Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[2013 Fiat 500 Turbo]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Diet Abarth

2013 Fiat 500 Turbo

Try as I might, I just can't bring myself to stick to a routine of drinking diet soda. Nevermind the fact that I'm trying to cut soda out of my life altogether - every now and then, I just want the high-octane stuff, and diet simply won't do. If I'm already going to subject myself to the sweeteners and caffeine, I'm going to take the calories that go along with it.

Some people feel the same way about cars (go big or go home!), but I'm not one of them - I often see the merit in less-potent machines that automakers offer. For example, while I simply adored the Mini John Cooper Works GP that I recently tested, I still said I'd rather have a Cooper S Hardtop every day. And while the Ford Focus ST may have been crowned the winner in my hot hatch comparison test from last year, my experience in the Fiesta ST a couple of months ago reminded me yet again that less can indeed be more.

So when Fiat introduced this 500 Turbo - a sort of "Diet Abarth" - I was prepared for the possibility of similar conclusions. But with the range-topping Abarth proving to be an incredibly delicious concoction, would this tall glass of diet quench my thirst just the same?

Continue reading 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo

2013 Fiat 500 Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 20 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 fiat 500 turbofeaturedfiatfiat 500fiat 500 turboreviewreviews Mon, 20 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20576228/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review/20576228/article-detail.xml 20576228 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-fiat-500-turbo-review.jpg <![CDATA[Wall Street loves Tesla's Elon Musk, values the brand higher than Fiat]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Tesla side marker

Tesla's value on the stock market far exceeds the number of vehicles it contributes to the automotive market. According to a report from Automotive News, Tesla is currently valued at US$8.8 billion. Almost unbelievably, though we've never claimed to have a firm grasp on the inner workings of the stock market, that's a full billion dollars more valuable than Fiat and three times more valuable than PSA Peugeot Citroën, says the report.

How unfathomable is that statistic? Consider the fact that Tesla, a ten-year-old company, just managed to turn its very first profit last quarter and has produced fewer than 10,000 vehicles in its lifetime. How does that compare to an automotive giant like Fiat? Well... it doesn't - The brand sold well over 50,000 cars in North America alone in 2012, and it owns or controls the Chrysler portfolio of brands along with Ferrari and Maserati... not to mention the hundreds of thousands of cars Fiat Group sells yearly in the rest of the world.

Granted, the number of vehicles sold by a brand is just a small portion of its value, but you may still wonder, why is such a seemingly small player in the global automotive marketplace such a big deal on Wall Street? According to AN, it has a lot to do with its controversial and headline-grabbing CEO, Elon Musk, and the way he disseminates company information to his investors. How so? We suggest you take a good look at the article here for the whole story.

Click through to get Musk's advice on starting a new business in the following video clip.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport






Continue reading Wall Street loves Tesla's Elon Musk, values the brand higher than Fiat

Wall Street loves Tesla's Elon Musk, values the brand higher than Fiat originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> elon muskfiatmuskstock marketteslatesla motorstesla roadstertesla stockTeslaMotorstsla Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20568101/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/18/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/20568101/article-detail.xml 20568101 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-side-marker_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-side-marker.jpg <![CDATA[The right way to own and operate a vintage Fiat 500 [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Annetta Calisi and her husband have restored their Fiat 500D to the same specification with which it left the factory in 1964. The result is a cheeky yellow cinquecento that looks the part of a 1960's movie star car. For that matter, so does Annetta, who dresses appropriately mod for this latest Petrolicious video, The Speed of Sunshine.

At one point in the video, the lucky owner mentions, "I keep saying 'fun' don't I?" which does a fine job of summing up what it must be like to own this little rascal. Watch below, and smile.

Have you seen the rest of the really well-made Petrolicious video series? If you like classic metal, well shot and well recorded, you should check out our tag page, here (we think you've earned a little video break).

Hit the jump to view the full video.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth Tenebra Concept: Detroit 2013


Continue reading The right way to own and operate a vintage Fiat 500 [w/video]

The right way to own and operate a vintage Fiat 500 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 08 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1964 fiat 500dfiatfiat 500fiat 500dmicro carpetroliciousvideo Wed, 08 May 2013 19:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20560844/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/the-right-way-to-own-and-operate-a-vintage-fiat-500-w-video/20560844/article-detail.xml 20560844 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fiat-500-petrolicious-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fiat-500-petrolicious-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The last time we wrote about the Fiat commercial Immigrants, it was to question whether the ad provided our first glimpse of the 500T. That was a year ago, but Fiat isn't finished utilizing that commercial theme. The song in the one-minute commercial was Sexy People (All Around the World) by Italian songstress Arianna, and the Immigrant commercial has been lengthened and turned into a music video for the song as Arianna prepares that track and more for her first studio album.

