Giorgio Armani, Bulgari, and Kartell interpret the New Fiat 500 in the name of sustainability

 

 

New Fiat 500 “la Prima”. All-new, all 500, all-electric, all-in. Starring Leonardo di Caprio.

Bvlgari Fiat B.500 Mai Troppo; @FCA

Fiat debuts the new Fiat 500, the first fully electric FCA car. The third generation of the Fiat 500 is completely new: more space, higher technology, a new style, but still a Cinquecento. Fiat also launched three one-offs to be auctioned for charity: the Fiat 500 Giorgio Armani, the B.500 ‘Mai Troppo’ (Never Too Much) by Bvlgari and the Fiat 500 Kartell. Leonardo di Caprio is the ambassador of the project.

All the proceeds from the sale of the three unique models – the 500 Giorgio Armani, the B.500 “MAI TROPPO” by Bvlgari and the 500 Kartell – will go to one of Leonardo Di Caprio’s environmental organizations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9_upuvzDIY

 

Created with a common desire to increase sustainability and make a change, the project celebrates the arrival of the first fully electric FCA car from the outset.

The 500 has always been an Italian icon and is the best-selling FCA car globally. Fiat has selected the very best in Italian excellence for the New 500 project – Armani, Bvlgari and Kartell. Bringing together their values has brought to life three very special one-off creations, marked out in particular by their style, creativity and craftsmanship, based on the use of natural, recycled and regenerated materials.

2020 Fiat 500 by Giorgio Armani car; @FCA

2020 Fiat 500 by Giorgio Armani

Only Giorgio Armani, the undisputed king of Italian elegance, could interpret the style of New 500 with timeless tailoring and sustainability at its core. Using laser technology, Armani shaped the metal covering of the car’s bodywork with exclusive micro-chevron engraving, bringing it as close as possible to the texture of fabric. The result is further enhanced by an Armani grey-green “silk effect” colour. Even more so, the paint used for the exterior is innovative “top coat airlite”, made up of titanium oxide, which absorbs pollutants.

In addition, the “GA” logo is a strong feature of the wheel design and is also featured on the fabric of the soft top, while the amber-coloured windows raise the car’s level of sophistication.

The neutral and elegant nuances continue in the interior: the seats are upholstered in certified full-grain natural leather, sourced from Poltrona Frau, in a “greyge” colour with micro-chevron wool piping, embellished with details inspired by the craftsmanship of leather goods.

The natural materials are also emphasised by the sculptured dashboard insert, covered with reconstituted open-pore wood and embellished with thin layers of aluminium, inspired by the elegance and modernity of the Armani/Casa line.

Bvlgari Fiat B.500 Mai Troppo; @FCA

Bvlgari Fiat B.500 Mai Troppo

Bvlgari’s B.500 is an homage to craftsmanship and beauty. 500 has always played a role in La Dolce Vita, an Italian icon born out of the love for beauty and art. The new interpreter of these values is Bvlgari, an emblem of Italian excellence, innovating over the years by rewriting the rules of jewellery and launching new trends that have become icons of contemporary design.

The creation features a golden pearlescent paint, an iconic shade at Bvlgari inspired by the chromatic variegation of Roman sunsets. The “saffron” paint emphasises the character of the car as a “jewel”, based on the inclusion of gold powder, recovered from the scraps of the brand’s jewellery production. In addition to the “saffron” paint, the B.500 has side sills and front mouldings processed using a glazing technique; specifically designed wheels in the form of a star, the historical symbol of Bvlgari, along with black lacquer with gold trim and a side “jewel” badge in polished gold, with a diamond-paved B.500 logo.

The philosophy of re-use continues in the interiors, with a dashboard fascia made even more elegant by its upholstery with heritage Bvlgari silk scarves from the collections of the past. The seats are in teal embroidered leather, gold details and scarf inserts. The true jewel of the interior is three semi-precious stones – amethyst, topaz and citrine – set in a removable brooch, made by the master goldsmiths at Bvlgari and placed in the centre of the steering wheel.

2020 Fiat 500 Kartell; @FCA

2020 Fiat 500 Kartell

Creativity and innovation are the elements of inspiration for the Fiat 500 Kartell, from the iconic brand of Italian industrial design, which constantly experiments and researches new aesthetic and functional values for plastics. In recent years, Kartell has been involved in developing increasingly sustainable plastics.

The exterior features a “monoblock colour” concept where the different types of materials – metal, glass, rubber, plastic and fabric – are interpreted in the same colour: Kartell blue, derived from Yves Klein blue, an iconic hue of the brand. The surfaces of the bodywork are mirror-effect Kartell blue, obtained with environmentally friendly chrome paint. The two brands’ logos stand out from the bodywork thanks to treatment with a sandblasted polycarbonate, to convey a sense of depth.

