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|platform = [[Fiat Mini platform]]
|platform = [[Fiat Mini platform]]
|body_style = 3-door [[hatchback]]<br/>3-door [[cabriolet]]
|body_style = 3-door [[hatchback]]<br/>3-door [[cabriolet]]
|engine = 0.9&nbsp;L ''TwinAir'' petrol turbo [[straight-2|I2]]<br/>1.2&nbsp;L petrol [[straight-4|I4]]<br/>1.4&nbsp;L ''[[Fully Integrated Robotised Engine|StarJet]]'' petrol [[straight-4|I4]]<br/>1.4&nbsp;L ''StarJet'' petrol turbo [[straight-4|I4]]<br/>1.3&nbsp;L ''[[JTD engine|JTD]]'' [[straight-4|I4]]<br>1.4 ''[[Multiair]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]] (U.S. version)
|engine = 0.9&nbsp;L ''TwinAir'' petrol turbo [[straight-2|I2]]<br/>1.2&nbsp;L petrol [[straight-4|I4]]<br/>1.4&nbsp;L ''[[Fully Integrated Robotised Engine|StarJet]]'' petrol [[straight-4|I4]]<br/>1.4&nbsp;L ''[[Fully Integrated Robotised Engine|T-Jet]]'' petrol turbo [[straight-4|I4]]<br/>1.3&nbsp;L ''[[JTD engine|JTD]]'' [[straight-4|I4]]<br>1.4 ''[[Multiair]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]] (U.S. version)
|transmission = 5- and 6-speed manual<ref name="autoexpress.co.uk">{{cite web|url= http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/207557/fiat_500.html|title=News/Fiat 500 is here| accessdate=2007-07-05|work=autoexpress.co.uk}}</ref><br />5-speed Dualogic (robotised manual)<br>''[[Aisin Seiki Co.|Aisin]] ''6-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]] (U.S. version)
|transmission = 5- and 6-speed manual<ref name="autoexpress.co.uk">{{cite web|url= http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/207557/fiat_500.html|title=News/Fiat 500 is here| accessdate=2007-07-05|work=autoexpress.co.uk}}</ref><br />5-speed Dualogic (robotised manual)<br>''[[Aisin Seiki Co.|Aisin]] ''6-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]] (U.S. version)
|wheelbase = {{convert|2300|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|wheelbase = {{convert|2300|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

Revision as of 12:27, 28 June 2011

Fiat 500
Overview
ManufacturerFiat
Chrysler
Production2007-present
AssemblyTychy, Poland (2007-)
Toluca, Mexico (2010-)
DesignerRoberto Giolito[1]
(Fiat Stile Centre)
Body and chassis
ClassCity car
Body style3-door hatchback
3-door cabriolet
LayoutFF layout
PlatformFiat Mini platform
RelatedFiat Nuova Panda
Ford Ka II
Powertrain
Engine0.9 L TwinAir petrol turbo I2
1.2 L petrol I4
1.4 L StarJet petrol I4
1.4 L T-Jet petrol turbo I4
1.3 L JTD I4
1.4 Multiair I4 (U.S. version)
Transmission5- and 6-speed manual[2]
5-speed Dualogic (robotised manual)
Aisin 6-speed automatic (U.S. version)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,300 mm (90.6 in)
Length3,546 mm (139.6 in)
Width1,627 mm (64.1 in)
Height1,488 mm (58.6 in)
Curb weight865–980 kg (1,907–2,161 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorFiat Seicento

The Fiat 500 or Fiat Nuova 500 is a city car built by Italian automaker Fiat since 2007. The car is currently produced in Tychy, Poland by Fiat Auto Poland S.A. and in Toluca, Mexico, by Chrysler Group LLC. Strictly a four-seater, three-door hatchback, the 500 is almost identical to the retro concept car Trepiùno presented in 2004. Designer Roberto Giolito's current Fiat 500 is a direct crib from Dante Giacosa's 1957 original rear-engined Fiat 500 or "Cinquecento Nuova".[3]

