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Fiat 500 Spider, ETA 2 Years

After hitting the jackpot with the release of the Fiat 500 and, a bit later, of the 500C, Italian manufacturer Fiat is rumored to be planning a spider version of the 500. Now, don't go expecting to see the same 500 spirit in the Spider version, as this roadster will be anything but a cute toy for girls.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, the Spider is scheduled for release in 2012 in two versions: a hard- and a soft-top. The roadster will be built 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.

The performance figures of the new model are expected to be a 7 seconds naught to 62 acceleration time, coupled with a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h). To handle all that power in one small package, the 500 Spider will use suspensions tweaks similar to the ones on the Esseesse version of the 500, an upgraded set of Brembo brakes, new sport exhaust and a rear diffuser.

As for the name it will wear, most go for the Abarth 500 Spider (some sources point to both a Fiat and an Abarth 500 Spider being in the works). The most unlikely name hinted by the sources is the resurrection of the SportKa nameplate. As some of you already know, the Fiat 500 and Ford Ka share the same Fiat mini platform.

If indeed in the works, further information about the 500 Spider will likely surface soon.
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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