Fiat to Celebrate Half-a-Million 500s with Photo Covered Special

Fiat has chosen a unusual way to celebrate the production of the 500,000th 500 mini just 31 months after its launch. The Italian automaker is going to create a special edition version of the 500 entirely covered by 1,500 photos displaying the faces of Fiat 500 customers, celebrities and fans.

Starting from next week (May 3), those interested can book a place on the car by logging on to www.fiat500.com and using the special application showing a plan view of the Fiat 500. They can then book one of the free spaces online by sending a photograph.

Fiat said that seventy per cent of the places are reserved for Fiat 500 owners.

The special "Fiat 500 Thousandth" is expected to be ready three weeks after the booking stage is concluded and will be featured by the Italian carmaker in forthcoming events and international motor shows.

UK Debut for All-Electric Fiat 500 Atomik at Salon Privé

The annual Salon Privé, a luxury supercar event and Concours d'Elégance that takes place this year in London from 21-23 July, will be hosting the UK debut of the all-electric Atomik 500.

Created by Paris-based maker, Atomik Cars, the Fiat-500 based model gets two electric motors, one up front producing 80kW and 840Nm (619 lb-ft), and one at the rear that makes the same power but a whopping 1,710 Nm (1,261 lb-ft) of peak torque.

Combined, the two electric motors punch out 160 kW (215 hp) and an unadjusted 2,550 Nm (1,880 lb-ft) of torque split 33/67 front to rear.

The company says that the 1,400kg 500 EV can hit 100km/h (62mph) from rest in less than 5 seconds, complete the 0-1,000 meter sprint in 26 seconds and achieve a top speed of around 200 km/h (electric cutoff is at 180 km/h), while providing a range of 200 km (124 miles).

FEV's LiiON Fiat 500 gets Rotarized

At the Vienna Motor Symposium, what's billed as "one of the world's most important power train events", German volt-heads FEV brought an electric 500 with a Wankel range-extending engine (the setup is called LiiON Drive).

The rotary engine is mounted in place of the fuel tank, which has shrunk to 12 liters / 3.2 gallons. It gives the little city car an extra 190 miles of road to travel on top of its 50-mile electric range.

The added range is one part of convincing people that the car's viable, but usability is another major issue (even in a spatially-challenged car like the 500).

FEV's LiiON-powered 500 retains its four seats and cargo area, and "drivers commented favourably regarding the excellent NVH characteristics of the [AIXRO] Wankel powertrain in particular". Good news, but is it doable?

Yup. The power train is already licensed for road use, helping make this concept a real possibility.

By Phil Alex

Via Autoblogreen & FEV

Fiat's 500 Goes Atomik, Gets Electrified

Atomik Cars wants to make an electric Abarth 500, which is a good idea from the start.

Claimed to have "supercar performance in a city car's size", Atomik's 500 features a bunch of fancy tech under its carbon fiber skin: "high performance LiFePO4 batteries", brushless synchronous motors, two new transmissions (resulting in permanent AWD), a ceramic heater, and a carbon/Nomex rear chassis (by the way, Nomex is what Batman's suit is made out of).

Power at the front comes in at 80 kW and a very electric 840 Nm (619 lb-ft), while the rear engine makes the same power and a silly 1,710 Nm (1,261 lb-ft). Combined, that's good for 160 kW (215 hp) and an unadjusted 2,550 Nm (1,880 lb-ft) split 33/67 front to rear.

Atomik says the electrified 500 should hit 100 km/h in under 5 seconds with a top speed of around 200 km/h (electric cutoff is at 180 km/h), while providing a range of 200 km (124 miles).

By Phil Alex

Via: Autoblog Green & Atomik

Fiat 500 Convertible Receives the Diesel Styling Treatment

Following in the footsteps of the 500 with the tin roof, Fiat has applied the "Diesel" treatment on the convertible version of its succesful mini. And by "Diesel" we're not referring to the firm's Multijet engine but to the famous clothing and lifestyle brand that has helped design this limited edition model.

Just like the 500 by Diesel saloon of which nearly 6,500 units have been sold, the special edition 500C is distinguished by unique cosmetic features inside and out.

These include an exclusive set of 16-inch alloy wheels, new rear trim with faux air vents, yellow brake calipers on the 1.4 100 HP version and the satin finish chrome detailing on the bumpers and side mouldings.

Inside, the cabin has been dressed up with dark denim style fabrics with yellow stitching and the head of the famous "Mohican" on the gear lever knob and the special satin chrome colored dashboard.

The Fiat 500C by Diesel range comes with four Euro 5 engine versions including the 1.2 69HP and 1.4 16v 100HP petrols and the 1.3 Multijet 75HP and 1.3 Multijet II 95HP diesels with manual or automated transmissions.

The Diesel variant of the 500C will have its world debut in Japan on April 12 with sales set to begin in May. In Italy prices will start from €18,000, equal to US$24,000 at today's exchange rates.

Customized Fiat 500 Convertible "Sassicaia" by Aznom

Fiat isn't alone in creating special edition versions of its highly successful 500 mini. Aznom, an Italian company that designs and manufactures various products including leather goods, furniture and customized cars, has presented the Fiat 500 Convertible Sassicaia.

Named after one of Italy's top Bordeaux-style red wines, the limited edition 500 Convertible Sassicaia features a series of unique styling treats inside and out.

The car is finished in a two-tone beige paint scheme, while the mirror caps, the rear handle and the side moldings are decorated with wood. Other highlights include the new alloy wheels and the chrome accents on the front and rear bumper.

Inside, Aznom has outfitted the 500 Convertible with plenty of wood, while high-quality leather with the firm's logos covers the seats, door panels, steering wheel and gearbox area.

The car also comes with a set of matching leather bags.

While Aznom did not release pricing, the company said that only a limited number of units of the Fiat 500 Convertible "Sassicaia" will be produced.