Fiat’s Spider Weaves its Web

One of the more noteworthy new cars making the rounds at auto shows this year, at least as far as auto enthusiasts are concerned, is a brand new version of Fiat’s iconic 124 Spider convertible, last seen on U.S. shores in the 1970’s. Today’s low-slung Spider shares its underpinnings with the just-redesigned Mazda MX-5 Miata, but comes wrapped in broad-shouldered exterior styling that recalls the original incarnation. The racy ragtop packs a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that generates a lively 160-horsepower with a launch-happy 184 pound-feet of torque, with a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. It rides on a double-wishbone suspension up front and a multi-link array at the rear for quick and nimble handling. What’s more, Fiat is making an Italian-English dictionary required reading for 124 Spider shoppers, offering it in Classica and Lusso trim levels, in exterior color treatments that include Rosso Passione, Bianco Gelato, Nero Cinema, Grigio Argento, Grigio Moda and - our favorite - Bronzo Magnetico.