Not a moment's rest for the people over at Fiat, who've been pursuing an aggressive rejuvenation program. The ink on the press releases for the new 500 isn't even dry, and already they're working on new versions of the retro super-mini. Launched as a standard three-door hatch, new versions could include high-performance models, a cabrio, a Mini Clubman-style wagon (or "shooting brake"), and even a 4WD mini-ute derivative.
The sportier Abarth model – drawing on the company's relaunch of their once-famous performance division – and the cabrio are said to already have been approved for production. Joining the 135-hp Abarth could also be an even more potent 155-hp 500 Super Sport version, while the 4WD model, if approved for production, would likely pick up the system from the Panda 4x4, which already shares its platform with the 500.
Fiat is evidently preparing to capitalize big-time on the 500 throwback, and while its Mini rival took some time to spawn derivatives, Fiat is ready to run full-speed right out the gate.
[Source: Motor Authority]
New KITT Attack Mode revealed at Comic Con
London 2008: Honda OSM concept roadster says, "Cheerio!"
London 2008: Lotus unveils the Evora
2010 Chevy Camaro - Official Details and Images
2010 Chevy Camaro - LIVE from the reveal
In the Autoblog Garage: Aprilia RSV 1000 R
First Drive: Maserati Quattroporte S in Europe
First Drive: 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW
In the Autoblog Garage:2009 Nissan GT-R
North American Exclusive First Drive: Alfa MiTo
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
kim @ Jul 9th 2007 11:34AM
MORTGAGE INDUSTRY EXPOSED!!!
What every borrower must know
http://www.rmdirect.net
autohobby @ Jul 9th 2007 12:01PM
The vehicle I most want someone to make is a very small pickup with 4WD or AWD with about nine inches of ground clearance. It should have about a five foot long bed. The older Dodge Ramchargers were extremely close to making it.
Colin Smith @ Jul 9th 2007 12:13PM
Mini-ute. That would be a Tonka-Toy wouldn't it? I'd be surprised at this, and the 4WD to be honest, although the chassis is there already. But the station wagon and Abarth are both true to the original, and lets face it, anything can happen now.
I want the innovative twin-cylinder 90 & 110bhp model, with the elecro-magnetic valve actuation and consumption in the high 60s, which is coming in 2009. And Fiat won't be selling this engine on to other manufacturers like they do with all their Diesels!
The FedEx Man @ Jul 9th 2007 12:06PM
Please don't Fiat.
Brandon @ Jul 9th 2007 2:08PM
I still want one in the US. My only complaint about the design is that I don't like the rear end; it comes down funny near the tires similar to the VW Beetle and has a Scion xA feeling to it. But I'll still buy one if it comes stateside.
I'd like one with big dual exhaust on it. :-)
Egisto Soldi @ Jul 9th 2007 5:33PM
Car is marvellous, but in Polland workers want more money: what an error!
http://autoinsight.blogosfere.it/2007/07/nuova-fiat-500-lo-sciopero-dei-lavoratori-polacchi-di-tychy-e-sbagliato-per-10-motivi.html
Harrison @ Jul 9th 2007 6:25PM
It would be totally awesome if they made a turbocharged RWD or AWD version.
spots @ Jul 9th 2007 7:00PM
I still want to see it come to the USA. :)
GOT @ Jul 12th 2007 2:46AM
I like it! Cool looking breadbox-auto.