The tune features Pit Bull and the clip is like a hip-hop video meets The Little Mermaid. Well, until Charlie Sheen shows up! That's when it starts Winning, and you can enjoy it all in the video below, along with the original ad from Fiat.

Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Review

Continue reading Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video

Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 07 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ariannacharlie sheencommercialfiatfiat 500fiat 500cfiat 500tfiat admusic videopit bullsexy peoplevideo Tue, 07 May 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20560866/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/20560866/article-detail.xml 20560866 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/arianna-fiat-immigrants_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/arianna-fiat-immigrants.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge Dart getting hatchback variant... sort of]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/dodge-dart-getting-hatchback-variant-sort-of/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/dodge-dart-getting-hatchback-variant-sort-of/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/dodge-dart-getting-hatchback-variant-sort-of/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Fiat Viaggio - front three-quarter view live

In other parts of the world, Fiat builds and sells a version of the Dodge Dart called the Viaggio, and it appears that in addition to the current sedan bodystyle, a new hatchback version of the car is also in the works. Autocar says that the general manager for China's Guangzhou-Fiat joint venture, John Burton, has confirmed that a new Viaggio hatchback will be revealed by the end of this year before it goes on sale in early 2014.

The Viaggio will soon be joined by the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, which in China will be called the Liberty Light, at the Guangzhou-Fiat plant. While the idea of a Dodge Dart hatchback might be enough to enable most of us to forget about the Dodge Caliber, a North American variant doesn't appear to be in the cards. We reached out to Chrysler PR boss Rick Deneau, and he offered a succinct: "No plans at this time."


Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Review

Continue reading Dodge Dart getting hatchback variant... sort of

Dodge Dart getting hatchback variant... sort of originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 fiat viaggiochinadodgedodge dartfiat viaggiofiat viaggio hatchback Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:14:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20549018/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/dodge-dart-getting-hatchback-variant-sort-of/20549018/article-detail.xml 20549018 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webfiatviaggio5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webfiatviaggio5.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat builds 1 millionth 500, still a ways to go before passing original]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,



Canadians have a soft spot for diminutive hatchbacks, note our love affair with the Volkswagen Golf, Mini Cooper and Fiat 500. There are now 1.1 million examples of the new Fiat 500 cruising the roads of 83 countries, one million of them made at the Fiat's Tychy plant in Poland, the rest in the Fiat plant in Toluca, Mexico. It's taken 69 months since the car's 2007 launch to reach the milestone, the capstone hatchback being an Abarth 500.

Where does that fit into the historical context? We'll never know, since you can't really compare. But if we played with the numbers, according to Automania, Fiat built 3,893,294 of the original 500 (and variants) from its inception in 1957 to the last model being sent off in 1975. If we average the output over time, and assume an even 18-year production run, the total production divided by 216 months is about 18,025 cars per month, which would make for 1,243,725 cars in 69 months.

On the other hand, the first two generations of the early 500 didn't equate to a million units in eight years, so congratulations Fiat. There's a brief press release below with a few more details on the achievement.

Scroll down to watch a video review of the Fiat 500 Abarth convertible.

Gallery: 2014 Fiat 500L: First Drive






Continue reading Fiat builds 1 millionth 500, still a ways to go before passing original

Fiat builds 1 millionth 500, still a ways to go before passing original originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> abarthby the numberscar plantcar plantscar productioncar salesfiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthfinancialsmanufacturingpolandproductionsalessales figurestychy Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20547091/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/20547091/article-detail.xml 20547091 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/million-fiat-500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/million-fiat-500.jpg <![CDATA[Top 5 celebrity cars you can actually afford]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/top-5-celebrity-cars-you-can-actually-afford/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/top-5-celebrity-cars-you-can-actually-afford/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/top-5-celebrity-cars-you-can-actually-afford/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Have you ever wanted to live the lavish lifestyle of your favourite Hollywood celebrity just to see what it would feel like? Well don't worry if buying million dollar homes, private jets and exotic cars isn't in your current family budget, because we're going to show you the Top 5 celebrity cars you can actually afford to drive.

