All-new Fiat 500 will receive combustion alternative amid EV disinterest
Reflecting a growing trend of indifference to electric vehicles among all global automakers' customers, Fiat has now confirmed it will be reintroducing a petrol-powered option to its latest-generation 500.
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Initially launched exclusively as an electric vehicle, the retro-inspired hatchback will soon be available with a hybrid powertrain. This decision comes after the all-electric 500e reportedly fell short of sales expectations, leading to production pauses. Pre-production of the hybrid 500 has commenced at Fiat's Mirafiori plant in Turin, with full-scale manufacturing slated to begin in November. The company anticipates an annual output of up to 100 000 units once production is fully operational. This move marks a significant pivot for Fiat, especially considering the previous generation petrol-powered 500 continued its European run until just last year and remains available in select non-EU markets.
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While Fiat has yet to release official technical specifications for this new entry-level model, the provided images clearly reveal the presence of a manual gearbox. Sources in Italy suggest the hybrid powertrain will pair a six-speed manual transmission with a 1.0-litre mild-hybrid three-cylinder engine, expected to produce around 70 horsepower, mirroring the previous hybrid and the enduring Panda.
Visually, the hybrid variant, reportedly named the 500 Torino, maintains a strong resemblance to its electric sibling. The fuel cap's placement remains consistent, and the overall design language is largely unchanged. Inside, the most apparent difference will be the traditional gear lever and clutch pedal. While the instrument cluster in prototypes remains concealed, subtle variations from the EV's display are anticipated.
Interestingly, this return to combustion power will not extend to a revived Abarth version (yet). Fiat's performance division is committed to an EV-only strategy, deeming the mild-hybrid engine insufficient to meet Abarth's performance standards. Packaging constraints stemming from the 500's initial design as an EV, coupled with increasingly stringent emissions regulations, further solidify the electric future for the hot hatch variant, at least within Europe.
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The post All-New Fiat 500 Will Receive Combustion Alternative Amidst EV Disinterest appeared first on CAR Magazine.
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