A-ha! So the rumors are true. Fiat’s answer to the BMW’s Mini, the Fiat 500 IS getting the drop top treatment, sort of. Although it doesn’t look like it is going to be a full convertible, more like a huge sun roof that drops all the way from the windshield header to the back deck, at least there will be a way to enjoy drop top motoring when the new little ride makes it here.
And oh yes, the Fiat 500 will be making it to these shores, courtesy of Fiat forking over many millions to partner with/help bail out the ailing Chrysler concern. And the 500 has already been mentioned as one of the cars Fiat will bring over. Ergo, they should also bring over the convertible version as well.
The new drop top will officially bow at the Geneva Motor Show, but we can report that the 500 looks back to Fiat’s Cinquecento of years past with a canvas top slides back to open up, yet leaves the outer portion of the roof intact helping maintain body rigidity. This design also means that the trunk maintains its top-up storage capacity.
We’re pleased at this move, and although there’s been no official word that this little guy is coming this way, Fiat would be stupid not to bring it.
Source: AutoBlogGreen
Is the 500 trying to compete w/the Mini Cooper? Better put some more horses under the hood. Looks like another “me to” car but I need to see it in person and come on, only 34 miles to the gallon? I’ve got 110hp on my Honda Goldwing and get better than that.
The MINI and 500 are similar in some ways, but you have to understand how cars are taxed in Italy. The more horsepower, the more a car is taxed. Hence, low horsepower cars are the bigger sellers in Italy.
For the gente comune seeking a more performance oriented version of the 500, they should consider the Abarth tuned Fiat 500.