Fiat 124 Spider (2016)
The Fiat 124 Spider (Type 348), nicknamed the Fiata, is a front-engine, rear-drive, two-passenger roadster manufactured by Mazda for FCA, having debuted at the 2015 LA Auto Show for model year 2016.[6]
| Fiat 124 Spider | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Also called | Abarth 124 Spider |
| Production | 2016–2019 |
| Model years | 2017–2020 |
| Assembly | Japan: Hiroshima (Mazda Hiroshima plant)[1] |
| Designer | Centro Stile Fiat under Alberto Dilillo[2] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car/roadster (S) |
| Body style | 2-door convertible |
| Layout | FMR layout |
| Platform | Mazda NE/NF |
| Related | Mazda MX-5 (ND) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.4 L MultiAir I4 (turbocharged gasoline) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic Aisin B400[3][4][5] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm (90.9 in)[5] |
| Length | 4,054 mm (159.6 in)[5] |
| Width | 1,740 mm (68.5 in)[5] |
| Height | 1,233 mm (48.5 in)[5] |
| Kerb weight | 1,050–1,070 kg (2,315–2,359 lb)[5] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Fiat Barchetta |
Largely based on the fourth generation Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster, and manufactured alongside the MX-5 at Mazda's Hiroshima plant,[6][7] the 124 shares its platform, mechanicals, interior and top mechanism with the MX-5 — it is distinguished by an FCA engineered and manufactured turbocharged Multiair engine, uniquely tuned shock absorbers, unique exterior styling and slightly increased length and cargo capacity over the MX-5.[8][9][10]
The 124 nameplate and exterior styling details recall the Pininfarina-designed Fiat 124 Sport Spider, manufactured from 1966 to 1985.[6]
Background
In May 2012, Mazda and Alfa Romeo — at the time a subsidiary of the Fiat Group, now Stellantis — announced a joint venture to manufacture a common rear wheel drive platform. The companies would "develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand specific, lightweight roadsters featuring rear wheel drive", with the two variants offering proprietary engines unique to each brand.[11]
In December 2014, FCA's Sergio Marchionne determined Alfa Romeos would be manufactured only in Italy,[12] saying "some things belong to a place. Alfa belongs to Italy," adding "I remain committed to that architecture, with our powertrain. I'm not sure it will be with Alfa. But it will be with one of our brands."[13]
At the time, Alfa Romeos were manufactured only in Italy, while Fiats were manufactured in Italy, but also globally — from Tychy, Poland, to Toluca, Mexico.
With their prior agreement in place — for FCA to market a roadster based on the MX-5 to be manufactured by Mazda at its Hiroshima factory — FCA conceived of marketing a Fiat badged variant in lieu of the Alfa Romeo variant.[8] In August 2016, FCA formally announced the Fiat 124 Spider based on the Mazda ND platform.[14][15]
In December 2016, the Detroit News said "in partnering with Mazda’s MX-5 Miata to resurrect the classic Fiat 124 Spider, Fiat Chrysler not only gained a halo sports car for its struggling Italian brand, but likely saved the most celebrated small sports car of the past 25 years (the MX-5)" — citing the markedly increased cost of developing a new car at the time[16] and "the costliest wave of government regulation since the 1970s."[16]
In January 2019, FCA announced the Fiat 124 Spider was to be withdrawn from the market in the United Kingdom with immediate effect. The Abarth 124 Spider continued to be sold, but this too was withdrawn from the UK market in April 2019.
On December 23, 2020, Stellantis announced the 124 Spider and 500 were to be withdrawn from their North American model lineup after the 2020 model year and would not return for 2021, as is the situation with 500L. These models were expected to sell into 2021 until stock depletion.[17]
Specifications
The 124 Spider was powered by Fiat's 1.4 litre MultiAir turbocharged inline-four, producing 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) and 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) of torque[1] in European specification—and 160 hp (119 kW; 162 PS) and 184 lb⋅ft (249 N⋅m) of torque in North American specification.[4] The 124 manual transmission is from the third generation MX-5's six speed transmission to cope with the turbo's torque.[18]
Multiair is a hydraulically actuated variable valve timing (VVT) engine technology enabling "cylinder by cylinder, stroke by stroke"[19] control of intake air directly via a gasoline engine's inlet valves. Developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the technology bypasses a primary engine inefficiency: pumping losses caused by restriction of the intake passage by the throttle plate, used to regulate air feeding the cylinders.[20]
Engines and performance
Note: MT6 = six speed manual transmission, AT6 = six speed automatic transmission.
| Model | Engine type | Power | Torque | Trans. | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | Top speed | CO2 emissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat 124 Spider[5] | 1,368 cc I4 MultiAir turbo (petrol) | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 5,000 rpm | 240 N⋅m (177 lbf⋅ft) at 2,250 rpm | MT6 | 7.5 s | 215 km/h (134 mph) | 148 g/km |
| AT6 | 7.6 s | 214 km/h (133 mph) | 153 g/km | ||||
| Fiat Abarth 124 Spider[21] | 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm | MT6 | 6.8 s | 232 km/h (144 mph) | 148 g/km | |
| AT6 | 6.9 s | 229 km/h (142 mph) | 153 g/km |
Engines and performance, North American models
Note: MT6 = six speed manual transmission, AT6 = six speed automatic transmission.
