A worldwide preview of the Fiat 500C presentation will take place at the next Geneva Motorshow, before its launch throughout Europe this spring. Evocative of "freedom and emotion", this original 'cabriolet' pays homage to the open-top 1957 model whilst offering leading-edge solutions for mechanical units, powerplants and interior comfort. All this in authentic Fiat tradition giving access to higher segment engineering and technology hitherto unheard of.

Featuring an innovative softtop - a fully fledged window to the sky - the new 500C comes in the same size as the basic model (3.55 m x 1.65 m x 1.49 m) and the same three powerplants: the 1.3 liter 75 HP Multijet Turbodiesel coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission and the two 1.2 liter 69 HP and 1.4 liter 100 HP gasoline engines, available with either manual or robotized Dualogic transmission. Providing different features, all three engine types are generously sized, have a brilliant temperament and offer high performance based on sophisticated technology. Standard features include stubborn reliability and environmental friendliness.

Moreover, as proof of Fiat Automobiles commitment to ecology and sustainable mobility, the new 500C incorporates the innovative “Start&Stop” system, a device controlling momentary engine shutdown and subsequent reignition. To this end, at every stop when shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch, the engine is switched off and then restarted simply by selecting a gear.

Created by the Fiat Styling Center and manufactured at the Tichy plant in Poland, the 500C is of the “open source” design, implying the addition of new functions to a highly successful existing product. Indeed, the Fiat 500C incorporates all the strong points of the basic model, namely top-of-segment safety features, 4-adult seat habitability and generous luggage space combined with excellent loadability also with the soft top fully open, thanks to a clever parallelogram hinge device.

A highly original exercise in design, the softtop of the Fiat 500C stands out for its refined electrically operated linkage and engineering solutions of great quality and finish, such as the glass backlight and the built-in center high mounted stop light. Available in three colors (ivory, red and black), this original soft top will be matched with several bodywork color schemes, two of which have been conceived specifically for the new car, i.e. a brilliant Pearl Red and a special Warm Grey typical of sports supercars. Last but not least, thanks to the adoption of the innovative sliding softtop combined with a styling concept which retains all-round protection, the Fiat 500C offers a delightful ride in any season of the year. All told, its many special features make this new car one of the best turned out cabriolet models currently on offer in the city-car segment.

The 500C is further proof of Fiat's undisputed leadership in this vehicle class where continuous innovation ensures that its position as the industry's standard is maintained. In fact the car sets new levels of in terms of comfort and safety, engineering and appointments whilst maintaining that unique and inimitable "Italian style". A new cabriolet is born which gives great excitement and utmost driving pleasure, combining captivating lines with the performance of flexible, environment-friendly engines.

Though he says he will be stepping down from his post by the time it would go on sale, Chrysler Chairman and CEO Robert Nardelli indicated that the Fiat 500 will be homolgated soon for sale in the United States. The diminutive retro-hatchback that has been a hit in Europe would likely first be imported before North American production would begin.

Though no official word has come out of Chrysler’s Auburn Hills, Michigan, headquarters about future products, Nardelli’s statements confirmed the speculation that the 500 was bound for the U.S.

Rumors persist that the 500 will not be eligible for sale in Canada in its current state, however, because of the height of the headlamps. When the original Fiat 500 was sold in North America, it received revised “bug eye” headlamps in order to conform with different standards, though slapping a pair of spotlight-esque lights on the front of a 500 seems less likely today.

Fiat has said that most of its vehicles were designed with U.S. and Canadian crash and emissions standards in mind since European standards are similarly strict.

The 500 is currently sold in Mexico, where it starts at less than $17,000 for the entry-level model, which includes air conditioning, ABS, seven airbags, Bluetooth, a CD player and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Its 1.4-liter four-cylinder pumps out 100-horsepower and 131 lb-ft. of torque.

Confirming earlier speculations, Fiat has officially announced its retro-styled 500 hatchback will be coming to America in about 18 months. The 500 will be sold through Chrysler dealers nationwide and will be the only Fiat-badged vehicle sold in the states.

Richard Gadeselli, vice president of Fiat communications in Italy, revealed the news to Automotive News on Monday. “The Fiat 500 — we see that, like the MINI, as a sort of boutique car that we think we can sell in good numbers on the East and West coasts in the same way that MINI has been successful in the U.S.,” Gadeselli said.

Gadeselli didn’t give a sales prediction for the 500 in the U.S., but the Italian automaker is likely eyeing a goal of at least 40,000 sales per year – just under the volume of BMW’s MINI brand.