The car was announced on May 5, 2006,[4] and the first images were presented on March 20, 2007. The car was launched officially on July 4, 2007,[5] with 250,000 people in attendance. This was the largest launch party held in the last ten years, a testament to the Cinquecento Nuova’s huge popularity.[6] The car was displayed in the squares of 30 cities in Italy for the launch.[6]

The 500 is available with four different trim levels: Naked (this version not available in the United Kingdom, opting for this trim level means that the car does not have the seven airbags meaning that the passenger safety rating drops), Pop, Lounge, and Sport. Customers can choose also between 15 interior trims, nine wheel options, 19 decals, and 12 body colours. There are over 500,000 different personalized combinations of the 500 that can be made by adding all kinds of accessories, decals, interior and exterior colours, and trims.[7] The car is also available with the Blue&Me navigation system. The American Sport version has the 1.4 litre Multiair engine, which is manufactured in Michigan, United States.[8]

Concept

2004 Fiat Trepiuno concept

The design of the 2007 Fiat 500 is based on the Fiat Trepiuno concept introduced at the 74th Geneva Motorshow in 2004. The Trepiuno was designed by Fiat Stile Centre. The designer who penned the Trepiùno concept was Roberto Giolito. This car featured a distinctive retro-look resembling the original Fiat 500, which proved to be an enormously practical and popular vehicle throughout Europe.[9]

The name "Trepiuno" is a contraction of "tre più uno", meaning "three plus one" in Italian; the car received this name because it was one step above a 2+2, as it was designed so that by deflating part of the dashboard around the front passenger's legs, and using high-tech thin-layered materials which take up less room than conventional upholstery, the front passenger seat could be slid forward far enough to accommodate another full-sized adult seat behind it; the fourth passenger, behind the driver, would occupy the smaller seat.[10][11]

Specifications

Engines

At launch three engines were available: two petrol and one diesel engine. All the engines met the Euro5 standards.[12] The 1.3 Multijet was equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as standard. Despite the vehicle's name implication, the lowest displacement is 1242 cc, notably higher than the previous 500s. However, a 900 cc Twin Air two-cylinder engine was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, but despite this, it will still put it above both 500s.[13]

1.3 L MultiJet diesel.
1.4 L petrol.
0.9 L (875 cc) TwinAir
Model Engine type Output@rpm Torque@rpm 0–100 km/h (s) Top speed CO2 emission (g/km) Notes
Petrol engines
1.2 8v 1,242 cc (1.242 L; 75.8 cu in) I4 69 PS (51 kW; 68 hp) @5500 102 N⋅m (75 lb⋅ft) @3000 12.9 160 km/h (99 mph) 119 with Start-stop system 113 g/km[14]
1.4 16v 1,368 cc (1.368 L; 83.5 cu in) I4 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) @6000 rpm 131 N⋅m (97 lb⋅ft) @4250 rpm 10.5 182 km/h (113 mph) 149
Abarth 1,368 cc (1.368 L; 83.5 cu in) I4 turbo 135 PS (99 kW; 133 hp) @5500 180 N⋅m (130 lb⋅ft) normal, 206 N⋅m (152 lb⋅ft) sport @3000 7.9 205 km/h (127 mph) 155 [15]
Abarth esse esse, Abarth Opening , esse esse 1,368 cc (1.368 L; 83.5 cu in) I4 turbo 160 PS (120 kW; 160 hp) @5750 206 N⋅m (152 lb⋅ft) normal, 230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft) sport @3000 7.4 211 km/h (131 mph) 155 [16]
Abarth Assetto Corse 1,368 cc (1.368 L; 83.5 cu in) I4 turbo 200 PS (150 kW; 200 hp) @6500 300 N⋅m (220 lb⋅ft) @3000 ? ? ?
0.9 TwinAir[17] 875 cc (0.875 L; 53.4 cu in) I2 turbo 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) @5500 145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) @1900 11.0 173 km/h (107 mph) 95 with Dualogic gearbox 92 g/km
1.4 L 16v Multiair 1,368 cc (1.368 L; 83.5 cu in) I4 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) @6500 133 N⋅m (98 lb⋅ft) @4000 n/a n/a n/a North American version
from 2010-
Diesel engines
1.3 16v Multijet 1,248 cc (1.248 L; 76.2 cu in) I4 turbo 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) @4000 145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) @1500 12.5 165 km/h (103 mph) 110
1.3 16v Multijet II 1,248 cc (1.248 L; 76.2 cu in) I4 turbo 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) @4000 200 N⋅m (150 lb⋅ft) @1500 10.7 180 km/h (110 mph) 104 from 2010

