Why no six speed manual? Europe has it?

[Gavin]

I like the sports model, but would like the six speed manual for highway riding (that extra gear helps quite a bit for small cars at highway speeds)...also the ability for the fixed glass roof would be nice too...

Those two additions would make the sports over the lounge a no brainer...leather seats optional would be nice too :)

Gavin

[cinquecento]

It's probably complicated.  I'm curious, too.  Obviously, the Abarth models have 5-speed manuals overseas, but those also have higher torque, which I believe was the primary reason for the different unit.  Keep in mind in Europe, I believe that a 5-speed manual is usually standard, and that the 6-speed is an option.  Out options are still rather murky (at least that's my hope!) so who knows, maybe an optional 6-speed? Not likely, especially since most Americans can't even drive stick.

That said, I'm used to 5 speeds, and it's more about the gearing and spacing, in my opinion.  Come on Fiat, call me already!

[Fiat500USA]

I was looking forward to the 6 speed, but after learning that the US 5 speed offers better acceleration, I'll get over it.

I'm waiting to find out the specs on it.

[ciddyguy]

Yeah, I'd noticed that in Europe, you get the 6spd manual w/ the 1.4L only, the 5spd w/ the other motors but we only get the 5spd here and as has been mentioned already, we supposedly get better acceleration w/ the 5spds we have so who knows why.

That said, our driving climate here is much different than in Europe (other than the German Autobahn where the max speed is really how fast your can safely go) than it is here in the US and we tend to drive long distances at cruising speeds of at least 65-70 for long distances which may be partly why we only get the 5spd - and with the right gear ratios, one CAN still keep the rpms to about 3000 at cruising speeds. I can do 80 or so before finally getting past 3000 rpms in my truck w/ the 4.0L V6 and that 5th gear is really an overdrive 5th, which helps w/ my mileage.

[Fiat500USA]

i posed a question about the 5 speed to Laura Soave during her Twitter interview last week.  I also asked a few others.  This interview is being put together for viewing at a later date . When i find out when it will be aired, I'll let everyone know.

[txdesign]

I remember the 6-speed in my 03 Cooper S had a ridiculously short first gear. Later I drove an 04 5-speed Cooper and found the gearing to be much better suited to my driving style.