Fiat 500 to Return to Canada as All-Electric 500e in 2024
We’re not sure how many people miss the Fiat 500, which exited the North American market after the 2019 model year due to extremely poor sales, but guess what? It will come back to Canada in early 2024. Fiat CEO Olivier Francois made the announcement today at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The difference this time is that we’ll only get the fully electric variant, called 500e. The official reveal of the North American-spec model will take place next year at the 2023 edition of the same show. Details will be shared at that time.
But the company didn’t come to California empty-handed. On stage during the press conference were three one-offs based on the current 500e sold overseas and embodying Italian craftsmanship and creativity.
500 Armani
One of the biggest names in haute couture used laser technology to shape the metal covering of the car’s bodywork with exclusive microchevron engraving, resulting in a two-tone effect enhanced by an Armani grey/green “silk effect” colour. What’s more, the opaque paint features a transparent top-coat activated by UV light that reduces air pollutants and bacteria.
The “GA” logo is superbly part of the wheel design and customizes the fabric of the soft top, while the amber-coloured windows are like fancy glasses. Inside, the seats in grey/beige Poltrona Frau natural leather and elegant wood trim on the dashboard are the main highlights.
500 Kartell
Kartell, the iconic brand of Italian industrial design, imagined a 500e that looks like it belongs to the Avatar universe. The exterior features a monoblock colour concept where different types of materials—metal, glass, rubber, plastic and fabric—are interpreted in the same colour: Kartell blue, derived from Yves Klein blue, a universally recognized colour of the brand. On top of that, the front grille, wheels and mirror caps are dressed in a polycarbonate wrap made from recycled parabolic projectors and inspired by the pattern of Kartell's Kabuki lamps.
The contrast between the dark exterior and the brightness of the interior is striking. The tactile textile plastics used in the cabin are 100% recycled polypropylene, just like the chairs from the latest Kartell collection, and the fabrics take on a cozy look in recycled polyester.
B.500 MAI TROPPO
Italian jewelry specialist Bvlgari is behind the B.500 “MAI TROPPO,” which is described as a true gem. In fact, the concept’s name means “never too much.” The saffron-coloured pearlescent paint, sprinkled with gold powder recovered from the scraps of jewelry production, is said to recall Roman sunsets. The specially designed, diamond-studded wheels in the form of a star emulate the historical symbol of Bvlgari.
As for the interior, the colourful inserts on the seats and dashboard are inspired by heritage Bvlgari silk scarves. Three semi-precious stones are part of the 500 logo at the centre of the steering wheel. Don’t miss our photo gallery at the top of the page to see more of these exclusive cars.