Fiat to Launch a New 500 on July 4th

2014 Fiat Abarth (Credit: © Fiat)

Our Independence Day is just around the corner, and while we’re letting of fireworks, eating hamburgers and hotdogs, and drunkenly arguing the scientific facts surrounding global warming with our clueless uncle, Fiat will be releasing the new 500.

Unfortunately, Fiat’s press release did little more than announce the new city car is coming, but there are some reports to go off regarding what the new 50 will offer. According to these reports, the new 500 will be larger than ever before, as the Italian brand will reportedly make the model look more like a downsized 500X. The exterior will also feature new oval headlights, larger taillight clusters, and larger wheels.

Inside the new 500, reports indicate that the changes will be extensive. Among these changes will be a large central touchscreen and a minimalist dashboard.

Under the hood, the new Fiat 500 should carry over with minimal changes. The current base engine will remain the 1.4-liter four-cylinder with 101 horsepower, while the 500 Turbo and Abarth models have turbocharged 1.4-liter engines with 135 horsepower and 160 horsepower, respectively. There will be little to no change in the power department, but look for Fiat to enhance these engines’ mpg numbers.

For now, of course, all of these details remain speculation based upon rumors circulating the industry. However, with the 4th of July just around the corner, we will find out exactly what the new-generation 500 has to offer soon enough.

Let us know in the comments below what you are hoping to see in the new 500.