Today, the Chrysler Group lifted the wraps off the North American version of the retrotastic Fiat 500, which will be available for order in the States later this year in Sport, Pop and Lounge trims, followed by a targa-top convertible model (500C) in spring of 2011.
The North American market Fiat 500 will be built at Chrysler's Toluca plant in Mexico. All variants of Italy's answer to the MINI are powered by Fiat's 1.4-liter four-cylinder MultiAir engine that will be manufactured in the USA. Output and fuel economy figures will be released closer to the launch date.
The red-colored 500 Sport version featured in the photo gallery below matches a sportier-tuned suspension with a new bodykit that includes unique front and rear bumpers with additional air-vents, side skirts and a roof spoiler. The car's more athletic appearance is rounded off by special 16-inch alloy wheels with Mineral Gray painted pockets, a chromed exhaust tip and gloss black shadow-line window trim.
Chrysler said the Fiat 500 Sport also features an available SkyDome power sun roof.
The Detroit automaker has said it plans to open Fiat dealerships in around 165 locations across the United States with the biggest small-car registrations, including include Chicago, Manhattan, Los Angeles and Boston.