Fiat will unveil a new convertible version of their iconic 500 in an online preview later this week. The Fiat 500C will be revealed in advance of an auto show debut on February 16.
Judging by the sketches provided by Fiat, the rag-top will not cover the entire roofline of the car. Harkening back to the original Fiat 500 convertible, this model appears to have a middle section of the roof that retracts backwards and folds over the trunk, while side pillars and roof rails remain in place. Although this conflicts with some artist renderings of the model, recent spy photos also appear to confirm this.
Currently, the Fiat 500 is offered with three engine choices: a 69 hp 1.2-liter petrol, a 75 hp turbo-diesel 1.3-liter, and a 1.4-liter petrol producing 100 hp. A Fiat 500 Abarth is also available, getting the benefit of 135 hp from its 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine. No word yet if the Abarth team will put their handiwork into the Fiat 500C.
The Italian automaker requires registration to their web site in order to gain access to "exclusive photos ... news and features" of the Fiat 500C. Of course, WorldCarFans will bring the photos to you as soon as they're live.
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Formula 1