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Fiat continues to expand the 500 line (pictures)

Fiat rolled out four new vehicles wearing the 500 badge at the 2012 LA Auto Show. The first was the Abarth 500 Cabriolet. Take the performance of the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth and add the sliding fabric roof of the 2012 Fiat 500C Convertible, and this is what you get.

Updated:November 29, 2012Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Fiat 500e

Also based on the compact 500 platform is the fully electric Fiat 500e. This little orange hatchback is powered by a 111-horsepower electric motor that twists its little front wheels to the tune of 147 pound-feet of torque. Expect to see it at Fiat dealerships in California in Q2 2013.

Updated:November 29, 2012Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Range

Thanks to small car physics and wind tunnel-shaped aerodynamic tweaks, Fiat estimates that you'll be able to go somewhere between 80 and 100 miles before you have to plug in the 500e. With an estimated recharge time that is less than 4 hours (on 240-volt power), you won't have to stop for too long.

Updated:November 29, 2012Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Electric car for the city

Like most EVs, the 500e's range pretty much relegates it to city car duties and discourages extremely long road trips. Fortunately, city driving is something that every Fiat that we've tested so far does well.

Updated:November 29, 2012Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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500e interior

Inside, the 500e was decked out in white with orange trim. Like the rest of the 500 lineup, there's no in-dash navigation option, but a TomTom navigation unit should be available.

Updated:November 29, 2012Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Instrument cluster

Directly in front of the driver is a new 7-inch round TFT display that allows drivers to handle to advanced charge scheduling, range estimating, and power management that is expected of a modern EV.

Updated:November 29, 2012Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Fiat/Chrysler

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Fiat 500L

The 500L is a different sort of expansion of the 500 brand. This larger model offers more space for people and cargo.

Updated:November 29, 2012Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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How much bigger?

The 500L is 26 inches longer than the standard 500, 6 inches taller, and offers 42 percent more interior volume. You also get two more doors and seating for five passengers.

Updated:November 29, 2012Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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1.4-liter Multiair

Power is provided by Fiat's 1.4-liter Multiair turbocharged engine, outputting 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission multiplies torque on its way to the front wheels. A manual gearbox is also available.

Updated:November 29, 2012Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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UConnect

Chrysler's UConnect in-dash infotainment system will be available on the 500L with its 6.5-inch color touch-screen interface.

Updated:November 29, 2012Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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500L Trekking

Fiat also debuted the 500L Trekking, a styled special edition that adds a rugged edge to the 500L's larger chassis.

Updated:November 29, 2012Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Unique styling

Brightly colored paint and unique body panels with matte contrasting elements differentiate the Trekking from the standard L.

Updated:November 29, 2012Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Countryman comparison

With its bright yellow paint, white roof, and the 500L's rounded-off design, the Trekking will likely draw comparisons with the Mini Cooper Countryman.

Updated:November 29, 2012Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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