath with anticipation!
Posted by: Tom Spencer | 09/19/2009 at 04:59 PM