Fiat 500 To Enter The Lucrative US Market
Nov 09, 2009 | Comments 0
All car enthusiasts who had always wished for small cars have been anxiously waiting for a couple of years for the release of Fiat 500. Now after Fiat‘s alliance with Chrysler, they are ready to launch the 500 edition in the US as the first joint venture. There are reports that 500 would be no ordinary Mini but will be a high performance Abarth.
It is expected that the 500 edition would be the only Fiat badged model that will be seen in the US. Chrysler has advised its dealers that the first batch of 500 will be Abarth and will hit the showroom by 2011.
The 500 version would be equipped with Fiat’s turbo charged T-Jet petrol engine which would generate 135 hp at 5,500 rpm and 132 pound feet of torque at 2,500 rpm.
The designers have designed the new 500 with a sporty look which would stand apart from the standard editions. The new 500 edition will feature a body style with larger air intakes, a rear diffuser, side skirts, and pumped fenders. The new 16 inch alloy wheels and the famed scorpion logo on the grille augment the overall look of this model.
The interiors are decorated with leather trims and feature new bucket seats to offer maximum comfort to the passengers. The 500 edition will be feature front wheel drive and will sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. It is expected that the 500 would offer a fuel mileage of 25-33 mpg.
Fiat projects sales of 20,000- 25,000 units for the first year in the US.
The new 500 will be priced at an approximate $18,000 – $ 19,000 mark.
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