Fiat-owned Chrysler has revealed the first official pictures and details of the North American version of the Fiat 500, unveiled at today's LA motor show.
Set to go on sale later this year in the US for the first time in half a century, the 500 will be sold with the choice of three trim levels and will be powered by a 100bhp, 98lb ft Fiat 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol engine not yet offered in Europe. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a five-speed manual.
The North American Fiat 500 Sport gets softer suspension, subtly revised front and rear bumper designs, a slightly larger front grille and a revised aerodynamic package including wider sills.
This model also gets 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels and, red brake calipers, a chrome exhaust tip and black shadowline window trim. Pop and Lounge trim levels will be offered, too.
Chrysler has also confirmed it will launch the 500C in North America in spring 2011.
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Re: Fiat 500 launched in US
I think Buzz Cagney's hit the nail on the head, a lot of Americans would struggle to get in a Fiat 500, so presumably the target market will be celebs and anorexics[one and the same maybe] who are tired of the Mini[too common] or the Prius[too sensible] or the Tesla[too quiet]. The 500 doesn't attract huge discounts in the UK, so they must have their supplies tailored to the market. That might not suit the US, however, where every garage I passed seemed to have slashed their prices. Maybe Fiat are hoping that Americans will pay the going rate for a car that's different from their standard gas-guzzlers.
Re: Fiat 500 launched in US
No auto-box option? In the US?
I don't like the 500, but it's a sale succes here in Italy, especially among women...my sister has one, my mother has one.
Re: Fiat 500 launched in US
Indeed. It seems like it might be a bit on the cramped side for many Americans. Or am i generalising a bit there?!