{"id":21845,"date":"2018-02-08T12:29:32","date_gmt":"2018-02-08T16:29:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=21845"},"modified":"2018-02-08T12:29:32","modified_gmt":"2018-02-08T16:29:32","slug":"fiat-500-gets-an-extra-dash-of-spice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2018\/02\/fiat-500-gets-an-extra-dash-of-spice","title":{"rendered":"Fiat 500 gets an extra dash of spice"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"fiat-8\"<\/p>\n<\/div>

The cute Fiat 500 is ditching its 4-cylinder hamster wheel and going turbo.<\/p>\n

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced at the Chicago Auto Show today that, for 2018, its Italian meatball will be roadkill no more: Its base 101-horsepower, normally aspirated engine is being retired for a turbo-4 shared by the rest of Fiat\u2019s lineup.<\/p>\n

Gaining 33 percent more horsepower over the previous leafblower, the 135-horse 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo is a detuned version of the 160-horsepower buzzsaw in the 500\u2019s Abarth performance model.<\/p>\n

The 500\u2019s engine is shared by the rest of Fiat\u2019s lineup which includes the Pope\u2019s favorite roomy hatchback, the 500L,; the\u00a0500X subcompact crossover<\/a>; and the\u00a0Fiat 124 Spider sports car<\/a>. All Fiat models receive trim and feature updates for the new model year.<\/p>\n

A mainstay in tight Italian streets since 1957, the 500 \u2013 or \u201cCinquecento\u201d in Italian \u2013 has struggled to gain traction in SUV-obsessed America\u00a0since its introduction in 2011<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In addition to its small size, the 500 was derided for its mousy mill. The new engine comes standard on Pop and Lounge trims with the six-speed manual transmission an option.<\/p>\n

The feisty, top-trim Abarth, meanwhile, maintains its turbocharged 160 horsepower and 183 pound-feet of torque while offering sporty touches like bolstered seats, stiffened suspension, 16-inch black aluminum wheels, red brake calipers and a dual-exhaust with an obnoxious howl.<\/p>\n

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