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Fiat 500 Goes All-Turbo for the 2018 Model Year

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The new Fiat 500 receives some major upgrades to its performance

While most 2018 vehicle models have already been released by now, one iconic car whose 2018 model has not yet made its debut is the Fiat 500. There’s a reason for that, as has been recently revealed during the Chicago Auto Show.

The Fiat 500 will reportedly go all-turbo for the 2018 model year.

Starting in 2018, all Fiat 500 trims and models will come standard with a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine. This engine allows the Fiat 500 to produce 33% more horsepower than its previous model year.

For the Pop and Lounge trims of the Fiat 500, that means a total of 135 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The MultiAir engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic transmission.

The Fiat 500 Pop and Lounge models will also come offered with a number of improved features. Some such features include a standard sport spoiler, fog lamps, and a ParkView rear backup camera.

Multiple generations of the Fiat 500 meet up

Of course, if drivers want the most performance out of their Fiat 500, then they need only upgrade to the vehicle’s Abarth trim. With performance-tested tuning, the Abarth model’s 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine is able to deliver 160 horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque.

If you need guidance on how to handle all of this new performance-based power in your Fiat, FCA will offer a one-day driving session at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving with the purchase of every 2018 Fiat 500 Abarth model. The lessons are offered for no additional charge when you purchase or lease the model.

FCA is also adding three new colors to the Fiat 500 lineup: Brillante Red, Mezzanotte Blue Pearl, and Vesuvio Black Pearl. This brings the total number of exterior paint jobs available for the 500 to 11 hues.

“With an all-turbo lineup, the iconic Fiat 500 now offers an even more dynamic driving experience and more standard horsepower than any of its competitors,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA – North America. “In fact, the entire FIAT brand lineup now comes standard with turbocharged power, adding to our roster of fun-to-drive, Italian-designed vehicles.”

That lineup includes the Fiat 500L, the 500X crossover, the fully-electric 500e, and the 124 Spider Roadster. The new Fiat 500 will join their ranks during the second quarter of 2018.

Gallery: 2018 Fiat 500

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