Fiat reveals US version of the 500

Italian car maker Fiat marks its return to the US market this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show which opened to the public last Friday (November 19, 2010).

Leading the brand’s return across the Atlantic, is the diminutive 500 model which has been altered to meet US tastes. The American version of the car has been altered in its body structure to increase its crash resistance while the suspension has been modified for greater passenger comfort. In addition more than 20 specific modifications/additions to the body components have been made to reduce noise, vibrations and harshness (NVH) and a new fuel tank has been fitted to increase the 500’s fuel capacity to 10.5 gallons.

Produced in Mexico and with a starting price of $15,500 (£9,750), the new segment A four seater is offered in three trim levels (Pop, Sport and Lounge), one engine type (100 HP 1.4 MultiAir), 14 exterior colours, 14 colour combinations and materials for the seats, two interiors (black or ivory) and a complete line of exclusive accessories made by Mopar to further customise the car, including decal packages, stylish accessories for interiors and exteriors and merchandising in original Fiat style, available at local dealers.

The 1.4 MultiAir can be combined with a choice of two sturdytransmissions for the North American market. A new six-speed automatic transmission ensures fluid gear shifts and considerable savings in fuel costs. For a more exciting driving style, the Auto Stick function allows the gears to be shifted manually. When selecting the Sport mode by pressing a button on the instrument panel, the transmission gear shift programme and steering response are automatically re-calibrated to achieve even sportier driving dynamics.

The second gearbox – a five-speed manual − is fitted with new transmission ratios for the American market, offering lower fuel consumption and increased acceleration. This transmission offers, as standard equipment, a new self-adjusting hydraulic clutch that makes it possible to always exert the same force on the pedal for the entire useful life of the clutch, thus guaranteeing virtually maintenance-free operation. When the Sport mode is selected with the manual gearbox, the throttle and steering response is re-calibrated to achieve sportier driving dynamics.

Fiat 500 new and nearly new cars

Fiat 500 road test reports

Fiat 500 car leasing deals 

"The Fiat 500 has always been the right car at the right time," says Laura Soave, manager of the Fiat brand in North America. "With the new Fiat 500, a truly exclusive car in one of the most rapidly growing segments in North America is being introduced. It offers prestigious Italian design, value and efficiency, all smartly calibrated for our market.

“The Fiat 500 satisfies the new generations of Americans who want a captivating, customised, ecologically sustainable and technologically advanced vehicle that reflects their image. Like its historic predecessor, the new Fiat 500 redefines the concept of transportation and gives a new sense to expression and individual opportunities.

Author: Faye Sunderland, November 22nd, 2010
Filed under: Fiat | 1 Comment »

One Response to “Fiat reveals US version of the 500”