It's true! GRM has been invited out to San Diego, California to drive the brand new Fiat 124 Spider. There is a catch, though: I can't post any driving impressions until June 10. Everything else is fair game, though.

I spent today flying to San Diego, and tomorrow is a full day of poking and prodding the new Fiat (including an autocross).

What do you guys want to know?

Also, I'm guessing Fiat wants me to enjoy my trip. We're at a super fancy hotel. Here's the view from my room:

They also gave me room service!

I want to know if they're going to build a coupe. Everything else is secondary to that.

I haven't asked anyone from Fiat that question, yet, but my guess is that seeing the Cavaliers win tonight is more likely.

Tell them we will settle for a Sedan if a Coupe isn't in the cards.

In reply to Tom Suddard:

I'm not sure if that's some sort of pickle or pepper next to the burger, I'm hoping pepper.

Burrito wrote: Tell them we will settle for a Sedan if a Coupe isn't in the cards.

If they build a sedan they damn well better build a wagon. But now I feel like I'm being greedy asking for a light RWD Italian turbo wagon.

It was a pepper. These California types put vegetables everywhere.

Whoever stocked this room with reading material obviously needs a GRM Subscription.

Tom,

If you are in town this weekend we are having an event at El Toro. Details at wwww.solo2.com

Bring the Fiat, your camera and you can snag a helmet. Lots of story material will be in town. This is the site that attracts the competitive cars and drivers headed to the SCCA Nationals. The current A-Mod National Champion will be there, the current E-Mod National Champion will be there and so on.

David

58

E Street, yes in a Miata. `

I like David's idea. That's how GRM tests the new meat, none of this programmed drive through the pretty hills of SoCal crap.

No, that would be: 15 North to 138 East to 18 East to 38 South to 10 east to 79 South to 74 West...

David

I'd really like to know how different from the Miata it really is.

What do the Italians value in terms of the car vs. Mazda, if they are different.

Considering that the powertrains are very different, it appears that it would be easy to see it. But I'm not there.

(other than style, we can see that)

Tom Suddard wrote: What do you guys want to know?

How hard is it going to be to mount a race seat in there?

Will the valet let you park out front?

Will there be a tonneau cover? Fitted luggage package? European delivery? (Wait, where is final assembly - do the shells go to Italy, or do the engines go to Japan?)

I saw an a abarth engine Rev video on another site. Does the base model sound as organic as the abarth with the multi mode exhaust?

IIRC, there are suspension tuning differences between the Fiat and the Miata. And IIRC, assembly is done in Japan. Which is good.

Woody wrote:

Tom Suddard wrote: What do you guys want to know?

How hard is it going to be to mount a race seat in there?

I've put one in a Miata, although more for show (SEMA) than for a functional race seat. It was a pain in the butt. Literally. It's no longer in the car. There's not much room in there, but I'll bet a decent setup could be sorted out. The Fiat does not appear to have any changes to the interior.

Actually, here's a question - is there something in that big void in the trans tunnel on the Fiat? There are a couple of things on the Miata underneath that don't make much sense, especially on a car so tightly packaged.

jr02518 wrote: Tom, If you are in town this weekend we are having an event at El Toro. Details at wwww.solo2.com Bring the Fiat, your camera and you can snag a helmet. Lots of story material will be in town. This is the site that attracts the competitive cars and drivers headed to the SCCA Nationals. The current A-Mod National Champion will be there, the current E-Mod National Champion will be there and so on. David #58 E Street, yes in a Miata. `

Wow, I wish I'd known before I booked my flight. I leave Friday morning.

And everybody–great questions. I'll find some answers. Keep up the good work!

In reply to Tom Suddard:

Simple. Call the airline and change the flight. Pay the fee. Done.

Keith Tanner wrote: IIRC, there are suspension tuning differences between the Fiat and the Miata. And IIRC, assembly is done in Japan. Which is good.

Good, because the last Italian/Japanese tie-up didn't go so well. Early 80's Italian build quality met early 80's Japanese styling in the infamous Alfa Romeo Arna.

I have a few questions:

1) Will the Fiat use the same trans, drive shaft, and rear diff used in the Miata or something else?

2) What kind of engine management system will be used, Fiat or Mazda?

3) Will Fiat offer a fixed hard top?

4) Will the Fiat use the Chrysler infotainment system or the Mazda system?

5) When will the car be on sale and what is the base price?

Paul

Some of those questions have already been answered.

1. Different trans and different final drive ratio. It may be the same diff internals. The trans is a different design completely, as it does not share the 1:1 6th gear.

2. It's a Fiat engine, so I would be amazed if it were a Mazda PCM.

3. The Abarth rally car had a hardtop, so it's been shown. Of course, that hardtop had a roof vent...

4. Interior pictures show what appears to be the Mazda system. The interior is basically identical to the Mazda.

5. FiatUSA.com says "Summer 2016" and $24,995.