Fiat 500 Blackjack Teaser Released

Following the release of the 500 and 500C TwinAir models, Italian manufacturer Fiat is getting ready for a new special edition model, dubbed Blackjack. Now, don't go thinking the card (counting) game, but a version of the 500 which will boast a more sombre look, with the back paint chosen for the body extended all the way to the rims of the car.

Even if the technical details of the car have not been released, don't expect to see major mechanical tweaks, with Fiat probably going only for the visual with this special edition, pretty much as it will do with the Prima Edizione announced for the US market.

In the case of the Prima Edizione special version, the 500 units to be built under this badge will be manufactured for the true Fiat fans in the US, as the carmaker announced. Prima Edizione will be made available in Bianco, Rosso and Grigio and will have the Prima Edizione badge stuck to them. A sequential VIN and badge according to production order will adorn each car.

The American special edition will be fitted with a manual transmission, paired to the 1.4l MultiAir four-cylinder engine.

Separately, rumors surrounding a planned Spider version of the 500 surfaced last week, scheduled for release in 2012 in two versions: a hard- and a soft-top.

The roadster is said to be based on the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari and is expected to pack the same 1.4l Turbo T-Jet 16V engine, tweaked to provide a maximum power of 180 hp. The unit will be paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox.