Press Kit: 2017 Fiat 124 Spider

Auburn Hills, Mich. November 18, 2015 - The all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider offers an array of safety and security features, underlining the FIAT brand’s commitment to its customers. The all-new roadster is available with features like Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection and ParkView rear backup camera.
 
High-strength body structure
The all-new Fiat 124 Spider’s body uses straight beams wherever possible and a continuous framework adapted specifically for a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive convertible. The result is a high-strength, high-rigidity, lightweight structure that helps dissipate energy and improve protection in the event of a crash.
 
In the event of a frontal impact, the structure’s multi-load path disperses energy in two directions. Impact force is absorbed by one path, which employs a cross-shaped structure for crush cans and front frame members, while the other path incorporates an impact-absorbing extension on the front suspension crossmember. This helps reduce cabin deformation.
 
The Fiat 124 Spider’s structure benefits from high-strength, hot-stamped steel and ultra-high-tensile steel around the center of the cabin, along with high-strength aluminum in the front bumper beam. Use of these materials also affords weight reduction.
 
Standard and available safety and security features on the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider include:

1. Advanced multistage air bags: Inflate with a force appropriate to the severity of the impact. Meet FMVSS 208 advanced air bag requirements for smaller, out-of-position occupants
2. Anti-lock brake system (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
3. Auto-dimming rearview mirror: Auto-dimming mirror automatically reduces glare from bright light, allowing the driver to have a clearer view of the road ahead
4. Automatic headlamps: Headlamps turn on and off automatically depending on exterior light levels and when the windshield wipers are turned on or off
5. BeltAlert: Activates a chime and/or illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver and front passenger to buckle up if a vehicle is driven without belted front-seat occupants
6. Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM): Uses radar sensors to aid the driver when changing lanes or if being passed by or passing unseen vehicles. The system notifies the driver via illuminated icons on the side-view mirror
7. Brake/park interlock: Prevents the transmission from being shifted out of “Park” unless the brake pedal is pushed
8. Constant-force retractors (CFR): Regulate the force exerted on the occupants by the seat belts and then gradually release seat-belt webbing in a controlled manner
9. Daytime running lamps (DRL): Lights that illuminate during daytime conditions, increasing the vehicle’s visibility to other drivers
10. Electronic brake-force distribution: Assists the driver to optimize stopping distances and control under all vehicle loading conditions by regulating braking pressure front-to-rear
11. Electronic roll mitigation (ERM): An extension of electronic stability control (ESC). Uses input from ESC sensors to anticipate if the vehicle is at risk of entering a potential roll situation, then applies the brakes individually and modulates the throttle position as needed
12. Electronic stability control (ESC): Enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. Provides the benefit in critical driving situations such as turns, and is valuable when driving on mixed surface conditions including snow, ice or gravel. If there is a discernible difference between driver input through the steering wheel and the vehicle’s path, ESC applies selective braking and throttle input to guide the vehicle back on to the driver’s intended path
13. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC): Provides the driver with trip, temperature and other vehicle information within the instrument cluster
14. Energy-absorbing steering column: The manual-adjust steering column utilizes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that can move relative to each other to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy absorption during a crash
15. Express down windows: One-touch powered express down window button located on the front driver door
16. Fog lamps: Lighting to provide additional visibility in fog or other poor weather conditions
17. Front and rear crumple zones: Specially formed structural members that crumple and absorb energy in a collision, helping protect the occupant cabin
18. Front seat-belt adaptive/active load limiters: Designed to limit the chest loading in an impact event
19. Front seat-belt pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seat-belt pretensioners to remove slack in the seat belt system, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupant’s head and torso
20. Global position sensor (GPS): Used for navigation guidance and electronic vehicle tracking
21. Heated side-view mirrors: Prevents buildup of snow or ice on side-view mirrors to maintain visibility
22. Instrument cluster display: Offers drivers a wide range of customization options to communicate vehicle information with easy-to-understand icons
23. Keyless Enter ‘n Go: When an individual enters the vehicle, electronic sensors detect if the vehicle key fob is present. The vehicle will then allow the individual to push a button to start the vehicle without having to insert the key into the ignition
24. Mechanical parking brake: Latching brake used to keep the vehicle stationary
25. Occupant Restraint Controller: Detects an impact and determines whether a crash is severe enough to trigger air bag deployment and whether the primary or secondary stage inflation is sufficient. In addition, the controller detects side impacts and determines whether the rail-curtain and side seat-mounted (thorax protection) air bags should deploy. Engagement of front seat-belt pretensioners are also managed through the controller
26. ParkSense rear park assist system: The system utilizes ultrasonic sensors at low speeds in reverse to detect stationary objects
27. ParkView rear backup camera: Provides a wide-angle view of the area immediately behind the vehicle, giving the driver greater peace of mind before reversing at low speeds. Contains grid lines to aid the driver when maneuvering into parking spaces or narrow areas. The image is displayed on the navigation screen when the transmission is shifted into Reverse
28. Rain-sensing wipers: A driver convenience feature that automatically senses moisture on the windshield and activates wipers
29. Rear Cross Path detection: In parking lot situations, this system warns drivers backing out of parking spaces of traffic moving toward their vehicle. It activates any time the vehicle is in Reverse. The driver is notified of vehicle(s) crossing behind the vehicle via illuminated icons on the side-view mirror and with a driver-selected audible chime 
30. Remote keyless entry: Locks and unlocks doors and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system
31. Safety cage body structure: Protects occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact
32. Security alarm: Deters vandalism and theft, frequently lowering insurance premiums. System protects the vehicle from theft by monitoring door-ajar switches and the ignition circuit for unauthorized entry
33. Sentry Key engine immobilizer: Utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a preprogrammed security code to discourage vehicle theft
34. Side guard door beams: Reinforcement beams inside the doors that increase occupant protection in a side collision
35. Supplemental turn signals: Signal lamps built into the vehicle bodyside allow turn signals to be viewed from the front, sides and rear of the vehicle in order to alert oncoming traffic and pedestrians
36. Three-point seat belts: Seating positions have lap and shoulder belts
37. Tire-pressure monitoring (TPM) system: Informs driver when tire pressure is too low
38. Traction control system: Part of the standard anti-lock brake system (ABS), helps keep driving wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or during all speeds by applying individual brakes alone or in combination with engine torque limitation to prevent wheel slip
39. FIAT Connect Voice Command: An in-vehicle, voice-activated communication system that allows drivers to operate a Bluetooth-compatible phone with their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. When the Bluetooth phone is initially connected, the contact list is automatically downloaded, synchronizing phone book entries, which can then be selected by simply saying a contact name. It also allows drivers to switch radio modes and tune to AM/FM radio and SiriusXM Radio stations using natural voice commands