Speed and power was never the calling card of this cute, little Italian import we’ve come to love as the Fiat 500. Despite not having the trademark Italian machismo than it’s more powerful compatriot – hello, Ferrari – is known for, the Fiat 500 is special for a very different reason. It’s cute, it’s affordable, and it’s a lot of fun to drive. Safe to say, it’s three of the most important things that people look for in a car. And if you’ve ever wondered how popular the little hatch is, look no further than the 60 plus awards it has bagged, including the 2008 European Car of the Year and the 2009 World Car Design of the Year.
And now that Fiat has a stake in Chrysler, it would have been a crime if SEMA came along and the Fiat 500 wasn’t there to introduce itself to the land of Ford and the home of Chevrolet. Fortunately, the neckties over at Chrysler thought of the same idea and, together with Mopar Underground, have decided to give the 500 a nice dress up for its introduction to the American market.
Continued after the jump.
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A Fiat 500 “Numero Uno” was auctioned off for a stout $85,000 at the 17th annual Venetian ball in Toronto, Canada, making it the first 500 to be sold in the Great White North.
Fiat’s highly anticipated return to Canada wasn’t anymore evident than the overwhelming buzz the 500 hatchback generated during the event. Bidders quickly jumped at the opportunity to own the first 500 hatch in Canada enthusiastically making bids in an attempt to go home with the car. While the identity of the winning bidder wasn’t made known, the mere fact that the winning bid reached $85,000 – proceeds from the sale will go to Villa Charities, an organization that provides "culturally sensitive care" for the elderly Italian-Canadian population - is a testament that the Fiat 500 is going to go really well in Canada.
Ed Broadbear, Chrysler Canada’s vice president of marketing was impressed with how the 500 was received by his fellow Canadians. "The enthusiastic bidding for this iconic vehicle, and the fact that it sold for $85,000, underscore the excitement and interest the Fiat 500 has generated since Fiat’s return to Canada was first announced," he said.
Italian tuning house, Fenice Milano, made quite a stir recently with their rather flamboyant rendition of the Rolls Royce Ghost. Calling it ‘the Diva’, the tuned-up Ghost was anything but tame.
Turns out, that wasn’t the only car the tuning firm recently played around with. From the minds that brought us the Rolls Royce Diva is another aptly named creation, the Fiat 500 La Dolce Vita.
In fairness to the people over at Fenice Milano, these guys certainly didn’t waste any time and effort blinging up the Fiat 500. It’s got 24k gold inserts all over the car, including the side mirrors, the headlights, and the side pillars. Oh, and that doesn’t even count the gold exhaust pipe and those 17” wheels. On top of all of that, Felice Milano also gave the 500 a hand-made teak detailing, giving it a rather lavish, if not eye-catching, finish.
Whether this special edition Fiat 500 is a home run or a big strike out is in the eye of the beholder. But whatever you may think of it, Fenice Milano really went for a car that completely grabs your attention.
And if you’re interested in one, there are limited pieces available on Jameslist, where it comes in two colors: the Deep Red Sportiva and the Golden Pearl White Classica.
Fiat had high hopes for the 500 city car in the US, and their faith was rewarded tenfold after the first batch of their little compact hatchback was scooped up faster than even they anticipated.
Chrysler has announced that the limited edition “500 Prima Edizione” – yep, all 500 of them – have been sold. That means that if you were thinking of getting any one of the three colors offered – Blanco White, Grigio Gray, or Rosso Red - well, tough luck. On the other hand, hope is not lost, as Fiat - via Chrysler - will begin accepting orders for the standard 500 beginning in the early part of next year. Interested buyers will also get the chance to pick whatever trim of the 500 they like the most, including the Sport, Pop, or Lounge trims with the 500C scheduled to be released in 2011.
Laura Stove, Head of Fiat brand North America, was excited about the reception the 500 has received in the US. “It’s important that the Fiat enthusiasts and fans are among the first to receive their very own Fiat 500 Prima Edizione special edition vehicles, as they share the same excitement about the brand’s presence in North America," she said.
"As we begin to introduce Fiat to North America, our goal is to develop a solid relationship with our customers so they are made to feel as part of the brand.”
Clearly, the strong reception received by the 500 in the US is a pretty good start for Fiat and the Italian brand is hoping that it’s a sign for more good things to come .
Chrysler is ready to attack the Mini Cooper with its U.S. version of the Fiat 500 Sport, and they are not holding back. The Fiat 500 will be offered in Sport, Pop, and Lounge models, all available for order later this year. Wait until our beautiful spring in 2011 and Chrysler will also throw in a Cabrio version.
The only model Chrysler gave specific details on was the Fiat 500 Sport and with that information we now know that the Sport will come with new front and rear fascias, a larger grille, and a flared aerodynamic treatment. The exterior is showcased with 16-inch aluminum wheels with Mineral Gray painted pockets, performance red painted brake calipers, a chromed exhaust tip, and gloss black shadow-line window trim. Customers may not see a Cabrio until 2011, but with the Sport, customers will be able to gaze out of their SkyDome power sun roof.
Under the hood there will be a new 1.4-liter engine with Fiat’s state-of-the-art MultiAir technology giving it an improved fuel economy.
As for the last two models, Fiat has only mentioned that they will come with "unique exterior cues and different equipment options."
Press release after the jump.
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