There was undoubtedly some freaking out at the annual Fiat Freakout held at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC this year. The Freakout is more respectably referred to as the annual gathering of Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited, where owners and fans show their vintage love. This year, Fiat North America CEO Laura Soave personally rewarded the assembly with news that they would get first dibs on the first five hundred Fiat 500s to come to America, called the “Prima Edizione.” (more…)

Fiat’s Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari” is confirmed:

Still waiting for that baby Ferrari to come along? This may be as close as you’ll get. Confirming earlier reports, Fiat’s Abarth and Ferrari subsidiaries have gotten together to collaborate on a special 500 to honor Maranello. We first heard about a special Ferrari edition 500 last year when we were in Italy test driving the new Alfa MiTo. But while the previous 500 created for Ferrari was used solely as a courtesy car for Ferrari owners bringing in their cars for service, this new Frankfurt-bound special edition will actually be available for purchase by the general public. (more…)

With the Fiat 500 still selling like hotcakes, the Italian automaker’s performance division is reportedly working on a new combination to further bolster interest in the retro hatch. Melding the best elements of the 500 Abarth and the new 500C convertible, Fiat is said to be preparing a 500C Abarth for launch overseas in time for the next sunny season. (more…)

Celebrating Abarth’s return to the Dutch market, Fiat and Abarth have released this limited edition 500 Competizione. (more…)

Finally, an automaker giving something back to their fans. (more…)