Spionaggio! new Fiat 500 pics leaked
If you ask us, it's a good thing Fiat has resisted the urge to branch out of automobiles and into boat manufacturing, because as it stands, they've got far too many leaks. The latest are a series of photos and details of the upcoming highly-anticipated 500, ostensibly leaked from Fiat in a slide show for internal consumption. Silly Italians, didn't you know we'd get our hands on it?
The photos show what appears to be the production version of the retro ultra-mini. And not just one or two shots, either. Here we get a host of photos from various angles, in various colors, inside and out, and outlining a wide range of customizable options that, as promised, will give customers the freedom to make their 500 their own.
After the jump you'll find photos showing interior options, a cargo compartment organizer, exterior luggage rack, a number of different wheel options, exterior badging and decals... even customizable keys with faceplates like a Nokia cellphone (not a bad idea).
[Source: WorldScoop via Jalopnik via Carscoop]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
chairman 1:18PM (12/06/2006)
Although it is 'cute', I'd rock it. The crease below the waistline captures the styling of the original.
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globaldrifter 1:49PM (12/06/2006)
Mini knockoff? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
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DonLoki 2:06PM (12/06/2006)
Oh My God a Mini had sex with a Beetle.. unnatural I tell you.
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Fazzster 2:10PM (12/06/2006)
Mini knock-off. NO. Believe it or not there are other iconic small cars like England's Mini. The Fiat 500 is one of them. What is a knock-off is the way it is being marketed. I don't recall the original 500's to have roof graphics. Maybe some red wine stains from roadside picnics.....This would be a great car for a U.S. come back.
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C. McFeeny 2:13PM (12/06/2006)
It's not a Mini knock-off unless you count the original 500 as a knock of the original Mini.
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C. McFeeny 2:16PM (12/06/2006)
Also -- This car is awesome. Ford needs to partner with Fiat to bring this car to the US. If I'm not mistaken the 500 is going to share the same production lines in Poland with the Ford Ka. Ford could definitely engineer it with a more powerful engine that would keep the 2-cycle-o-phobes at bay and open up a whole new youth market ala Toyota/Scion.
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Kotse 2:26PM (12/06/2006)
Is there any truth that this is based on a Suzuki "Kei-car" platform?
Fiat after all had collaborated with 'Zuki on the SX4 as of late...
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Car videos & Motorcycle videos 4:03PM (12/06/2006)
Looks like an unfinished Mini Cooper.
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Nick 3:03PM (12/06/2006)
Not a Mini knock off at all. The Mini might be the most recent small cars of this type to reach our shores, but Italians have been doing nice looking small cars for ages (even if the more recent lot hasn't been as great as their predecessors -- with the exception of the new Grande Punto).
I LOVE IT. If Fiat ever decides to comeback to the US or Canadian markets, they should come back with this car. It would arguably give the Mini a run for it's money looks wise.
Forza Italia! Forza Cinquecento!
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Nick 3:05PM (12/06/2006)
Not, not based on the Kei-Car or anything with Suzuki. The car is based on a version of the Fiat Panda's mechanicals -- basically shortened and such. Ford is also supposed to derive the next Ford Ka on this platform -- but most of the work was done by Fiat since it was their platform they're basing both products on.
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pauln 3:55PM (12/06/2006)
#5: if you had any familiarity with the history of small cars in Europe during the late 50's, you wouldn't begin to suggest that the original 500 in any way copied the original mini. Do you homework.
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Josh 11:58AM (12/07/2006)
I was really excited about this car even though I would never see it here in the U.S. But it reminds me of a Ford Ka(especially the rear) kinda bumed on the desing.
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James 4:10PM (12/06/2006)
I actually really like this thing. Beautiful-looking interior. If I only lived in Europe...
Though I must admit those 16" rims with the red calipers look quite ridiculous on such a tiny city-scooter.
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ME 6:29PM (12/06/2006)
The 500 is even smaller than a Mini, no?
I want one.
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spots 7:54PM (12/06/2006)
Ditto- I want one BAD- especially if it's going to achieve more than 50 mpg- my 3 cylinder Metro isn't going to last forever!
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Dr. KooL 11:05PM (12/06/2006)
So the twin that Fiat has reportedly developed for this bad boy won't be in the back, like the original?
I wish it wasn't so Ka-ish in the back.
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Tiago do Vale 2:31AM (12/07/2006)
This car is quite smaller that a Mini, and I don't see the similarity at all: the proportions and the detailing are completely different, so what do you see there in common with a mini? 3 doors, 4 wheels?
The original 500 is so different from the original Mini, it even has a rear engine...
Don't comment for commenting sake.
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borderguy519 6:08AM (12/07/2006)
We can do something about the nose in the aftermarket? Right?!?
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ETMC 9:41AM (12/07/2006)
Screw the Smart.
I. Want. A. 500.
And BADLY.
Send it 'ere, Fiat!
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Trevor Bommersbach 10:48AM (12/07/2006)
Dude I love the Lupin (Rupan) manga graphic skins available for the roof. Sheer brilliance. This car is featured in countless episodes / movies as Lupin's primary mode of transport. Ah...the physics defying stunts they pulled off in this little gem.
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