Fiat New 500

Sergio Marchionne called for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to pivot towards electric and hybrid automobiles starting in 2018, including an all-new electric 500 by 2020.[4] Previously, FCA had assembled the 500e, a battery-electric vehicle derived from the 2007 Fiat 500 but limited to the United States market only, at its Toluca Car Assembly plant in Mexico from December 2012 to June 2019.[5][6] FCA showed the Fiat Centoventi concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019; the Centoventi concept previewed what automotive industry believed to be a future battery-electric Fiat Panda, which in turn was expected to form the basis for the next electric Fiat 500. The concept Centoventi showcased a modular battery concept, allowing an extended range using dealer-installed battery packs.[7]

In July 2019, FCA announced plans to invest €700 million in its Mirafiori plant to build a new production line devoted to its first battery-electric vehicle marketed in Europe, tentatively named the 500 BEV, with production to start in the second quarter of 2020. The new line was planned to have an annual production capacity of 80,000 500 BEVs.[8] FCA invested another €50 million to build a battery production line at Mirafiori in October 2019.[9] Camouflaged prototypes of the 500 BEV were photographed while undergoing tests in December 2019.[10]

The public unveiling on March 4, 2020, previously scheduled for Geneva, was led by FCA Chief Marketing Officer Olivier François, who held the event in Milan "to show that FCA stands close to Milan and to Italy." At the launch event, chairs for the automotive press were placed 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) apart to comply with local social distancing requirements.[11]

The New 500 sits on a totally new platform and is slightly bigger than its 2007 predecessor. Compared to the earlier 500 (2007), the New 500 is 6 cm (2.4 in) longer, 6 cm (2.4 in) wider, and 4 cm (1.6 in) taller, with a 2 cm (0.79 in) increase in wheelbase.[12] The older 500, originally introduced in 2007, is equipped with an internal-combustion engine or a mild hybrid drivetrain and will remain on sale.[13]

Models

Rear view, "La Prima" (2020)

The New 500 is initially available only as a 2-door cabriolet four-seater in the "La Prima" trimline, with production limited to 500. More model variants will be announced in July 2020.[12] The "La Prima" launch editions have a retail price of GB£32,500 in the UK[14] and €37900 in Italy,[11] before any local government incentives.

Limited production

Three additional one-off models styled by well-known designers were announced with the launch of the New 500; proceeds from the auctions of the 500 Giorgio Armani, B.500 "MAI TROPPO" ("never too much", by Bvlgari), and the 500 Kartell will benefit environmental organizations set up by Leonardo DiCaprio.[15] The Kartell and Bvlgari models were created though a partnership between FCA and Altagamma.[16] These were not the first Fiat-fashion limited editions; previously, Frida Giannini of Gucci had collaborated with Fiat Centro Stile to produce a special edition of the preceding Fiat 500 (2007 model), released in 2011.[17]

Lasers were used to engrave the steel body panels are used on the Armani, which is finished in a "silk effect" grey-green matte finish which includes anti-pollution and anti-bacterial technologies.[18] The seats are finished in a similar color leather from certified sources.[16] After the car was unveiled in front of Duomo Cathedral, it was moved throughout Milan "to send a strong message of positivity to Italiy, and to Milan in particular".[18]

Kartell, unloading from trailer (2020)

The Kartell is finished in a monochrome "Kartell blue" color, extending to metal, plastic, and rubber exterior surfaces. The wheels, front grille, side mirror housings, and dashboard are covered in a plastic texture derived from the brand's "Kabuki" lamp,[19] and the seats are upholstered with 100% recycled polypropylene.[16]

B.500 MAI TROPPO (2020)

An "Imperial Saffron" orange paint finish is applied to the exterior of the B.500 from Bvlgari, using gold dust reclaimed from the firm's manufacture of jewelry;[20] inside, recycled silk scarves from the marque cover the dashboard and are used to trim the leather seats. The steering wheel features a removable brooch set with amethyst, topaz, and citrine stones.[16] In addition, a special hatbox and jewelry case were made for the B.500, and the gold key to the automobile (set with an ancient coin) may be worn as jewelry as well.[17]

The first cars are expected to be delivered in July 2020.[11] Production began in February 2020, shortly after FCA completed the new production line at Mirafiori.[21] However, production was paused starting on March 13 during the nationwide lockdown in Italy due to the spread of coronavirus infections.[22]

Sales are currently limited to Europe only, with other markets, including Brazil, to follow starting in 2021. Exports to the U.S. could follow if there is sufficient demand.[23] The New 500 competes with electric city cars like the Renault Zoe, Mini Cooper SE, Honda e,[14] and Peugeot e-208.[11]

Interior of the Kartell

The New 500 is the first city car with level 2 autonomous driving, and the first FCA car equipped with the new UConnect 5 infotainment system.[15] The ADAS systems include Autonomous Emergency Brake with pedestrian and cyclist detection; Intelligent Speed Assistant; Lane Control; Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (iACC) and Lane Centering; and Emergency Call.[24]

The Android-based UConnect 5 infotainment system is displayed on a 10.25-inch (26 cm) touchscreen. It has Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic call to the emergency services, and can also be used to monitor the car (or control certain functions) remotely using a smartphone app.[25][26]

Under European Union law, all EVs must produce some form of noise at low speeds to make pedestrians aware of their presence. Most cars use a spaceship-like tone, but the New 500 will instead play the score from Amarcord, composed by Nino Rota, when cruising below 20 kilometres per hour (12 mph).[15] According to Fiat, alternative sounds will be downloadable in the future.[27]

The New 500 can accelerate from 0–50 km/h (31 mph) in 3.1 seconds and 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.0s. Top speed is limited to 150 km/h (93 mph).[12][2] The New 500 has three driving modes branded "Normal", "Range", and "Sherpa". Fiat's press release describes the features of Sherpa mode: "Just like a Himalayan Sherpa, who is in charge of the whole expedition and guides it to the destination, this driving mode adjusts various parameters: maximum speed, limited to 80 km/h (50 mph); accelerator response, in order to reduce energy consumption; and deactivation of the climate control system and heated seats."[15] Range mode enables one-pedal driving, with strong regenerative braking as the throttle pedal is lifted.[15]

• Honda e
• Mini Cooper SE
• Peugeot e-208
• Renault Zoe
• Volkswagen ID.1

• New Fiat 500 | Official Fiat Press Conference ft. Olivier Francois on YouTube (English, 17 min, 57 sec)
• Nuova Fiat 500 | Presentazione ufficiale ft. Olivier Francois on YouTube (Italiano, 17 min, 6 sec)
• "The New 500 la Prima". Fiat (UK).
• "The New 500 Armani". Fiat (UK).
• "The New 500 Bvlgari". Fiat (UK).
• "The New 500 Kartell". Fiat (UK).