Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Fiat 500C convertible coming to U.S.?

The Fiat 500 has win awards from numerous publications and organizations. It’s confirmed that the 500 will hit the U.S. market in July of 2011. Now a convertible variant called the 500C could be close behind. According to several new reports, Fiat has greenlighted the 500C for the U.S. market.

The carmaker has released a new series of 500C convertible images, revealing the car in much better detail.

The new convertible is distinguished by an automated sliding soft-top with an integrated glass backlight and built-in center high mounted stop light. The lining for the roof is a new weather resistant canvas that is available in three different colors, ivory, red and black, and has been designed to match the car’s exterior color palette, which also expands with two new entries - Pearl Red and Warm Grey.

Inside, there's still enough space for four adults but legroom in the rear is ideally suited to small children.

The 500C will receive the same engine options as the 500, which means three powerplants ranging in size from 1.2 to 1.4L. The entry-level 1.2L petrol model develops just 69hp (52kW), while the range topping 1.4L version develops 100hp (75kW). In the middle is the 1.3L Multijet turbodiesel with 75hp (56kW) on tap. Available transmissions include a five-speed manual and robotized Dualogic automatic.

The 500C will also feature Fiat’s fuel-saving start-stop engine technology. Whenever the vehicle comes to a stop and the driver releases the clutch, the engine is switched off and then restarted simply by selecting a gear.

The 500C will come with two trim options: Pop and Lounge. Standard features of the car included electrically operated hood, air conditioning, remote central locking, radio/CD/MP3 player, seven airbags and electrically operated door mirrors. The Lounge models will get the following chief features: climate control, ESP stability control, foglights and rear parking sensors.

The 500C will be first built in Fiat’s Tychy plant in Poland, but could move to Chrysler’s Toluca, Mexico plant in 2010. Sales is scheduled for the third quarter of the year.

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