Believe it or not, it won't cost much to roll around town in the exact same cars as Cameron Diaz, Tiger Woods, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sarah Jessica Parker, Orlando Bloom, Eva Mendes, Jennifer Lawrence, Julie Bowen or Stacy Keibler. According to the new car experts at Unhaggle.com, driving the same car as the star studded line up mentioned above starts at just under $20,000 and if you follow Unhaggle's advice you can even get the best deal on your new celebrity-endorsed ride by saving thousands of dollars through the site's Unhaggle price discounts.

Click here to get the inside scoop on the Top 5 celebrity cars you can actually afford to buy and be sure to watch the video below on the Top 5 most expensive celebrity cars too.


Gallery: Top 10 Cheapest Cars in Canada

Volkswagen Jetta - $14,990Honda Fit DX - $14,580Smart fortwo coupe - $14,400Toyota Yaris hatchback CE - $14,250Mazda2 - $14,095

Continue reading Top 5 celebrity cars you can actually afford

Top 5 celebrity cars you can actually afford originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> affordable celebritybest celebrity carscelebcelebritycelebrity carscelebrity stylecheap carcheapest carcheapest celebrityhollywoodstars Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20547674/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/top-5-celebrity-cars-you-can-actually-afford/20547674/article-detail.xml 20547674 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ndc2mjaznduzo2012-fiat-500-lounge-1366742619_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ndc2mjaznduzo2012-fiat-500-lounge-1366742619.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Fiat 500e]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Cinquecento's Electrifying One-Price Strategy Is A Gas



North America's electric vehicle segment is getting crowded, but sales remain tiny compared to the overall market. Listening to EV pitchmen, a key phrase heard over and over is "no compromises." This particular EV, the seller says, offers all* the things you want in a car, without the gasoline and without compromises. That asterisk thing? Well, sure, the electric vehicle paradigm requires you rethink the "one car that does everything" mentality, but once that's out of the way, there are no compromises here. No siree.

Of course, all EVs require compromises - but the truth is that every car forces owners to make compromises. Big SUVs don't always fit into parking spaces and suck down fuel. Subcompacts can't hold a gaggle of children and dogs. High-performance sports cars compromise wallets. Once you wrap your head around the idea that choosing electric is an option just like vehicle size or colour - where no one choice is right for everybody, even if it's perfect for some - the 2014 Fiat 500e, going on sale this summer, asks a simple question: when you're driving in a city, why would you drive anything except an EV?

Fiat has been making the 500e at its Toluca, Mexico plant since early December, but it isn't busy building a million so that just anyone can own one. In fact, the automaker is going out of its way to make sure you don't buy a 500e if it's not right for you. The official website will soon have a "compatibility matching service" that will use information you feed it to determine if you're an EV candidate (we're guessing a short commute, an understanding of new technology and a place to charge at home will be the key factors). If the system doesn't think you're EV-ready, it'll propose a different 500 for you. Nice, huh?

So, does the 500e actually offer pure electric mobility without compromises? Yes and no. Mostly yes, and it's a fun yes.

Continue reading 2013 Fiat 500e

2013 Fiat 500e originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 fiat 500e500ecar reviewelectricelectric carelectric car reviewelectric vehicleevfeaturedfiatfiat 500fiat 500efirst driveFirstDrivereview Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20541106/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/2013-fiat-500e-first-drive-review/20541106/article-detail.xml 20541106 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/11-2014-fiat-500e-fd-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/11-2014-fiat-500e-fd-opt.png <![CDATA[Fiat 500 Abarth to get automatic transmission option]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/fiat-500-abarth-to-get-automatic-option/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/fiat-500-abarth-to-get-automatic-option/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/fiat-500-abarth-to-get-automatic-option/#comments Filed under: , ,

Fiat 500 Abarth

You can boo and hiss all you want, but the truth is that manual transmissions aren't for everybody. When Fiat launched the hot little 500 Abarth last year, it did so with a five-speed manual as the only transmission available, but according to Ward's Auto, that might change.

"We're not opposed to doing it. We just didn't think there would be consumer requests for it, and there is," Fiat's North American president, Tim Kuniskis, told Ward's in regards to an automatic-equipped Abarth.

With the launch of the upcoming droptop 500C Abarth, Kuniskis says that the company is expecting a few more women buyers to opt for the more potent version of the pint-sized cabriolet. "I think when we'll see more women is when we have the automatic, and we're planning to add the automatic in the Abarth at some point, only because we're getting that feedback from customers."