| Model | Engine type | Power | Torque | Trans. | 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | Top speed | Fuel economy (combined) | CO2 emissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat 124 Spider | 1,368 cc I4 MultiAir turbo (petrol) | 160 hp (119 kW) at 5,500 rpm | 184 lb⋅ft (249 N⋅m) at 2,500 rpm | MT6 | 6.8 s | n/a | 30 mpg‑US (7.8 L/100 km) | 298 g/mi |
| AT6 | 6.8 s | n/a | 29 mpg‑US (8.1 L/100 km) | 302 g/mi | ||||
| Fiat 124 Spider Abarth | 164 hp (122 kW) at 5,500 rpm | 184 lb⋅ft (249 N⋅m) at 2,500 rpm | MT6 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| AT6 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Limited editions
At the 124's debut, Fiat marketed a 124 Spider Anniversary edition, with 124 units carrying the designation—to commemorate the 50th anniversary of original 124 Sport Spider. Including features of the 124 Spider Lusso Plus trim, the edition also includes chromed mirrors, red '124' badge on the front grille, interior numbered plaque, red exterior and black leather interior.[22]
Abarth 124 Spider
The Abarth 124 Spider is a performance version of the Fiat 124 Spider (2016). It features an upgraded version of the 124's 1.4 litre MultiAir Turbo engine tuned to produce 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) of torque at 2,500 rpm.
Reception
Jeremy Clarkson, in his "Driving" column of The Sunday Times, gave the Fiat 124 Spider three out of five stars, saying that "You'd expect the Fiat, being Italian and all, to be sportier and more manic than the MX-5, but actually it's quieter and less fun."[23]
Sales
- 2016 : 3,717 (Europe)[24] + 2,475 (United States)[25] + 258 (Canada);[26]
- 2017 : 7,831 (Europe)[24] + 4,478 (United States)[25] + 601 (Canada);[26]
- 2018 : 7,637 (Europe)[24] + 3,515 (United States)[25] + 284 (Canada);[26]
- 2019 : 4,717 (Europe)[24] + 2,644 (United States)[25] + 205 (Canada);[26]
- 2020 : 76 (Europe)[24] + 1,711 (United States)[25] + 165 (Canada);[26]
- 2021 : 955 (United States)[26] + 52 (Canada)[26]
That is more than 36,500 units, and probably around 40,000 worldwide.
References
- ^ a b (PDF). fiatpress.com. Fiat. 18 November 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 November 2015. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
- ^ "FIAT 124 SPIDER, GENESIS OF AN OPEN TOP". autodesignmagazine.com. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
- ^ 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth First Test: Four of a Kind: 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth First Test: Four of a Kind, access-date: 28. March 2019
- ^ a b Turkus, Brandon (18 November 2015). "2017 Fiat 124 Spider questions if the answer is always Miata". autoblog.com. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g . fiatpress.com. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. 20 September 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 January 2017. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
- ^ a b c Ramey, Jay (18 November 2015). "Fiata! 2017 Fiat 124 Spider debuts at LA Auto Show". autoweek.com. Autoweek. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
- ^ Voelk, Tom (21 July 2016). "Fiat 124 Spider Is Made in Japan, Polished in Italy". The New York Times.
- ^ a b Ballaban, Michael (10 June 2016). "The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Really Is Better Than The Miata". jalopnik.com. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
- ^ Ewing, Steven J. "So, just how different are the Fiat 124 Spider and Mazda MX-5 Miata?". autoblog.com. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
- ^ ""Fiata:" the 2017 Fiat 124, high-powered kin of the Mazda Miata". Retrieved 31 August 2017.
- ^ Pollard, Tim (19 December 2014). "Alfa Romeo MX-5 is no more: confirmed as Fiat-Abarth instead". carmagazine.co.uk. Car.
- ^ Sorokanich, Bob (19 December 2014). "Fiat gets Miata-based roadster, Alfa Romeo to build Spider in-house". roadandtrack.com.
- ^ Horncastle, Rowan (18 November 2015). "Meet Fiat's 124 Spider, Italy's MX-5-based answer to the MX-5". topgear.com.
- ^ "New Fiat 124 Spider: UK prices and specs". Auto Express. Dennis Publishing Limited. 22 August 2016. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
- ^ "Senior FCA Exec Confirms Mazda MX-5 Platform For New Fiat-Abarth Model". Motor Authority. Internet Brands Automotive Group. 23 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
- ^ a b Payne, Henry (20 June 2016). "Payne: How Fiat saved Mazda's Miata". Detroit News. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
- ^ Hurd, Bryon (23 December 2020). "Fiat 124, 500L dead for 2021; 500X gets $250 price hike". autoblog.com. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
- ^ Car and Driver: the previous-gen Miata’s six-speed gearbox to cope with the turbo’s torque, access-date: 12. October 2017
- ^ . Popular Science via Allpar.com. 17 November 2010. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016.
- ^ Gillies, Mark (October 2009). "Fiat's Multiair Valve-Lift System Explained". Car and Driver.
- ^ "Abarth 124 Spider scheda tecnica" (PDF). abarthpress.com. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. 6 April 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
- ^ "124 Spider Anniversary". fiat.com. Retrieved 5 December 2015.
- ^ Clarkson, Jeremy (15 September 2016). "The Clarkson Review: 2016 Fiat 124 Spider". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
- ^ a b c d e "Fiat 124 Spider European sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 28 July 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
- ^ a b c d e "Fiat 124 Spider US car sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 28 July 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g "FIAT 124 SPIDER SALES FIGURES". www.goodcarbadcar.net. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
External links
- Official website (USA)
- 2017 Fiat 124 Spider First Drive Review: Incredibly Inevitable (Motor Trend)