#LAAS2015: Fiat Debuts The All-New 124 Spider, Talks Legacy And Revival Of FIAT In North America

One of the more anticipated pieces of low hanging fruit making its debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) was the all-new Fiat 124 Spider. Paying homage to the original that came about nearly 50 years ago, the all-new open top Fiat is continuing the Italian marque's product expansion in North America.

For those of you wondering if this is the joint project car with Mazda, you're in the right place. Just take one look at its interior and you'll see why — it is essentially lifted directly from the Mazda MX-5.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) Photo Gallery

According to the company-issued release, the Fiat will be powered by a turbocharged, 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine good for 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. A manual or automatic gearbox can be had and if you're smart we'd assume you'll opt for the standard transmission. Although the press materials doesn't explicitly say it is a manual soft top, the fact it reads that the top requires "minimal force" suggests to me it is a fully manual convertible.

The first 124 units will be offered as a special edition. As of now pricing remains to be determined, but one thing you can bet on is that the 124 Spider will arrive in showrooms come summer 2016.

For the FULL details, scope out the press release, below!

The 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show photo galleries are sponsored by Lexus.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) Photo Gallery

Fiat's press release follows:

Press Kit: 2017 Fiat 124 Spider

All-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Revives Legendary Nameplate with Iconic Italian Styling and Dynamic Driving Experience

2017 Fiat 124 Spider returns nearly 50 years after original introduction
Revival of roadster continues expansion of FIAT brand in North America
Delivers iconic Italian style with modern adaptation of original Spider legend
Powered by turbocharged MultiAir 1.4-liter engine for 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, available with manual or automatic transmission
Available with an array of safety and security features, plus technologies for added comfort and convenience
First 124 units will be available as limited-production Prima Edizione Lusso

Auburn Hills, Mich., Nov 18, 2015 - The all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider revives the storied nameplate, bringing its classic Italian styling and performance to a new generation. Paying homage to the original 124 Spider nearly 50 years after its introduction, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic Italian design.

“There’s no better way to celebrate 50 years of the Fiat 124 Spider than to bring back this iconic roadster, pairing its Italian styling of the past with all of the modern performance and technology of today,” said Olivier François, Head of FIAT Brand, FCA – Global. “The 124 Spider expands the FIAT family, bringing to market yet another head-turning, fun-to-drive vehicle for our customers.”

Engaging driving dynamics through thoughtful engineering
In North America, the Fiat 124 Spider is available with the proven 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine, the engine’s first application in a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. The engine delivers 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, and is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 124 Spider’s suspension uses a double-wishbone layout in front and a multi-link in the rear, specifically tuned for greater stability while braking and turning. Steering is light and responsive with the use of an electric power assist (dual pinion) system.

The steering and suspension setup, lightweight frame, balanced weight distribution and turbocharged engine combine for a dynamic driving experience. Noise vibration and harshness (NVH) enhancements, including an acoustic front windshield and insulation treatments, also help to deliver a refined, quiet ride.

For an open-air driving experience, the Fiat 124 Spider’s soft convertible top is easy to operate and requires minimal force, much like the original Spider’s top.

Loaded with safety, security and technology features
The all-new roadster is available with an array of safety and security features, including adaptive front headlamps, Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection and ParkView rear backup camera. A high-strength body helps to dissipate energy while optimizing occupant protection.

The Fiat 124 Spider is also available with technology features for added comfort and convenience, including the FIAT Connect 7.0 system with 7-inch touchscreen display, multimedia control, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats and Keyless Enter ‘n Go.

A Bose premium sound system with nine speakers, including dual headrest speakers, is also available for superior sound quality even with the top down.

Design pays homage to past with modern interpretation of styling cues
The all-new Fiat 124 Spider, designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, borrows cues from the original Spider – widely considered one of Fiat’s most beautiful cars of all time – and reinterprets them for today. The 2017 124 Spider has a timeless low-slung presence, with a classically beautiful bodyside, well-balanced proportions and a sporty cabin-to-hood ratio. Features like the hexagonal upper grille and grille pattern, “power domes” on the front hood and sharp horizontal rear lamps call to mind details of the historic Spider.

The interior is crafted and designed to focus on the occupants, with premium soft-touch materials throughout. Ergonomics were applied to emphasize the driving experience and ensure easy operation of the steering wheel, pedals and shifter while driving.

The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is available in two trim levels: Classica and Lusso. Each model is available in six exterior paint colors, including Rosso Passione (Red Clear Coat), Bianco Gelato (White Clear Coat), Nero Cinema (Jet Black Metallic), Grigio Argento (Gray Metallic), Grigio Moda (Dark Gray Metallic) and Bronzo Magnetico (Bronze Metallic). The Lusso (“Luxury”) model is also available in tri-coat Bianco Perla (Crystal White Pearl).

Special edition gives enthusiasts the chance to own one of the first 2017 Fiat 124 Spiders
To celebrate the return of the classic nameplate, the first 124 vehicles will be offered as a limited-edition Prima Edizione Lusso, as shown at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. Each will be individually numbered with a commemorative badge and available in exclusive Azzurro Italia (Blue) exterior paint with premium leather seats in Saddle. Owners who purchase a Prima Edizione will also receive limited-edition items, including wearables and a poster. For more information about ordering a Fiat 124 Spider Prima Edizione, interested customers can sign up for updates at http://www.fiatusa.com.

