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fiat-500-hybrid-on-the-way
Fit is working on a hybrid version of the mini [500->ar30050]. It will be powered by a petrol-electric engine that offers incredible fuel economy and super-low CO2 emissions.
The engine will be based on the company’s forthcoming 900cc two-cylinder unit – which will debut at July’s Good-wood Festival of Speed in West Sussex. The engine is mated to a motor and a battery pack, and will allow small cars like the 500 to run solely on electricity for short distances. Add a stop-start system and VW DSG-style twin-clutch gearbox, and it promises reduced CO2 emissions – engineers estimate a figure of below 90g/km!
. The hybrid 500 is likely to benefit from other green technologies seen on the Aria, which include low-rolling-resistance tyres. The featherweight two-cylinder engine is 20 per cent lighter than a four-cylinder motor, so owners could expect 80mpg-plus fuel economy.