The most symbolic elements of the exterior are the components made of recycled polycarbonate from end-of-life parabolic projectors, used in the front grille, wheels and mirror caps. These objects feature a unique design inspired by the pattern of Kartell’s Kabuki lamp, created and developed as a motif to lead the new car’s identity, with unique details that recall the texture of the lamp and become special elements of the car. The Kabuki pattern can be found throughout the interior, with a polycarbonate cover on the dashboard insert and on the seats.

The contrast between the Kartell blue of the exterior and the brightness of the interior is striking, providing a clear and light environment and combining warm and cool tones. The tactile plastics used in the interior are 100% recycled polypropylene, just like the chairs from the latest Kartell collection. The fabrics take on a natural, cosy look created using fully recycled polyester.

2020 Fiat 500 La Prima electric car; @FCA

Range and charging times are two key issues for electric car customers.

The lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 42 kWh give the New 500 a range of up to 320 km in the WLTP cycle.

To optimize charging time, the New 500 is equipped with an 85 kW fast charger system to charge the battery very quickly. For example, it takes only 5 minutes to build up a sufficient energy reserve to travel 50 kilometers, more than is needed for average daily use. And the fast charger can also charge the battery to 80% in just 35 minutes. The Combo 2 socket located on the rear right-side panel of the car powers the fast charger, for both AC and DC charging.

The engine has an output of 87 kW, providing a maximum speed of 150 km/h (self-limited) and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 9.0 seconds and 0-50 km/h in 3.1 seconds.

 

 

Bvlgari Fiat B.500 Mai Troppo; @FCA
Bvlgari Fiat B.500 Mai Troppo; @FCA;
Bvlgari Fiat B.500 Mai Troppo; @FCA;
2020 Fiat 500 Kartell; @FCA
2020 Fiat 500 by Giorgio Armani car; @FCA

Six new car models from 2020 Chicago Auto Show

 

 

This year marked the 112th edition of the longest-running auto show in the U.S.

2020 Chicago Auto Show offered unfettered access to nearly 1,000 vehicles on display, four indoor test track experiences, three outdoor ride-and-drive opportunities, brand-new engaging displays, interactive activities for people of all ages and a robust lineup of special events throughout the entire show.

Chicago Auto Show visitors were among the first to see the newest vehicles that made their debut during the show’s 2020 Media Preview, including: 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, 2020 Durango SRT Black and Redline Stripe, 2020 Ford GT Liquid Carbon, 2021 Genesis GV80, 2021 Jaguar F-TYPE, 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave, 2020 Jeep Special Edition Wrangler and Gladiator Premium High Altitude, 2020 Jeep Wrangler JPP 20 Limited Edition, 2020 Nissan Frontier2021 Toyota Highlander XSE; Trail Special Edition Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner; and Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia Go Dark with Nightshade Special Editions, and Volkswagen Atlas among others.

@Ford Media

The Ford GT is improved for 2020 with increased horsepower and upgraded engine cooling

Ford Performance announces upgrades to the Ford GT supercar for 2020, including increased engine power to 660 horsepower and improved cooling. Much of the 2020 Ford GT’s advancements are a result of Ford’s continuous technological innovation, especially GT’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6.

“Ford GT continues to be the pinnacle of Ford performance,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief program engineer. “GT is always the ultimate expression of Ford racing innovation, and as we know from the 1966 Le Mans through today, that means constantly raising our game for our customers as well as earning the checkered flag.”

Ford Performance is also introducing the premium Akrapovic titanium exhaust as standard equipment for GT. Boasting the signature craftsmanship of these renowned race experts, this exhaust provides a nine-pound weight saving over the previous system while featuring that deeply resonant, unmistakable sound emanating from the more powerful EcoBoost engine.

Ford GT Liquid Carbon

Newly available Ford GT Liquid Carbon places an emphasis on GT’s lightweight sculpted carbon fiber body completely free of paint color. A special clearcoat punctuates each GT’s unique carbon fiber weave in this limited-edition appearance option.

2020 Jeep Special Edition Wrangler and Gladiator Premium High Altitude; @Jeep

Jeep introduced the new special edition Wrangler and Gladiator premium High Altitude models during the 2020 Chicago Auto Show

“Our new Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator High Altitude are in direct response to customers who continue to ask for even more luxurious materials, premium content and technology in two of the most capable vehicles that we’ve ever offered,” said Jim Morrison, head of Jeep brand – FCA North America. “We’ve taken the most capable SUV and midsize pickup on the planet and delivered a pair of truly unique vehicles, inside and out, so there’s clearly no compromise between luxury and capability.”

The exterior of each High Altitude edition model boasts a premium look starting with new 20-inch fully painted gloss black aluminum wheels and a full suite of exterior LED lights – daytime running lamps with LED accents, front LED fog lamps, LED reflector headlamps and LED taillamps.

