Fiat 500 TwinAir Hybrid Coming

The Fiat 500 isn’t just a modern reinterpretation of the 500 model that put Italy on wheels back in the late 50s. In other words, even if you were to remove the retro design, the package would still be attractive.

Now, Fiat is planing to extend the 500 range with the addition of a hybrid version, as autoexpress reports.

The vehicle’s powertrain would combine the recently-announced 900 cc two cylinder Twin Air engine with an electric motor, as one of the aims of the vehicle is to offer CO2 emissions that fall bellow the 70 grams of CO2 per km level.

The TwinAir will be matted to Fiat’s twin clutch gearbox, which will also feature a compact electric motor that offers 5 kW (8 hp). The internal combustion engine will drive one of the transmission’s shafts, while the other will be connected to the electric unit.

The small size of the two-cylinder powerplant will allow the battery pack to be placed in the engine compartment, saving luggage space. However, such a layout would compromise the vehicle’s weight distribution. The electric unit will support the petrol engine, offering extra power in a situation when this is needed, such as when the car accelerates from a standing start.

The hybrid Fiat 500 won’t be limited to the European market, with the U.S. also set to receive the Italian mpg champion as part of Fiat’s American comeback.

In addition to that, the hybrid powerplant might also be seen on Ford vehicles, as the 500 shares its underpinnings with the Ford Ka.