click above image for more high-res shots of the new Fiat 500
The new Fiat 500 is one hot little Italian hatchback that is highly anticipated. The revived 500 will go on sale earlier than expected in July, and the automaker expects its little hatch to be sold out through 2008. Yesterday, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed that the 500 may be sold in the U.S. by 2010, stating "sooner or later it is a possibililty."
The new Fiat 500 is based on the Panda platform that will be shared with the 2008 Ford Ka. If the 500 does end up on sale in the States, we're not entirely sure through what dealer network it would be sold and serviced. While the prospects of plunking down some greenbacks for the revived 500 in the U.S. is exciting, it seems even more of a longshot considering that Marchionne also stated such a move would not mean the entire Fiat brand would be reentering the North American market. In other words, the Fiat 500 would cross the pond alone.
Considering that Marchionne has already confirmed that Alfa Romeo, another brand in his stable, will soon be sold in the U.S. through select Ferrari/Maserati dealerships, it's not unreasonable to assume the tiny 500 will one day share a dealer lot in the States with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, Maserati GranTurismo and Ferrari F430. Good company, for sure.
Thanks for the tip, DaveC!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Kowell @ Apr 24th 2007 2:38PM
I rarely say this when we're talking about European cars crossing the atlantic but.... take your time...
stefan @ Apr 24th 2007 2:44PM
No thanks it can stay in europe.
Will @ Apr 24th 2007 3:05PM
Leave the 500 where it belongs...
But...
Bring the Ford Ka, and perhaps even the Focus (ST!), from across the pond.
Deezee @ Apr 24th 2007 3:16PM
I just cannot picture a man in the US driving this.
Bill @ Apr 24th 2007 3:19PM
Fix It Again Tony!
Sorry, I just couldn't resist.
ME @ Apr 24th 2007 3:20PM
I dig it. Put a small diesel in it and I'd buy/drive one.
Shawn @ Apr 24th 2007 3:21PM
Fiat is terrible in quality & reliability. I want to see this thing crash tested and run in the market for a few years before I would even consider it.
James @ Apr 24th 2007 3:22PM
#4, I'm an American man, and I would run to buy one of these things whenever it comes. I graduate from college in 2010, and I'm crossing my fingers that it will be available by then. Believe it!
It's intriguing to me how many American men are insecure about what they drive. Hell, if it's functional, good looking, and sips gas, and not a bland GM/Ford concoction, I'm there.
mr.ed @ Apr 24th 2007 3:27PM
FIAT=Fix It Again, Tony. Worse quality than even the French and British imports. The Japanese ate, and continue to eat their wine-sodden lunches.
And Ford failed to bring the modern Focus here, a burnt stick in our eyes.
.josh. @ Apr 24th 2007 3:27PM
with gas hitting $3 a gallon and rising the fiat 500 would be a nice addition to the two stylish-fuel economic options on the market, the mini and the fortwo. i would be one of the first to go test drive it and seriously consider buying one.
Deezee @ Apr 24th 2007 3:29PM
Hay James, I drive a Prius, and I'm a Mini Cooper fanatic. So save the insecurity speech. I have nothing against small sensible cars ok. But this thing is just plain feminine looking. I didn't imply that there was something wrong with driving it, I just mean it looks feminine. I really don't think a lot of guys are going to go for this. Just my opinion.
C. McFeeny @ Apr 24th 2007 3:30PM
Shut your clam traps nay-sayers. Bring it, FIAT! This will beat the pants off the MINI and Smart with it's teeny hands tied behind it's expertly refined Italian hide. FIAT today is not the FIAT of yesterday. This'll be the next Italian Renaissance.
Deezee @ Apr 24th 2007 3:31PM
PS: I also like the SmartCar. But this 500 is just way too much. I dont think it will appeal to most guys.
jeffzekas @ Apr 24th 2007 3:32PM
Yay!!! We LOVE Fiats!!! Cute, stylish, fun... Okay, so the old Italian cars weren't great for reliability, but what amazing character they have! I spent one school year racing my brother's Alfa Romeo through the streets of Santa Monica... awesome handling, gorgeous looks, and the engine with the sound of angels singing! And Fiat? Cute!!! Now, with the Smart car, we are FINALLY getting back to economical, earth-friendly vehicles! Hurray, Fiat!!! (Oh, and if they need a distributor, how about using Ford dealers?). Do it now, Fiat! Bring in the 500! Viva Italia!!! (And please DON'T change the styling for "American tastes"-- it looks cute, just the way it is!).
akatsuki @ Apr 24th 2007 3:33PM
Well, most American men are soft, flabby and couldn't fit into that thing.
C. McFeeny @ Apr 24th 2007 3:33PM
Deezee (Nice Manly name there BTW)-- take a look at the Fiat 500 website (www.fiat500.com) and take note of how highly customizable the appearance of the car is.
Frank @ Apr 24th 2007 3:41PM
Don't hold your breath for this one. Fiat has some nice "looking" small cars for sale in Europe. Anyone who thinks their quality is anywhere near the japanese brands is sorely mis-informed. Read any of the Europe mags, you'll see how poorly made they are realtive to the competition.
The FedEx Man @ Apr 24th 2007 3:42PM
Being the same as the Ford Ka should mean its reliable - novel for a Fiat. Shame its not rear engined like the original...
Arthur @ Apr 24th 2007 4:15PM
I agree with a lot of the comments regarding how this isn't that desirable based on looks.
My one suggestion would be to add headlight overhangs, like they had on the original Beetle.
http://www.gotkraut.com/images/bug/bug1.JPG
(only more pronounced)
Don @ Apr 24th 2007 4:24PM
Apparently no one on this particular thread is a real car fan...bring the 500 over!