Fiat-Chrysler: A match made for enthusiasts

The Fiat-Chrysler marriage means big love for auto enthusiasts in the United States. Here's a quick rundown on some of the Fiat hardware we got a chance to sample during a recent visit to the company's headquarters and test track in Italy.

Fiat 500: With styling that makes it look like the spawn of a Volkswagen Beetle and a BMW Mini Cooper, the 500 does an Italian job on both competitors: It's cuter than a Beetle, and likely less expensive than a comparable Mini. Did we mention it's a hoot to drive? Look for all the 500s in the United States by late 2010 or early 2011.

Fiat 500C: See all of the above. Remove hardtop, replace with giant folding retractable fabric roof, and let the sun shine in. Shouldn't this car have a bud vase? Nah.

Fiat 500 Abarth: We've been using a long Midwestern-inflected "aaay" in pronouncing Abarth for years, when it turns out the correct Italian pronunciation is an open-wide-and-say "Aaahh"-Barth. No matter how you say it, the car's extra power and handling make the pint-sized Fiat a stylish and punchy opponent for the John Cooper Works Mini.

Alfa Romeo MiTo: Equally fun but offering more room and functionality, the MiTo will be the first Fiat to get the company's performance-oriented, fuel/emissions-saving Multiair electronic valve-control technology. We drove 1.4-liter models with the Multiair setup and found a surprising range of power and flexibility. Also due in late 2010 or early 2011.

Beyond the Multiair tuning (which also will find its way onto Chrysler's global four-cylinder engine), look for a trick new six-speed dual-clutch gearbox from Fiat, and special valve overlap tuning on turbo models that increases blown-through air pressure to get the turbo up to speed at low rpm.

By Bob Gritzinger