I spotted this spec sheet at the New York International Auto Show, it shows the US version of the Fiat 500 being a little longer than its European cousin. The spec sheet shows the US Fiat 500 being 3 inches (76mm) longer, with a total length of 142.6 inches (3622mm) compared to the Euro versions 139.6 inches (3546mm).
The other dimension that is different is the width. The US version, according to the spec sheet posted, is curiously listed at being .71 inches narrower than the Euro version or 63.4 inches (1609mm) compared to 64.1 inches (1627mm).
All other dimensions are the same including the wheelbase, which had been subject to speculation as being longer due to the rumor of the US Fiat 500 using the new Panda platform when it goes into production at its Toluca, Mexico plant later this year. You can read about this here.
This difference in length does make sense because the US Fiat 500 will have its front bumper (and rear tailgate) redesigned in order to accommodate the North American license plate shape. Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has mentioned this redesign alone will cost Fiat $10 million.
The width difference is more of a question. At first, I thought it might be the difference between measuring the width of the body with or without mirrors, but in the above plan view of the Euro version, it shows measuring the width at the body and not at the mirrors. I'll keep an eye on this for you...
6 comments:
Huh, I wonder for what reason it might be thinner...
My money's on it being virtually identical to the Euro version, I bet it's just new bumpers or slightly different measurements. Still tons of details we don't know yet, though. Can't wait...
Anonymous said...
Huh, I wonder for what reason it might be thinner...
Scott said...
My money's on it being virtually identical to the Euro version, I bet it's just new bumpers or slightly different measurements. Still tons of details we don't know yet, though. Can't wait...
Thanks for the comments!
I have more information on this but I am waiting for the official "OK".
I trust it is getting VERY busy at Fiat North America...
Hello. Great website! Curious. The 2 Fiat 500s pictured above. One one 500 in Grey has what appears to be Bi-Xenon headlights. Now correct me if I am wrong I thought that option was only available on the 500C..Will the US 500 hardtops have Bi-Xenon headlights as an option? Thanks!
Anonymous said...
Hello. Great website! Curious. The 2 Fiat 500s pictured above. One one 500 in Grey has what appears to be Bi-Xenon headlights. Now correct me if I am wrong I thought that option was only available on the 500C..Will the US 500 hardtops have Bi-Xenon headlights as an option? Thanks!....
Hi, the Fiat 500 sedan does offer the optional Xenon headlights (at least in Italy, the country I just double checked).
It doesn't show up on the "500 configurator", but if you go onto Fiat.com and select a country you can see all the options available for each car.
I don't know what options will be available as of now, but I would expect the Xenon lights to be available. That's a great upgrade and also offers a nice profit margin;)
Thanks for the nice comment, I appreciate you stopping by and checking the site out!
Best regards, Chris
10 million to change the bumpers? Yikes! I sure hope these changes result in a better 500.
Any more info?
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