Fuel consumption (EC 1999/100)

Model City Highway Combined
0.9 TwinAir Start&Stop
0.9 TwinAir (Dualogic, Start&Stop)
4.9 L/100 km (58 mpg‑imp; 48 mpg‑US)
(4.6 L/100 km (61 mpg‑imp; 51 mpg‑US))
3.7 L/100 km (76 mpg‑imp; 64 mpg‑US)
3.6 L/100 km (78 mpg‑imp; 65 mpg‑US)
4.1 L/100 km (69 mpg‑imp; 57 mpg‑US)
(4.0 L/100 km (71 mpg‑imp; 59 mpg‑US))
1.2 8v
(Dualogic)
6.4 L/100 km (44 mpg‑imp; 37 mpg‑US)
(6.2 L/100 km (46 mpg‑imp; 38 mpg‑US))
4.3 L/100 km (66 mpg‑imp; 55 mpg‑US) 5.1 L/100 km (55 mpg‑imp; 46 mpg‑US)
(5.0 L/100 km (56 mpg‑imp; 47 mpg‑US))
1.2 8v PUR-O2 5.7 L/100 km (50 mpg‑imp; 41 mpg‑US) 4.3 L/100 km (66 mpg‑imp; 55 mpg‑US) 4.8 L/100 km (59 mpg‑imp; 49 mpg‑US)
1.4 16v
(Dualogic)
8.2 L/100 km (34 mpg‑imp; 29 mpg‑US)
(7.3 L/100 km (39 mpg‑imp; 32 mpg‑US))
5.2 L/100 km (54 mpg‑imp; 45 mpg‑US) 6.3 L/100 km (45 mpg‑imp; 37 mpg‑US)
(6.0 L/100 km (47 mpg‑imp; 39 mpg‑US))
1.3 Multijet diesel 16v DFP 5.3 L/100 km (53 mpg‑imp; 44 mpg‑US) 3.6 L/100 km (78 mpg‑imp; 65 mpg‑US) 4.2 L/100 km (67 mpg‑imp; 56 mpg‑US)
1.3 Multijet II diesel 16v DFP 5.0 L/100 km (56 mpg‑imp; 47 mpg‑US) 3.3 L/100 km (86 mpg‑imp; 71 mpg‑US) 3.9 L/100 km (72 mpg‑imp; 60 mpg‑US)

Fuel consumption (EPA)

Model City Highway Combined
1.4 L Multiair 5-speed man. 30 mpg‑US (7.8 L/100 km; 36 mpg‑imp) 38 mpg‑US (6.2 L/100 km; 46 mpg‑imp) 33 mpg‑US (7.1 L/100 km; 40 mpg‑imp)

Safety

The old (1966) and new 500. The new 500 is 0.5 m (20 in) longer than the old one.

The new 500 has seven airbags in all models. There are also electric aids available such as ABS brakes, ESP (electronic stability program), ASR (antislip regulation), HBA (hydraulic brake assistance) and hill holder device.[12] The 500 was awarded with five stars by EuroNCAP, succeeding the BMW MINI as the shortest car to have a five-star rating.[18] Fiat also said that the 500 was engineered so that it would have been able to achieve a six-star rating had EuroNCAP adopted this classification.

The Fiat 500 passed the Euro NCAP car safety tests with following ratings:[19]

Special versions

Abarth 500 (2008-)

Abarth 500

The 500 Abarth is a performance model of Fiat 500. The 1.4 L engine with IHI RHF3-P turbocharger is rated at 135 PS (99 kW; 133 hp) at 5500 rpm and 180 N⋅m (130 lb⋅ft) (206 N⋅m (152 lb⋅ft) in sport mode) torque at 3000 rpm. It includes a five-speed C510 transmission, low ride suspension, dualdrive electric power steering with SPORT setting, 6.5 x 16” aluminium alloy rim with 195/45 R16 tyres, four-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated). Interior includes turbo pressure gauge, gear shift Indicator, aluminum foot pedals, Blue&Me MAP with Telemetry monitoring and GPS system. The car costs £13,600 in the UK.

