Playboy Playmate of the Year Award Includes Fiat 124 Spider Lease
Eugena Washington, named Playboy's 2016 Playmate of the Year, received a $100,000 prize and a two-year lease on a Fiat 124 Spider Lusso as part of her award.
Eugena Washington was named Playboy’s 2016 Playmate of the Year in May 2016, following her earlier appearance as Playmate of the Month in December 2015. This recognition placed her among the select group of models who have achieved the magazine’s highest annual honour.
Eugena Washington: 2016 Playboy Playmate of the Year
Prize Package: Cash and a Fiat 124 Spider Lusso
Alongside the prestige of the title, Washington received a $100,000 cash prize and a two-year lease on a Fiat 124 Spider Lusso. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles provided the vehicle as part of the tradition of awarding the Playmate of the Year with a new car. This practice has been a hallmark of the magazine’s annual award, with the chosen car often reflecting current automotive trends or new model launches.
For 2016, the Fiat 124 Spider was selected in line with its reintroduction to the US market after a lengthy absence. The car’s inclusion in the prize package served as a promotional opportunity for Fiat, aiming to boost the roadster’s profile among American buyers.
Fiat 124 Spider Lusso: Features and Specifications
Washington’s prize car was the Lusso trim, a mid-range version of the 124 Spider. At launch, the Lusso started at $27,495 in the United States. The car came equipped with heated leather seats, piano black interior trim, and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a blend of comfort and technology.
| Engine | 1.4-litre turbocharged MultiAir, 4-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Power | 160 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual (auto optional) |
| Starting price (US) | $27,495 |
The 124 Spider Lusso is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre MultiAir four-cylinder engine, producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Buyers could select between a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed automatic transmission, which added $1,350 to the price. The Lusso trim positioned itself above the entry-level Classica and below the sportier Abarth variant, balancing luxury features with accessible performance.
Playmate of the Year Tradition and Magazine Changes
The Playmate of the Year award has historically included both a financial reward and a new vehicle, with the prize car often showcased as part of the winner’s public appearances and media coverage. In addition to the cash and car, Eugena Washington was featured on the cover of Playboy and starred in a 10-page pictorial shot by photographer Jason Lee Parry. This exposure further cemented her status within the magazine’s legacy.
Washington’s selection also coincided with a significant editorial shift at Playboy. She may be the last Playmate of the Year to have nude photographs published, as the magazine discontinued nude pictorials beginning with the March 2016 issue. This marked the end of a long-standing tradition within the publication, signalling a new direction for its content and presentation.
Impact and Publicity
The awarding of the Fiat 124 Spider Lusso to Washington generated attention for both Playboy and Fiat. For Fiat, the association with a high-profile cultural event offered additional publicity for the 124 Spider’s US relaunch. The Playmate of the Year award continues to serve as a platform for both the recipient and the brands involved, linking popular culture and automotive marketing.
