Fiat 500 Cabrio Will Drop Its Top in New York

At first glance, a convertible European supermini might not look like a good sales idea in the US, where cars like the Mustang are readily available (and relatively cheap). But Fiat wants a part of the drop-top action.

According to KickingTires, the Italians are getting ready to bring the 500 Cabrio to the States. The new model will drop its top at the upcoming 2011 New York Auto Show in April.

The car will go on sale this spring, shortly after the debut at the event. The news is hardly surprising, as it has long been rumored that the Mexican plant that makes the US-spec 500 has the capacity to also assemble both convertible and Abarth variants.

The car we are showing you in this picture is the European 500C, which was launched in 2010. Unveiled to the world for the first time at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the new Fiat 500C pays tribute to the original 1957 Fiat 500 and its fabric roof, but also offers innovative solutions in terms of mechanical design, engines and comfort.

We expect the US version to be largely the same, with the exception of the bigger bumper seen on the Sport. The double-layered roof fabric ensures the best possible insulation from the outside, along with the internal coverings of the pillars.

On the 500C, the automatic electric soft top can be controlled either by buttons near to the interior ceiling light or from the remote control. Additionally, the soft top can be operated throughout its horizontal travel (as far as the spoiler) at any speed. Vertical movement can be engaged at speeds of under 60 km/h (37 mph).