The Fiat 500 already blends style seamlessly with thriftiness, but it looks as though the popular city car could be upping its green credential. According to a new report, Fiat is preparing a hybrid version of the 500.
For the hybrid version, Autoblog Green says that Fiat will nix the 500’s current range of gas and diesel engines and will replace the 500’s powerplants with a 900cc two-cylinder unit. The diminutive two-cylinder will be pared with an electric motor and battery pack, stop/start technology and a dual-clutch transmission for added efficiency.
No word on expected mileage, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see figures well north of 50 mpg.
The hybrid 500 is reportedly scheduled to make its debut at next year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, which seems a bit odd, but could be the perfect venue to make an out-of-place splash.
08/20, 1:11 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Are we ever going to get one of these over here in the States? It would give Mini a good run for the money.
08/20, 1:22 PM
posted by:
fuk-u-asshole
makes no sense at all to have a hybrid small car cause it doesn’t make financial sense. the multijet diesels get amazing mpg and better than a hybrid system would. In the same way toyota will never offer a hybrid yaris
08/20, 2:03 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I’m willing to bet the only reason Toyota doesn’t have hybrid Yaris in the pipe is because they don’t have enough battery capacity to satisfy demand for the Prius.
08/20, 3:00 PM
posted by:
inline6
fuk,
Honda’s putting one in the Fit. And I’m not sure which is more expensive at this point, a hybrid system, or a 50-state Bin 5 Tier 2-compliant diesel.
08/20, 3:23 PM
posted by:
brassmonkey
I’d buy that for a dollar.
08/20, 6:36 PM
posted by:
fuk-u-asshole
toyota confirmed when the yaris was launched there will be no hybrid.
08/20, 7:56 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
When you have to start a sentence with “Fuk”, something’s very wrong.
That was just very funny.
I think the only reason Toyota won’t make a hybrid Yaris is because people would probably stop buying the Prius if they did. Honda, on the other hand, is probably intending on putting hybrids in every vehicle in their lineup.
08/21, 4:23 AM
posted by:
DriveCritic
I also don’t see the point of a hybrid Fiat 500 given how frugal on fuel the diesels already are, but hey, anything to make a manufacturer appear ‘Green’ is a win these days.
08/21, 12:41 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
BRING IT HERE!!! i don’t care in what form, just bring it.
08/21, 11:14 PM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
My girlfriend saw one in the UK and loved it, such a girls car. I can see it now in Legally Blonde 3.