Monday, October 25, 2010

SEMA Preshow: 2010 Fiat 500 Tuned by the American Way


The Chrysler Group is bumping up the interest on the upcoming U.S. market Fiat 500 with a tuned concept version readied by none other than the Mopar Underground team, which will make its world premiere at next month's SEMA Show.

In what could be seen as a preview of things to come for U.S. buyers of the retro-styled city car, Mopar's team has created a raft of unique styling and performance parts for the 500.

The SEMA Show concept model, which is based on the European version of the Fiat 500, features a two-tone paint-job and a wide bodykit that includes race-inspired flared wheel arches, new front and rear bumpers, and side skirts. The vehicle rides on large 18-inch Alcoa wheels shod in Pirelli tires, while the car's aggressive stance is further enhanced with the lower ride height.

The interior is said to feature red seat and red door insert on the driver's side, with piano-black accents on the instrument panel.

In the performance division, Mopar fitted the Italian city car with a custom exhaust system that increases the four-cylinder engine's output and a Mopar strut tower brace that is claimed to reduce body flex in the front end and improve and handling.

The Chrysler Group said it will also bring along to SEMA two more Fiat 500s outfitted with a full complement of Mopar parts and accessories.

The U.S.-spec 2011 Fiat 500 will be available for order before the end of the year in the Sport, Pop and Lounge models, followed by the 500C (cabrio) in the spring of 2011.


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