Fiat Press Release
Fiat TwinAir 500 and the new "byAbarth" Pack
The Fiat 500 TwinAir trim level combines the revolutionary two-cylinder engine with dedicated look and engineering contents that identify a genuine product line. In particular, the new offer is a response to the extraordinary appreciation displayed by the international press and the general public. Already today one 500 out of three sold in Europe is equipped with the TwinAir engine. The success of this engine is accompanied by the numerous awards it has won, including the "International Engine of the Year 2011".
With the 85 HP of this extraordinary engine, the 500 TwinAir guarantees maximum "fun to drive", low fuel consumption and the lowest emissions in the world for a petrol engine as well as a highly satisfying retro sound reminiscent of the first legendary 500's.
On the outside, harking back to the look of the Fiat "competition" series of the 1970s, the 500 TwinAir offers high impact details such as special burnished "antracite" trim, a "piano black" (optional) roof and matt black wheels as standard. The same highly individual touch is apparent inside, where the Total Black environment with sports seats and the burnished dashboard fascia exalt the centrality of the innovative "Blue&Me TomTom 2 LIVE", the latest development of the Blue&Me infotainment system that not only manages telephone, navigation, media player and all information required for driving by means of a colour touchscreen, but "Live" technology as well, which updates - in real time - maps, traffic conditions, local searches and weather directly on the device.
The TwinAir version extends the Fiat 500 offer by directly addressing an urban and dynamic audience. Because in addition to guaranteeing fun and maximum driving satisfaction, the 500 TwinAir offers product content with great personality and great value to customers. This concept was well conveyed also by the European advertising campaign "Everyday Fun" with a special spokesperson: Fernando Alonso, the Ferrari Formula 1 world champion.
Just to emphasize the sporty and dynamic soul of the 500 TwinAir, Fiat has also created the new "byAbarth Pack". The customisation kit, developed in close collaboration with Abarth, is characterised by the "Total Black" 16" special alloy wheels with Abarth hub caps, side skirts, rear spoiler, racing graphics on the bonnet and a sporty pedal unit. The new "Pack byAbarth" is available from November as an option combined with the Pasodoble Red and Crossover Black exterior colours.
Separate mention must be made of the 85 HP TwinAir Turbo - forerunner of a new two-cylinder engine family from Fiat Powertrain, with performance levels between 65 and 105 HP - which emphasises the fun driving qualities of this car while returning excellent performance levels, borne out by a top speed of 173 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 11 seconds. When compared with the 100 HP 1.4 engine, the 85 HP TwinAir delivers a torque increase of 25% at 2,000 rpm despite a reduction of 30% in fuel consumption. This remarkable performance offers significant driving satisfaction and a significant reduction in fuel consumption: 4.0 l/100 km and 4.1 l/100 km in the combined cycle with a Dualogic robotised gearbox and manual gearbox respectively. It should also be noted that the Fiat 500 TwinAir boasts the best CO2 emission levels in the world for a petrol engine: 90 g/km with Dualogic robotised gearbox and 92 g/km with manual gearbox.
This is thanks to the small-sized turbine which, combined with dedicated valve management strategies, minimises transient response times and, at the same time, keeps maximum power levels high. In this way, despite its small size, the engine ensures excellent performance and an appreciable reduction in fuel consumption: compared with a 1.2 8v, the 85 HP TwinAir records a power increase of 25% despite a 15% reduction in fuel consumption. In fact, the performance of the twin-cylinder unit is not only equivalent to a 1.4 16v, but its fuel consumption is a remarkable 30% less.
The maximum torque (in Normal mode) of 145 Nm at 1900 rpm also guarantees performance and immediate response for a sportier drive. If you prefer to prioritise the green aspect and great fuel economy, you can always press the ECO key to limit torque to 100 Nm at 2000 rpm.
The 85 HP TwinAir unit also comes with Start&Stop as standard. This device temporarily stops the engine and restarts it, ensuring reductions in fuel consumption and noise in the passenger compartment when the device is in operation. The Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) fitted in conjunction with the Start&Stop is a veritable co-pilot that discreetly suggests to drivers when they should change gear, leading to more efficient use of the power unit in terms of fuel consumption. For example, the GSI may suggest shifting up, by means of an indication on the control panel, to allow the engine to burn a leaner mixture, i.e. one containing less fuel, or shifting down to make best use of the available torque.
