Born of Passion

Benvenuti amici!

Despite the fact I am prone to a "shy" nature… especially in large groups… I am not one to shy away from change. I am most definitely not one to shy away from a good challenge. So, when we decided to follow through with the idea of founding Cream City 500 Club I knew the greatest opportunity for personal growth would be in getting to know people and forging lasting relationships with them. Fortunately for me (and the Famiglia), we have a good-looking & iconic symbol that unites us in passion.

The importance of unification through passion, and the success it delivers, cannot be overemphasized or exaggerated ~ regardless of the venture. Dr. Gary P. Hamel, considered by many to be one of the world's most influential business thinkers put it this way, "… there are some more important gifts… capabilities. Initiative: people who see a problem, an opportunity, they start to move before anyone says 'It's okay'. Creativity: people who are learning from other industries, they are challenging the status quo. Passion: people who truly have passion… who look at their job not as how I put bread on the table, but as this is the way I can make a difference in the world". - from Passion Trumps Intellect

Making a difference drives me with every new day I am given. Unifying passionate people, I think, is a surefire way to exact a positive difference in the world. That is where FIAT, the Cinquino and, now, Cream City 500 Club come into play for me. The company, the car and the club owes a great deal of gratitude to the passion (of the people) they tap. Without this inexplicable emotion we are left with cool but common commodities. But these passion-infused entities have provided me innumerable opportunities to change the world around me for the better. 

The latest FIAT-related opportunity I have been gifted is one I set my sights on very soon after we agreed to launch CC5C. As such, it is  with a certain degree of pride I announce the following. Last week I agreed to take on the voluntary role of FCA (FIAT Club America) Regional Contact [Wisconsin]. FCA is one of the longest running FIAT focused car clubs in North America. They command the audience of the Italian automaker, FIAT USA and most local clubs in this part of the world. To be of service to them & the greater FIATisti community is an honor.

The Italians hit North American shores…

How this gift serves my purpose is fairly obvious. I become available to many more people… some of whom have been passionate for the brand, as well as the change it represents, for decades. As we come together, our individual perspectives and passions cross pollinate which creates opportunities for even greater change. I believe what is happening in the Milwaukee Metro Area and Madison can add/adds a tremendous degree of value to the established North American FIAT community. In doing so, we actively take part in changing the environment around us.

One of many FCA FFO panoramic group shots…

Simply put; Wisconsinites, especially Milwaukeeans, are a very different slice of 'Americana'. The differences go far deeper than the use of words like 'bubbler' and 'soda' pronounced with a nasally accent all our own. We drink different. We think different. We walk different. We small talk different. We drive different. We thrive different… and I have not begun to scratch the surface of it. As Chrysler helps FIAT usher in a new era of their presence in the global market, we want to help FCA usher in a new era of fandom.

Moving ordinary people in extraordinary cars…

Groups like the CC5C Famiglia do not have an extended era of doing things a particular way or decades of waiting for their beloved to return impacting good ol' fashioned fun. What we offer is not as much new to enthusiasts as it is  unfettered passion. The first FCA meet, later to be dubbed FIAT FreakOut, was held at the time the automaker pulled out of the U.S. market. Theirs began as something of a lament-infused gathering of very passionate people. Newer, local clubs gather… from day one… as a celebration of a triumphant little buggy. The aforementioned beloved has arrived.

The coming together of the two is a very good thing for all involved. FIAT Club America offers local clubs a link to FIAT heritage while we offer FCA a fresh look at an old pastime. My affiliation with both, the national and a local club, helps everyone involved. The fact the FCA BoD (Board of Directors) recognizes this, as they seize opportunities to unite the community on our shores, serves to further validate the point.

So, where do we go from here?