As of this writing, it's still unclear when the automatic option will be available for the 500 Abarth, but it seems all but inevitable.

Hit the jump to watch the rev-happy Abarth in action.


Gallery: 2013 Fiat 500c Abarth

Continue reading Fiat 500 Abarth to get automatic transmission option

Fiat 500 Abarth to get automatic transmission option originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> abarthautomatic transmissionfiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthfiat 500c abarth Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20537851/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/11/fiat-500-abarth-to-get-automatic-option/20537851/article-detail.xml 20537851 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01-2012-fiat-500-abarth-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01-2012-fiat-500-abarth-review.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 with Lamborghini V12 engine swap is total ridiculousness]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/fiat-500-with-lamborghini-v12-engine-swap-is-total-ridiculousnes/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/fiat-500-with-lamborghini-v12-engine-swap-is-total-ridiculousnes/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/fiat-500-with-lamborghini-v12-engine-swap-is-total-ridiculousnes/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



We've come across some crazy automotive creations, but none quite as insane as this custom built widebody, V12 powered, Fiat 500?! That's right folks, this classic little Fiat before you is the successful recipient 6.2-litre V12 engine transplant from a first generation Lamborghini Murcielago, cranking out a whopping 572 horsepower in a tiny lightweight package.

Based on the video clip below, this is not the first (or the last) wild engine swap to make its way inside this mighty Fiat. It's creators have previously swapped 3.2-litre Porsche 911 Carrera engine and later upgraded to a 3.0-litre Ferrari V8... that is until they got their hands on the roaring Lamborghini V12.

Click here to watch the video on this little beast.


Gallery: Top 10 Lamborghini Facts

Continue reading Fiat 500 with Lamborghini V12 engine swap is total ridiculousness

Fiat 500 with Lamborghini V12 engine swap is total ridiculousness originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> FiatFiat 500LamborghiniLamborghini V12V12V12 Fiat 500 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20533624/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/08/fiat-500-with-lamborghini-v12-engine-swap-is-total-ridiculousnes/20533624/article-detail.xml 20533624 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/500-lamborghini-swap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/500-lamborghini-swap.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Fiat 500L [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/2014-fiat-500l-first-drive-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/2014-fiat-500l-first-drive-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/2014-fiat-500l-first-drive-review-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Practicality From The Italian Ministry of Cute

2014 Fiat 500L

As seen in the correct Italian/European light, Fiat is rightly dubbed a small car kingdom. This is not the marque's whole story, though, and it's certainly not a way Fiat appreciates being pigeonholed. But even the brand itself sort of has to admit that, in the end, without clever and right-priced smaller cars in its lineup, it might not even exist today.

Between the early 1980s and the dawn of the 21st century, however, the Fiat brand seemingly did everything it could to wreck itself and its core compact-car reputation by producing a series of certifiably unamazing cars that mostly looked drab and behaved below average. Just go have a gander at the Ritmo, the Uno, the Duna, the 1992-98 Cinquecento, 2004-07 Seicento/600, and the most recent European mega-flop, the Stilo, discontinued in 2008. Thankfully, almost right out of the gates since the mid-aughts, however, that has no longer been the case.

Jammed in this self-inflicted Catch-22 of small-car dependence, Fiat finally started capitalizing on the millstone hanging around its neck and turned it into a positive with the introduction of the new 500 back in 2007. The 500 and its wildly popular Abarth interpretations have allowed Fiat to at last create good premium-subcompact profits because these cars have become personalized trend and fashion statements worldwide.

Now I've driven this cheeky 2014 Fiat 500L mini-MPV, which should arrive in North America by the end of June. It's the next chapter in the Fiat brand's rise from the ashes and re-entry in North America. The latter has been perhaps a much slower rise than desired due to the Great Recession and a European car market that continues to collapse in on itself in pretty scary fashion, but there is now light at the end of the Fiat tunnel. After a whole week of normal day-to-day with child and friends and stuff and many kilometres traveled, I was genuinely convinced by the 500L after not really knowing at all what to expect.

Continue reading...

