Some pictures of the new Fiat 500C

The New Fiat 500C

Fiat just released some pictures of the new Fiat 500C it will launch throughout Europe this spring. I was pleasantly surprised it wasn't a full convertible. I like the old fashioned sliding top. It reminds me of the Lancia Scorpion (Monte Carlo to the rest of the world) I had . With any luck we'll see it in the USA. Below are some details on it:

The New Fiat 500C

The worldwide preview of the Fiat 500C presentation will take place at the next Geneva Motorshow, March 5-15, 2009.

The new Fiat 500C comes with an electric soft top and is the same size as the Fiat 500 sedan at 139.8 inches x 64.9 inches x 58.6 inches (3.55 m x 1.65 m x 1.49 m). The 500C offers the same three power plants as the 500 sedan:

1.3 liter 75 HP Multijet Turbodiesel with a 5-speed manual transmission

1.2 liter 69 HP gasoline engine with either manual or robotized Dualogic transmission

1.4 liter 100 HP gasoline engines with either manual or robotized Dualogic transmission

A neat standard feature of the new 500C is the innovative “Start&Stop” system, a device controlling momentary engine shutdown and subsequent restarting. How this works is at every stop when shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch, the engine is switched off and then restarted simply by selecting a gear. This improves the already great gas mileage and reduces exhaust emissions.

Other neat features are the electric top as mentioned above, built in center high mounted stop light and the glass rear window. The trunk features excellent loadability with the soft top fully open, thanks to a clever parallelogram hinge device for the trunk lid.

The top is available in three colors (ivory, red and black), the 500C 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.

The new Fiat 500C is a great addition to the 500 line up!