http://www.theverge.com/2015/11/18/9...ible-laas-2015

Personally I prefer the MX-5's styling and don't like the idea of a turbo too much but it's a good thing it exists...

 

I haven't read the article but will it, like the Barchetta, only be available in LHD?

 

I cannot think why, since it will be made in Hiroshima.

Aside from Sr. Marchionne's infamous 'Wop engine' it ought to be a reliable FIAT.

I don't like the puffer either and it lacks the aching elegance of Tom Tjaarda's original. I think it was the well-disguised length of the +2 seating/dog shelf area.

Wish I had the space for one, really.

 

Saw this render on Braindeadheads, which is a bit nicer:

 

I can't say that does anything for me.

The profile is pretty ghastly; wheels look too small for the car and the rear quarter is reminiscent of a MK2 MX5. The Matt/silver windscreen surround shows a real lack of originality too.

This is is evidence - at least to me - that Fiat is a spent force insofar as styling is concerned. Its performance and driving dynamics will be a distant secondary consideration to the visual appeal and in this respect it's a huge disappointment.

Compared to a Pontiac Solstice, it looks rather dated.

 

It's funny how we all like different stuff because I don't like that Pontiac at all (and doesn't it have a matt/silver windscreen surround?!).

I guess one plus of the Fiat having a blower is it will be easy to tune if you're into that sort of thing.

Having seen the new MX-5 in the metal I think they got the blend of capturing the essence of the original with a modern design bang on. If I didn't own a Mk1 I'd get one.

 

The Solstice was introduced in 2004 - 11 years ago.

So it's use of the silver/matt windscreen surround and styling is precedes that on the Fiat. It was no doubt inspired by the Elise though!

The Solstice is turbocharged BTW.

 

Ah ok didn't realise it was a few years old.

TBF, the photo of the Pontiac perhaps doesn't show it its best light, and if I've learnt one thing over the years, it's reserve your final judgement till you've seen the car in the metal. I'm looking forward to seeing the Fiat in the metal albeit with the turbo it's not for me.

What engine is it in the Solstice?

 

I think the Fiat looks kinda cool. Crappy engine though.

 

I quite like that fiat. Side view looks a bit awkward but it has something about it that seems better than the mx5