Fiat 124 Spider

City Car, News

Fiat reveals new 124 Spider at Los Angels Auto Show

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Fiat has pulled the covers off an all-new roadster - the 124 Spider.

Unveiled almost 50 years since its famous predecessor was launched, the new model pays homage to the 'style and attitude' of the original car. 

The compact, lightweight rear-wheel drive Spider is powered by a MultiAir Turbo engine and features 'sophisticated suspension' and 'steering tuned for driving pleasure, roof up or down'.

Designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, the new Fiat 124 Spider takes its inspiration from the 1966 original, not only in terms of its proportions and stance but also in terms of its detailing. A horizontal line emerges from the front wing, kicking up over the rear haunch and flowing toward the tail lamp, aping the distinctive bodywork of the original car, while the style and position of the LED headlamps, and the hexagonal upper grille, both draw heavily from the details of the classic roadster.

The bonnet of the new sports car also emulates the 'twin power domes' of the second-generation Fiat 124 Spider while the rear view is defined by two main features - the "seagull" wings, the upper surface of which fall inward toward the decklid, and the sharp horizontal tail lamps, which incorporate a new Fiat stylistic sign of body-coloured inserts launched with the new Fiat 500. An integrated rear spoiler enhances the aerodynamic performance of the new Fiat 124 Spider, while twin exhaust outlets underline the performance capability of the engine.

The interior 'mixes Italian style with the classic ingredients of a driver-focussed roadster'. The low-slung seats are comprised of a lightweight net structure with a unique foam shape and are trimmed in premium upholstery, aligning the driver with the sporty steering wheel and ideally-located pedals and gear-shifter. The three-gauge instrument cluster with its central rev-counter 'hints at the excitement awaiting the driver' says Fiat.

The operation of the soft top, with spring-assisted opening and closing eliminates the need for a power assist system - while the windows automatically lower and rise when the header-rail lock levers are operated. The new Spider also uses sound insulation to reduce noise while driving with the top up. The soft top is fitted with a headliner inside the vehicle for improved sound absorption and there's a rear package mat to provide further sound absorption and insulation.

Powered by a 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine producing 140hp and 240Nm of torque, it drives the rear wheels for the first time via a lightweight, quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, specially optimised for this high torque output.

Key to the dynamic abilities of the 124 Spider is its lightweight body structure, achieved using aluminium and high-tensile steel. The suspension of the Fiat 124 Spider is comprised of a double-wishbone front and multilink rear arrangement, with a rear set-up engineered to increase toe-in under high cornering forces for improved stability.

The standard-fit infotainment unit offers a 'high level' of equipment including a USB/auxiliary input, six speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, while the enhanced version features a seven-inch touchscreen display, DAB digital radio, two USB ports, multimedia control, a reversing camera and a 3D navigation system, with phone calls, music and navigation all voice-controlled.

The Fiat 124 Spider will go on sale in the UK during the second half of 2016 with pricing and final specifications to be announced at a later date.