Photo by Grace Suizo The 500e will be available in California during the second quarter of 2013.

Photo by Grace Suizo
The 500e will be available in California during the second quarter of 2013.

LOS ANGELES - Chrysler’s Fiat brand brought two new Fiat models to the Los Angeles Auto Show, the new 500e small electric car and its new four-door, five-passenger 500L.

LA Auto Show photo galleries: Part 1: Sedans and Part 2: Trucks, Vans & Crossovers/SUVs

500e

Starting with the 500e, the EV features an all-new battery electric powertrain that produces 111 hp and can recharge in less than four hours via a 240V Level 2 charger. Fiat estimates the vehicle has 80 miles of range, but more than 100 miles in city driving conditions.

Fiat made the vehicle more aerodynamic, improving its coefficient of drag (Cd) to 0.311 compared to the 2013 Fiat 500 Lounge’s 0.359 Cd, achieved via eight exterior enhancements, according to the brand.

Inside the cabin, the Fiat 500e features a 7-inch instrument cluster display that shows vehicle functions, charge levels and trip summary information. The vehicle also comes with a new TomTom navigation unit that lets the driver see the 500e’s charge schedule, power flow, range, and to find nearby charging stations.

The 500e also features an all-new electronic shifter with push-button transmission mode selection. The interior is available in a black color called “Nero” and a white called “Steam,” and is highlighted in Electric Orange.

Fiat is also offering an all-new Fiat 500e iPhone and Android smartphone app. The app provides real-time vehicle status, can manage charging, track’s vehicle energy use, locates the vehicle and nearby charging stations, sends routes to the vehicle and can send text-message alerts.

The 500 will be available in California during the second quarter of 2013.

500L and 500L Trekking

Photo by Greg Basich The Fiat500L Trekking.

Photo by Greg Basich
The Fiat500L Trekking.

The 500L is the Fiat 500’s bigger, four-door five-passenger cousin. The 500L is based on Fiat’s new “small-wide” vehicle architecture, according to Chrysler, which gives the vehicle 26 inches of length and 6 inches in height and width compared to the Fiat 500.

Under the hood, the 500L comes with a 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged engine that can produce 160 hp and 184 lb. ft. Transmission choices include a six-speed dual dry clutch or a six-speed manual version.

The 500L will come in four models, one of which includes the “Trekking” edition, which Fiat showed during its press conference at the LA Auto Show. The Trekking edition features a two-tone black/brown interior, Chrysler’s all-new Uconnect 5.0 infotainment system and media hub, distinctly styled front and rear fascias, and larger 17-inch aluminum wheels.

The 500L is set to go on sale in mid-2013, according to Chrysler.


See more LA Auto Show coverage here.

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