BMW and Fiat Planning Small Car Alliance, Alfa Romeos could be sold through MINI in the U.S.

BMW Group and Fiat Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the possibility of co-operation in the areas of architectures and components for their MINI and Alfa Romeo vehicles. As part of the deal, BMW will support Fiat in launching the Alfa Romeo brand in the North American market, or to put it simple, MINI U.S. dealers would have the chance to also sell Alfa Romeos. If all goes well, the final deal is expected to be signed off by the end of the year. -Continued

"We are currently examining with the Fiat Group possibilities for the joint use of components and systems in MINI and Alfa Romeo vehicles in order to achieve economies of scale and thus cost reductions within the framework of our Strategy Number ONE", said Friedrich Eichiner, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Corporate and Brand Development.

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Group said: "The proposed co-operation with BMW is a significant cornerstone of our strategy of alliances. We are delighted to work with such an esteemed and respected partner in the automotive industry with the clear objective of improving the competitive position of both parties," Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Group and FGA, said in Turin.

Video: Fiat 500 Abarth Race Track Driving & Beauty Shots

The new 500 Abarth, which was first introduced at the 78th Geneva Motor show earlier this year, is due to go on sale from July 19 in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, France and the Netherlands. Aside from the base 135Hp version, Fiat has also introduced a limited production variant called “Opening Edition” that squeezes 160Hp from the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine (click here for details and 42 high res images). Follow the jump to see the video that includes driving footage on the race track as well as exterior and interior shots. -Continued

Exclusive: Fiat 500 Abarth Opening Edition with 160Hp plus 42 High-Res Images

If the standard Fiat 500 Abarth with its 135Hp strong 1.4-liter turbocharged engine doesn’t do the trick then you ought to take a look at the “500 Abarth Opening Edition” that will be produced in a limited number of units with the Italian market receiving just 100 cars.

First of all, the 500 Abarth Opening Edition is fitted with a revised version of the stock 1.4-liter turbo engine that produces 160Hp at 5750 rpm and a maximum torque of 230 Nm at 3000 rpm. Combined with a 5-speed gearbox the Opening Edition can go from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in just 7.4 sec and on to a top speed of 211 km/h (131mph). That’s compared to the standard 500 Abarth’s 7.9 sec & 205 km/h.

Other mechanical upgrades include the adoption of front and rear perforated disc brakes, high performance front brake pads, a special ‘powered by BMC’ air filter, special low springs and 17" alloys painted white or titanium complete with 205/40 R16 ZR 17 Pirelli Pzero Nero tires. -Continued

On the outside, the 500 Abarth Opening Edition is distinguished by the red brake callipers and privacy windows. Inside, distinctive features include leather upholstery, a plate with the car serial number on the central tunnel, two aluminium badges bearing the wording ‘500 Abarth Opening Edition’ positioned on the faring while the gear knob is in glossy anodised aluminium with red engraved gears. Other features unique to the 500 Abarth Opening Edition include a grey or white fuel cap and key cover.

Buyers can choose between two colours (Campovolo grey or pearlised White) while there’s also the option of special stickers including a red chequered flag on the roof (exclusive to the Campovolo Grey shade) that pays homage to the numerous sporting victories of the Abarth brand. Finally, just to make it a tad more special, Fiat delivers the car with a cover bearing a period Abarth 595 design.

Fiat Launches Special Edition Panda Mamy…

The Panda Mamy is a new limited edition version of Fiat’s city car aimed at young mothers. Based on the 1.2-litre Panda Dynamic, the new Panda Mamy attempts to allure UK mommies through the use of specific colours and materials as well as its useful standard equipment that includes a second internal rear-view mirror for viewing any children on the rear seat and bag hooks in the boot. -Continued

Moreover, the Mamy gets new front seat covers with pockets at the back, washable front and rear seat upholstery, orange air-vent surrounds and special carpet mats with a high grip mat in the boot.

The newest addition in the Panda range is available in two new exterior colours, aubergine and orange (as well as the existing black and grey) the body-colouring is extended to the door handles, door mirrors and boot handle. Unique Mamy logos also feature under each of the front wing indicators.

Although the Mamy comes with more than £1,000 worth of extra equipment, it costs £8,200 or 5 quid less than the Panda Dynamic Aircon model upon it is based.