Fiat’s uncared for North American operations are lastly getting some consideration as CEO Olivier Francois introduced that there’s a new mannequin on the horizon on the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Present . The Fiat 500e will arrive in North America in 2024, after the automaker reveals the US-spec model at subsequent yr’s version of the Los Angeles Auto Present. This yr, Fiat dropped at LA a trio of 500-based one-offs designed by Armani, Kartell, and Bvlgari.
The absolutely electrical Fiat 500 – dubbed “New 500” in Europe – premiered in 2020, which suggests it will likely be 4 years outdated when it arrives in North America because the “500e”. It’s not clear if there shall be any adjustments in comparison with the EU-spec mannequin, however Fiat’s facelifts and mannequin yr updates are often delicate. Our guess is orange indicators and new trim mixtures designed to lure American patrons. We additionally don’t know if the US lineup will embody all three bodystyles – the common three-door hatch, the soft-top cabriolet, and the three+1 with suicide doorways on the passenger aspect.
Pushed: The Fiat 500 RED Is A Charming And Simple-Going City EV
In Europe, the electrical 500 is on the market with two battery capacities and totally different powertrain outputs. Fiat would possibly solely deliver the mannequin fitted with the extra highly effective electrical motor producing 117 hp (87 kW / 118 PS), and the 42 kWh battery permitting a WLTP vary of 260 km (162 miles) that’s extra appropriate for the wants of North American clients.
There’s additionally the upcoming Abarth New 500 which is predicted to supply elevated energy output alongside a extra targeted chassis setup and an aggressive bodykit. We hope that Stellantis will deliver the new hatch to North America alongside the common Fiat 500e.
Word that Fiat’s US vary is at the moment restricted to the getting old 500X. The small SUV has obtained many updates all through its lifecycle nevertheless it was initially launched again in 2014, which means it will likely be a decade outdated when the brand new 500e lands on US shores. Olivier Francois didn’t point out different fashions moreover the city EV, however we guess that extra EVs might be exported to North America after 2024, relying on the suitability of European choices on the time.
Three One-Off Specials Penned By Italian Manufacturers
With a view to make our urge for food for the 500e, Fiat introduced a trio of one-off specials in Los Angeles, impressed by the enduring Italian firms Armani, Kartell, and Bvlgari. The truth is, these ideas aren’t new, as Fiat exhibited them in Turin, Italy, as a part of the mannequin’s launch occasion again in October 2020.
The Fiat 500 Giorgio Armani designed in collaboration with the style model combines a grey/inexperienced “silk impact” exterior shade with an identical cloth roof, and GA-logo alloy wheels for the outside, plus a sculpted dashboard insert from open-pore wooden with skinny layers of aluminum inlay, micro chevron wool bands, and Poltrona Frau-sourced leather-based upholstery for the inside.
The Fiat 500 Kartell impressed by the furnishings firm is distinguished by the Yves Klein Blue coloration overlaying the whole thing of the outside, with a mirror-effect end for the physique panels that are utilizing environmentally-friendly chrome paint. The particular sample on the mirror caps, the wheels, and the dashboard insert is made out of recycled polycarbonate, harking back to Kartell’s Kabuki lamp.
Final however not least, the B.500 Mai Troppo – which is Italian for “by no means an excessive amount of” – is coming from the jewellery model Bvlgari. The saffron-colored pearlescent paint has glowing gold powder and is mixed with star-shaped alloy wheels that includes diamond-paved logos. Inside, the dashboard upholstery is product of Bvlgari silk scarves, with matching inserts on the leather-based seats, and three semi-precious stones (amethyst, topaz, and citrine) on the middle of the steering wheel.
The Fiat 500e will arrive in North American dealerships within the first quarter of 2024. US pricing is predicted to be introduced subsequent yr. Not like Europe which nonetheless will get the traditional ICE-powered 500 in mild-hybrid type, the US will solely get the extra trendy EV mannequin. Till it arrives, take a look at the movies of the one-off specials that are clearly not destined for manufacturing.
