Here’s shocking news: It turns out that Chrysler “is the vehicle electrification center of competence for both Chrysler Group and Fiat Group.” And its first project? The Fiat 500EV, set to debut in the U.S. in the 2012 calendar year.
Initially shown at this year’s North American International Auto Show, the 500EV will feature a propulsion system that combines a high-power electric powertrain module, advanced lithium-ion battery and an EV control unit for managing the flow of power.
Of course, it will also boast the eye-catching design of the standard 500, set to land in U.S. Chrysler dealerships later this year.
That 2011 non-electric Fiat 500 will be small—it’s only 140 inches long, or about 20 inches shorter than a Honda Fit—but it could have an outsized impact on Chrysler for two very important reasons. One is that it will give the company a truly fuel-efficient product for the first time in years. Currently, the only Chrysler vehicle that gets more than 30 mpg highway is the Dodge Caliber, which gets all of 31 mpg; the U.S.-spec Fiat 500 is expected to approach 40 mpg.
The secret: In addition to its small size, the Fiat 500 will boast the first application of Fiat’s new four-cylinder, Fully Integrated Robitized Engine (FIRE), featuring the automaker’s Multiair technology. All those buzzwords mean that the 1.4-liter inline-four will be built mostly with robots and include cutting-edge valve technology designed to boost power, cut emissions and increase fuel efficiency.
Just as significantly, the 500 is known as much for its high style as it is for its high mpg ratings. In Europe, it has the same sort of trendy reputation as the new MINI; in fact, like the MINI, the 500 also represents a modern revival of a classic late ’50s design.
Here in the U.S., Chrysler obviously also hopes to duplicate, or better yet improve on, the MINI’s sales success.
Although the closest competitors to the 500 will be the MINI Cooper, Boston Toyota also asserts that the Yaris and Prius are also significant contenders. While not as ‘stylish’ as the upcoming Italian minicar, both offer venerable MPG specs at a reasonable price. One Arlington Acura dealer also warns that Honda’s luxury brand will soon be bolstering its fuel-efficient offerings with a hybrid of its own based on the TSX, which should give premium buyers even more options for MPG.
Of course style and mileage will be the more attractive feature of the 500, but soon Derby Mazda dealers will take deliveries of the all-new Mazda2, a car that will offer style, mileage, and even sportiness in a compact and affordable package.
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Read more about the upcoming 500 and other Chrysler news right here.
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