Both cars were long expected, but their debut hadn’t yet been publicly confirmed by Fiat. The Fiat 500e had been rumored for a long time; last month, the car was revealed at a Chrysler Group dealer meeting in Las Vegas. It makes sense for Fiat to create an all-electric version of the tiny Italian hatchback: the car’s low weight will help keep driving range relatively high, and the model will compete with the promised Chevrolet Spark electric.
As for the Fiat 500 Abarth convertible, the L.A. auto show release says the car will have a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-four engine with 170 lb-ft of torque, and a 34-mpg highway rating. Those specifications all exactly match the ratings of the Fiat 500 Abarth hatchback — the feisty turbo-four engine cranks out 160 hp. Adding a convertible variant makes sense as Fiat tries to broaden the appeal of its go-fast Abarth model. From prototypes we’ve spied in southeast Michigan (pictured below), the convertible will adopt the same aggressive body kit, dual exhausts, larger alloy wheels, and plethora of scorpion emblems as the regular Abarth hatchback.
After the Fiat 500e electric and Fiat 500 Abarth convertible make their public debuts next month at the L.A. auto show, expect them to go on sale in spring or summer 2013.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
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