Gallery: Fiat 500 GQ Edition: Geneva 2013



Continue reading 2014 Fiat 500L [w/video]

2014 Fiat 500L [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 fiat 500l500 l500lcinquecentofeaturedfiatfiat 500fiat 500lfirst driveFirstDrivereview Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20526956/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/2014-fiat-500l-first-drive-review-video/20526956/article-detail.xml 20526956 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-fiat-500l-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-fiat-500l-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat boss Elkann being mentored by... Bill Ford?]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/fiat-boss-elkann-being-mentored-by-bill-ford/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/fiat-boss-elkann-being-mentored-by-bill-ford/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/fiat-boss-elkann-being-mentored-by-bill-ford/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

John Elkann, Fiat Chairman

Fiat Chairman John Elkann has been turning to an unusual source for advice on the car business. While speaking during an interview with The Detroit News, Elkann said he often asks Bill Ford Jr. for advice on how to proceed with the turnaround at Chrysler. "It's great to have the opportunity to share this with someone like Bill, who has experienced many things and gone through many things ... especially linked to Detroit." Elkann said.

As the Agnelli family heir, Elkann has inherited a long and fruitful friendship with the Ford family. While Giovanni Agnelli built his first Fiat four years before Henry Ford created his first vehicle, it was Ford that showed Agnelli the benefits of mass production and helped pave the way for what would become the Fiat empire.

Giovanni's grandson, Gianni, helped mentor Bill Ford when he was elected chairman of Ford Motor Company. Now, Ford is returning the favour by helping Elkann navigate the automotive industry's tumultuous waters.

"I have a lot of admiration for how Bill handled things," Elkann said. "He's been very candid and I'm very curious by nature, so being able to listen to real-life experience ... is very valuable."

Click through to watch a video on the new 2014 Fiat 500L.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth Tenebra Concept: Detroit 2013







Continue reading Fiat boss Elkann being mentored by... Bill Ford?

Fiat boss Elkann being mentored by... Bill Ford? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advicebill fordbill ford jrfiatfiat chairmanfordford chairmanjohn elkannmentor Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20519051/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/31/fiat-boss-elkann-being-mentored-by-bill-ford/20519051/article-detail.xml 20519051 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/john-elkann-fiat-chairman_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/john-elkann-fiat-chairman.jpg <![CDATA[Audi rumoured to buy Alfa Romeo, officials deny it]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumoured-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumoured-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumoured-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C live at Geneva Motor Show reveal

For more than two years, Volkswagen has been making public statements about its willingness to buy Alfa Romeo and quadruple the Italian brand's sales, and for just as long, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has replied with some version of "Mr. Piëch, drop it." According to a report in Ward's Auto, all that jousting might be over: it claims that sources close to both Marchionne and Audi CEO Rupert Stadler admit that the two are in talks for Audi to buy not just Alfa Romeo, but a production plant in Italy. In fact, a final deal could possibly include partsmaker Magnetti Marelli.

Against that backdrop, a report by German news weekly Stern quotes a Fiat spokesmen as saying it doesn't comment on rumours and an Audi rep has said flatly that "There is no substance in the news." If a sale is being arranged, the timing would seem to point to how eager Fiat is to raise cash to complete its major initiatives. Even though Alfa Romeo continues to delay its return to the US, it just showed off the production version of the 4C at the Geneva Motor Show (shown above) and said that preferred Fiat dealerships here would get them. Then there's Alfa's recently concluded deal with Mazda to develop a roadster based on the next generation MX-5 Miata - a deal that would seem to help both the Italian and Japanese brands.

The monetary issues are troublesome, though. Fiat is taking a beating in the European market and its weak-kneed balance sheet is delaying gotta-have-it products like the Jeep Cherokee. Fiat has been talking to banks about getting money to buy the rest of Chrysler and those financial institutions have also raised issues about debt and cash reserves, and the nasty game of chess Fiat is playing with the United Auto Workers (and now the court system about the portion of Chrysler it doesn't own) could end up blowing another hole in Marchionne's plans. It is possible that this could finally have convinced Fiat to at least see how serious Audi's parent company, Volkswagen, is about buying Alfa Romeo. Or it could be just another rumour.

Beyond Alfa Romeo, the report says the deal being discussed would include the rather modern Pomigliano d'Arco plant built just for the production of Alfa Romeos. Audi's interest in Magnetti Marelli is claimed to be because the German brand wants a components maker and it would also like to establish an R&D center in Italy, where its holdings already include Lamborghini, Ducati and the styling house Italdesign-Guigiaro.

Click here for a closer look at the most recent Audi acquisitions.