The 500 Abarth was unveiled at the 78th Geneva Motor Show, a year after the rebirth of Abarth brand and company.[20]

Abarth 500 Esseesse

The 500 Abarth Essesse (pronounced "SS") is a conversion kit for the Abarth 500 within 12 months or 20,000 km (12,000 mi) of the car's first registration. Engine is upgraded to 160 PS (120 kW; 160 hp) at 5750 rpm and 206 N⋅m (152 lb⋅ft) (230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft) in sport mode) at 3000 rpm. It also includes drilled and ventilated 284 mm (11.2 in) x 22 mm (0.87 in) front brake discs with new pads, 240 mm (9.4 in) x 11 mm (0.43 in) drilled rear brake discs, Abarth front and rear springs, 17-inch white or titanium colour alloy rims with 205/40 R17 tyres, tyre pressure monitoring system, and a unique key cover. The conversion costs £2500 in the UK.[21]

Abarth 500 Opening Edition

The 500 Abarth Opening Edition is a limited production model (100 cars) for the Italian market. It includes the upgrades found in the 500 Abarth Esseesse. The car is available in two colours (Campovolo grey or pearlised White), while there is also the option of special stickers including a red chequered flag on the roof (exclusive to the Campovolo Grey shade) that pays homage to the numerous sporting victories of the Abarth brand.[22][23]

Abarth 500 Assetto Corse

Unveiled in 2008 Paris Auto Show,[24] the 500 Abarth Assetto Corse is a limited production model (49 cars), designed by the Fiat Group Automobiles Style Centre and produced by a team of Abarth Engineers and Designers. Engine is rated at 200 PS (150 kW; 200 hp) at 6500 rpm and 300 N⋅m (220 lb⋅ft) at 3000 rpm. It includes white 17-inch (430 mm) special ultralight racing wheels, low ride, sports racing mirrors and a place for a number on the sides, pastel grey body with red Abarth side stripes.[25]

500 Start&Stop

The 500 Start&Stop is a model based on the 1.2 Lounge, with parts built by Bosch and Fiat Powertrain Technologies. The Start&Stop system stops the engine automatically whenever traffic conditions bring the car to a complete halt, and restarts it when the driver wants to move off again. The car reduces fuel consumption by up to 12% over a regular 1.2 Lounge in urban driving, with 113g/km CO2 emission. Other standard features include hands-free telecommunications and entertainment system. It costs £9,700 in the UK.[26]

500 PUR-O2 (2008-)

The 500 PUR-O2 is based on the Fiat 500 Start&Stop, but also includes an Eco Drive system. Beginning in January 2009, a Dualogic transmission option is also available. The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 Paris Motor Show.[27]

500 by Diesel (2008-2009)

In 2008, Fiat launched a special edition 'By Diesel' 500. In a partnership with Fiat and Italian clothing brand Diesel, the special edition 500 will run, it is suspected, for two years, with a production run of 10,000 planned. The 500 by Diesel is available in a choice of three exclusive colours, and can be marked out from standard 500s with its unique alloy wheels, 'Diesel' logos and burnished metal inserts to the bumpers and side-rubbing strips. Inside, there are denim seats and a special 'Diesel' branded gear knob. Coloured stitching can also be seen throughout the car's already unique interior. The 500 by Diesel is based on the 500 Sport, using the same 1.2 L petrol, 1.4 L petrol and 1.3 L diesel engines.[28]

500 Aria (2008)

The 500 Aria is a concept car based on the 1.3 L Diesel vehicle, but with diesel particulate filter, Stop & Start system, Dualogic transmission, recycled rubber floor from used tires, recycled and woven leather upholstery (mataleather) by Matamata, Ecolabel polyester fabrics by Apollo company.[29] The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 Geneva Motor Show.[30]

Ferrari version (2008)

