Mini mustn�t maintain its monopoly on the multiplication of microcars�at least that seems to be Fiat�s take. While the 2012 Cinquecento is weeks away from its launch in the U.S., and the semi-convertible 500C will arrive a few months later, the Italian car giant has even more planned for its diminutive hatchback. A long-wheelbase version, probably with four doors (rather than the Mini Clubman�s awkward 2.5-door setup), is in development, and, based on the spy photos seen here, it appears that Fiat also is working on an all-wheel-drive version of the 500. It likely will hit the market in mid-to-late 2012 as a 2013 model.
The visual differences between the car shown in these spy photos and a normal, front-wheel-drive 500 aren�t numerous, but they are significant. This test mule rides much higher than a typical 500, which has only 4.1 inches of ground clearance in U.S. spec. A differently shaped muffler can be seen placed higher and in a different location than the one on front-drive 500s, presumably to accommodate AWD bits. The vertical gray tape at the trailing edge of the front fenders looks to be covering vertical vents or slats, a feature that might be specific to the future all-wheel-drive 500 or which could be bound for the 500�s face lift, expected around the same time as this new model.
While the addition of all-wheel drive may seem like overkill for a hatchback with a short, 90.6-inch wheelbase and electronic stability control, small Fiats have a tradition of offering all-wheel drive in Europe. There, the extra traction has made the Panda 4x4 a longtime favorite of budget off-roaders and an impressive performer in the rough. It�s expected that the all-wheel-drive 500 will share its mechanicals with the next-gen Panda 4x4, as they�re built on closely related platforms.
The all-wheel-drive 500, we�re told, won�t come to the U.S.; the system�s added cost and predicted low demand will keep it from our shores. Its drivetrain could, however, find its way into the eventual five-door variant of the 500�especially if Fiat decides to follow the lead of Mini�s Countryman junior crossover. View Photo Gallery
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