2012 Fiat 500 Sport
Chrysler has announced the Fiat 500 Sport will join the minicar’s lineup when it goes on sale toward the end of this year. More mini than a Mini and cuter than a basket full of kittens, the little Cinquecento needs all the help it can get to earn its “Sport” moniker. And so it gets a unique front mask with tripartite lower air intakes, which would take it a step up on the masculinity scale if the front end didn’t bear such a likeness to Volkswagen’s testosterone-draining New Beetle. Thankfully, there’s more in the form of a new rear fascia, wide sill extensions, red-painted brake calipers, a chrome exhaust finisher, blackout window trim, unique 16-inch wheels with charcoal-painted insets, and even a Sport suspension. And for those who can’t have fun without sun, Fiat will offer a “Skydome” power sunroof as an option.
Many other iterations of the 500 have already been announced for the U.S.—prior to the base car actually going on sale here, we might add—including Pop and Lounge trim levels, plus a special Prima Edizione model made specifically for the car’s American launch. In the not-so-distant future, Fiat also will bring us the electric-powered 500 BEV, plus the 500C cabriolet, and perhaps a five-door model with increased rear-seat room. And while Fiat dealers will certainly have a rainbow of 500 flavors once all of those are in the same showroom, we’re looking forward to the addition of a turbocharged bite-size bad boy—possibly wearing the Abarth badge. Chrysler announced last January that the 500 would be available here with 100-hp naturally aspirated and 170-hp turbo versions of Fiat’s 1.4-liter MultiAir-equipped four-cylinder.
Company representatives would not disclose which engine will propel the Sport—signs point to the 100-hp version, leaving the hotter mill exclusive to the hot Abarth—or how much the model will cost when it goes on sale. Look for the Sport to arrive soon after or concurrent with the base 500, which becomes available to order later this year.
Chrysler has announced the Fiat 500 Sport will join the minicar’s lineup when it goes on sale toward the end of this year. More mini than a Mini and cuter than a basket full of kittens, the little Cinquecento needs all the help it can get to earn its “Sport” moniker. And so it gets a unique front mask with tripartite lower air intakes, which would take it a step up on the masculinity scale if the front end didn’t bear such a likeness to Volkswagen’s testosterone-draining New Beetle. Thankfully, there’s more in the form of a new rear fascia, wide sill extensions, red-painted brake calipers, a chrome exhaust finisher, blackout window trim, unique 16-inch wheels with charcoal-painted insets, and even a Sport suspension. And for those who can’t have fun without sun, Fiat will offer a “Skydome” power sunroof as an option.
Many other iterations of the 500 have already been announced for the U.S.—prior to the base car actually going on sale here, we might add—including Pop and Lounge trim levels, plus a special Prima Edizione model made specifically for the car’s American launch. In the not-so-distant future, Fiat also will bring us the electric-powered 500 BEV, plus the 500C cabriolet, and perhaps a five-door model with increased rear-seat room. And while Fiat dealers will certainly have a rainbow of 500 flavors once all of those are in the same showroom, we’re looking forward to the addition of a turbocharged bite-size bad boy—possibly wearing the Abarth badge. Chrysler announced last January that the 500 would be available here with 100-hp naturally aspirated and 170-hp turbo versions of Fiat’s 1.4-liter MultiAir-equipped four-cylinder.
Company representatives would not disclose which engine will propel the Sport—signs point to the 100-hp version, leaving the hotter mill exclusive to the hot Abarth—or how much the model will cost when it goes on sale. Look for the Sport to arrive soon after or concurrent with the base 500, which becomes available to order later this year.
