Fiat’s little 500 microcar – a modern version of the classic car that put Italy back on its wheels after World War II – could be headed to the United States in under 18 months thanks to the potential Chrysler-Fiat alliance. Fiat wants to capitalize on the success of the Smart fortwo and Mini Cooper by introducing the 500 just in time to compete with the Ford Fiesta.
A Fiat source told Motor Trend that the 500 could be in U.S. dealer showrooms in “well under 18 months.” The 500, like most modern Fiat and Alfa Romeo cars, has been designed with North American sales in mind, meaning it would only need a few minor modifications to meet U.S. safety and emissions standards.
Motor Trend reports that the 500 might not make it to Canada due to differing bumper standards that require the turn signals to withstand a 5 mph collision.
The source also told the publication that the 500 would come to the U.S. with a 100-horsepower four-cylinder gas engine, not the 500 Abarth’s 135-horsepower unit. The 500 would be marketed through existing Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers – exactly the sort of small car those outlets have been pining for.
01/22, 9:23 AM
posted by:
carnut053
Thats what i want to hear. I think it will do well. They better bring the Abarth too!!
01/22, 10:04 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
That’s ridiculous. Judging by the habits of my fellow motorists I was unaware turn signals were even required.
01/22, 10:21 AM
posted by:
roy
much as it pains me to say this, i think the 500 will be a big winner for Chrysler. It will compete well with the mini and smart. all the posers will love it. The buyers are too young to know the old FIAT,
01/22, 10:50 AM
posted by:
Bubs Solo
I wonder sales-wise how this thing sells against it’s competitors in Europe? Personally I think this is one of the cutest cars anywhere. Good for Chrysler this won’t save them but it makes them more competitive.
01/22, 11:27 AM
posted by:
Madcapp
Perfect car for a trustafarian.
01/22, 11:38 AM
posted by:
ktulu
an ugly li’l car made by ugly li’l people 4 ugly li’l people
01/22, 11:40 AM
posted by:
Struggle
Takes one to know one ktulu
01/22, 11:48 AM
posted by:
howsmydriving
What terrible crimes could I have committed in a past life to warrant this car coming to the U.S.? Was I Hitler, Stalin, Genghis Khan or Vlad the Impaler?
01/22, 11:52 AM
posted by:
inline6
Gosh…and here I just bought an Astra. Well, maybe I’ll be far enough in my payments when the 500 comes to trade my car in. Hell, maybe I’ll actually do what I promised myself last time and get a sunroof.
But that’s all contingent on a few things:
1) This car actually gets here
2) This car rides, drives, handles, and feels overall better than my Astra
3) It comes in at a decent price…like $14k to start. That way, it’ll undercut the Mini (like it does in Europe).
4) My financial position when it gets here.
01/22, 11:53 AM
posted by:
savedsol
Bring the Abarth and I will buy it.
01/22, 1:15 PM
posted by:
atoms
are you kidding me, the turn signals? figure it out fiat, if you can kick it and it still works its good for an 8km/h collision
01/22, 2:05 PM
posted by:
Struggle
I’d personally rather own a used Mini S
Just sayin’
01/22, 2:11 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Good luck Fiat and Chrysler, you’ll need it.
01/22, 3:08 PM
posted by:
TomF
I love it from a distance. I’d love the chance to consider buying one. I can’t think of anything else that would compel me to enter a Chrysler / Jeep showroom.
01/22, 4:51 PM
posted by:
Bubs Solo
this is a smaller class car than the fit/yaris/versa… will there be much demand in the states for this?
01/22, 5:30 PM
posted by:
NRG
There’s definitely a market for it, but having the Abarth would be so much better. Chrysler really needs this car. Of course, they can’t seem to develop one themselves.
01/22, 10:39 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
NRG.. so true.. remember the Chrysler Java concept? It was basically the same size and layout as the Smart, way before it even came out! Despite the long M-B “partnership” and the availability of Smart and A-class cars to build from, only now with Fiat does Chrysler find a way to enter this market.
01/22, 10:59 PM
posted by:
pursang
I’d take this over it’s ford or mini counterpart any day.
01/23, 9:29 AM
posted by:
shane train
Yeah this car is a good execution of the retro styling we see all over. The problem with the Mini is that it is much larger than the original. This little car is retro in style and size, it’s not quite as swollen as the Mini. Most retro cars look like chubby versions of the originals. See Beetle, Mustang, Challenger. The Camaro kind of dodged this effect however.
01/25, 12:55 PM
posted by:
kumicho
I can has IDM bumper?
Seriously, this car would be an EXCELLENT choice for Fiat/Chrysler to bring over, and if they bring over the Abarth version I’ll probably give them a deposit sight-unseen.