Premium exterior enhancements continue with matching body-color treatments – hardtop, fender flares, exterior mirrors, door handles, tailgate handle, as well as the front and rear bumpers – that distinguish the High Altitude models. Running boards with an integrated step and a matte black Trail Rated badge round out the luxurious look of each High Altitude model.

Inside the cabin, High Altitude models feature a full leather luxury interior boasting a leather-wrapped dashboard, center console and door panels, and Nappa leather seats with quilting. Two interior color options Black and Steel Gray (late availability), as well as a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, are offered as well.

@Mopar limited-edition 2020 Jeep® Wrangler JPP 20

Mopar introduced a customized version of its new limited-edition 2020 Jeep Wrangler JPP 20

Based on the four-door Jeep Wrangler, the Wrangler JPP 20 carries a range of quality-tested parts and accessories from the JPP portfolio.

In addition to high-strength, full-aluminum doors, JPP steel tube doors and a new mirror kit are standard equipment. Tube doors, along with a mesh sun bonnet that provides shade for all passengers, deliver an open-air feel unlike any other production SUV. Standard JPP rock rails are made of heavy-gauge steel and Durabull-coated (truck bedliner coating) to provide superior protection and durability.

The JPP steel front bumper and skid plate are designed to take on whatever the trail can throw at it. Wide enough to provide fender protection, but narrower than the stock version, the bumper is black powder-coated with D-rings for extra towing capability. Completely waterproof to ensure reliable operation during water fording and other adverse conditions, the JPP Rubicon Winch includes 100 feet of Warn Spydura synthetic rope.

2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave; @Jeep

New 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave model

The Jeep car brand is breaking new ground with the Gladiator Mojave, the first Jeep vehicle to carry the brand’s newly minted Desert Rated badge. Jeep Desert Rated vehicles represent the ultimate in high-speed off-road capability and performance while traversing grueling desert and sand environments.

“4×4 capability has always been the foremost pillar of the Jeep brand and the new Gladiator Mojave is a natural extension of our legendary Trail Rated 4×4 capability leadership,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. “Jeep Gladiator is already the most capable midsize pickup on the planet and, with the addition of the new Mojave model, we are delivering our most passionate customers a new level of capability with the ability to master high-speed desert and sand terrains.”

Jeep Gladiator Mojave models will arrive in Jeep showrooms in the second quarter of 2020.

@chicago auto show

Volkswagen of America unveiled the new 2021 Atlas during the 2020 Chicago Auto Show

“The 2021 Atlas takes all the good things about the vehicle and makes that even better: a spacious interior with room that can comfortably seat seven adults, expressive design, intuitive ergonomics and infotainment, vast array of available driver assist systems and a typical Volkswagen driving experience,” expressed Hein Schafer, senior vice president, product marketing & strategy, Volkswagen.

Thanks to new front and rear bumper designs, the refreshed Atlas is nearly three inches longer. A bold three-bar grille extends into the front light signature creating a more stylish presence. The refreshed model features new headlight and taillight designs that include standard LED lighting. This, along with the sculpted front and rear bumpers, gives the Atlas a more aggressive stance.

The Atlas will be available with two powertrains: a 276-horsepower V6 and a 235-hp four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and are available with Volkswagen‘s4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The 2.0T and 4Motion pairing is new for 2020, as is the availability of the four-cylinder engine on top trimlines. V6 models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, when equipped with the Towing Package.

Dodge 2020 Durango SRT Black and Redline Stripe ; @dodge

Dodge 2020 Durango SRT Black and Redline Stripe

Dodge gave the Durango SRT a new look with two new custom appearance options from the factory – The Black and Redline Stripe packages – adding a more aggressive look to the three-row SUV.

Tim Kuniskis, global head of Alfa Romeo and head of passenger cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America, stated “The numbers tell the story. As Dodge performance enthusiasts move through the Durango lineup to the fastest, most powerful and most capable American three-row SUV, they want their vehicle to stand out in a crowd.” Kuniskis added “Last year, 25 percent of Durango SXT buyers chose the Blacktop Package. That jumped to more than 60 percent on the Durango R/T. Now, this new SRT-exclusive Black package gives SRT buyers an even more exclusive look and they can order it when they order their vehicle at the dealership.”

The Dodge Durango SRT Black appearance package features Midnight Grey Metallic and Gloss Black exterior accents throughout the exterior. Also exclusively available on the Durango SRT is the new Redline stripe – a full-length Satin Black center stripe with Redline Red accent tracers on each edge.

The 2020 Dodge Durango SRT sports a 392-cubic-inch HEMI V-8 delivering 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing it to go from 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 4.4 seconds and covering the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), all while out-hauling every three-row full-size SUV on the road with a best-in-class towing capability of 8,700 pounds.