Fiat Abarth 500C debuting next month. Fiat 500 for sale in U.S. by end of year.
08-31-10, 08:29 PM
#16
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50000 units a year equal to 4167 units a month. That's about the current monthly sales of Honda Fit, give or take several hundreds. The first year might be a hit, so possible in my opinion. As the freshness dies down, sales might drop dramatically.
09-01-10, 09:54 AM
#20
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I think the brand will do well in the states. Its trendy to drive "green" cars so the gas sipping as well as the Italian name and new and unique design for US buyers. I think the Abarth version will be a nice competitor to the mini cooper. There are many small cars on the market but nothing that matches the mini cooper's design and quality. Most small cars feel like cheap econo boxes. The mini cooper feels like a very small premium car. I am thinking the 500 will feel similar
09-01-10, 10:08 AM
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09-01-10, 02:27 PM
#23
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they are smoking crack... 
09-01-10, 04:14 PM
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People rarely buy these cars for "performance". The MINI Cooper and Fiat 500, even in Europe, are lifestyle cars. What matters here is style, cuteness-factor etc.
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09-01-10, 08:16 PM
#28
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My late father had plans, when I was in high-school, to get me an old used 500 as a starter-car to practice on (apparantly it was in pretty bad shape). When he and I went out to look at it, he called those plans off pretty quickly. I ended up getting a much nicer, but still used, Plymouth Barracuda instead.
09-14-10, 08:09 AM
#29
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The Fiat 500 Sport – Arriving Soon to America
September 14, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The reborn and reimagined Fiat 500 is arriving soon to America. Born in Italy, perfectly tailored for America, the Cinquecento is as vibrant and engaging as it is fit and nimble. The Sport model, featured in these images, illustrates Fiat's smart and stylish design aesthetic. Like the original Fiat 500 a half-century ago, the new Cinquecento continues its timeless value while embracing individual expression and opportunity – all infused with world-class craftsmanship.
The Cinquecento offers unique adaptations for the North American market and is designed for individuals who demand that style and fashion can coexist with practicality and functionality. Matching its sport-tuned suspension, the Fiat 500 Sport features athletically styled front and rear fascias with a larger grille and flared aerodynamic treatment. Between its unique 16-inch aluminum wheels with Mineral Gray painted pockets, the Cinquecento incorporates new body-side sill cladding for an enhanced sport appearance.
Completing this athletic vehicle's appearance are Performance Red painted brake calipers, a chromed exhaust tip and gloss black shadow-line window trim. The Fiat 500 Sport also features an available SkyDome power sun roof for an ultra-open view of the world. The Fiat 500 will be also available in the Pop and Lounge models with unique exterior cues and different equipment options.
The world-class 1.4-liter engine with Fiat's state-of-the-art MultiAir™ technology powers the Fiat 500 Sport. MultiAir significantly reduces emissions while improving fuel economy and power delivery by up to 10 percent when compared to similar engines.
The Fiat 500's technology, driving dynamics and interior features have been intelligently adapted for the North American market, and it will offer small-car buyers a stylish, high-value alternative. The all-new Fiat 500 will be available for ordering later this year in the Sport, Pop and Lounge models, followed by the all-new Fiat 500C (cabrio) in the spring of 2011.
September 14, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The reborn and reimagined Fiat 500 is arriving soon to America. Born in Italy, perfectly tailored for America, the Cinquecento is as vibrant and engaging as it is fit and nimble. The Sport model, featured in these images, illustrates Fiat's smart and stylish design aesthetic. Like the original Fiat 500 a half-century ago, the new Cinquecento continues its timeless value while embracing individual expression and opportunity – all infused with world-class craftsmanship.
The Cinquecento offers unique adaptations for the North American market and is designed for individuals who demand that style and fashion can coexist with practicality and functionality. Matching its sport-tuned suspension, the Fiat 500 Sport features athletically styled front and rear fascias with a larger grille and flared aerodynamic treatment. Between its unique 16-inch aluminum wheels with Mineral Gray painted pockets, the Cinquecento incorporates new body-side sill cladding for an enhanced sport appearance.
Completing this athletic vehicle's appearance are Performance Red painted brake calipers, a chromed exhaust tip and gloss black shadow-line window trim. The Fiat 500 Sport also features an available SkyDome power sun roof for an ultra-open view of the world. The Fiat 500 will be also available in the Pop and Lounge models with unique exterior cues and different equipment options.
The world-class 1.4-liter engine with Fiat's state-of-the-art MultiAir™ technology powers the Fiat 500 Sport. MultiAir significantly reduces emissions while improving fuel economy and power delivery by up to 10 percent when compared to similar engines.
The Fiat 500's technology, driving dynamics and interior features have been intelligently adapted for the North American market, and it will offer small-car buyers a stylish, high-value alternative. The all-new Fiat 500 will be available for ordering later this year in the Sport, Pop and Lounge models, followed by the all-new Fiat 500C (cabrio) in the spring of 2011.
09-14-10, 09:52 AM
#30
Lexus Fanatic
There's supposed to be (at least according to Chrysler), an all-electric, battery-powered 500 next year, too. I'm surprised the article didn't mention that. It will compete with the Nissan Leaf and the new Mitsubishi all-electric.