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Fiat Topolino
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Topolino was the name given to an automobile model manufactured by Fiat from 1936 to 1955.
The Topolino (the Italian name for Mickey Mouse, meaning "little mouse") was the name given to the first Fiat 500 which was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. Launched in 1937, three models were produced until 1955, all with only minor mechanical and cosmetic changes.
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The Topolino was the name given to an automobile model manufactured by Fiat from 1936 to 1955.
The Topolino (the Italian name for Mickey Mouse, meaning "little mouse") was the name given to the first Fiat 500 which was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. Launched in 1937, three models were produced until 1955, all with only minor mechanical and cosmetic changes. It was equipped with a 569 cc four-cylinder, side valve, water-cooled engine mounted in front of the front axle, and so was a full-scale car rather than a cyclecar. (The radiator was located behind the engine.)
Its top speed was about 53 mph (85 km/h), and it could achieve about . The Topolino sold for about 8,900 lire. Nearly 520,000 models of the Topolino were sold.
In 1955 the mid-size rear wheel drive Fiat 600 was launched by Fiat and that would become the design basis for the new Fiat 500, the 500 Nuova (often called bambino). The 500 Nuova is often thought, mistakenly, to be the only model 500 Fiat.
Future production
Fiat is known to be working on a low-cost entry-level city car, to fit into its range below both the Fiat 500 and Panda, codename Topolino. Based on the A-platform used by the Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda but shortened to 3150mm in length, the new Topolino will seat four people. This is scheduled for production in 2010.
The new Topolino will be built in the former Zastava plant in Serbia. Fiat said the company will invest 700 million euros to modernize the Kragujevac plant. The Serbian government will contribute 300 million euros through tax breaks, incentives and infrastructure for the new plant. By the end of next year, Fiat plans to build 200,000 units a year in Kragujevac. Capacity will grow to 300,000 units from 2010 with the addition of the B-compact models.
Electric versions
Fiat has unveiled the Fiat Phylla concept solar car), showing all the technology that will feature in the electric Topolino. Price is expected € 12,500 .
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