Gadeselli also revealed the 500 will be the only Fiat-badged model sold in the United States. While Fiat will supply Chrysler with the underpinnings of six vehicles, each will be Chrysler-badged and wear sheet metal unique to the Chrysler brand. “The vehicles will be U.S. vehicles, designed for U.S. customers by a U.S. company,” he said.

No timeline has been given for the other Fiat-made Chrysler vehicles, but we suspect the first examples won’t be far behind the 500’s launch.

The Fiat 500 is slated to be the only Fiat-badged model to be sold in America under the recently inked Chrysler-Fiat alliance, but that doesn’t mean the Italian automaker will limit the MINI competitor to just one model. Fiat today released a new series of 500C convertible images, and with it came a flurry of new reports suggesting the drop-top will soon be available in the U.S.



The Fiat 500 will hit the U.S. market in July of 2011, and it appears as though the 500C convertible could be close behind. According to several new reports, Fiat has green0lighted the 500C for the U.S. market.

The decision to bring the 500C to America seems like a logical one considering how closely the convertible model mirrors its fixed-roof counterpart. Unlike typical convertibles, the 500C retains most of its roof structure, using a retractable canvas center roof section. The move also helped Fiat to cut costs – both on the engineering and retail sides.

The Euro-spec 500C’s roof will be available in ivory, red and black, making it safe to assume the same color palette will be available here in the states. The 500C’s exterior color choices will expand to include Pear Red and Warm Grey.

The 500C will receive the same engine options as the 500. That means a standard 69 horsepower 1.2L gas engine, with an optional 100 horsepower 1.4L. A 75 horsepower 1.3L diesel will also be available, although don’t expect to see the oil burner on our shores any time soon. Shifting duties will be handled by either a five-speed manual or semi-automatic gearbox.

The 500C will also feature Fiat’s start-stop engine technology.

The 500C will initially be built in Fiat’s Tychy, Poland plant, but could move to Chrysler’s Toluca, Mexico plant in 2010. The 500 hardtop will be built at the Toluca plant from 2011.

Chrysler's new Italian management is revising the company's electric vehicle strategy, announcing Monday that it will build a fully electric Fiat 500 minicar to sell in the U.S. in 2012.

But they'll be a minimum of two years behind other major automakers including Nissan Motor Co., General Motors Co., and Ford Motor Co., all of which plan to have rechargeable electric vehicles on sale later this year.

Engineers at Chrysler's Auburn Hills, Michigan, technical center are still developing the 500's electric battery and motor system, and they're shooting to get more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) on a single charge from a home outlet.

Chrysler said the U.S. would be the first market for the electric 500, and it would announce timing for other markets closer to the launch date. Pricing was not announced.

Italian automaker Fiat is returning to the U.S. market and taking aim at the Mini Cooper, saying Wednesday its peppy Fiat 500 subcompact will cost $15,500 — almost $5,000 less than the Mini —when it arrives here next month.

Fiat also named 130 U.S. dealers who will initially sell the car in 39 states. Fiat, which took over management of Chrysler Group last year, gave Chrysler dealers first dibs on the franchises but required them to set up separate sales and service areas for a more European boutique feel.

The 2012 Fiat 500, a three-door hatchback with rounded styling that evokes the original 500 from 1957, will be Fiat's first vehicle in the U.S. since it pulled out of the market in 1983 because of rust problems and other quality issues. The company unveiled the North American version of the 500 at the Los Angeles Auto Show Wednesday.

A convertible version of the 500 will come to the U.S. next year, with electric and high-performance versions the following year. A four-door version also is planned.

The 500 has been popular in Europe since it went on sale in 2007, and the North American version will have many of its characteristics, including a manual transmission option and a wide variety of colors and accessories for personalization. But it's also tailored for U.S. tastes, with upgraded heating and cooling systems, a quieter interior, cushier seats and a bigger fuel tank.

The North American 500 also has Fiat's new, 1.4-liter, four-cylinder Multiair engine, which improves fuel economy and emissions by controlling air intake. Fuel economy hasn't been announced but is expected to be higher than 40 miles per gallon.

The 500 arrives at an uncertain time for small-car sales, which were rising in 2008 as gas prices jumped but have fallen this year as gas stabilized under $3. U.S. buyers have been flocking to crossovers and trucks this year.

But Fiat's U.S. chief Laura Soave said last week that the company predicts Americans will eventually downsize, especially as fuel economy rules tighten.

