Move over MINI, we got the real Italian Job right here…

Fiat is taking the ‘New World’ by storm and the hottest thing since the Vespa scooter has landed in America – the Fiat 500c Cabrio.

The first “Nuova Cinquecento” debuted in the summer of 1957 as a cabriolet model and offered a distinctive canvas roof that opened right down the middle to the rear of the vehicle. Fast forward 54 years and Fiat builds on the brand’s spirit of building world-class small cars that ignite a “spirit of the times through simple design.”

Sporting unique but modern Italian styling, the new 500c continues Fiat’s legacy of all-season performance, fuel-efficient powertrain options and interior comfort for four. We received quite a few stares just about everywhere we went in the little cabrio, a very metro-friendly car. Street parking is a snap and visibility all around is good top up or down.

Speaking of the top, the new 500c features dual-layered cloth that is power operated and can be rolled back into numerous positions at speeds up to 60 mph. Even with the top fully closed the Fiat offers very good head room although rear seat space is a bit tight and should be reserved for the youngsters. The Cabrio is not a true convertible as only the roof retracts – the side supports (A-, B- and C-pillars) remain in place.

Powering the 500 is a sprite little 1.4-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Fiat’s MultiAir fuel-saving and emissions-reducing technology that delivers 101 hp, 98 lb. ft. of torque and 38 mpg when mated to the five-speed manual gearbox.

Fiat brings the 500c to the U.S. in two models: Pop or Lounge. Pop is designed for individuals who want Italian style and efficiency (read base model) while Lounge reflects those with a more fashion-oriented lifestyle and are attracted to premium amenities.

There are more than 500,000 ways to stylize and personalize the new Fiat 500c and a full line of Fiat accessories is available through MOPAR outlets. Fiat has also recently announced a special Gucci edition 500.

In the short time the Cinquecento has been available it has already earned some honors including being named one of the Top 10 Back-to-School Cars by kbb.com.

“In just a few short months, the Fiat 500 already is becoming a favorite with young buyers who recognize all that the new Fiat has to offer,” said Laura Soave, Head of the FIAT Brand for North America. “The new Fiat 500 is affordable transportation that is safe, practical and with a 38 mpg highway rating, easy on the wallet for high school and college students on a budget. It also has great looks and performance."

Our recent 500c Pop tester came nicely apportioned with the BLUE&ME handsfree communications package, the Bose premium audio package, bright Rosso (red) seats and Bordeaux (red) soft top. Base pricing for the Cabrio model 500 is $19,500 with our 2012 tester coming in at $21,750.

Chrysler needed a small car partner to be truly competitive not only here in the states but globally and it looks they may have found the right one with Fiat.

Ciao.

 

The Korean automakers have gotten into the hybrid game finally and the first models to market from Kia and Hyundai are on the shared midsize sedan platform of Sonata and Optima.

Recently I spent some time with the former sporting what Hyundai has dubbed its Hybrid Blue Drive system. During the time I had the vehicle I was noticing some blogs reporting steering issues and a technical bulletin issued by the manufacturer addressing some torque-steer issues with certain Sonata and Optima sedans.

I found this interesting as no sooner than I headed out the driveway I found myself pulling over to the side of the road to see if I had a flat tire or something. When applying acceleration I had a very noticeable pull or influence to the front left and I actually thought the tire had gone down. Nope, just something needing addressed by the technical service bulletin I guess.

As for the hybrid itself, well, let’s just say that it is a process and this is the first step. Hyundai’s system lacks a bit of finesse in the areas of gas engine integration, braking, acceleration and a couple of other areas but I remember the first Prius here in North America was no champion either.

The Blue Drive system in the Sonata is a full parallel hybrid system meaning the vehicle will operate on full electric power (up to 62 mph depending on battery status) or a combination of gas and electric and the gas engine will shut off when the vehicle comes to a stop thereby reducing emissions while idling.

