Fiat 500C, world preview
02/23/2009
Fiat
The Fiat 500C, unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow, will be launched throughout Europe this spring. Expression of "freedom and excitement", the original cabriolet pays homage to its open-top 1957, with the addition of leading-edge solutions in terms of mechanical units, powerplants and interior comfort. All this in authentic Fiat tradition, giving access to higher-segment engineering and technology hitherto unheard of.
Featuring an innovative softtop - a fully fledged window to the sky - the new 500C comes in the same size as the basic model (3.55 m x 1.65 m x 1.49 m) and the same three powerplants: the 1.3 liter 75HP Multijet Turbodiesel coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission and the two 1.2 liter 69 HP and 1.4 liter 100 HP gasoline engines, available with either manual or robotized Dualogic transmission. Though providing different features, all three engine types are generously dimensioned, have a temperament and offer high performance based on sophisticated technology. Standard features include stubborn reliability and environmental friendliness.
Moreover, as proof of Fiat Automobiles commitment to the environment and sustainable mobility, the new 500C incorporates the innovative "Start&Stop" system, a device controlling momentary engine shutdown and subsequent reignition. To this end, at every stop when shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch, the engine is switched off and then restarted simply by selecting a gear.
Created by the Fiat Styling Center and manufactured at the Tichy plant in Poland, the 500C is of the "open source" design, implying the addition of new functions to a highly successful existing product. Indeed, the 500C incorporates all the strong points of the basic model, namely top-of-segment safety features, 4-adult seat habitability and generous luggage space, combined with excellent loadability also with the soft top fully open, thanks to a clever parallelogram hinge device.
A highly original exercise in design, the softtop of the Fiat 500C stands out for its refined electrically operated linkage and engineering solutions of great quality and finish, such as the glass backlight and the built-in center high-mounted stop light. Available in three colors (ivory, red and black) , this original softtop will be matched with several bodywork color schemes, two of which have been conceived specifically for the new car, i.e. a brilliant Pearl Red and a special Warm Grey typical of sports supercars. Last but not least, thanks to the adoption of the innovative sliding softtop combined with a styling concept which retains all-round protection, the Fiat 500C offers a delightful ride in any season of the year. All told, its many special features make this car one of the best turned out cabriolet models currently on offer in the city-car segment.
The 500C is further proof of Fiat's undisputed leadership in this vehicle class, where continuous innovation ensures that its position as the industry's standard is maintained. In fact, the car sets new levels in terms of comfort and safety, engineering and appointments, whilst maintaining that unique and inimitable "Italian style". A new cabriolet is born which arouses great excitement and assures utmost driving pleasure, combining captivating lines with the performance of flexible, environment-friendly engines.