Photo: Kleber Silva on Behance
Have a guess which are the best- and worst-selling Fiats in the United States of America. In 2019, the nameplates in question were the 500X crossover SUV and the 500XL multi-purpose vehicle.
Both models are expected to be replaced by the 500XL according to head honcho Olivier François. “The L is a particularly good body, high on wheels, to add batteries,” he told Auto Express. "But at the same time, it’s not a utility vehicle; it’s an MPV, and this type of car is a little less in fashion now.”
Given the age of the 500L and that the 500X is yesterday’s news as well, the 500XL does make sense. Better still, Fiat would focus on developing a single product instead of spending twice the money on two products. If the mystery model borrows some of the know-how that went into the 500e, then it’s pretty obvious the exterior styling should be akin to the e-Cinquecento.
This is where Kleber Silva enters the scene. The Brazilian designer took the 500L and 500X, added some 500e influences to the front fascia, et voilà! The rear and quarter panels need some adjustments, but as it is, this rendering is our best glimpse yet at the 500XL proposed by Fiat’s big kahuna.
"We’re thinking maybe a blend of the X and L is the way ahead, at the end of the day,” he told the British motoring publication. “But it is not for the near future – and when I say near, I mean not by the end of this year.”
Auto Express believes that Fiat will operate a few changes to the 500X and 500L in the nearest of futures, starting with the powertrain. The 500 and Panda – as well as the Lancia Ypsilon – received a mild-hybrid option this year that uses less fuel than the 1.2-liter FireFly it replaces.
The 1.0-liter FireFly is a 12-volt affair with 70 PS (69 horsepower) and 92 Nm (68 pound-feet) of torque on tap. Exclusively offered with a six-speed manual transmission developed specifically to be highly efficient in sixth gear, the three-cylinder motor does seem underpowered for the 500X and 500L. On the other hand, a turbocharger should solve this issue.
Given the age of the 500L and that the 500X is yesterday’s news as well, the 500XL does make sense. Better still, Fiat would focus on developing a single product instead of spending twice the money on two products. If the mystery model borrows some of the know-how that went into the 500e, then it’s pretty obvious the exterior styling should be akin to the e-Cinquecento.
This is where Kleber Silva enters the scene. The Brazilian designer took the 500L and 500X, added some 500e influences to the front fascia, et voilà! The rear and quarter panels need some adjustments, but as it is, this rendering is our best glimpse yet at the 500XL proposed by Fiat’s big kahuna.
"We’re thinking maybe a blend of the X and L is the way ahead, at the end of the day,” he told the British motoring publication. “But it is not for the near future – and when I say near, I mean not by the end of this year.”
Auto Express believes that Fiat will operate a few changes to the 500X and 500L in the nearest of futures, starting with the powertrain. The 500 and Panda – as well as the Lancia Ypsilon – received a mild-hybrid option this year that uses less fuel than the 1.2-liter FireFly it replaces.
The 1.0-liter FireFly is a 12-volt affair with 70 PS (69 horsepower) and 92 Nm (68 pound-feet) of torque on tap. Exclusively offered with a six-speed manual transmission developed specifically to be highly efficient in sixth gear, the three-cylinder motor does seem underpowered for the 500X and 500L. On the other hand, a turbocharger should solve this issue.
Google News