DFW CHAPTER - FIAT CLUB AMERICA FEBRUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER
The highlight for many people during February is Valentine’s Day. If you have a significant other, it is an important day to remember. It is because of their tolerance and understanding we can act on our passion for our cars.
So, for all the partners, spouses, and significant others out there who don’t fully get the joy of standing in a cold drizzle or under a hot sun talking about a new set of spark plugs or debating which bumper looks best on a ‘78 Spider or who don’t think summer drives in a vintage car with no AC is a fun thing to do, but who let us do it anyway, and, perhaps, even join us – THANK YOU!
Your acceptance of our sometimes insane-if-you-really-stop-and-think-about-it hobby is one of the many things we love about you.
NEXT CLUB ACTIVITY:
Our next official chapter event is the Feb 28 Meet Up, but don’t forget to come out support the DFW Car and Toy Museum British vs Italian Car Show on the 21st, too (see details in the calendar section – the caravan meet up has changed).
28th: Italianni’s
1601 Precinct Line Rd, Hurst (lunch)
11:30AM: Meet up in parking lot
12:00PM: Move inside for lunch
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THE WINNER’S CIRCLE:
FCA 2026 Calendar:
If you place in a car show, autocross, track event, etc, (or get put on a calendar!) email me at dfwfiatclubfca@gmail.com and let me know so we can include you in The Winner’s Circle!
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STELLANTIS NEWS:
1. Stellantis will announce the reveal of their first new strategic plan of the Filosa era. The plan will be revealed on May 21st in Auburn Hills, MI at Investor Day 2026. While details are not yet known, industry insiders are saying the location of the reveal says a lot. Stellantis is seen as shifting from a French-Euro power base to a more old-FCA power base internally, a view backed up by recent appointments by CEO Filosa.
2. In somewhat related news, Reuter is reporting CEO Anthony Filosa is taking an “emergency room” approach to Stellantis’ 14 brands. Facing the fallout of the Carlos Taveras disaster as CEO, Filosa appears to be veering from Stellantis' previous commitment to giving every brand 10 years to prove their viability. As Stellantis bleeds profits, Filosa is reconsidering the economic sustainability of having Stellantis brands competing against multiple other Stellantis brands in the same markets.
The normal brands are rumored to be on the chopping block: Maserati, Lancia, and DS. It appears Chrysler has moved off the list. With multiple new vehicles due out over the next 18 months, Chrysler could be the comeback kid on the Stellantis block.
3. Whereas former CEO Carlos Taveras pushed a “EV only” approach that alienated many customers, Filosa is pursuing a “give the customers what they want to buy” effort that is beginning to resonate with North American consumers. Fourth quarter sales in NA were up 4% over 2024.
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BRAND NEWS:
Alfa Romeo:
1. Alfa Romeo has pushed back the arrival of the new Stelvio and Guilia until 2028. Disappointing news on one hand. Great news on the other. The delay is caused by the shift away from the EV-only mentality. Due to weakened US and Euro regulations, ICE is back in the picture. However, to accommodate hybrid and ICE engines, both models needed complete redesigns, thus the delay in model introductions. Both models will now rest on the STLA large body architecture; a platform which allows for larger ICE engines. Yes, Alfisti, hot rod performance Giulias packing the new twin turbo V-6 Hurricane may be on the way in a couple of years!
2. The Alfa Romeo Tonale may get a NA boost with the discontinuation of the Dodge Hornet. Basically a re-badged Tonale, Dodge will not offer the Hornet in 2026. The Tonale will continue forward in Alfa showrooms.
Fiat:
FIAT formally introduced its QUBO L in January. The QUBO L is a family mover. Think US-style mini van. But minier. The QUBO L comes in 5 passenger or 7 passenger set ups. It has a variety of engines and powertrains, including automatic and manual diesels, ICE (gasoline), and EV.
Lancia:
While Lancia fans wait for new models to roll over the next couple of years, they can celebrate rally success at Monte Carlo. Finishing 6th overall in WRC2 due to a light collision with an obstacle early in an early stage, Lancia won Super Sunday, sweeping all 4 stages. The Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale proved fast and highly competitive over both dry pavement and wintery roads.
Maserati:
Faced with a lack of consumer demand for its electric luxury SUVs, Maserati has told its dealers to offer $85,000 discounts on both the GranTurismo Folgore and GranCabrio Folgore. The Grecale Folgore will be offered with a$40,000 discount. This volume over exclusivity approach to marketing is new to Maserati. For Maserati’s sake, lets hope it gains traction.
