predominantly in urban areas.

The Chrysler-Fiat team cut Automotive Traveler loose with the 500 on the roads east of San Diego, a favorite itinerary for new vehicle press launches. My test car was a mid-level Sport model equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and decked out in a sporty shade of yellow called Giallo. The color was reminiscent of a shade popular with a certain brand of Italian sports car produced in a town named Maranello.

The hilly, twisty secondary roads gave me the opportunity to check out on my own whether the 500 is too "Americanized"--as is often the case when European-designed cars are adapted for the U.S. market.

After my time behind the wheel, I can report that the answer is no.

The engineers have struck the proper balance between sportiness and ride comfort. This is due in part to the new rear axle, with its re-tuned bushings with more built-in roll stiffness. (The stiffer rear suspension--300-percent stiffer than its European counterpart--allows for softer bushings with enhanced ride quality without compromising handling.) Combined with a higher front-stabilizer bar rate, the ride-handling balance is actually better than the European version. The result of the tuning and an improved acoustics package and more robust door seals is a quieter cabin with just the right measure of feedback dialed in.

Previous Page

Next Page