The Ferrari version is a limited edition model (200 units) of the 1.4 (100 bhp) Sport, mainly used by Ferrari dealers as courtesy cars for owners to use while their Ferraris are being serviced. It includes red body, aluminum pedals, red brake calipers, 16-inch wheels with 195/45 tires, sporty steering wheel and a few tuning and exhaust modifications.[31][32] Sixty of the Ferrari edition cars were shipped to the UK.[33]

Felipe Massa version (2008)

The Felipe Massa version is a customized 1.4 Sport presented to Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa. It includes a 1.4 L engine rated at 120 PS (88 kW; 120 hp), Pearl White body, brown Cordura interior trim, a Skydome electric sunroof, 16 inch alloy wheel with diamond alloy finish, red brake callipers. The vehicle was unveiled in Monte Carlo (Monaco).[34]

Barbie version (2009)

Fiat Barbie 500 at 2009 Barcelona motorshow

A special edition of the 500 designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of toy icon Barbie. Created by Fiat Centro Stile and Mattel, the car was unveiled on March 9, 2009, in Milan's fashion district, and parked at the entrance to La Rinascente department store, in Piazza Duomo, where German singer Nena performed live in the background. The 500 Barbie Edition will also be making an appearance at Fiat UK's flagship store at Marylebone in London.[35]

Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" (2009)

Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari at the Geneva Motor Show 2011.

The Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" is a limited edition version developed in collaboration with engineers from Ferrari based on Abarth 500. The 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v engine is further developed and uses a different garrett turbocharger. Rated at over 180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp). It includes a MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) electromechanical transmission with paddle shifter, Unique to this version17 inch alloy wheels with performance tyres, Brembo 284 mm (11.2 in) multi-section discs with fixed 4-piston calipers, "Record Monza" variable back-pressure "dual mode" exhaust, Scuderia Red body with Racing Grey wheels and rear air intakes, Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting xenon headlights, "Abarth Corsa by Sabelt" seats in black leather upholstery with carbon fibre shell and seat base, black leather steering wheel with red leather inserts and a tricolour hub, Jaeger instrument panel, non-slip aluminium foot wells, Scorpion racing pedals, special kick plates and a plate bearing the vehicle series number. This version will eventually be released also in blue, yellow and grey. The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.[36]

Abarth 500 SpeedGrey (2009)

The Abarth 500 "SpeedGrey" is a very limited edition version model (10 cars only) produced by Neubauer, the official Abarth distributor in France, exclusively for the French market. Starting from the "Esseesse" version of the Abarth 500, Neubauer added the "Record Monza" variable back-pressure "dual mode" exhaust system (boosting output to 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp)), as well as a pair of "Abarth Corsa by Sabelt" seats in black leather upholstery with carbon fibre shell and seat base. Tinted windows were added, along with the Blue&Me GPS system. Finally, Neubauer repainted the car in a special "Maserati Grey" paint.[37]

Pink (2010)

A limited edition 500, featured in pink, based on the 1.2 Lounge.[38]

BlackJack (2010)

A limited edition 500 in a special Matte Black paint. It is the first vehicle in the small car segment to feature this unique paint finish.[39] Other special features include:

  • Mouldings, door handles, door mirrors and plate holder in metallic effect
  • 16-inch alloy wheels in matt black with red coach line
  • Red brake callipers (1.4 only)
  • Special carpet mats

500C (2009-)

500C in Geneva 2009.

A softtop version (cabriolet) 500C was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009. It is the same size as the basic model, and features the same three engine options. It will also have the Start&Stop system. The 500C is to be launched in the UK before sales begin in the rest of Europe in Summer 2009, as British buyers traditionally buy more convertibles than any other market.[40]

Abarth 500C (2010)

The Abarth version of 500C (cabriolet) was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.[13] Abarth 500C has top speed of 205 km/h (127 mph) and it can accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 8.1 seconds.[17]

International versions

La Nuova 500 in Mexico

The Nuova 500 was introduced in Mexico in September 2008, powered the 1.4 L 16V 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) engine, transmissions are dualogic for the 500 Classic, 500 Lounge and 500 Vintage trims or six-speed manual gearbox for the 500 Sport Trim. The Abarth 500, Abarth 500 esseesse, Abarth 500C and the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari variants have been sold through independent importers. Mexico became the first country in the Americas in which the Nuova 500 is sold.