To mark the occasion of my individual FCA membership, the appointment to Regional Contact [Wisconsin] and the relationship between the national club + Cream City 500 Club, I wrote an intro piece for an upcoming issue of RICAMBI magazine. We, the RICAMBI publishing team and I, believe it helps punctuate the power of our united passion. True, CC5C may not become an official chapter of FCA anytime soon. But we support the FCA goal -- with vigor -- of putting good people together with other good people in style.

In closing I would like to draw attention to what the S.p.A. in FIAT S.p.A. means… Società per Azioni (Society for Action). Thank you for your continued support of Cream City 500 Club, your local community and FIAT Club America. The source of your action fuels the change and makes the difference.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

CC5C: News & Forums

Benvenuti amici!

As is the case with any brand and/or product, FIAT has many official and unofficial news outlets. We thought we would share a few of our regular information streams. To be certain, there are many others, but you would be hard pressed to beat those on this list...

FIAT S.p.A., FIAT-Chrysler News, FIAT Backstage

These sites, of course, are the ultimate authority on FIAT EU/NA (European Union/North America) news. No nasty rumors. No market speculation. No nonsense. Only facts.

Nothing drives me crazy like the 'rumor mill'. Speculative debate is fine, but improperly researched reporting is not only irresponsible. It is also a disservice to consumers. The purchase of an automobile, from  the ROI (Return on Investment) perspective, is already the worst financial investment most of us will ever make. The last thing we need is some professional loading the system with bad data. It accomplishes nothing good… save moving more copies for peddlers of garbage news. That is largely why we stick to the info coming out of Torino/Detroit HQ.

A world of automotive innovation since 1899

However, I realize many people (especially in the USA) often prefer the independent variety of news sources. So, you may also want to explore one or more of these sites...

Top Gear UK

If you dig cars at all, "There can be only one". Simple. End of.

Top Gear UK team & logo

FIAT Group's World

I consider this blog to be one of the most informative independent online sources available.

Only FIAT S.p.A. delivers more precise/bankable news. To add some degree of entertainment value, the author (Felipe Munoz) encourages reader participation via surveys & polls. Munoz has been including Chrysler news on a consistent basis. His is a complete FIAT news source… providing a peek into the global activity of the automaker. Are you interested in FIAT sales performance & strategies around the globe? Are interested in learning about FIAT S.p.A. product which is unavailable in North America? Are you interested in reading about all FIAT-owned brands in one place? Then, this is your site. Updates are not as common as they are with forums, but the info is very reliable.

Fiat Group's World logo

FiatTech, FiatTech Facebook page

This online start-up was created, and is run, by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. As such, it is another 'no nonsense' news source. 

Before purchasing my first FIAT 500, I did a lot of online researching. Unfortunately, at the time, there were limited North American news outlets for true/real FIAT information. Domestic build issues, reliability reports and real world performance information was hard to come by. When one did find something one was faced with the frustration of sifting through opinions and silly acronyms to get any usable info. In most cases, one was forced to lean on the information coming out of the EU to learn something of what to expect when investing in the North American reintroduction of the FIAT brand.

Sites like FiatTech (there are not many out there yet) are making research a much easier & more pleasant experience. The folks at FiatTech are active members of the FIAT community committed to uniting it and providing the most reliable FIAT news. Their news feeds are relevant and one visit to their forum makes clear the intent to promote passion for the entire FIAT 'umbrella' brand. It is the best NA one-stop FIAT-related gearhead forum on my radar. The motto says it all with three simple words.

FiatTech logo

FIAT 500 USA

Fifth place goes to a site/forum with strong ties to one of the oldest FIAT clubs in North America. F5U (FIAT 500 USA) is a news site/forum dedicated to the new (2007) FIAT 500 family (500, 500c, 500L, 500X, 500e & A500). The F5U forum (blue) is better moderated and more FIAT-dedicated than the F5O forum (red). There are a lot of vendor ads on the forum. This can be a bit distracting and adds to page load times, but the ads are FIAT-related and can be useful. I find this forum to casual owners, hardcore fans and general gearheads.

