Fiat has announced that four versions of its retro-inspired 500 will be coming to the United States. The 500 will be the only Fiat model sound in the U.S., but the range’s wide variety should provide plenty of Italian flair of the American model. The 500 should hit the U.S. market in 2011 thanks to Chrysler’s recent tie-up with Fiat.
Roberto Giolito, the 500’s head designer, revealed the information to Automotive News last weeks. According to Giolito, Fiat will sell 500 hatchback, wagon, convertible and performance models in the U.S. The Italian automaker also hasn’t ruled out a fifth SUV model for the 500 range.
The 500 performance model has been confirmed as an Abarth model, but it remains unclear which Abarth model – or models — is earmarked for the U.S. There are currently two version of the 500 Abarth sold in Europe – a base 135 horsepower model and a range-topping 160 horsepower SS model. Whatever the case, the Abarth-badged 500 should give MINI Cooper S shoppers a reason to consider the Fiat model.
The Fiat 500 will be one of the smallest vehicles offered in America, measuring about 10 inches shorter than the Toyota Yaris. The 500 wagon should offer a bit more room, lengthening the 500 wheelbase by 3.1 inches.
