Chrysler announces the American-Bound Fiat 500

Ever since Fiat took control of Chrysler, we knew this day would arrive.  The questions, however, were many.  How much would change between the European Fiat 500 and the American version?  Will it sell?  What will it look like?  Where will they sell it?  Well, today I have answers for a few of those questions.  First, there will be around 600 dealers appointed by Chrysler to sell Fiats.  Second, the first Fiat to hit our shores, the 500 Sport, will look like the photo above and the pictures found after the jump.  Third, as to whether or not it will sell, that depends upon pricing and American mindsets when it reaches us later this year, but I think it’ll be fairly popular with the city crowd as a much better alternative to the Smart ForTwo.

The 500 is known for being small, but driving well.  It’s got a sporty suspension and the American version gets unique wheels and bodywork.  It’s powered by a 1.4-liter engine which is already in use in Europe, using Fiat’s “MultiAir” technology to makes plenty of power while sipping fuel.  While it’s somewhere between a Smart ForTwo and a Mini Cooper in size, its packaging and driving dynamics fall towards the Mini end of things, so it should compete well in that arena.

by John Suit

Source: Chrysler