Fuel economy is marginally better than other powertrain offerings from the automaker but the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is the major benefit here for this first-generation release.

While Hyundai touts best-in-class fuel economy we know first hand that the Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan delivers slightly better returns. The Sonata Hybrid uses a new lithium polymer battery pack (manganese spinel) that is said to be more reliable and robust with greater thermal stability therefore extending the pack’s lifespan.

Hyundai also differs from competitive hybrids in the layout of the powertrain, specifically they place the electric motor between the gas engine and the transmission gear set they dub TMED (Transmission Mounted Electric Drive). They say this offers more flexibility in future hybrid models.

The Hyundai Blue Drive system is mated to a more traditional six-speed automatic transmission in the Sonata whereas most of the competition relies on CVT technology in their vehicles.

The gasoline component is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and operates on an Atkinson cycle similar to other hybrid cars. The shortcomings of this design, in the area of low-end torque, is mitigated through the involvement of the electric motor on acceleration.

As to the new Sonata itself, the vehicle is completely new and features the modern styling cues of the automaker. This is one of the best looking cars in the segment today and the quality is at an all-time high for the Koreans. Other than the torque steer issue there is very little to fault in the new Sonata. Given the recent heat wave we have been experiencing about the only luxury item I would have liked to have would have been ventilated seats (which is available in sibling Kia Optima).

Pricing for the new hybrid from Hyundai begins at $25,795 with our loaded tester coming in at $31,650. Fuel economy is rated at 35 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. There is a bit of a loss of trunk space due to the hybrid battery pack back there and the spare tire has been removed in place of a tire inflation kit for weight savings. Hybrid powertrain performance is rated at 206.2hp and 193.4 lb. ft. of torque with the electric motor rated at 34kW and lithium polymer battery pack is 270V.

 

While the new QX flagship from Infiniti arriving in new form and function was news in and of itself, what really excited me was the possibility of the new beefy powertrain rolling over to the shared platform of the Titan pickup.

Well, I have seen the new spec sheet for the 2012 Titan and my bubble burst ­­– more of the same old, same old I am afraid.

The large rigs in the Nissan/Infiniti stable all shared the same basic architecture that supports the same V-8 engine pushing the rear or all four wheels on a frame-based skeleton. So it would figure that if the luxury division was now supplying 400 ponies under the hood that those carrying similar DNA would also get the power boost, right? Apparently not.

Enough ranting about what should have been, let’s talk about what is, and what this is is the next-generation QX56 fullsize SUV from Infiniti touted as all new from the platform up. It is a little bit longer and wider than the model it replaces yet overall height is up to 2.9 inches lower.

While still displacing 5.6-liters the new engine benefits from direct injection technology and is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox and still available in two- or four-wheel drive. And despite power being upgraded to 400hp and 413 lb. ft. of torque (compared to 320 and 393 respectively with the 2010 model), EPA combined fuel economy is 14 percent improved. The new Hill Start Assist system eliminates rollbacks when starting off on an incline and buyers get a choice of 20- or 22-inch wheels and tires.

The first generation QX featured some rather polarizing design elements. The 2011 sports a complete makeover that follows the lead of the new M sedans – definitely for the better. Up to eight adults ride in total comfort and style courtesy the latest in technology and safety wrapped in quality craftsmanship.

Superior ride quality is achieved thanks to front and rear independent suspension with stabilizer bars as well as automatic rear self-leveling system and those who opt for the deluxe touring package get a new hydraulic body motion control system further enhancing the onroad experience. Those wishing to tow with their Luxury Utility Vehicle will find the new QX56 capable to pull up to 8,500 lbs.

Inside and out, this next-gen QX is quite spectacular. Yes it is rather large and yes it does come with a hefty pricetag but for those still needing/wanting a large, luxury SUV the new Infiniti QX56 should be on your short list. Pricing for our 4WD tester started at $59,800 and rose to $72,240 with the Theater, Technology, and Deluxe Touring packages all added on, so definitely comparably priced with the competition.