Novo Fiat 500 Cabrio
Novo Fiat 500 Cabrio
This is the new 500 Cabriolet, a model that promises to have style-conscious buyers reaching for their cheque books when it goes on sale in 2008.
Drawing on Fiat's rich history of great small cars, the upcoming model is set to introduce a whole new group of young buyers to the brand - as well as appealing to fans of the original.
With the eagerly awaited 500 due for launch late in 2007, and talk of an Abarth performance version following, the new drop-top will complete the line-up. As with the hatch, it will mix affordable pricing with head-turning looks.
As you can see from our pictures, the Cabriolet faithfully updates the cheeky original, keeping all its trademark styling cues and using a hood that maintains the cute, curvy profile.
The compact dimensions of the standard 500 mean designers have ruled out a complex electric folding metal roof, engineering the convertible with a manual fabric top from day one.
Based on a shortened version of the Panda’s platform, the 500 Cabriolet – along with the hatchback – will be built alongside Ford's Ka replacement at Fiat's factory in Poland.
The Fiat is a strict two-seater, so there will be room behind the cockpit for the folding roof and a useful luggage area. Up front, expect a metal-coloured dash with a large central speedo and leather trim on top-of-the-range models, while buyers will be able to personalise their interior from the range of different colour and equipment options on offer.
As for engine options, power will come from 1.1-litre and 1.2-litre petrol units, as well as the impressive 1.3-litre Multijet diesel.
However, a new range of motors, including a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol with upwards of 120bhp and a new 1.6-litre turbodiesel, is likely to arrive in 2009. Manual and automatic transmissions will also be available.
While Fiat has yet to confirm the 500 Cabriolet will make production, bosses have privately admitted it has always been in the pipeline. And they are also believed to be considering other open-top concepts, including a car featuring removable roof panels and a model with a full-length canvas sunroof.
mas era de motor de 2 cilindros... 