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NATIONAL FIAT CLUB AMERICA NEWS:
Expect registration for the FIAT Freakout 2026 in Gettysburg, PA , 18-23 August, to open soon. The registration page is currently under development and as soon as it is finalized and tested, registration will open. The target date is no later than February 15th.
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DFW CHAPTER NEWS:
The DFW Chapter – FCA Agnelli Cup will kick off in May 2026. This 6-stage go kart series will have 2 stage days in May, August, and November. All stages will be run at the Dallas Karting Complex in Caddo Mills, TX. It is designed to allow people to compete even if they can only run 1 race a day, instead of 2. We plan on awarding trophies to racers with the top 5 points overall. To do that, the Agnelli Cup will have a small entrance fee. $15 gets you eligible for the entire series. If you would like to enter the series, you can Venmo the money to: @Michael-Brenner-70
People who want to go karting but not enter the Agnelli Cup are welcome to come race with us on the Agnelli Cup events, but you will not be eligible for the series awards.
Anyone who decides to join the series after stage 1 will only receive points for stages completed after they pay the $15 entry fee.
I will send out a separate email outlining the series rules later this week.
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Roses are red,
124 Prima Ediziones are blue,
We love our spouses
And our FIATs, too!
We encourage you all to shower your partners with love during this month of romance, but don’t forget your other love:
GET OUT AND DRIVE!
Michael “Tazilon” Brenner, President
Fiat Club America – DFW Chapter
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----2026 CALENDAR----
FEBRUARY
21st: DFW Car and Toy Museum British vs Italian Car Show
OPTION 1:
8-8:30AM Meet up at Papadeaux Seafood Kitchen. (There is a Chick-fil-A right there if you want breakfast.)
2121 Airport Freeway, Bedford, TX (near the 121/183 junction)
8:30AM; Caravan departs for the museum
8:55AM Arrive at the DFW Car and Toy Museum
2550 McMillan Parkway, Ft Worth, TX
9AM-12PM Car show.
OPTION 2:
9:00AM: Meet us at the Museum parking lot.
2550 McMillan Parkway, Ft Worth, TX
The Museum has over 200 cars (25+ Italian) and 3,000 transportation related toys.
Cost for car show: FREE
Cost for museum: FREE
28th: Italianni’s
1601 Precinct Line Rd, Hurst (lunch)
11:30AM: Meet up in parking lot
12:00PM: Move inside for lunch
MARCH
21st: Maple Leaf Diner and Haas Moto Museum
12817 Preston Rd, Dallas (breakfast)
Haas Moto Museum (200+ motorcycles from 19 countries dating back to 1899, including ~17 from Italy)
APRIL
18th: Annual Bluebonnet Tour (Ennis)
MAY
3rd: All British and European Car Day
Bathhouse Cultural Center, White Rock Lake, Dallas (car show)
23rd: Luigi’s Italian Café
2002 S Goliad, Rockwall (lunch)
Agnelli Cup Day 1
Dallas Karting Complex, Caddo Mills (2 races)
JUNE
13th: Ol’ South Pancake House and Log Cabin Village
1509 S University Dr, Ft Worth (breakfast)
Log Cabin Village
2100 Log Cabin Village Ln, Ft Worth (mid-1800s reenactment village)
JULY
11th: Portillos
4560 Destination Dr, The Colony (lunch)
AUGUST
1st: Norma’s
17721 Dallas Parkway, Dallas (breakfast)
18-23rd: Fiat Freakout 2026
Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel, Gettysburg, PA
29: Agnelli Cup Day 2
Dallas Karting Complex, Caddo Mills (2 races)
SEPTEMBER
12th: Italian CarFest
626 Ball St, Grapevine (car show)
26th: Coppell Deli and Winery
449 W Bethel Rd, Coppell (lunch)
(vineyard TBD)
OCTOBER
3rd: Red River Triumph Club European Car Show
Tarrant County College (car show)
17th: Cavalli Pizza and TUPPS Brewery
6851 Virginia Parkway, McKinney (lunch)
TUPPS Brewery
402 EW Louisiana St, McKinney
(come early and explore Adriatica Village before lunch)
NOVEMBER
7th: Agnelli Cup Day 3
Dallas Karting Complex, Caddo Mills (2 races)
21: Event TBD
DECEMBER
12?: Ferrari Dallas Toy Run (some kind of car rally/drive plus lunch)
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Tazilon Brenner
DFW Chapter Leader
FCA Board of Directors