The North American Fiat 500 Sport*
Fiat North America gave us a preview of the long awaited North American version of the Fiat 500. We've been speculating on what the US 500 would look like (read here), and now that it is finally revealed, the consensus is positive.
The version previewed was the Sport but there are still two other versions, the Pop and Lounge, that have not been shown. What is not known is if the two upcoming versions will use the same bumpers as the Sport.
Let's take a look at the 500 Sport
The design work for the North American Fiat 500 Sport was done in Italy, at Fiat's design studio called Centro Stile, under the leadership of Roberto Giolito (the original designer of the 2007 European 500). Giolito and his team have given the 500 Sport a decidedly sporting nature. With some similarities to the overtly aggressive 500 Abarth, the 500 Sport has a sophisticated lower grille design with well integrated fog lights and a small lower lip spoiler.
The Fiat 500 Sport
The upper portion of the bumper on the 500 Sport is nearly identical to the European 500 with perhaps some subtle changes to the shape, the big differences are to the lower areas. A traditional sporty 3 opening lower grille features a mesh grille design with integrated fog lights. The outer grille areas where these fog lights reside look to be solid and not open.
Comparing to the 500 Abarth, the fog lights of the 500 Sport are in a more traditional location.
The design of the lower grille area on the 500 Sport is less busy and maybe more logical. But wait...
...there is a reason for the grille design on the Abarth. The Abarth features twin side mounted intercoolers and has had some very sophisticated aerodynamics done to the bumper to insure sufficient airflow through them. You would expect nothing less in an Abarth and from Fiat, the company which owns Ferrari.
Sideskirts
The sides skirts on the 500 Sport are similar to its European cousin, but don't come up as high.
Under its skin, it is widely reported the new 500 will have an updated chassis that features even more high strength steel and a lower curb weight when compared to the European version. Also anticipated is the chassis will feature improved NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) characteristics.
Read more about the upgraded chassis here
US sidemarkers
Required US side markers are nicely integrated into the design.
Tailgate
The 500 Sport will have a new tailgate the accommodates the shape of a US license plate, which is narrower than European spec plates.
The rear bumper
Pictures of the rear don't show much other than a rear design somewhat mirrors the front with a 3 grille effect and a small under the bumper lip/diffuser. The outboard areas incorporate a reflector.
More images to come...
In the next few weeks weeks, expect to see more information and pictures of the Fiat 500 released. As soon as that happens, we'll post them here.
In the meantime, go to Fiat USA's official website here and sign up for the latest news.
*Images courtesy of Chrysler Media
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