Deposed Libyan Leader Qaddafi Drives…a Fiat?

Score one for rebel forces who continue to chase embattled Libyan Col. Muammar Al-Qaddafi out of power. There was a  photo taken inside Qaddafi’s compound yesterday showing rebels pushing a heavily customized Fiat 500 believed to be a personal vehicle for the colonel. The one-of-a-kind 500 reportedly has a battery that can travel 161 miles on a single charge. It is unknown how much of an interest Qaddafi has in cars, but if this Fiat is any indication there may be more to be found. It’s not uncommon for political leaders in the Middle East to have a cornucopia of high-end vehicles.

In 2009 Qaddafi presented a vehicle known as the “rocket car” which was regarded as the safest car in the world by ministers in his regime. However, no records exist to either confirm or deny his creation ever went into production.

Qaddafi’s regime has been known to do business with Fiat SpA for over two decades and the Libyan Investment Authority holds a two percent stake in the company. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the commandeered 500—similar to the Castagna Fiat 500 Tender Two shown above—was the property of the sullied colonial. However, it remains to be seen if the 500 was a gift or actually purchased by Qaddafi’s administration.

Read more: http://blogs.automotive.com/deposed-libyan-leader-qaddafi-drives%e2%80%a6a-fiat-52241.html#ixzz1WXUH3PS6

Our MPGs Vs Consumer Reports: Fiat 500

2012 Fiat 500

We liked the Fiat 500 just because it's new, different, and definitely stylish. It attracts attention even from jaded New York City residents, and we can only imagine what it would be like in the wide-open precincts of Texas--where, Fiat says, they're selling far more 500s than they expected.

CR says it got 33 mpg (so did we), and called it "nimble and easy to park," which it is. It criticized the "noisy cabin, flawed driving position, and jumpy ride." We were fine with the driving position, but think the other critiques rather miss the point.

Few Fiat 500 buyers are likely to substitute it for a compact sedan: It's a lifestyle car. And in that role, we thought it did fine, if you happen to want a three-door hatchback minicar with a gigantic dose of style.

So that's our comparison with Consumer Reports--but your opinions may differ from ours and theirs. As they say, your mileage may vary.

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1065332_our-mpgs-vs-consumer-reports-volt-civic-hybrid-jetta-tdi-lexus-ct-200h-fiat-500

Fiat plans 500 and 500c Gucci editions

DETROIT -- Gucci editions of the 2012 Fiat 500 and 500 convertible will go on sale in December, Fiat said today.

The cars will feature glossy pearl paint, green and red stripes on the body or roof, and satin-chrome mirrors and door handles. The interior will have special embroidery, two-tone seats, leather accents along with other design touches.

Consumers can also buy the 500 by Gucci collection, which includes travel accessories, track suits, driver's gloves, sunglasses, a watch and other items, which will be available in select Gucci stores and online at www.gucci.com.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110816/OEM04/110819938/1306#ixzz1VJggQcXm

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