Gallery: Audi Museum

Continue reading Audi rumoured to buy Alfa Romeo, officials deny it

Audi rumoured to buy Alfa Romeo, officials deny it originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alfa romeoalfa romeo audiaudiaudi alfa romeofiatitalymagnetti marellirupert stadlersergio marchionnevolkswagenvw Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20522670/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/28/audi-rumoured-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/20522670/article-detail.xml 20522670 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alfa-romeo-4c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alfa-romeo-4c-628.jpg <![CDATA[The Fiat 500 GQ Edition is not all that it appears to be]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/the-fiat-500-gq-edition-geneva-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/the-fiat-500-gq-edition-geneva-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/the-fiat-500-gq-edition-geneva-2013/#comments Filed under: , , ,



With Fiat's business model effectively previewed by rival Mini's moves toward success throughout the years, it's certainly no surprise to see the Italianate 500 start to cough up some limited edition models. The 500C has already, and famously teamed with Gucci (via a small J.Lo kerfuffle) and now Fiat has brought a 500 GQ Edition to Geneva, presumably for gentlemen drivers with style.

The co-branding with Gentleman's Quarterly includes orange GQ badges that match 500 logos of the same colour. The show car seen here is presented in a matte grey and carbon black paint scheme that will not be offered for the public when the car goes on sale in Europe (500 Bait and Switch Edition is more like it). Instead, European customers will get a two-tone metallic grey/black 500S, with chromed mirror caps, unique 16-inch wheels, orange brake calipers. Inside we're told the car will offer unique leather seats and a leather-covered gear knob.

See the show car in our gallery above, and scroll down below for the press release.

Continue reading The Fiat 500 GQ Edition is not all that it appears to be

The Fiat 500 GQ Edition is not all that it appears to be originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 fiat 500 gq edition500fiatgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showgentlemans quarterlygq Wed, 06 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20491660/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/the-fiat-500-gq-edition-geneva-2013/20491660/article-detail.xml 20491660 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fiat500gq_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fiat500gq.jpg <![CDATA[All Fiat 500 production moving to Poland by 2015?]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/all-fiat-500-production-moving-to-poland-by-2015/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/all-fiat-500-production-moving-to-poland-by-2015/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/16/all-fiat-500-production-moving-to-poland-by-2015/#comments Filed under: , , ,



The Fiat 500 is a diminutive car that dots Canadian streets in most major cities; these charismatic Italian-designed hatchbacks arrive in Canada after being built at a plant in Mexico. With the next-generation Fiat 500 expected to debut in 2015 with more of a global presence, there is a growing possibility that production of the cute little hatchback will be consolidated to a single plant in Poland. According to Automotive News Europe, Fiat plans to end production of the 500 in Toluca, Mexico and create a single Fiat 500 design for all markets.

Currently, Fiat builds two similar but structurally different 500 models for Europe and North America, and assembling just one version at the Tychy, Poland plant would allow it to cut costs for development of the new car. This would also help fill some of the capacity void that Tychy has suffered in recent years, building just 300,000 units last year compared to more than double that in 2009. The report says that while Chrysler's North American production capacity is near its limit, Fiat's European plants will be used to meet increased demand before a new plant is built in North America. As for Toluca, there is no indication as to what vehicle Chrysler would replace the 500 with at this facility, which also builds the Dodge Journey.

Meanwhile, click here to watch video of Fiat 500 assembly in Toluca, Mexico.

Continue reading All Fiat 500 production moving to Poland by 2015?

All Fiat 500 production moving to Poland by 2015? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 16 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 fiat 500500chrysler tolucacinquecentofiatfiat 500 productionfiat productiontolucatychy Sat, 16 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20456931/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/16/all-fiat-500-production-moving-to-poland-by-2015/20456931/article-detail.xml 20456931 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-fiat-500-abarth-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-fiat-500-abarth-review.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat talking with banks about buying rest of Chrysler]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/fiat-talking-with-banks-about-buying-rest-of-chrysler/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/fiat-talking-with-banks-about-buying-rest-of-chrysler/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/fiat-talking-with-banks-about-buying-rest-of-chrysler/#comments Filed under: , ,

Fiat and Chrysler logosAll that stands in the way of Fiat's total ownership of Chrysler is a 41.5-per cent stake currently held by the United Auto Workers healthcare trust, but according to SFGate.com, Sergio Marchionne is currently trying to raise the capital to complete the acquisition. The article says that a deal could be completed in as soon as 12 months, and the estimate for the remaining stake could cost Fiat SpA around US$2.98 billion.

