DETROIT: Just in time for the spring and summer top-down driving season, FIAT has introduced its new 500 1957 Edition cabrio.

First introduced in 2014, the Fiat 500 1957 Edition cabrio features a dual-layer power-operated cloth top – an ode to the canvas roof on the original Cinquecento (five hundred).

“We continue to expand the FIAT lineup with the Fiat 500 1957 Edition, which celebrates the spirit of the original 1957 Nuova 500, and with the arrival of a cabrio version, we are adding open-air fun to the iconic Italian-designed Fiat 500 1957 Edition,” said head of FIAT brand (North America) Jason Stoicevich.

Pricing for the limited-production model starts at USD$24,700 (RM92,000), just USD$1,900 (RM8,000) more than a base Fiat 500c Lounge.

The order books for the Fiat 500c 1957 Edition is currently open in the US and is due to arrive before the end of May.

Under the little hood lies a 100bhp 1.4-litre MultiAir engine mated to a C514 five-speed manual transmission to manage 99bhp at 6,750rpm and 129Nm of torque at 4,250rpm to the front wheels.

As standard fitment, the ’57 Edition gets a driver-selectable “Sport” mode button located on the instrument panel for a more aggressive throttle map.

Additionally, an optional six-speed automatic with driver-selectable gear changes is also available, which provides a more aggressive transmission shift and throttle map for improved engine response.

For driving enjoyment a six-speaker, FIAT premium 276-Watt audio system with SiriusXM Radio has been included.

Furthermore, with just the push of a button, the Fiat 500c 1957 Edition’s power-operated cloth top retracts up to the rear spoiler during speeds of up to 100kph and a midway point may be chosen by pressing the button anytime between.

Press the roof button again, and the roof will neatly fold all the way open and tuck neatly behind the rear head restraints up to 80kph and when the liftgate is opened, the cloth top automatically retracts back to the rear-spoiler position to avoid any obstruction.

Now available as either a hatchback or a cabrio, the 2015 Fiat 500 1957 Edition includes a sport-tuned suspension for improved handling, 16-inch forged aluminium wheels with a retro body-colour design, throwback “FIAT” badging and a premium Marrone (brown) and Avorio (ivory) leather interior.

The model is available in three classic exterior colors of Bianco (white), Verde Chiaro (light green) and exclusive Celeste (celestial blue).

Since 1957, the Fiat 500 has embodied a romance about Italian cars, brands, fashion and design to empower the Cinquecento to become one of the most iconic automobiles of all time with sales in more than 100 countries, nearly 57 years later.

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