Will Fiat's 500 Come to America?

Fiat's little bundle of joy, the new 500 is making waves in a big way. It hasn'teven been launched in its home market yet, but nevertheless the hype of this modernized classic is so strong, it's predicted to sell out completely in its first year of production – much like what happened with the New Beetle and the reborn MINI when they first arrived. Retro looks aside, the 500 will be like any other micro-sized city car that occupies the stratum underneath the B-segment. That means that Fiat's baby is a true baby by our standards, smaller than the Yaris, Fit and Aveo. While we relish the opportunity of revitalized classics, what's really interesting in this case is that Fiat is contemplating reviving itself in America with this car!

Fiat's CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed plans to Automobile Magazine, stating that the brand could potentially return to the U.S., but as a single model brand with the 500. Additionally, he remarked that thecar could be on American soil by the end of the decade, and that, "sooner or later it is a possibility." With the slated arrival of Alfa Romeo in North America, it only makes sense for the selected Ferrari-Maserati dealerships to accommodate this stylish little hatchback. We imagine a layout similar to the pairings of Mercedes-Benz and Smart, or BMW and MINI.

But back to the car, the Fiat 500 is more of a successor to the previous Cinquecento, rather than the original 500. The engine will be up front and will drive the front wheels, which is the complete opposite from the first 1950s rear-engined, rear-wheel drive model that the 21st century car apes. In Europe, Fiat will offer the 500 with small-displacement engines that make 59 to 100 horsepower. The first number might do the job in congested Rome, but it would be eaten aliveby every car on the road if it landed here in that guise. What's more likely to happen, if anything happens at all, is for our 500s to be in the 100-hp range, which is just a couple of ponies off the pace of the class average for the 1.5- and 1.6-liter inline fours in the B-segment.

With the potential that the 500 wouldn't just be a regular offering, but a limited production vehicle for North America, a rumor has surfaced that the car will come here sporting a turbocharger and 150 horsepower to differentiate itself and further its exclusive status. If this is truly the case, expect that we'll only see top of the line, fully loaded 500s with all of the retro-trimmings and first-rate technology, like keyless ignition and navigation. We like the thought of a white, pinstriped 500 wearing Abarth scorpion badges ... come to think of it, this would make a truly acceptable competitor to the cool Mini Cooper S. But in the meantime, all we can do is cross our fingers and wait. Of course, there may be a few ex-Fiat owners who, having experienced abhorrent reliability issues, long waits for parts and poor dealer service in years past, may not be as eager to buy into Italy's best-selling brand anytime soon. No doubt Fiat has improved during its years of U.S. absence, and such concerns are no longer warranted.