Fiat 124 Spider Crawls into Public View at LA Auto Show
The new Fiat 124 Spider has crawled into public view for the first time at the LA Auto Show.
The original Fiat 124 Spider was first released almost 50 years ago, and the new version of the car seems like a cross between the first model and the Mazda MX-5. However, instead of the MX-5's 1.5 and 2-liter petrol engines, the newest Fiat sports the 124 has a turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir engine, according to The Motor Report.
Olivier Francois, the head of FIAT Brand, FCA 0 Global, said the new Fiat 124 Spider represents the company's celebration of the original brand. He also said the new car is a marriage of today's technology and the classic Italian styling, MLive reports.
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"The 124 Spider expands the FIAT family, bringing to market yet another head-turning, fun-to-drive vehicle for our customers," MLive quotes Francois' statement.
The Fiat 124 Spider is rear-wheel-drive and consumers can choose either the model with the six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The suspension provides more stability for the car when braking and turning, and its convertible soft-top and quieter front windscreen make for a better roadster experience, the report relays.
As for the interior, the 124 boasts of a Fiat Connect seven-inch touchscreen, keyless entry Bluetooth, heated seats, and an audio system with nine speakers. It also has safety features such as adaptive front headlamps, rear cross traffic alert, reversing camera, and blind-spot monitoring, the report details.
The first 124 units to be released in the United States will be the special edition Edizione Lusso models, and they will be individually numbered. The unit will be exclusively available in blue with Saddle leather seats. Buyers will also get a poster and "wearable" extras.
The Fiat 124 will be available in the United States in the Classica (Classic) and Lusso (Luxury) trim levels. The car will be released in North America this summer, but the pricing is still unavailable. The car will make its way next to Australia, but the release date and local specifications have not yet been confirmed.
