DFW CHAPTER - FIAT CLUB AMERICA JULY 2026 NEWSLETTER
There are only a little over 2 weeks left to register for the FIAT Freakout 2026. I know it is a bit of a drive for most of us here in North Texas, but it is well worth it! A link to register is in the National Fiat Club America News section of the newsletter.
NEXT CLUB ACTIVITY:
11th: Portillos
4560 Destination Dr, The Colony
Because of summer heat, this will be a simple meet and eat.
10:30AM Meet up in Portillo's parking lot
11:00AM Move inside for lunch
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THE WINNER’S CIRCLE:
FCA Magazine, Issue #96
Articles printed in the magazine: Vinny Minchillo, Taz Brenner
COVER of the Magazine: Vinny Minchillo in his vintage 500L, Vincenzo.
CONGRATS TO EVERYONE!
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 reports first half US 2026 sales are up 5% over 2025, second quarter sales are up 6%, and June sales went up 10%. Sales increases were led by the Jeep Grand Wagoneer (+43%), RAM 1500 (+9%). Q2 sales of the Giulia and Tonale increased 6% and 8%, respectively, over Q1 2026, while the 500e improved by 15%.
2. Stellantis has improved stamping capacity at both the Warren and Sterling Stamping Plants in Michigan as part of their 15 billion dollar investment in North America operations. The 2 plants supply Stellantis assembly centers in Canada, Mexico, and the US.
3. On June 4, 2026, Stellantis Pro One officially launched in North America. Pro One focuses on commercial vehicles. Pro One is the overwhelming leader in light commercial vehicles in Europe. Previously known as Stellantis Fleet and Business Solutions, Pro One has seen a 30% growth in sales in North America in the first quarter 2026. Pro One currently ranks 3rd in light commercial vehicles in NA. Some Dodge light commercial vehicles have been rebadged FIATS for several years now.
4. On June 17, 2026, Stellantis announced they are partnering with Wayve and Uber to explore expanding robotaxis worldwide. Ned Curic, chief engineering and technology officer for Stellantis stated,
“By combining our L4-Ready Platforms, designed from the ground up for safe and efficient driverless operation, with Wayve’s adaptive AI and Uber’s global network, we are accelerating the deployment of autonomous vehicles that meet real customer needs and enable seamless mobility at scale in everyday life.”
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BRAND NEWS:
Alfa Romeo:
1. The Stellantis plant in Tychy, Poland recently producing it’s 500,000th B-segment SUV. While those 500,000 vehicles were a combination of the Alfa Romeo Juniors, Jeep Avengers, and FIAT 600s, the honor of being the 500,000 produced fell to the Alfa Romeo Junior Sport Speciale. The Junior is now available in 40 markets worldwide.
2. Alfa wins the Mille Miglia! Now a regularity race restricted to vehicles that either ran the Mille Miglia or were produced between 1927-1957, the 44th Mille Miglia remains a large part of the Italian motoring culture. This year’s race was won by a 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport. Alfa got in some modern-day advertising though. New Giulia, Junior, Stelvio, and Tonale served as Support Vehicles.
Fiat:
1. FIAT revealed their new Topolino Sport Special Edition. The new Topolino is basically an appearance package for the existing Topolino. It adds rally stripes, black mirrors, black seats, and a black Dolcevita box.
2. According to FIAT’s Instagram page, the Topolino officially arrived on North American shores on June 30, 2026. They showed a video of Topolinos rolling down the ramp off the ship they arrived in.
3. FUN FACT: Max Verstappen owns a modern Topolino.
Lancia:
Of the 113 teams entered in the Rally di Roma Capitale, 37 have entered Lancia Ypsilon HFs. The Ypsilon will be represented in Rally2, Rally4, and Rally6.
Maserati:
The 2027 Maserati EV GranCabrio and GranTurismo Folgores will sell for ~$55,000 less than their 2026 sisters. Featuring a new MCPura-inspired front fascia, the Folgores retain the same power as 2026, but will have slightly improved range.
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NATIONAL FIAT CLUB AMERICA NEWS:
*******Registration for FIAT Freakout closes on July 19*********
Hosted by the Wyndham Hotel and Convention Center in Gettysburg, PA from August 18-23rd, Freakout 2026 offers all the traditional dinners and events you expect from Freakouts. To view all the planned activities and register, go here:
https://fiatclubamerica.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=152684&module_id=783652
Besides being a week-long party of Italian automobiles and enthusiasts, Freakout serves as Fiat Club America’s annual national meeting.
NOTE: You must be a dues current member of FCA to register and attend Freakout. A link to join FCA is included on the registration page.
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DFW CHAPTER NEWS:
1. You should have received issue #96 of FCA Magazine within the last 2 weeks. DFW Chapter’s very own Vinny Minchillo is featured on the cover!
2. Registration for the Italian CarFest is OPEN. Go here to register:
https://tickets.grapevineticketline.com/tickets/italiancarfest-registration-2026
NOTE: This link is the ONLY PLACE you can register. Don’t fall for scammers.
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We just returned from an 11 day, 3,251 mile adventure to Key West and back in Itsy. It is amazing how many compliments and questions FIAT 124 Spiders get when they are out and about. Don’t deprive yourself of La Dolce Vita. It may be getting hot, but it is never too hot for a little Italian driving joy, so
GET OUT AND DRIVE!
Michael “Tazilon” Brenner, President
Fiat Club America – DFW Chapter
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2026 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JULY
11th: Portillos
4560 Destination Dr, The Colony
Because of summer heat, this will be a simple meet and eat.
10:30AM Meet up in Portillo's parking lot
11:00AM Move inside for lunch
AUGUST
1st: Norma’s
17721 Dallas Parkway, Dallas (breakfast)
18-23rd: Fiat Freakout 2026
Wyndham Hotel and Convention Center, Gettysburg, PA
To register:
29: Agnelli Cup Day 2
Dallas Karting Complex, Caddo Mills (2 races)
Afternoon heat on a go kart track in the summer in Texas isn’t always fun, so we are meeting up to start the racing as soon as they open for business.
9:30AM: Meet up at Dallas Karting Complex
10:00AM: Move inside to go racing!
We will probably add a lunch on the way back to Dallas after we race. I am researching possible lunch locations.
SEPTEMBER
12th: Italian CarFest
626 Ball St, Grapevine (car show)
Registration: https://tickets.grapevineticketline.com/tickets/italiancarfest-registration-2026
26th: Coppell Deli and Winery
449 W Bethel Rd, Coppell (lunch)
I am currently looking at wineries this event. I’m still looking. If you have any suggestions, let me know!
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 (I’m thinking maybe Sickies Garage)
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