With a goal of completing the deal by the end of 2014, Marchionne is said to be in talks with various banks to help finance some of the deal. According to the report, the banks have indicated a need for a stronger balance sheet, controlled debt and reserve cash.

Two things that don't seem to be on the table to get the deal completed include issuing new shares to raise the capital or selling a stake in Ferrari. Fiat started with a 20 per cent share of Chrysler in June 2009, and it raised its stake up to 58.5 percent in January 2012.

Continue reading Fiat talking with banks about buying rest of Chrysler

Fiat talking with banks about buying rest of Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerchrysler fiatfiatfiat chryslerfiat chrysler mergersergio marchionne Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20460249/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/13/fiat-talking-with-banks-about-buying-rest-of-chrysler/20460249/article-detail.xml 20460249 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat-chrysler-emblems_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat-chrysler-emblems.jpg <![CDATA[Wish you had a world-famous auto exec give your commencement speech? Watch this]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/wish-you-had-a-world-famous-auto-exec-give-your-commencement-spe/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/wish-you-had-a-world-famous-auto-exec-give-your-commencement-spe/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/wish-you-had-a-world-famous-auto-exec-give-your-commencement-spe/#comments Filed under: , ,

Sergio Marchionne commencement speech

We've seen some pretty great commencement speeches over the years. There was Steve Jobs' incredibly inspiring Stanford address in 2005, John Stewart's insightful speech to the graduating class of William and Mary in 2004 and Steven Colbert's hilarious 2011 address at Northwestern, but automotive executives aren't strangers to honorary degrees. Former General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner spoke at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011, and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne recently gave the keynote at Walsh College's 100th Commencement Ceremony. The executive knows a thing or two about success and following one's beliefs to fulfillment.

"I constantly encourage my co-workers at Fiat and Chrysler to go beyond the cliche and the conventional to try new approaches and change perspective each and every day," Marchionne said. "I exhort them not to repeat the same things, the same approaches, and I remind them they are indeed free. The freedom I am talking about is something inside you. It is determined by how open minded you remain, how receptive you are to the new and to the different, to the infinite possibilities that present themselves even if you don't go looking for them or could never have imagined. Being free means that you have the strength not to be conditioned by what others want you to do or by what may seem to be the easiest choice."

Amen to that. You can check out the brief press release in the address below as well as a video of a few highlights from the speech.

Continue reading Wish you had a world-famous auto exec give your commencement speech? Watch this

Wish you had a world-famous auto exec give your commencement speech? Watch this originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 10 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslercommencement speechfiatmarchionne commencement speechsergio marchionnesergio marchionne commencement speechwalsh college Sun, 10 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20447877/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/10/wish-you-had-a-world-famous-auto-exec-give-your-commencement-spe/20447877/article-detail.xml 20447877 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/sergio-marchionne-commencement-speech-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/sergio-marchionne-commencement-speech-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 Fiore Rosa is Italian-Japanese cute-overload fusion]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/fiat-500-fiore-rosa-is-italian-japanese-cute-overload-fusion/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/fiat-500-fiore-rosa-is-italian-japanese-cute-overload-fusion/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/fiat-500-fiore-rosa-is-italian-japanese-cute-overload-fusion/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Fiat 500 Fiore Rosa - Japanese special edition model in pink - front three-quarter view

If you live in Japan and you want to get something for your special someone for Valentine's Day, then slow dance down to your Fiat dealer and check out the Fiat 500 Fiore Rosa. A holiday special, the pale metallic pink Cinquecento is limited to 150 examples and only on sale from February 14-17. But beware the connotations, because as far as we can glean from Google Translate, the 500 Fiore Rosa is a bargain model, getting halogen lights instead of bi-xenons, manual air-con instead of climate control, 14-inch steel wheels instead of 15-inch alloys, and going without chrome trim, glass roof, parking sensors and alarm.

It's fitted with the TwinAir engine and gets the same price as the regular 500 TwinAir, however - 2,200,000 yen (CAD$23,615). Other than the special name, we can't figure out where the 500 Fiore Rosa is hiding its treats, especially because it gets the el-cheapo wheel covers of the 500 Pop fitted with the 1.2-litre engine instead of the 500 TwinAir wheels. But if you want to make a statement, it's there. And we're talking to the women of Japan, because apparently they're the ones who buy the gifts on Valentine's day in Nippon.

