The new Fiat 500 has been oficially launched in Italy. Last week thousands of classic 500s descended on Turin for a party to celebrate the new 500s launch even though it is bigger, built in Poland, based on the Panda and now has the engine at the front Mini style! Issigonis would probably have been amused to see both the Beetle and now Fiat 500 using his innovative transverse engine, front wheel drive layout. (A Cooper style Abarth version is to follow.)
Not sure if its coming to the USA but it will be interesting competition for the MINI in Europe.
New Fiat 500 video

Turin launch Party photo gallery

 

Thats pretty cool, yeah we should see the 500 here in 2010. Thats the rumor anyway. So we will see. My girl is thinking about waiting for it to show up. She digs the Mini, don't get me wrong, but she loves small cars and fell in love with the 500.