I designed this original grille badge logo, inspired by the generic, universal and all-inclusive name of the Auto Guide FIAT forum. It's perfect for anyone/everyone in the FIAT 500 Owners World.

F5O logo created & © Amado Rodriguez Jr

That, my friends, is my Top 5 list for FIAT news & entertainment. If you are considering a new FIAT purchase, I suggest you check them out before doing so. If you are considering a move from one new FIAT to another, I suggest you check them out before doing so. Of course, you can find links to these sites and much, much more here.

Until we meet, again, on the web…

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

FIAT v ABARTH: Comparison

Benvenuti amici!

We are winding down our second week in our second 500 into our second year with FIAT. We thought our experiences with the brand, Bergstrom FIAT USA of MKE and the FIAT 500 may be of some interest to our readers. When taking into consideration we moved from a sweet verde chiaro Pop trim to an aggressive nero puro Abarth edition of the Cinquecento it is evident there is most definitely a tale to tell. 

We purchased our first Cinquino with Tony Westley & Ryan Lenfestey. It was a fantastic introduction to FIATs and the best choice for first new car purchase (my wonderful mother wept tears of joy at the thought). I have told the tale many times. We recently recorded our second Fitito purchase, with Luke Bibis & Brandon Drew (here as well as our FB page). Both experiences were surreal and left me feeling as though I was dreaming. They're somewhat incomparable (to me). I prefer to chalk up the impressions their make up leave on me.

So, let's slide into first impressions...

VC Pop w/Nero Sport Pictured

For a driver noticing aesthetics as much as I do, the badging comparison is the easiest place to start, largely because it is one of the very first things drawing my attention as I look at FIATs of any trim or model. But before we get into that bit of fun, it is important you understand we sought to mate the beautiful simplicity of the 500 Pop with the sensual aggression of the Abarth 500. Our subtle choices reflect this aim.

KICKING THE TIRES:

Classic, Bold, Italian and Sweet

Classic, Bold, Italo-Austrian and Aggressive

A500 (Abarth 500) Only Heritage Badging

Easy to spot ~ FIAT

Impossible to miss ~ Abarth

Simple & Modern ~ Pop Optional 15" Wheels

Stylishly Modern ~ Abarth Base 16" Wheels

That, our esteemed readers, is the 'first impression' difference between these fine Italian daily drivers. As you can see, even without comparing profile shots, (shared cuteness aside) the vibes of the standard and hyper Abarth performance 500s are opposite sides of the spectrum. That we bought both is telling of the complexity of our personalities and tastes.

Let's move inside the 'centos…

The differences between cockpits in a standard 500 and the Scorpione are vast… and they are not only skin deep. Yes ~ it is evident you are still in a 500, but the color details are what truly separates the models. I love the happy-go-lucky vibe of the Pop… especially in verde chiaro…

INSPECTING THE INTERIOR:

… but I find the sensual drama of a nero/nero puro A500 with rosso e nero interior makes me just as happy. The added bonus of mystery is probably what I dig most. The fact La Sombrita is black with all the warm-colored accents (lights & side markers included) holds my attention in a new way.

[Editor note: The name, La Sombrita, is an homage to a name my father used as a masked wrestler. He was called La Sombra Negra/The Black Shadow. La Sombrita is the diminutive form, meaning Tiny Shadow.]

Yes, I am one of the camp absolutely digging the retro-chic of the Pop/500c/Lounge. One friend very kindly asked whether I would miss that after moving to the Abarth. But, it turns out, the styling of the turbos feels more… modern… and recalls what initially drew me to the original Trepiùno design. It is a modern take on FIAT design of the past… 'more than retro'.

I realize the changes are not so vast to some. However, when one is discussing the simple perfection of a FIAT 500, it is undeniable each tiny difference changes how one feels in the cockpit. Feeling is what this car is all about. It has soul. The best way to illustrate my point is to propose  you participate in the following experiment. 

