The only thing that could possibly make the Fiat 500 any cutesier than it already is - short of a Hello Kitty sticker job - would be to turn it into a convertible. Castagna tried its hand at just that with the unique Tender Two concept, but the latest batch of spy shots indicate that Fiat's own is getting closer to completion.

In fact, reports now indicate that Fiat will offer not one, but two different types of convertible Cinquecentos. The one seen in the spy shots is being dubbed the "Cabrio Coach" and features a retro-style targa top, with a solid frame and a cloth folding roof sliding back in between the bodywork frames. The roof style, not unlike the back end of the bizarre Maybach Landaulet at the complete other end of the spectrum, will offer buyers a rigid frame and unmolested lines for the cloth-roofed retro-mini. A second, full convertible version is also expected, while engine options are expected to carry over from the existing model, including the 68hp 1.2-liter eight-valve four, the 100hp 1.4-liter 16-valve four, the 74hp 1.3-liter 16-valve turbodiesel and the upcoming 900cc two-cylinder engine. No telling at this point, however, if an open-air Abarth version is also in the mix.

[Source: NextAutos]

Spy Shots: Fiat 500 "Cabrio Coach" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click above to view Castagna's Fiat 500 wagon in hi-res

Unrelenting. That's the only way we could describe the Fiat group's assault on the MINI with more models than a Victoria's Secret photoshoot. While its sister brands Alfa Romeo and Lancia prepare their new retro-hatches to out-flank their Anglo-Saxon opponent, the Fiat division itself is branching out the 500 like a willow. Following the original hatch came the Abarth sport model, which will be followed by the cabrio, and then, as sources indicate, a longer wagon variant. The latter will target the new MINI Clubman, but without all the weird doors.

We got our first look at a Fiat 500 wagon in the ramp-up to this year's Geneva Motor Show, where carrozzeria Castagna showed off its wood-sided Cinquocente estate. Like its MINI wagons, which the coachbuilder crafted ahead of the factory's Clubman, Castagna's woodie wagon previewed the vehicle that may revive the classic Giardiniera nameplate used on the original 500 estate. Rather than stretching the wheelbase, the overhang will simply be extended, reducing costs and retaining the same front end as its more compact counterpart. Aluminum roof-rails are also tipped to join the more utile package, which could hit the market as early as 2010.

Gallery: Fiat 500

I'm looking at you, Clubman: Fiat preparing 500 wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.