by Michael Satterfield
I have often been critical of the new Fiat, and it's not that I don't want them to do well, it just seems that they had a little too much Chrysler in them. Visiting a local dealer is painful, the staff is untrained, dressed poorly, and squander the amazing "Studios" they have been given. The Abarth had some quality issued (addressed and fixed now), and it just seemed like the launch back in the USA was not well thought out, from the first round of bad advertisements featuring Jennifer Lopez to the lackadaisical staff. But there have been some well executed points including the brands collaboration with Italian designer Gucci.
Fiat partnered with Gucci last year, to much success. This one should be a hit as well with a starting price of just $23,750, you get a lot of style for the money. I have to say that most of the time I have found the "designer" edition cars end up with little more then logo slapped on the trunk lid (Think Cartier Lincolns), most have lacked the bespoke feel that you would expect from the brand they are suppose to be representing.
But having drove the previous Gucci model, I think that Fiat has hit the nail on the head, instead of just tossing a big Gucci logo on the car and charging $5,000 more, the details are right on. The the materials are right, the feel of the car is right, and I think that this car would look right at home in a Gucci store.
Check out the official press release and more photos below, to get yours you'll need to visit your local Fiat Studio.
Successful Fiat 500 by Gucci Edition Returns to America
- Successful Fiat 500 and 500c (Cabrio) by Gucci Edition back by customer demand
- Gucci Edition models available for a limited time in North America
- Arriving to FIAT studios in June with a starting price of $23,750
June 11, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition, the perfect combination of Italian craftsmanship and style in a small car, brings two of Italy's most respected brands together for an encore. The new limited-edition 2013 Fiat 500 and 500c Gucci Edition models will return to America with a new discrete appearance inside and out while continuing to meet the popularity and market demand of the previous edition.
"It doesn't get better than this: two brands like Gucci and FIAT collaborating on an encore of the fastest-selling Fiat 500 that we ever had in our U.S. portfolio," said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America - Chrysler Group LLC. "The success of the Fiat 500 by Gucci demonstrates that there is a clientele in America that appreciates and demands high-quality small cars loaded with the craftsmanship, technology and the style that only the Italians can offer. Almost all of the vehicles of this new edition have been spoken for by our studios, and they can't wait to start selling them again."
2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition
For customers who prefer a two-tone environment, the 2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition models reintroduce the original two interior color schemes. Tied to the Gucci Nero exterior color is an interior detailed with Bianco/Nero seating and accents, while the Gucci Bianco exterior color features the reciprocal Nero/Bianco theme.
The 2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition models feature several exclusive design elements that highlight the Cinquecento's iconic style. A signature Gucci Verde/Rosso/Verde (green/red/green) web stripe runs along the entire bodyside perimeter on the Fiat 500 by Gucci, or across the length of the power-retractable cloth top on the Fiat 500c by Gucci model. Chrome cursive "Gucci" signatures complete the door frames and hatchback, complementing the bright (Gucci Nero) or satin (Gucci Bianco) chrome-accented exterior mirrors, door handles and hood spear. Adding to the vehicle's sculpted fenders are uniquely designed, retro-inspired 15-inch aluminum wheels color-keyed to the Gucci Nero or Gucci Bianco exterior paint. For even more sophistication, the wheel design includes center caps with interlocking "GG" hubcaps and brake pads lacquered in signature Gucci Verde (green).
The 2013 Fiat 500 by Gucci Edition has a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $23,750, while the 2013 Fiat 500c by Gucci Edition model starts at $27,750 (both models do not include $800 destination). The new Gucci Edition models arrive in spring of 2013 and will be offered for a limited time only.
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