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.