United States & Canada

Fiat 500 on display at the 2010 Canadian International Autoshow in Toronto

The Fiat 500 had its US production debut at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, and has been slated for a December 2010 production start: the production start date is December 13 as of now. It resurrected the Fiat brand back the United States & Canada for the first time since 1984.

Fiat started the first North American preorders for the limited Prima Edizione version on July 10, 2010. As part of the annual convention of club Fiat Lancia Unlimited, Fiat North America head, Laura Soave, opened up the order books to these long time enthusiasts.[41]

The North American version, built in Toluca, Mexico, by Chrysler, has same the trim levels as the European 500: Pop, Lounge and Sport. The American version has some exterior differences compared to European version, including a more rounded centre grille and a plastic lip that wraps onto the bottom of the spoiler. The cabriolet version 500C comes for sale a bit later in Spring 2011.[8] The 500 Abarth is also confirmed for North American markets.[42] The US 500 version was rated at 38 mpg‑US (6.2 L/100 km; 46 mpg‑imp) highway by United States Environmental Protection Agency.[43] The first American buyer received his Fiat 500 Prima Edizione on 11 March 2011.[44]

The North American 500 has 1.4-litre Multiair engine produced at the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance in Dundee, Michigan, United States. The engine produces 101 hp (75 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 98 lb⋅ft (133 N⋅m) at 4,000 rpm. The North American model has been reworked for North American roads and buyers. Key differences include increased body strength; suspension reworked for the U.S. market; over 20 specific hardware changes for reduced noise, vibration and harshness; BiHalogen projector headlamps and amber front and red rear sidemarker lights and reflectors on each wheel arch edge to comply with FMVSS 108; new four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system with new front calipers for better brake performance; larger 10.5 US gal (40 L; 9 imp gal) fuel tank; upgraded heating and cooling system; new front seats with a new armrest and seat cushion for improved comfort; easier entry system designed into the new front seats; new steering wheel controls and revised steering and new BOSE audio system. The North American 500 has two gearbox choices: a 6-speed automatic transmission which has also driver-selectable gear changes or 5-speed manual.[45]

Electric vehicle

Fiat 500 Elettra BEV exhibited at the 2010 Washington Auto Show.

The Micro Vett[46] electric Fiat 500 has been presented at the London Auto Show by the NICE Car Company. The Micro-Vett electric Fiat 500 is powered by a Lithium polymer - Kokam battery with a 22 kWh capacity and is able to get to a top speed of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h). The range of the Micro-Vett electric Fiat 500 is 70 miles (110 km) and after that will need 6–8 hours to re-charge it.[47]

Chrysler unveiled the Fiat 500 Elettra concept electric car in the 2010 North American International Auto Show.[48][49] The carmaker announced that it will build an electric version of the 500 for the U.S. market, with a powertrain that will be developed at its Auburn Hills, Michigan headquarters. The Fiat 500 EV will go into production in 2012.[49][50][51] Chrysler has not announced any details regarding technology, energy storage, power, performance or range.[50][51]

Fiat 500EV

The Italian automaker gave Swedish company EV Adapt[52] permission to buy the stock 500, swap out the combustion motor for an electric one, and then resell the car as an EV. The vehicle is now available throughout Europe. Buyers have the option of purchasing a battery-less car for a reduced price, and then renting its battery pack [53] (in partnership with Alelion Batteries,[54] all vehicles from EV Adapt are equipped with Lithium iron phosphate batteries).[55] The range is 120 kilometres (75 mi) and the max speed is limited to 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph).[56]

Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato concept

Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Fiat introduced 500 Coupe Zagato at the Geneva Motor Show 2011. The 500 Zagato has Zagato's "trademark" double-bubble roof. The concept car has also turbocharged Twin Air engine with 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp).[57] The Zagato version was confirmed for production.[58]