• Load two playlists (one all '50s/'60s Italian Pop and the other industrial or otherwise slickly-produced electronic music) into your phone/iPhone or mp3 player/iPod
• Drive out to your LS (local studio)
• Test drive a Pop and an Abarth back-to-back
• Listen to both playlists in both models
• 'Feel' your ride

See what I mean? Great. Moving on…

TURNING THE KEY:

The ride in a Pop is so comfortable ~ It feels as though you're zipping around on your plush recliner. IT IS AMAZING. I find it impossible to drive a FIAT 500 Pop without constantly smiling. In Sport Mode, you get what has been called the best sounding naturally aspirated 4 cylinder motor and gives off the a distinct exhaust note. It is subtle, but very Italian in its tone. 

                       

FIAT 500 Pop Exhaust Note = Sweet & Cute

The ride in an Abarth is less comfy ~ It still feels as though you're zipping around on a piece of furniture. But this piece is a minimalist leather chaise. IT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD. In or out of Sport Mode, the sound of the modern 500 Abarth is worthy of the scorpion branding. For those unaware, Karl 'Carlo' Abarth (Abarth & Co) was well known for his high-performance exhausts. This is  why the exhaust note is a central topic of discussion for this particular car. One turn of the key reveals the nameplate and ups the ante of drama.

A500 Exhaust Note = Venomous

Of course, the biggest payoff in a small FIAT (which pays dividends far beyond MPG/miles per gallon) is the amount of SPM (smiles per mile) delivered. I find it utterly impossible to stop smiling while I am behind the wheel of a FIAT 500. What I have found is, in addition to the non-stop smiling, my heart races behind the wheel of the Scorpione… regardless of which gear I am in. With every pop & gurgle from the exhaust, my ticker flutters. Now, that is what I call an amenity!

PRACTICAL PINCH POINTS:

It is true, there is also the difference of fuel consumption. But, on the first two tanks (in both cars), I filled up once in a week. It is worth noting I drove home in La Fee Verte in May, with the best formulated 93, while we drove home in La Sombrita in December, with the worst formulated 93. I ran neither Pop nor Abarth down to an empty tank.

FIAT 500 Sport Gauge Cluster

Another reality to be considered is maintenance. The A500 is more expensive to keep running like new. Yes, it is new and that isn't a big worry for some time. I think the time to begin worrying about such things is prior to due maintenance. One should never purchase a car one cannot afford to keep running in tip-top condition. The interior and wheel set are just two areas of aesthetic differences. There are also mechanical differences.

FIAT 500 Abarth Boost/Shift Gauge

FIAT 500 Abarth Engine/Turbo

Of course, one realizes such things when seriously considering this kind of move. Yes, the missus and I discussed them while making our decision. My father always said, "If you can't afford to take care of it, you can't afford to have it". Thanks, Pop, for that little nugget of brutal truth.

So, which of the 500s is better? Which of the two do we prefer? We moved from our 'paid for' Pop to a new round of payments with our Abarth, because I always wanted one and the missus agreed. I dig a Scorpione for the differences presented in this 'two weeks in review'. I was head-over-heels for our Pop for the differences presented in this piece as well as all the reasons presented in previous entries.

We are fortunate to say we lived in a 500 Pop for well over a year. It was brilliant. Now, we are beginning life in a 500 Abarth ~ with no doubt it will be at least as equally brilliant. Finally, included in the A500 purchase package is the Abarth Experience Track Day. The missus and I can attend a day of learning the in & outs of our Tiny Shadow with professional drivers and other members of the Cult of the Scorpion©. In addition, FIAT NA will feed us and there will be a host of non-driving activities to engage our imaginations. Wow! We truly are fortunate to enjoy the 'best of both worlds'.

Finally, the one and most important thing you, our dear friend, need to know is we are Fiatisti yesterday, today & tomorrow...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

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