Fiat 500
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Fifty years ago, on 4 July 1957, Fiat introduced the Nuova Fiat 500, which became an icon of our times, and with which Fiat completed a revival that had begun immediately after the Second World War.
This summer exactly 50 years later, and once again in Turin, the company will be presenting its new Fiat 500. This new car will also mark an important cycle of revival for Fiat Automobiles SpA.
Developed by the Fiat Style Centre and manufactured in Fiat's Tychy (Poland) plant, the new 500 is a 3-door model with very compact measurements: 355 cm long, 165 cm wide, 149 cm tall and a wheelbase of 230 cm. Produced with three engine options: a 75 bhp 1.3 16v MultiJet turbodiesel and two petrol engines, a 69 bhp 1.2 8v and a 100 bhp 1.4 16v, with five or six speed manual gearboxes, the new Fiat 500 is designed to be notably entertaining to drive.
The new car's arrival confirms Fiat Automobiles SpA's undisputed leadership in this category - and the new Fiat 500 takes a leap forward in terms of comfort and safety, technology and equipment for this segment.
The new Fiat 500 is the most up-to-date solution for motorists who wish to drive a vehicle that is entertaining and practical, environmentally-friendly and accessible, but also appealing and full of fun.
The new Fiat 500 will be coming to Lance Dixon in 2008. Please contact us on (03) 9848 8888 or email us for more information
Meet the hottest 500 ever built! This is the Abarth SS – a pocket rocket with an engine that’s the brainchild of the man behind the formidable V10s in Ferrari’s Formula One cars.
Legendary motorsport figure Paulo Martinelli has been credited with fine-tuning the four-cylinder in this model, which will hit the UK’s roads in the summer. Described as the ultimate incarnation of the Fiat-based Abarth 500, the top-of-the-range Super Sport, or SS, delivers enough performance to rival MINI’s flagship Cooper S.
The newcomer follows in the footsteps of its older brother the Abarth Grande Punto SS, promising an uprated 1.4-litre turbo engine and racy looks.
As you can see from our images the Abarth SS will get an aggressive bodykit. What’s more, it is likely to be rounded off by a low front splitter, deep air intakes and twin bonnet vents.
At the rear, there are twin chrome exhausts, as well as a diffuser-style lower bumper. The white paintwork and contrasting red wing mirrors and side stripes are complemented by Abarth’s famous scorpion badging, which features on the wheels, grille and bootlid. Inside, the model has sporty instruments and figure-hugging bucket seats. But what will make the SS a truly special machine is the turbocharged unit under the bonnet.
While the standard Abarth 500’s engine produces 135bhp, the SS has an even more powerful version that delivers 155bhp. With a kerbweight of around 1,000kg, the 500 promises to be a sensational performer: it will complete the sprint from 0-60mph in only 7.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 130mph. A torque output of 230Nm will ensure superb in-gear acceleration – although changing ratios will be a joy, as the car has the same slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission as the Abarth Punto.
To ensure the SS handles just as well as it accelerates, engineers have lowered the suspension, uprated the dampers and springs and fitted larger brakes. What’s more, as with the flagship Grande Punto, customers will be able to choose from an impressive and exclusive line-up of Abarth-branded components. These will include further suspension options, lightweight carbon fibre body parts and bigger brakes, all of which will be available from the UK’s 10 Abarth dealers.
Rumour has it that a special tuning kit is set to be offered as well. It has yet to be officially revealed, but is likely to take peak power to 180bhp – which would give a 0-60mph time of less than seven seconds.
The regular Abarth 500 & SS will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, if you would like any further information, please contact Murray Fitzpatrick on (03) 9848 8888 or click here to email him