Future

Fiat are also likely to go ahead with a 500 estate, in homage to the 500 Giardinetta of the 1960s. An S.U.V version is being considered by Fiat too. If it gets the go ahead Fiat will launch this model in 2011. The 500 will be one of the first cars to receive Fiat's new generation of small engines. The all new 0.9 engine was launched in the winter of 2009. This replaces the 1.2 and normally aspirated 1.4 engines. This engine is available in 90 and 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) forms. As these engines are lighter than the engines they replace, performance has been improved. The big plus about these engines is not the added performance, but the extra fuel economy.[59] A stop-start system is also planned to be offered in the near future on the 1.3 Multijet.[60]

Production sold out

Within three weeks of the 500's launch, the entire year's production of 58,000 had been sold out. To date, Fiat has received more than 205,000 orders for the 500. While Italy has been the 500's main market (In October 2007, some 9000 cars have been sold in Italy, making it the 3rd bestselling car there), the 500 has gained a strong following in many countries. Fiat France had received more than 10,000 orders by the end of October 2007. To cope with demand Fiat has announced that production has been increased to 200,000 in 2008. The 500 was launched on January 21, 2008 in the UK.[61] 500,000 500s have been produced up to March 2010.[62]

Marketing

The launch show

Presentation of Fiat 500 in Piazza dei Signori in Vicenza, on this occasion the new Fiat 500s were covered with a cloth resembling the old Fiat 500.

The launch show, which took part in the Turin's Murazzi del Po region, was a huge firework spectacle that also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the old 500 launch. The show was coordinated by Marco Balich, who was also responsible for Turin's 2006 Winter Olympic Games, and was an event never made before for a car launch. Several artists performed during the show, including Lauryn Hill, Israeli dancing group Mayumana and others. In the first part of the show, artists reproduced scenes of the 60s, such as scenes from films by Federico Fellini, a Beatles show made by a cover band and Marilyn Monroe's iconic Happy Birthday, Mr. President, which became "Happy Birthday, dear Cinquecento" (sung by a Marilyn cover to celebrate the original 500's fifty years). Several bikes also represented the Giro d'Italia competition, filmed by a camera man inside an original 500, just like in the 60s. Both the 500 and the bikes floated on the river.[5]

The show was broadcast live by Italian Canale 5 and by a live video stream at fiat500.com, which was watched by over 100,000 people online.

"500 wants you"

A project called "500 wants you" was launched by Fiat as part of a major online advertising campaign. The project uses the Internet to involve the public in planning the evolution of the new vehicle. The official 500 Internet page has been visited by over four million people.[7]

Awards

In 2011 the TwinAir engine used in the 500 was awarded with four awards in the International Engine of the Year competition.[63]

  • What Car? readers' affections 2007[64]
  • CAR Magazine: Car of the Year 2007[65]
  • EuroCarBody 2007 award[66]
  • European Car of the Year for 2008[67]
  • The World’s Most Beautiful Automobile (City Car and Small Car category)[68]
  • AUTO EUROPA 2008[69]
  • Fifth Gear: Best Small Car 2007
  • Top Gear: Best 'City Car' 2007[70]
  • Auto 1 Europa 2008 - (Auto Bild) [71]
  • 2008 ‘What Car?’ Green Car of the Year Award
  • Auto Express: "Best City Car" 2008 [72]
  • evecars.com Best Supermini/City Car Award 2008[73]
  • evecars.com readers Sexiest Car of 2008[74]
  • Best Compact Car Consumers' Choice Award-Car of the Year in Japan[61]
  • 2009 World Car Design of the Year[75]
  • Auto Express: "Best City Car" 2009 [76]
  • 2010 "What Car? Green Car of the year supermini category
  • First place in the 2011 J.D. Power & Associates "Vehicle Owner Satisfaction Study" (conducted in Germany).[77]

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Further reading

  • Template:ItTransclusion error: {{En}} is only for use in File namespace. Use {{lang-en}} or {{in lang|en}} instead. Fiat 500 - by the people for the people, di Alessandro Sannia, ed. All Media, 2007, ISBN 8890300205
  • Template:ItTransclusion error: {{En}} is only for use in File namespace. Use {{lang-en}} or {{in lang|en}} instead. Fiat 500 - l'evoluzione del mito, di Alessandro Sannia, ed. Gribaudo, 2007, ISBN 9788879063852