Continue reading Fiat 500 Fiore Rosa is Italian-Japanese cute-overload fusion

Fiat 500 Fiore Rosa is Italian-Japanese cute-overload fusion originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 fiat 500500500 fiore rosacinquecentofiatfiat 500 fiore rosafiat japanfiore rosaspecial editionvalentinevalentines day Wed, 06 Feb 2013 08:01:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20449459/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/06/fiat-500-fiore-rosa-is-italian-japanese-cute-overload-fusion/20449459/article-detail.xml 20449459 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat500rosa_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat500rosa.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat contemplating sub-brand to compete with Dacia, Datsun]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/fiat-contemplating-sub-brand-to-compete-with-dacia-datsun/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/fiat-contemplating-sub-brand-to-compete-with-dacia-datsun/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/fiat-contemplating-sub-brand-to-compete-with-dacia-datsun/#comments Filed under: ,

Fiat badge

You can add Fiat to the admittedly short list of automakers considering a low-cost brand to rival Dacia. The inexpensive Eastern European brand from Renault-Nissan has performed on the balance sheet like a premium model line, and the money the alliance is taking off the table is encouraging other players to deal themselves in. Pretty soon Nissan's Datsun sub-brand will join the Dacia party, going on sale in Russia, Indonesia and India and will claim even more rubles, rupiahs and rupees for the parent company. Volkswagen recently said it will make a decision this year on a budget line for the Chinese market. With the euthanasia of Lancia and plans to move the Fiat brand upmarket, company CEO Sergio Marchionne wonders aloud to Automotive News Europe whether there could be room for a new budget brand underneath Fiat.

We're told that the initiative has been in the idea box for five years and even moved to the stage of name considerations, like Innocenti, but worries about profit kept it from realization. If such a range were to be developed, Marchionne says it couldn't be built in Italy and stay within budget, and the company is "analyzing its manufacturing capacity outside of Europe to see if a low-cost brand is viable."

Continue reading Fiat contemplating sub-brand to compete with Dacia, Datsun

Fiat contemplating sub-brand to compete with Dacia, Datsun originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> daciadatsunemerging marketsfiatlancianissanrenaultsergio marchionne Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:46:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20448626/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/05/fiat-contemplating-sub-brand-to-compete-with-dacia-datsun/20448626/article-detail.xml 20448626 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat-badge-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat-badge-1.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 least safe vehicle to drive according to insurance website [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Fiat 500 crash test

When the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crashed a 2012 Fiat 500, the little car got the best scores in all categories. It's a safe car, then, right?

"If safety is a priority, you should avoid the smallest cars," advises Russ Rader, spokesperson for IIHS. "Weight counts. Smaller, lighter cars are safer than they used to be, but all things being equal, people riding in bigger, heavier vehicles get more protection in crashes."

That's why, despite its near-perfect crash-test score, the Fiat 500 is No. 1 on Insure.com's list of worst vehicles for protecting passengers from injuries. In an accident with a larger object, the Fiat's safety cage and array of air bags do what they can to protect passenges, but like eggs in a coffee can, the passengers get thrown about and smashed up.

If the Fiat 500 is like a coffee can, then a fullsize GMC pickup (which tops the website's list of vehicles best at protecting passengers) would be a 50-gallon barrel. In a collision between the two, the barrel of eggs will win every time. The GMC Sierra 1500 is rated best at protecting passengers by Insure.com, but IIHS rated it just average in the side impact test and marginal in the roof strength test. Second place on Insure.com's best list is the Porsche Cayenne, which has not been tested by IIHS. The third through fifth place spots go to the GMC Yukon, Sierra 2500 and Terrain.

The listings are the result of Insure.com's analysis of personal injury protection and medical payment claims which affect what car owners are charged for insurance.

Check out videos of the IIHS crash test of the Fiat 500 as well as the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 below.

Continue reading Fiat 500 least safe vehicle to drive according to insurance website [w/video]

Fiat 500 least safe vehicle to drive according to insurance website [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> crash testfiat 500 safetyfiat safetygmc 1500gmc crash testgmc safetygmc sierraiihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetylarge car safetysafest small carsmall car crast testsmall car safety Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20443414/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/20443414/article-detail.xml 20443414 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/500crash-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/500crash-opt.jpg -1 2