The all-new Fiat 124 Spider will arrive in FIAT studios in North America in summer 2016.

MDarringer - 11/18/2015 8:54:16 AM

-1 Boost

I didn't think the Miata could be made uglier, but Fiat succeeded.

mre30 - 11/18/2015 10:06:48 AM

+2 Boost

Looks a little like a Miata - interior is fantastic however.

Probably not unique enough, however there is nothing that can't be fixed by adding horsepower. Would the Maserati twin turbo V6 from Ghibli fit into this? How sweet would that be?

MDarringer - 11/19/2015 8:45:09 AM

0 Boost

The Miata BEGS for a V6 but all the people who are afraid of power would fly into a rage and bully anyone who suggests that the Miata's platform can easily handle 300 horsepower.

jameswisrik - 11/18/2015 11:01:04 AM

-1 Boost

Mazda gave fiat the last generation leftovers! I'll take the Miata. FIAT touched it so ...it will be a POS!

cidflekken - 11/18/2015 11:20:51 AM

+1 Boost

If art imitated life, then this is what a Japanese person trying to be Italian would look like. What a mess.

TheSteve - 11/18/2015 12:14:49 PM

+1 Boost

I think it's a good looking car, inside and out, except for the "corrugated sheet-metal" hood.

The problem lies in the Fiat brand, though. Fiat sales fell off the map in North America because the products weren't particularly good, and trying to resurrect the brand here just by offering products for sale isn't likely to change the public's perception of the brand.

MDarringer - 11/19/2015 8:49:22 AM

+1 Boost

Indeed, you are correct. FCA made several tactical errors in returning Fiat to the USA. The stand-alone dealer nonsense was mistake #1. Fiat is a niche brand at best because they focus on tiny cars. They should have been co-branded with Dodge and Alfa-Romeo with Chrysler. OR if the stand-alone dealer was essential, they should have gone with Fiat/Alfa-Romeo/Maserati with Alfa Romeo being near-premium FWD/AWD which they could have accomplished EASILY.

CarCrazedinCali - 11/18/2015 1:16:43 PM

+1 Boost

The Miata is definitely the better looking version but a turbo charged motor in the Fiat makes it sorta interesting

mini22 - 11/19/2015 11:46:50 AM

0 Boost

I'm just not into Jap cars I guess. I liked the NC Miata better than this ND version. I don't like it's swoopy styling, I don't like the tear drop head lamps. I think the rear tail lamps are a poor imitation of the Jaguar F Type tail lamps. Further compared to the Toyobaru twins the Miata has all this body roll in corners. I'm hoping that Fiat will tune this out. The Fiat to me is simply a more balanced design. Further I like the heritage in the front end styling tying it back to the original 124 spider. While the Fiat is 100 LBS heavier it also has 36 extra Lbs of torque in it's turbocharges 1.4 Abarth engine. Not only should it have better mid range in everyday driving it should have better off the line performance. Further the Abarth engine is one of the best sounding 4 cylinder engines out on the market. So I do look forward to a test drive. However saying this Fiat is having problems.
1)The 500 L is not only ugly but is also rated the worse vehicle being sold on the market today according to Consumer Reports. It's not selling.
2) The sales of the original Fiat 500 has dropped significantly.
In fact the one vehicle that seems to be helping sales is the 500X.
So Fiat needs to have a follow-up model to the 500X. Perhaps a larger model based on the 500X. I think Fiat should simply drop the L. The orginal model for the 500 needs to be replaced and should also come in a 4dr. Fiat should also consider importing their Ranger sized pickup. That along with the 124 Spider and larger SUV/CUV would help overall Fiat sales significantly. But definitely dump the 500L.Perhaps Darringer is correct. Maybe Chrysler should have just incorporated Fiat in with other Chyrsler products. However it is too late now. Perhaps with Alfa expanding it's line up having a combined dealership along with Fiat is the best solution now.

jameswisrik - 11/20/2015 8:27:13 AM

+1 Boost

FCA/GM...WHEN WILL THE GOV'T BAIL THEM OUT AGAIN! VERY SOON. WITH THESE UGLY DESIGNS AND POS RELIABILITY RECORD!

ONLY DRIVE-BY TRAILER TRASH, NEGRO GANGBANGERS, AND OLD PEOPLE WILL SPEND THEIR HARD EARN CRACK MONEY, WELFARE, SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS ON THESE UAW BUILT POS.

mini22 - 11/20/2015 11:59:48 AM

+1 Boost

I'm not sure Fiat is going to market the 124 Spider to directly compete with the Miata or the Toyobaru twins etc. If you notice the Lusso only comes with an automatic. It has nicer soft touch surfaces than the Miata. There is no "Club" edition. I think the so called called "sportscar" version is going to be the Abarth. However I think Fiat is actually going to go after the luxury roadster version of the market with this car. That means a cut price Z4, Mercedes SLK,Beetle Cabrio etc.So a less hard core sportscar and more cruiser. From a marketing stand point that appeals to more buyers. More buyers are what Fiat needs at this point.