AUBURN HILLS, MI- Chrysler Group LLC today announced a new special edition Fiat 500 to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the original 1957 "Nuova" Cinquecento (New 500).
The vehicle, called the “1957 Edition,” is based off of the Fiat 500 Lounge model and features vintage styling cues, including 16-inch retro wheel design; throwback "FIAT" badges on the front fascia and rear liftgate; three classic exterior colors; and vintage interior design.
"The 1957 Edition celebrates the Cinquecento, the icon of our brand, and its unique cachet of Italian style, efficiency and engaging road manners," said Jason Stoicevich, Chrysler head of Fiat Brand for North America, in a statement.
The throwback exterior colors include Bianco (white), Verde Chiaro (light green) or exclusive Celeste (celestial blue) paired with a signature Bianco painted roof and mirror caps.
But the vehicle – set to make its public debut at the 2013 LA Auto Show next week – isn’t all retro. It features interior modern amenities, like the current Lounge model, including a premium six-speaker audio system; sport-tuned suspension; and the 1.4-liter MultiAir engine and C514 five-speed manual transmission, delivering an EPA estimated 31 miles per gallon (mpg) city and 40 mpg highway. An optional six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes is also available.
2014 Fiat 500 '1957 Edition'Chrysler
The original Nuova 500 marked a “rebirth” for Chrysler’s parent company, Fiat SpA, in 1957, according to officials. Nearly 3.9 million Cinquecento models were built between 1957 and 1975. The last Fiat Nuova 500 was built on August 4, 1975, at the SicilFiat plant in Termini Imerese (Palermo, Sicily).
The 2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition is at least the seventh version of the city car, including a limited-edition Pink Ribbon model supporting breast cancer and two Gucci models.
The 2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition arrives at Fiat Studios in the spring. Pricing, Chrysler said, will be announced closer to market launch. Ordering will begin nationwide in early 2014.
Nearly 60 vehicle unveilings, including 22 world debuts, are expected during the 2013 LA Auto Show Press Days from Nov. 19-21. The LA Auto Show, which is considered the start of the “auto show season” for automakers, is open to the public from Nov. 22 – Dec. 1.
Follow all of the most recent LA Auto Show news by clicking here.
Michael Wayland covers the automotive industry for MLive. Email him at [email protected] & follow him on Twitter @MikeWayland or Google+.
The vehicle, called the “1957 Edition,” is based off of the Fiat 500 Lounge model and features vintage styling cues, including 16-inch retro wheel design; throwback "FIAT" badges on the front fascia and rear liftgate; three classic exterior colors; and vintage interior design.
"The 1957 Edition celebrates the Cinquecento, the icon of our brand, and its unique cachet of Italian style, efficiency and engaging road manners," said Jason Stoicevich, Chrysler head of Fiat Brand for North America, in a statement.
The throwback exterior colors include Bianco (white), Verde Chiaro (light green) or exclusive Celeste (celestial blue) paired with a signature Bianco painted roof and mirror caps.
But the vehicle – set to make its public debut at the 2013 LA Auto Show next week – isn’t all retro. It features interior modern amenities, like the current Lounge model, including a premium six-speaker audio system; sport-tuned suspension; and the 1.4-liter MultiAir engine and C514 five-speed manual transmission, delivering an EPA estimated 31 miles per gallon (mpg) city and 40 mpg highway. An optional six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes is also available.
The original Nuova 500 marked a “rebirth” for Chrysler’s parent company, Fiat SpA, in 1957, according to officials. Nearly 3.9 million Cinquecento models were built between 1957 and 1975. The last Fiat Nuova 500 was built on August 4, 1975, at the SicilFiat plant in Termini Imerese (Palermo, Sicily).
The 2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition is at least the seventh version of the city car, including a limited-edition Pink Ribbon model supporting breast cancer and two Gucci models.
The 2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition arrives at Fiat Studios in the spring. Pricing, Chrysler said, will be announced closer to market launch. Ordering will begin nationwide in early 2014.
Nearly 60 vehicle unveilings, including 22 world debuts, are expected during the 2013 LA Auto Show Press Days from Nov. 19-21. The LA Auto Show, which is considered the start of the “auto show season” for automakers, is open to the public from Nov. 22 – Dec. 1.
Follow all of the most recent LA Auto Show news by clicking here.
Michael Wayland covers the automotive industry for MLive. Email him at [email protected] & follow him on Twitter @MikeWayland or Google+.