She also said one reason small-car sales have been weak in the U.S. is a lack of good choices. Until now, buyers who wanted a sporty Italian car had to pay $100,000 or more for a Ferrari or Maserati. One way Fiat was able to hold down the price of the 500 was the decision to build it at the Toluca, Mexico, factory where the Chrysler PT Cruiser was made until this year.

Fiat hopes to sell 50,000 Fiat 500s in the U.S. and Canada in 2011, or about the same as Mini sold in those markets last year. As more models are added, the company is targeting 100,000 sales by 2014.

The Fiat brand marks its return to the North American market with the 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento). With its beautiful Italian styling, timeless functionality, efficient design and innovative technology – the same attributes that made the original version a timeless icon – the new Fiat 500 is relevant for an entirely new generation of drivers.

Following is a list of Mopar accessories that will be featured on the 2012 Fiat 500:

• Door-sill guards with 500 logo
• Roof/hood decals feature a double-blue stripe
• Katzkin leather interior, black with blue accents
• Carbon fiber-style hand brake
• Carbon fiber-style shift knob with leather boot
• Rear window-mount rack
• Snowboard carrier
• Wheels, black gloss
• Chromed exhaust tip
• Chromed mirror covers
• Chromed fuel door
• Chromed grille surround, front and back
• Wheel center caps
• Key fob cover
• Strut tower brace

In the year that sees the celebration of both the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy and Gucci's 90th anniversary, Gucci and Fiat are proud to unveil the 500 by Gucci, a special edition of the iconic Fiat 500 customized by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in partnership with Fiat's Centro Stile. This unique collaboration between two of Italy's most respected brands represents the perfect - combination of craftsmanship and style. Launched on the opening day of Milan Fashion Week, the 500 by Gucci will also be on presented at the Geneva International Auto Show from March 3rd to13th, in a dedicated Gucci pop-up store within the Fiat stand.

Frida Giannini said, “In the 50s the Fiat 500 created a style revolution when it first hit the road. It quickly become the must-have car of its time. Travelling in style has also been at the heart of Gucci ever since Guccio Gucci founded his company as a producer of leather trunks, suitcases and handbags in 1921. So, when Lapo Elkann suggested the idea of this collaboration it struck me as a perfect opportunity to create a new modern travel statement in this Gucci's 90th anniversary year".

The black and white colours of the 500 by Gucci, in unique eye-catching glossy pearl glass paint, set the stage for a neo-classic black and white film. These two distinct colors complement one another: black, with detailing in shiny chrome paired with interiors that contrast sharp black and white, for a contemporary and racy attitude. White, with satin chrome detailing and ivory and black interiors for a softer, sophisticated look.

The exterior is further personalized by rims for 195/45 R16 wheels, including the unmistakable retro design of the rays, harmonizing with the surrounding exterior colors and representing a novelty for this category of car. The hubcaps feature the interlocking GG in the same color of the body of the car and the cursive Gucci signature appears on the hatchback as well on the doorpost. The version equipped with 1.4 of 100 horsepower comes with rear break callipers in Gucci green. The car's silhouette is outlined by Gucci’s signature green-red-green stripe, which runs along the entire perimeter and links the exterior to the interior. The stripe also appears inside on the seats, on the gear shift, the key-cover, the carpets, and in an innovative finish on the seatbelts. The interior space of the 500 by Gucci is stylish yet functional down to every last detail: chic embroidery, exclusive materials, glossy and satin chromes, the velvety varnish on the “radioboard,” the two-toned seats in Frau leather with the Guccissima print.

The communications activity behind the worldwide launch of the 500 by Gucci is being developed with the support of Lapo Elkann and his agency, Independent Ideas, and will include a fully integrated above and below-the-line campaign. Commenting on the collaboration, Lapo Elkann said: «I am honored that I was able to connect Fiat and Gucci, especially in such an important anniversary year for Italy. Being Italian, it makes me proud to have contributed to this 500 by Gucci, which brings together the spirit of two brands that so perfectly symbolize our country's savoir faire in the world. It has indeed been very gratifying to work again on the car I love most with Fiat's Centro Stile and with Frida Giannini».

The 500 by Gucci will initially be available from April 1st to June 30th exclusively by pre-order online at www.500bygucci.com, with a list price in Italy that starts from 17,000 euro all inclusive. The car will also be displayed in exclusive locations in metropolitan cities such as Paris, London and Tokyo, followed by the European commercial launch in July. It will then become available in the rest of the world at the end of the year.

Completing the customization is the exclusive 500 by Gucci collection, including travel accessories, small leather goods, drivers, tracksuits, bombers, driver gloves, sunglasses and a watch, which will be available in select Gucci stores and online at www.gucci.com from April 2011.