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.
06/22, 5:13 PM
posted by:
A4
I almost like this version better than the hardtop.
06/22, 5:38 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Like the endless cycle of Gilgamesh, a new generation of Americans will come to learn that FIATs are mechanical death, thereby driving FIAT from these shores once again, until FIAT returns in, say, 2045, until that generation learns that FIATs are mechanical death, and so on, and so on, and so on.
06/22, 5:44 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I’d take it if those two models in the live pics came with it! Otherwise, it’s not really all that different than the 500, except it has a big sunroof. Isn’t the same thing optional on the Liberty already?
06/22, 5:59 PM
posted by:
TL
No offense to anyone, but I find the styling cues too chick-like…
06/22, 6:02 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Chick car, c’mon. All it needs is a string hanging off the back.
06/22, 6:09 PM
posted by:
TL
@johnnycanuck
Lol.
But I still find the car unattractive…
06/22, 6:20 PM
posted by:
A4
The only way id ever consider one is with the Abarth versions, and who knows if we’ll see those.
06/22, 7:35 PM
posted by:
NRG
I would only buy the Abarth version too. You have to think it we will get it here if the othe two models are coming. Maybe it will arrive later in 2011. I hope so. A 100 HP car just doesn’t cut it here in the states, unless gas hits $4/gallon again or higher. Which it probably will.
06/22, 8:31 PM
posted by:
Bimmer
Looks retarded, if they can’t afford to make a full convertible I wonder on what else did they cut cost? I’d rather have a MINI. Hardtop looks much better.
06/22, 8:43 PM
posted by:
carstuff
Sorry, will never sell here in any reasonable quantities. It will be a cute car for awhile and then go away. Does not have the staying power of the Mini, not cute enough.
06/22, 10:26 PM
posted by:
Yomama Sophat
[quote]Chick car, c’mon. All it needs is a string hanging off the back.[/quote]
ROFL!
06/22, 10:57 PM
posted by:
Borat
Johnny, you know that if string is hanging from the front you might as well head home.
06/23, 4:42 AM
posted by:
Go Saab
Culture. Pure culture.
06/23, 8:35 AM
posted by:
HoosierHero
This will make all of the men driving the VW Cabriolets and Toyota Solaras look like real men.
06/23, 9:22 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
It’s appropo. The provider of automobile engineering to the old Soviet Union will now be the provider of automobiles to the new Soviet Union.
06/23, 10:00 AM
posted by:
Borat
MRN, that’s funny and very few will get it!
06/23, 10:12 AM
posted by:
Long Dong Auto
Long live Comrade President and the New Utopia
06/23, 11:53 AM
posted by:
moparsalesman1
no offense TL its a chick car
06/23, 2:49 PM
posted by:
A4
maybe they’ll make the the official delivery vehicle for domino’s pizza
06/23, 3:52 PM
posted by:
chryslercurse
Bottom line boys and girls , this company does not have a slim chance in hell of making it , the 789 terminated dealers have a better chance of finding another franchise before the rush of the other 2400 or so chrysler jeep and dodge dealers are screwed by Jim Press, Mr Bul- sh-t himself its only a matter of time comrades, just look at the piece of junk you have to sell, american people still want mid sized cars and small SUV’s
06/23, 7:52 PM
posted by:
Get Real
Ralph Nader can’t wait.
HIRE MORE LAWYERS. HOT DAMN I’M IN BUSINESS AGAIN.
06/23, 8:50 PM
posted by:
teahead
Will it be a Chrysler? A dodge?
I like it, but they would have to change the name. Can’t have a 500c that’s smaller than a Chrysler 300c.
Much more cooler than a Smart. When gas hits $5.00/gal, these will sell WELL! But the Toyota iQ is going to come here too to compete.