Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio Offer Automatic Transmission Option For 2015

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

• Six-speed automatic transmission available as an option to five-speed manual transmission on 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio
• Specially tuned automatic transmission maintains high-performance legacy of Abarth models while delivering accessible performance to more customers
• 2015 Fiat 500 Turbo will also offer an optional automatic transmission

The high-performance 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio, to be showcased at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, will be available with an optional six-speed automatic transmission, helping to broaden the customer base for the high-performance version of the Fiat 500.

"Adding an optional automatic transmission makes the Abarth and Abarth Cabrio accessible to an entirely new group of customers who want to enjoy the thrilling driving experience of the Fiat 500 Abarth with the convenience of an automatic gearbox," said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC.

To ensure the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio remain true to their high-performance and track-ready heritage, the six-speed automatic transmission – Aisin AW6F25 six-speed – has been reinforced with more clutch plates and a more robust heat treatment to allow for higher torque capability. The Sport mode calibration allows for an even more engaged driving experience with special features such as fuel-cut upshifts, rev-matching downshifts, brake-assist downshifts, corner gear hold and fast-off gear hold, as well as a more aggressive pedal map.

Both the automatic and manual transmission options for the 2015 Fiat Abarth and Abarth Cabrio will be paired with the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine. Both Abarth models will continue to include the segment-exclusive Abarth Track Experience, which allows Fiat 500 Abarth drivers to learn how to maximize their driving skills with a full day of professional driving instruction.

Fiat 500 Turbo
The Fiat 500 Turbo was introduced in 2012 for driving enthusiasts who wanted the Italian style of the Fiat 500 with more power and performance for their daily drive. For the 2015 model year, the Fiat 500 Turbo will also offer the Aisin AW6F25 six-speed automatic transmission as an option to pair with the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine.

As one of the more affordable turbocharged vehicles available, the Fiat 500 Turbo amplifies the Cinquecento's power, performance and personalization levels while keeping the character of the iconic Fiat 500.

"When it was launched two years ago, the Fiat 500 Turbo hit the sweet spot between the regular Fiat 500 and the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth," said Stoicevich. "The availability of the automatic transmission now makes this sweet spot even sweeter, by expanding the Turbo's appeal, particularly among young buyers who can now buy one of the most affordable turbocharged cars in the market with the convenience of an automatic transmission."

The Fiat 500 Turbo continues to offer a distinctive look, with an aggressively styled front fascia, bolder side skirts and unique 16-inch aluminum wheels. At the rear, a liftgate-mounted spoiler extends the roofline, while a black-accented rear diffuser optimizes airflow.

In addition to the optional automatic transmission offering for the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Turbo models, the entire Fiat 500 lineup will receive interior updates for 2015, including an innovative instrument panel with a 7-inch high-definition display to help drivers easily monitor vehicle information.

The 2015 Fiat 500 lineup will arrive at Fiat studios nationwide in July 2014.

About FIAT Brand
The FIAT brand stands for discovery through passionate self-expression. It encourages people to be in charge of their lives, live confidently and celebrate the smallest of things with infectious excitement. That philosophy is embodied by the North American introduction of the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento — a small car that lives big. Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, the Fiat 500 is synonymous with modern, simple design blending form, function and a pride of ownership that is genuine. The FIAT brand portfolio in North America continues to expand. In 2013, the FIAT brand launched the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio, the fully electric Fiat 500e, the Fiat 500L and Fiat 500L Trekking.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140407/DE99019

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC