The “First Edition” precedes the official Chinese launch of the 500, set to take place on 15 September this year. Everyone who orders a 500 before the launch will be entered in a prize draw: the winners will have the option of replacing the car they have ordered with a “First Edition”.
The 500 “First Edition” is conceived as a symbol which unites two cultures - Italian and Chinese - through a creative interpretation of the relationship between the two countries, by five young Chinese artists.
The first designer is LeiLei, an avant-garde artist who has won many important awards in China and in other countries. His work features extensive use of elements from national popular culture. The second young designer is Mee Wong, an illustrator and teacher at the Guangzhou Art Institute. Her favourite creative element is the panda, the animal which symbolises Chinese culture. Asian tradition is again the inspiration for the third artist, Benny Luk, a multi-award-winning designer of international fame, who combines graphic and web design. Next is Nod Young, a visual artist with a unique style whose artwork has been exhibited in many countries, including the UK, Germany, the USA, Italy, South Africa and China. Drawing and illustration master Yan Wei completes the lineup. She employs traditional Chinese patterns and her works have been displayed in some of the most famous art galleries of Shanghai, Beijing, New York and Tokyo.
Designed on the basis of the 500 Lounge, the “First Edition” is distinguished by its three-coat pearlescent white body, red leather interior and a unique identification badge displayed on the door pillar. Under the bonnet, a 1.4 litre MultiAir petrol engine, winner of Best New Engine at the prestigious “International Engine of the Year Awards 2010”. Combined with an automatic six-speed transmission, the innovative engine delivers a top power of 101 HP (75 kW) at 6500 rpm and a torque of 133 Nm at 4000 rpm.
As well as the 100 “First Edition” vehicles, the 500 in China will be available in a wide range of versions and special series; next year will see the launch of the 500C and the exclusive special series, “500 by Gucci”. “By the end of 2012, the new saloon version will be produced entirely in China at the Changsha factory along with our partner GAC” Lorenzo Sistino, Executive Vice President International Operations of Fiat Group Automobiles recently announced.
